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Updated risk assessments may expand preventive treatment for heart disease

• New cholesterol guidelines recommend statins for an estimated 21.5 million additional U.S. adults.

• The updated approach looks at a person's heart disease risk over 30 years instead of just the next 10.

• Researchers say the changes could shift conversations between patients and doctors about preventing heart disease earlier in life.

If your doctor has never recommended a cholesterol-lowering medication before, that conversation could soon change.

According to a new study published in JAMA, updated U.S. cholesterol guidelines could make more than half of adults between the ages of 30 and 79 eligible for statin therapy to help prevent cardiovascular disease.

The change stems from new recommendations released earlier this year by major cardiology organizations, including the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology. Instead of focusing primarily on a person's chance of having a heart attack or stroke within the next 10 years, the updated guidance also considers their risk over the next 30 years.

Researchers say this longer-term perspective is intended to identify people who may benefit from treatment before heart disease has a chance to develop.

The shift to a longer view of cardiovascular disease risk is a sea change for doctors in counseling patients, researcher Timothy S. Anderson, M.D., M.A.S., said in a news release. We wanted to better understand the potential population-health effect of this shift.

Before the new guidelines, people who were flagged with high cholesterol in their 30s and 40s tended to be recommended to focus on diet and exercise and were not recommended medication unless the patient already had heart disease or other factors that made them particularly high-risk, like diabetes.

How the researchers measured the impact

To estimate how the new guidelines would affect Americans, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh analyzed data from 4,366 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected between 2017 and 2023.

Those participants represented roughly 154.5 million U.S. adults ages 30 to 79 who did not already have cardiovascular disease.

The study focused on primary prevention, meaning preventing a first heart attack or stroke rather than treating people who already have heart disease. Researchers compared who would qualify for statin therapy under the updated recommendations and found that expanding the eligible age range from 40-75 to 30-79, along with using a 30-year risk assessment, substantially increased the number of people who would be advised to consider medication. Pregnant individuals were not included in the analysis.

What the findings mean for consumers

The researchers estimated that about 87.5 million Americans or 56.6% of adults ages 30 to 79 would now be recommended for statin therapy. That's an increase of approximately 21.5 million people compared with previous recommendations.

Interestingly, relatively few adults in their 30s would qualify about 11.1% while eligibility rises sharply with age, reaching about 85% of people in their 60s and more than 93% of those in their 70s. Much of the increase comes from people who have a low short-term risk of heart attack or stroke but a higher risk over the next three decades.

The authors note that the updated guidelines represent a significant shift in how doctors and patients think about prevention. Rather than waiting until short-term risk becomes elevated, the new approach encourages conversations about whether starting a daily medication earlier in life could help reduce cardiovascular risk over the long term.

Ultimately, in this grey zone, patients should talk to doctors, Dr. Anderson said. This is a preference-based decision that should take into account the potential for modest cardiovascular risk reduction alongside the potential for adverse drug events, costs, and patient preferences.

New research explores a possible connection between plastic exposure and heart health

• Researchers found micro- and nanoplastics in 84% of heart attack patients studied, compared with lower rates in other groups.

• The study identified a link between plastic particles in the blood, smoking, and long-term exposure to air pollution.

• The findings show an association not proof that plastic particles cause heart attacks and more research is needed.

Microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics have been detected in everything from drinking water to human organs, but scientists are still working to understand what those particles might mean for our health. Now, a new study suggests they may also be connected to heart disease.

Researchers found that people who experienced a heart attack were much more likely to have micro- and nanoplastics in their blood than people with chronic heart disease or those with normal coronary arteries.

The findings were presented in the European Heart Journal and add to a growing body of research examining whether environmental pollution could play a role in cardiovascular health. However, the researchers emphasize that the study found an association, not evidence that plastic particles directly cause heart attacks.

Micro and nanoplastics are tiny plastic particles that are found virtually everywhere in the environment, including the air we breathe, the water we drink, and many foods we consume, researcher Dr Pasquale Paolisso said in a news release.

In recent years, scientists have begun to detect these particles in human tissues and organs, raising concerns about their potential health effects.However, very little was known about whether these particles are present in the coronary circulation the blood flowing through the arteries that supply the heart or whether environmental exposures such as smoking and air pollution might influence their presence.

How the researchers studied the connection

The study included 61 adults undergoing coronary angiography, a procedure that allows doctors to examine the heart's blood vessels. Participants were divided into three groups: patients who had suffered a heart attack, those with chronic ischemic heart disease, and people whose coronary arteries appeared normal.

Blood samples were collected during the procedure and analyzed for micro- and nanoplastics. Researchers also gathered information about each participant's smoking status and estimated their long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution over the previous two years.

The goal was to see whether environmental factors might be linked to the presence of plastic particles in the bloodstream.

What the findings could mean for consumers

Among heart attack patients, micro- and nanoplastics were detected in 84% of blood samples, compared with 40% of patients with chronic ischemic heart disease and 32% of those with normal coronary arteries.

The heart attack group also had a greater variety of plastic types in their blood, with polyethylene the plastic commonly used in packaging and consumer products being the most frequently detected.

The researchers also found that people with higher long-term exposure to air pollution were more likely to have plastic particles in their blood, and smokers were six times more likely to test positive than non-smokers. Every participant who both smoked and had higher air pollution exposure had detectable plastics in their blood.

Even so, the researchers caution that these findings do not establish cause and effect. Instead, they suggest that environmental exposures, including plastic pollution, deserve more attention as scientists continue investigating factors that may influence heart health.

These findings do not prove that microplastics cause heart attacks, but they reveal a strong association between environmental exposures, microplastics in the blood and cardiovascular disease, researcher Emanuele Barbato said in the release.

Our findings suggest that smoking might make it easier for micro and nanoplastics to enter the blood stream via the lungs. The results highlight the need to consider microplastic pollution as part of the broader environmental determinants of health. Policies that reduce air pollution, tobacco exposure, and environmental plastic contamination could have benefits that extend beyond environmental protection and potentially improve cardiovascular health.

Endless scrolling and digital fatigue are driving users away

• Digital fatigue is growing. More than half of Americans post less than they did five years ago as social media is starting to feel like work.

• Stress and privacy are driving the shift. Anxiety, political content, and privacy concerns are causing many users to spend less time online.

• Create healthier habits. Turn off notifications, move social apps off your home screen, and review your privacy settings.

Social media was supposed to make us feel more connected. Instead, for many people, it's starting to feel like another job.

A new survey from privacy company Incogni suggests Americans aren't necessarily deleting their social media accounts, but they're simply using them less. More than half (55%) say they post less today than they did five years ago, while 53% have become more selective about who can see their posts.

The findings point to a growing sense of "digital fatigue," where the constant pressure to stay connected, respond to messages, and maintain an online presence is leaving many users emotionally drained.

Perhaps the most telling statistic is that more than half (51%) of respondents said maintaining an online presence now feels like work. That feeling is especially common among younger adults, with 60% of Gen Z saying social media has become more of an obligation than a source of enjoyment.

Stress is driving people away

The survey also found that nearly half of Americans (47%) have deleted a social media or messaging app because it caused stress or anxiety.

Political arguments, online hostility, and concerns about mental health were among the biggest reasons people said they're pulling back from social platforms. Another 44% said political content and polarization make them want to withdraw from social media altogether.

Interestingly, logging off doesn't produce the same reaction for everyone.

The most common emotion people reported after stepping away from messages and social media was peacefulness (27%). But disconnecting also created anxiety for some users (22%), highlighting just how intertwined digital communication has become with everyday life.

Privacy concerns remain a major factor

While burnout is pushing people to spend less time online, privacy remains the biggest reason many would consider leaving social media for good.

More than half of respondents (51%) said growing concerns about privacy or security could convince them to delete their accounts, making it the top reason cited for quitting altogether. Harassment and hate speech ranked close behind.

How to reduce digital fatigue

If social media is starting to feel more exhausting than enjoyable, experts often recommend setting healthier boundaries rather than abandoning it entirely. Consider:

• Turn off nonessential notifications.

• Schedule screen-free periods during the day.

• Unfollow accounts that consistently increase stress or negativity.

• Move social media apps off your home screen to reduce mindless scrolling.

• Regularly review your privacy settings and limit who can view your posts.

The survey suggests many Americans are already making those changes. Meaning that instead of disappearing from social media altogether, they're just becoming more intentional about when they log on.

How to spot the real bargains and avoid the overpriced ones

• Dollar Tree has hidden savings. Manufacturer coupons, party supplies, greeting cards, and seasonal dcor can offer some of the store's best values.

• Not everything is a bargain. Compare unit prices, watch for smaller package sizes, and don't assume the lowest price tag is the best deal.

• Shop strategically. Visit Dollar Tree first, stock up on great closeout finds, and check DollarTree.com for case purchases on parties, classrooms, and other big events.

Think Dollar Tree is already as cheap as it gets? Think again. From manufacturer coupons to hidden bargains and common pricing traps, here's how savvy shoppers stretch every $1.25 even further.

For years, Dollar Tree has built its reputation on the simple promise that everything costs only a buck. While those days are gone, and many stores now feature multiple price points, it remains one of America's favorite places to save on everything from greeting cards and cleaning supplies to pantry staples.

But many consumers don't realize that shopping at Dollar Tree doesn't automatically mean you're getting the best deal.

Some products are outstanding bargains, while others only look like a deal until you compare the unit price. And despite what many people believe, you can actually use manufacturer coupons at Dollar Tree to save even more.

These insider tips can help you spend less while shopping smarter.

1. Yes, you really can use manufacturer coupons

One of the biggest myths surrounding Dollar Tree is that coupons aren't accepted because prices are already so low.

That's simply not the case.

Dollar Tree accepts eligible manufacturer coupons (in-store only), and this is where some of the biggest savings happen.

Think about it. A $1 coupon might not seem exciting at Walmart. But on a $1.25 item at Dollar Tree, you've just cut the price by 80%.

Health and beauty products, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, laundry products, and packaged foods are some of the most common categories where manufacturer coupons can deliver huge percentage savings.

The key is reading the fine print. Many coupons require minimum package sizes or exclude travel-size products, so make sure the item qualifies before heading to the register.

If a Dollar Tree location refuses to accept your manufacturer coupon, youre asked to contact them via this help form.

Pro tip: Before throwing away a coupon because it's "only" worth 50 cents, check whether Dollar Tree carries that product. Fifty cents off a $1.25 purchase is a much better deal than fifty cents off a $6 purchase somewhere else.

2. Compare the unit price not just the shelf price

One of the easiest mistakes shoppers make is assuming the lowest sticker price equals the lowest cost. It doesn't, especially at Dollar Tree.

Dollar Tree frequently sells products in smaller packages than Walmart, Target, or Costco. That means a roll of aluminum foil or a bottle of cleaner may cost only $1.25, but if it contains half as much product, you're actually paying more.

Whenever possible, compare the price per ounce, pound, sheet, or foot not just the number on the price tag. Spend the five extra seconds to compare the package sizes. A product that's twice as large for another dollar often ends up being the better bargain.

Pro tip: Use your phone while you shop. A quick online price comparison can tell you whether a Dollar Tree item is a genuine bargain or merely convenient. It only takes a few seconds and can save you money.

3. Make Dollar Tree your first stop not your only stop

Many shoppers save the dollar store for the end of their shopping trip.

A smarter strategy is to visit Dollar Tree first. You'll often knock several items off your shopping list before ever walking into Walmart or Target. This works especially well for birthdays, holidays, and parties.

A single greeting card can cost $5 or more at a grocery store. Gift bags, tissue paper, and balloons can also add up quickly.

Buying those same items at Dollar Tree can easily cut your party budget in half.

4. Know which aisles consistently offer the best bargains

Not every aisle delivers the same value.

Over time, seasoned shoppers learn there are several departments where Dollar Tree consistently shines.

Start with these:

• Greeting cards: One of the best values in retail.

• Party supplies: Plates, cups, balloons, decorations, and tablecloths.

• Gift wrap: Bags, bows, tissue paper, and wrapping paper.

• Craft supplies: Poster board, glue sticks, paint brushes, stickers, and classroom materials.

• Cleaning products: Name brands often appear alongside quality store brands.

• Seasonal dcor: Holiday decorations that often look much more expensive than they are.

• Teacher supplies: My wife teaches kindergarten and is constantly visiting Dollar Tree for cheap school supplies, craft supplies, and prize box goodies.

These are categories where paying more elsewhere often doesn't get you noticeably better quality.

5. Think like a treasure hunter

Dollar Tree isn't like your neighborhood grocery store. Instead, inventory changes constantly as manufacturers often sell closeouts, discontinued packaging, seasonal overstock, and excess inventory to discount retailers like Dollar Tree.

That's why during one visit youll find brand-name snacks, shampoo, pet treats, or kitchen gadgets that are nowhere to be found on your next trip.

Experienced Dollar Tree shoppers know one rule: If you find a national-brand item you regularly use at a great price, don't assume it'll still be there next week. Stock-up if you know youll use it in a reasonable amount of time.

Pro tip: Great closeout deals are often one-time buying opportunities. If it's something you use regularly, buying an extra one or two will inevitably save another trip later.

6. Don't overlook items over $1.25

When Dollar Tree introduced products priced above $1.25, many shoppers weren't thrilled.

But these items have quietly become some of the store's best-kept secrets.

Often priced at $3, $5, or $7, you'll often find surprisingly good values on:

• Storage containers

• Kitchen organizers

• Glassware

• Pet accessories

• Home dcor

• Seasonal decorations

• Small household gadgets

Not every item is a bargain, but many compare favorably with similar products sold for several dollars more elsewhere.

Consumer tip: Pull out your phone and compare prices online before buying more expensive Dollar Tree items. Sometimes you'll find you're getting an exceptional deal.

7. Know what to skip

Dollar Tree has plenty of bargains, but not everything belongs in your cart.

Specifically, these products deserve a closer look before buying:

• Batteries

• Aluminum foil

• Plastic wrap

• Food storage bags

• Extension cords

• Charging cables

• Basic tools

• Large bags of pet food

The issue usually isn't quality. It's quantity. Many packages are simply much smaller than what you'll find elsewhere making the per unit price not a bargain at all.

Consumer tip: When shopping for household staples, be sure to compare the unit price before assuming Dollar Tree is the cheapest option.

8. Use DollarTree.com for bigger projects

Most shoppers never think about Dollar Tree's website.

That's a mistake.

The reason is because many of the products can be purchased by the case and shipped directly to your local store.

This is especially helpful if you're planning:

• A wedding

• Birthday party

• School event

• Church function

• Community fundraiser

• Office celebration

And perhaps more importantly, buying by the case also helps ensure popular products don't sell out before you need them.

The biggest mistakes Dollar Tree shoppers make

Even experienced shoppers fall into these common traps:

• Assuming every item is automatically the cheapest.

• Ignoring unit prices.

• Waiting until the last minute to buy seasonal merchandise.

• Skipping the greeting card aisle.

• Forgetting to bring manufacturer coupons.

• Leaving a great closeout behind, expecting it to still be there next week.

By avoiding just one or two of these mistakes, you can save more over the course of a year than clipping dozens of coupons.