Heart2Heart with Madiha

Music and the heart share a profound connection that goes beyond poetic metaphor. The rhythm of our favorite songs can mirror the beats of our heart, and research suggests that music has the power to influence cardiovascular health in surprising ways. As a cardiologist and music lover, I’m excited to explore how the harmony of notes and the rhythm of beats can impact the heart, both physically and emotionally. When you listen to music, have you ever noticed your heart rate sync with the tempo? This isn’t just in your head—it’s a phenomenon known as entrainment , where your heart rate adjusts to match the rhythm of the music. Fast-paced, upbeat music can elevate your heart rate, while slow, calming melodies can slow it down. Research has shown that music can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even decrease heart rate variability (a marker of heart health). For example, a study published in the journal Heart found that listening to relaxing music after a heart attack could improve...

Welcome back, Heart2Heart family! It’s Madiha here, and today, we’re exploring a topic that’s super relevant in our tech-savvy world: how our digital lives impact our heart health. We’re living in an era where screens are everywhere—from smartphones and tablets to laptops and smartwatches. While technology has made our lives more convenient, it's also posing some serious risks to our hearts. Let’s dive into this modern-day challenge and explore how we can navigate the cardiovascular risks of our tech-driven lives. First up, let’s talk about one of the most significant consequences of our digital world: the sedentary lifestyle. With remote work, online shopping, and streaming services becoming the norm, we’re spending more time sitting than ever before. According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, contributing to over 3.2 million deaths annually. This is particularly concerning for our hearts. Studies show th...