Do you find that you're naturally inclined to dump salt on your food before even tasting it? Or perhaps you find that you rarely reach for the salt shaker? It may be a natural predisposition developed from exposure to sodium.

If you're planning to overindulge in food or alcoholic beverages over the holidays, make sure you don't overlook or blow off what could be a serious heart problem.

Excess sodium contributes to high blood pressure, and the individuals who may be best aware of that are policy makers focusing on salt consumption. Ironically, a recent review shows even that group consumes too much salt.

Drugs for hypertension may help you do more than reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke. They may also help patients life longer.

Certain risk factors such as family history or smoking status can increase your risk of heart disease. Some factors may be less obvious and present in otherwise healthy patients.

Some heart patients may be highly educated and understand recommended treatments. However, they do not appear to do any better at managing their own care related to heart failure as compared to less-educated patients.

Blood pressure changes during middle age may be more significant than they appear. An increase or decrease in blood pressure during that period can increase lifetime risk of heart disease and stroke.

Blood transfusions during surgery are common, especially for elderly patients. Doctors say the problem is they may be too common.

Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs may have an added benefit. They also appear to break down plaque in arteries, a major contributor to blood vessel blockages that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Now, doctors know why.