Heart disease is often linked to high cholesterol, obesity, or lack of exercise. However, there is mounting evidence that suggests that mental health plays a crucial role in cardiovascular well-being. Stress, anxiety, and depression can silently strain the heart, increasing the risk of serious complications.

A recent study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, showed that loneliness has a significant impact on proteins present in a person's blood. For the study, researchers used data from more than 42,000 participants to explore whether the 9.3% who reported social isolation and 6.4% who reported loneliness had different levels of proteins in their blood compared with those who did not. The researchers then studied data that tracked the health of participants over an average 14-year period.

"We found around 90% of these proteins are linked to the risk of mortality," Dr Chun Shen, Fudan University in China, who is also the lead researcher said. "In addition, about 50% of the proteins were linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke," he added.

Dr Shrey Kumar Srivastav, senior consultant at Sharda Hospital, said that subtle symptoms of heart disease, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the lower legs, dizziness, and jaw pain, are often overlooked or attributed to stress and ageing. "Women, in particular, may experience atypical signs like extreme fatigue, indigestion, or upper abdominal pain instead of classic chest pain, leading to delayed diagnosis," he added.

Can Mental Health Issues Trigger Heart Diseases?

Chronic stress can trigger harmful cardiovascular effects, including elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, and inflammation—key contributors to heart disease. Anxiety and depression further impact heart health by disrupting sleep patterns, raising stress hormone levels, and encouraging unhealthy habits like poor diet and inactivity.

Mental health issues like depression and anxiety have a profound impact on the heart. They don’t just affect emotions but can increase inflammation and put extra strain on the cardiovascular system, warns Dr Srivastav.

Certain risk factors, such as obesity and diabetes, disproportionately affect women, making them more vulnerable to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, due to gender-specific symptom variations, heart disease in women often goes undiagnosed for longer.

Obesity is more prevalent in women than men and is a major risk factor for heart failure. Diabetes, too, has a greater impact on women’s heart health, yet diagnosis and treatment delays are common. Addressing this gap requires increasing awareness, training healthcare providers, and promoting early diagnostic tools,” explains Dr Srivastav.

How Can You Protect Your Heart?

A simple yet effective way to support heart health is by committing to a brisk 30-minute walk daily. Walking not only helps regulate blood pressure and manage weight but also improves circulation and reduces stress.

"Regular physical activity, paired with a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, significantly lowers cardiovascular risks," advises Dr Srivastav.

Heart disease can often go undetected until a major event occurs, making routine screenings essential.

- For women: Begin screenings around age 30 and continue with regular checkups.

- For men: Start screenings at age 35.

Health screenings, including blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and electrocardiograms (ECGs), are critical for early detection of silent heart conditions.

Canada has officially lost its measles elimination status, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced on Monday, following a large, ongoing outbreak of the virus. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), part of the World Health Organization, informed Canada that viral transmission has continued without interruption since October 2024.

Although the spread has slowed in recent weeks, the outbreak persists, mainly in communities with lower vaccination coverage.

What Is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can become life-threatening if not detected and treated early.

The infection spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It typically starts with symptoms similar to a common cold, such as a runny nose, high fever, and red, sore eyes.

A few days after the initial infection, tiny white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips. This is usually followed by a rash that begins on the face and behind the ears, eventually spreading across the body—the most recognizable sign of measles, according to NHS England.

Why Has Canada Lost Its Measles Status?

“PAHO’s Measles and Rubella Elimination Regional Monitoring and Re-Verification Commission reviewed the latest epidemiological and lab data, confirming ongoing transmission of the same measles strain in Canada for over a year,” officials said, as per CNN.

The Re-Verification Commission (RVC) is an independent group of experts that monitors measles outbreaks in the Americas and advises PAHO’s director, who makes the final determination regarding elimination status.

Canada had been considered measles-free since 1998, after successful vaccination campaigns following the approval of the measles vaccine in 1963. However, in recent years, vaccine hesitancy has grown, and immunization rates have dropped below the 95% coverage recommended for all childhood vaccines.

However, with Canada’s change in status, the Americas region as a whole has now officially lost its measles-free designation.

Can Canada Regain Measles-Free Status Again?

Canada can regain its elimination status once transmission of the outbreak strain is halted for at least 12 months. The Public Health Agency of Canada says it is working closely with PAHO and local public health authorities to control the outbreak

Can U.S. Lose Its Measles Elimination Status Too?

The United States has also experienced major measles outbreaks this year and is at risk of losing its elimination status. “We hope the U.S. can stop transmission before reaching that point,” said Dr. Daniel Salas, executive manager of PAHO’s Special Program for Comprehensive Immunization.

This year’s outbreak began in West Texas in January and has since spread to other states, with investigations ongoing into linked cases along the Arizona-Utah border.

Mexico has also reported a recent outbreak, mainly in Chihuahua, with additional cases in southern states.

Measles Vaccination Remains the Key

PAHO officials stress the importance of continued vaccination efforts. “With political commitment, regional cooperation, and sustained immunization, Canada and the Americas can once again halt transmission and reclaim measles-free status,” Barbosa said.

Alex Singleton, American football linebacker has undergone a surgery on Friday to have a cancerous tumor removed from one of his testicles. He told this to his teammates and coaches in an emotional team meeting on Monday morning. His family and few of his close friends, including some team officials were the only ones who knew.

"Cancer is a scary word, still is, still freaks me out just saying it," he said to one of the local reporters, as reported by ESPN.

Also Read: Catherine Paiz Is Pregnant At 35; What Should Mothers Planning Pregnancy After 30 Know?

How Was Alex Singleton Diagnosed?

His diagnosis came in ways one would not expect. Before the Houston Texans game on Wednesday, Singleton, 31, was to take the league-mandated random drug test, which showed that he had elevated levels of hormone hCG in his system. He said that he knew he was not taking hCG. This is what led him to make an appointment with a urologist and then he underwent several tests. He also underwent a CT scan and ultrasound scan and received the notice last Monday that a tumor on his testicle was cancerous. After this, his surgery was scheduled.

However, he told his doctors that he wanted to play in Thursday night's game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

What Is Testicular Cancer?

As per the Urology Care Foundation and the American Urological Association, testicular cancer happens when cells in the testicle grow to form a tumor. Though this is rare, more than 90% of testicular cancers begin in the germ cell, which produce sperm.

Also Read: What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause? What Will Change Under Recent FDA Guidelines?

There are two types of germ cell cancers (GCTs). Seminoma can grow slowly and respond very well to radiation and chemotherapy. Non-seminoma can grow more quickly and can be less responsive to those treatments. There are a few types of non-seminomas: choriocarcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, teratoma and yolk sac tumors.

There are also rare testicular cancers that don’t form in the germ cells.

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Testicular Cancer?

Some of the symptoms of testicular cancer could be difficult to note at first, however, there are symptoms that one should note for:

• Painless lump in the testicle
• Swelling of testicles, with or without pain
• Dull ache or pain in the testicle, scrotum, or groin
• Tenderness or changes in the male breast tissue

The Urology Care Foundation notes that around 75 of 100 men who have swelling or a lump in their testicles have cancer. Most masses in the scrotum outside of the testicle are not cancer, however, you must tell your doctor if you do detect a lump.

The longer you wait the more chances are for the cancer to grow and spread.

Who Are More Prone To Testicular Cancer?

The risk of testicle cancer rises for men with

• Family history: If you had someone in your family, including your father or brother with testicular cancer
• Undescended Testicles: If your testicles did not drop before birth. This is also called cryptorchidism, when the testicles do not drop from abdomen into the scrotum before birth as it should. About 8 out of 100 of patients get cancer like this.
• GCINS: These are odd cells in the testicle called germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) and they are typically found during an infertility test.

Can You Check For Lumps Yourself?

Yes, you can. The process is to first be relaxed, then to firmly roll each testicle between the thumb and forefingers to check for any lumps or if any of the testis feel larger than the other. See if you feel any lump or pain around the area. Make it a habit, and look for any changes in size, shape or texture.

US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy Jr has announced the new plans of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remove the "black box" warning on the hormone treatments used by women with menopause symptoms. This is the big, lengthy, physical black box on the label of the menopause hormone therapy that includes the risks like cardiovascular disease, stroke, breast cancer, and dementia. FDA is now saying that it will take away the black box warning.

This is based on a 2002 study, as quoted by RFK Jr too that warns that the use of menopause hormone therapy could raise the risk of all the conditions mentioned inside the black box.

Also Read: Alex Singleton's Testicular Cancer: NFL Player Opens Up About Surgery and Recovery

However, since then, it was found that some of those risks, mentioned on the label, were, in fact, misrepresented and overstated. It was found that within the 10 years of menopause onset, this therapy could really be beneficial, reports CNN. It was found that the therapy would not only prevent women from hot flashes and night sweats, which are the typical symptoms of menopause, but it would also benefit them in the long run, by protecting from bone fractures.

The FDA hopes to remove this label starting in the next few months, with the hope that it would also remove the fear around women into using these therapy treatment.

The CNN reported that while the new label will still have some of those warning, however, it won't be the "absolute, strongest warning" on the label that is the first thing the women see.

Also Read: Sally Kirkland Enters Hospice After Enduring 'A Challenging Few Months'

What Is Hormone Therapy For Menopause?

As per the Cleveland Clinic, hormone replacement therapy or HRT, is a treatment that helps people with symptoms of menopause.

Healthcare providers also call it hormone therapy (HT), especially when you receive it after age 50. Hormone replacement therapy or HRT is the term providers use when you receive the treatment at a younger age, especially before age 40.

When you’re moving into menopause, your ovaries naturally slow down and produce much less estrogen. That drop can trigger a bunch of uncomfortable symptoms, like:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness or pain during sex
• Mood swings, low moods, or irritability
• Trouble sleeping
• Pee leakage

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) basically gives your body back the hormones it’s no longer making enough of. Once those levels stabilize, many people feel a lot better. HRT can also help protect your bones, since low estrogen is linked to conditions like osteoporosis and osteopenia.

That said, HRT isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether it’s right for you is something worth discussing with your healthcare provider. It can ease symptoms, but it also comes with its own risks. A good, honest conversation about the pros and cons will help you figure out what’s best for your body.

Is Hormone Therapy Same As The Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone therapy (HT) is a broader term that implies to any type of treatment involving hormones. It could include any therapy involving hormone, including hormone therapy for cancer, or to treat certain hormone imbalances. However, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) usually means the hormones are replacing the natural hormones your body is no longer making, especially for people in their 30s or early 40s.

There are two types of HRT, estrogen therapy and combination therapy, which means a combination of estrogen and progesterone.