Cardiovascular health

Articles on improving heart and vascular function through training, nutrition, recovery, and lifestyle habits that support blood pressure, cholesterol, and endurance. It matters for men’s performance, longevity, and risk reduction—especially when optimizing body composition and managing hormones like testosterone.

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The essentials for cardiovascular health — then explore the latest posts below.

The hidden link between inflammation and heart disease: Why cholesterol is only half the story

The hidden link between inflammation and heart disease: Why cholesterol is only half the story

Dr. Susan Carter, MD avatar
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Jan 28, 2026 · 10 min read

Chronic arterial inflammation can turn LDL-based plaque dangerous by driving cytokine signaling (IL‑1β, IL‑6) that recruits macrophages and releases metalloproteinases to thin the fibrous cap until it ruptures, which helps explain why nearly 50% of heart attacks occur in men with “normal” cholesterol. A standard lipid panel won’t capture that risk, so this article breaks ...

Worst foods for erectile dysfunction: How your diet affects your erection quality

Worst foods for erectile dysfunction: How your diet affects your erection quality

Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD avatar
Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD: Urologist & Men's Health Advocate
Jan 15, 2026 · 10 min read

Diets high in processed sugars, trans fats, and excessive sodium (a typical “Western diet”) can worsen erectile dysfunction by damaging the endothelium and reducing nitric oxide–driven vasodilation needed to fill and trap blood in the penis. Because penile arteries are smaller and show vascular injury earlier than the heart, your grocery list can affect erection ...

Is BRI better than BMI? The new longevity metric men need to know

Is BRI better than BMI? The new longevity metric men need to know

Dr. Susan Carter, MD avatar
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Jan 15, 2026 · 12 min read

The Body Roundness Index (BRI)—a 1–16 score calculated from height and waist circumference—has outperformed BMI in large studies at predicting all-cause mortality because it captures abdominal “roundness” tied to visceral fat. If BMI has mislabeled your physique or missed hidden belly-fat risk, BRI shows what your shape says about your metabolic health and longevity. “We ...

Mediterranean diet snacks to optimize testosterone and heart health in men

Mediterranean diet snacks to optimize testosterone and heart health in men

Dr. Susan Carter, MD avatar
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Jan 07, 2026 · 9 min read

Mediterranean-style snacks built around monounsaturated fats, polyphenols, and protein (such as walnuts, olives, and plain Greek yogurt) can support testosterone and heart health in men by preventing sharp post-snack glucose/insulin spikes and lowering chronic inflammation that suppresses testosterone production and damages endothelial function. Here’s how to use between-meal “fuel” to keep energy steady while protecting ...

Does alcohol cause inflammation? What men need to know about the immune response

Does alcohol cause inflammation? What men need to know about the immune response

Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD avatar
Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD: Urologist & Men's Health Advocate
Jan 04, 2026 · 10 min read

Alcohol causes systemic, dose-dependent inflammation by producing acetaldehyde and activating liver immune cells (Kupffer cells) to release pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, while also weakening the gut barrier so bacterial toxins can enter the bloodstream. That immune “alarm” can keep firing long after the buzz fades—affecting blood vessels, testosterone production, and sexual function. ...

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