Last updated: October 26, 2026.
This guide collects the heart and blood vessel studies covered on Nexo Science, grouped by topic. Each link goes to a full article about one peer-reviewed paper: what was found, how strong the evidence is and what is still uncertain.
Most of these results come from observational studies or meta-analyses, which show associations rather than proof of cause. None of this replaces advice from your doctor. We update this page as new studies come out.
Cholesterol and dietary fat
- Going Vegetarian or Vegan Could Lower Your Cholesterol in Weeks, a Review of 30 Trials Finds
A review of 30 trials finds that cutting out meat lowered cholesterol within weeks. - Adding Olive Oil to an Already Healthy Diet Lowered Cholesterol Less Than Leaving It Out
Adding extra olive oil to an already healthy diet did less for cholesterol than leaving it out. - Does Eating Less Saturated Fat Actually Help You Live Longer?
A large review of the evidence complicates the old link between saturated fat and heart attacks. - This Plant Fat in Walnuts and Flaxseed Could Cut Your Risk of Fatal Heart Disease by Up to 20%
A plant fat in walnuts and flaxseed is linked to up to 20% lower risk of fatal heart disease. - Could Cheese Be the Dairy Your Heart Actually Wants?
Data from nearly a million people suggest not all dairy acts the same on the heart, and cheese comes out best. - Is a High-Protein Diet Bad for Your Heart? Data From Half a Million People Say No
Pooled data from half a million people show no sign that a high-protein diet harms the heart.
Blood pressure and salt
- Eat More Fermented Foods, and Your Blood Pressure Might Notice
An analysis of tens of thousands of US adults links fermented foods to blood pressure. - If You’re a Woman, a Salty Diet May Be Riskier for Your Heart
Data from more than 400,000 adults suggest a salty diet may carry a higher risk for women.
Drinks: wine, diet soda and sweetened beverages
- Can Your Urine Reveal Whether Wine Is Actually Good for Your Heart?
PREDIMED researchers measured a molecule in urine to check whether wine is really good for the heart. - Diet Soda Isn’t the Safe Swap: Sweetened Drinks of Any Kind Raise Heart Risk
Data on more than 100,000 women suggest swapping sugar for diet soda may not protect the heart. - Diet Soda Isn’t as Harmless as It’s Marketed, But It Still Beats the Alternative
Diet soda is not as harmless as marketed, but the evidence still favors it over sugary drinks.
Diet patterns, sleep and heart treatment
- Is the Mediterranean Diet the Secret Not Just to Living Longer, But to Living Better? Science Says Yes
A review of 46 studies finds the Mediterranean diet does more than protect the heart. - Does REM sleep lower disease risk? What wrist trackers show
In 95,559 adults, more REM sleep went with lower risk of 83 diseases, heart failure among them. - Artificial heart valves: even the smallest leak is linked to shorter survival
After a catheter heart valve replacement, even a tiny leak is linked to shorter survival.