Health Topics

Find information on many health topics, listed A to Z.

Heart Health

26 percent of all deaths in the US that year-died of heart disease, making it our nation's #1 killer. Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic Health System are committed to providing up-to-date, clinically proven information that addresses the key causes of heart disease and provides clear, actionable advice for all ages.

In The News

Eau Claire named a top hospital in Wisconsin

The hospital was named No. 6 in Wisconsin and recognized as a "Best Regional Hospital."

July 28, 2020
Fairmont to celebrate Cardiac Rehab expansion with open house on Feb. 11

In conjunction with American Heart Month, Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont is inviting the community to an open house to explore the newly expanded Cardiac Rehab facility.

January 31, 2020

From The Blog

High blood pressure: The silent killer

High blood pressure can lead to a host of serious problems, including heart attack, heart failure and stroke. That’s why it’s important to know your risk factors for developing high blood pressure — and to take steps to lower your risks.

August 28, 2020

Faith, family, friends help Gary Barclay survive, thrive after heart attack

Gary Barclay thought he had indigestion, but it turns out it was a heart attack. He survived thanks to immediate emergency care in his community, and thrives in part because of his focus on healthy habits, faith, family and friends.

August 27, 2020

4 key elements of a heart-healthy diet

"You are what you eat." This is true when considering foods that impact heart health. Here are 4 tips for incorporating foods in your diet that are heart-healthy and delicious.

Brodie Marthaler, M.D. By Brodie Marthaler August 11, 2020

Can a dog really improve heart health? Cardiologist weighs in

Dog adoption rates rose earlier this year during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. There are emotional and social benefits of pet ownership, but did you know that dogs may make our hearts healthier? A cardiologist weighs in on the heart-healthy benefits of your canine companion.

Tahir Tak MD By Tahir Tak August 4, 2020

Neither a snowstorm nor COVID-19 pandemic stops heart surgery

The COVID-19 pandemic changed many things, but it didn't stop Ted Schleicher or his surgery team from getting his heart valve issue fixed quickly and safely.

July 14, 2020

5 heart-healthy tips

Exercise isn’t the only way to a healthier heart. Try these five tips to keep the (heart) beat.

June 29, 2020

The importance of movement

Movement. It seems like the simplest thing in the world. Our bodies are designed to run, jump and manipulate objects. But how often do we use our bodies at their full potential?

Andrew Jagim PhD By Andrew Jagim June 8, 2020

COVID-19 and heart disease: What you need to know

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, but it can place additional stress on your heart. Learn about the effects on cardiovascular disease, and get prevention tips.

D. Fearghas O By D. Fearghas O'Cochlain May 4, 2020

Dedication fuels star cardiac rehab patient

A new lease on life doesn’t always demand the impossible. Sometimes it just requires a set of simple decisions combined with a dose of consistency. Mark Clausen gets a new lease on life after his heart surgery and some dedication in cardiac rehab.

October 25, 2019

Kindhearted kid perseveres through multiple heart surgeries

Matthew Makela is a 3-year-old who tucks in 20 stuffed animals nightly and gives his younger sister a kiss, hug and farewell at day care drop-off. He's also a kid who had his first cardiac surgery at 7 days old.

July 29, 2019

Keeping the beat: Keith Glasshof survives two heart events in one year

You can call Keith Glasshof the “comeback kid.” The 79 year-old Eau Claire, Wisconsin, resident came back from heart disease twice in one year.

May 8, 2019

Back on track after heart bypass surgery

Mark Guthrie assembled a winning team when his heart needed surgery. Now he's feeling better and "pretty doggone happy."

February 21, 2019