Stroke

September is whole grains month and fruits & veggies month, so we present our top articles that discuss the impact that whole grains, fruits, and vegetables have on heart disease, stroke, weight loss, cholesterol, glaucoma, and breast cancer. As the saying goes, “you are what you eat.” It’s important that we eat nutritious foods to ...click here to read more

You probably know that regular exercise is good for your health, but you may not be aware that it could save you up to $2,500 in medical costs annually. The new report suggests that patients with heart disease who exercise regularly can save some money in healthcare expenses. Senior study author Dr. Khurram Nasir said, ...click here to read more

Being overweight has been found to be associated with a higher stroke risk in women. More specifically, carrying around excess weight increases the risk of experiencing the most common type of stroke. On the upside, those extra pounds also mean lower risk of a less common type of stroke. Dr. Richard Libman, who reviewed the ...click here to read more

Stroke survivors are more likely to suffer from depression, according to latest research findings. The study found that in the first three months following a stroke, the risk of depression for survivors was eight times higher, compared to individuals with no history of stroke. Research lead Dr. Merete Osler wrote, “Depression is common in patients ...click here to read more

Individuals with atrial fibrillation (heart rhythm disorder) who drink alcohol are more likely to experience stroke, compared to those who don’t drink. Study leader Dr. Faris Al-Khalili said, “Doctors should ask their [atrial fibrillation] patients about alcohol use and advise patients to cut down if they are drinking more than is recommended.” The study included ...click here to read more

Patients with anemia – a hemoglobin deficiency – have a higher risk of death after stroke. The study found that among thousands of stroke patients, those with anemia had 1.5 to two times higher risk of death within a year after brain attack, compared to those without anemia. Lead researcher Dr. Phyo Myint said, “There ...click here to read more

There’s a mounting body of research that identifies anger as a precursor to heart attack. We know it doesn’t feel good to lose our cool, but knowing that anger and heart disease are closely tied should be considered a red flag to put some anger management exercises and relaxation tips into practice. Heart disease is the leading ...click here to read more

The risk of a second stroke can be predicted by one’s health condition prior to the first attack. The study uncovered that patients who had high blood pressure, along with other heart risk factors, prior to their first stroke were more likely to experience it again. Senior author Dr. M. Arfan Ikram said, “We already ...click here to read more

In kidney disease, lowering blood pressure prevents heart attack and stroke. One in 10 people worldwide live with kidney disease, and many others may not even be aware that they have it, which puts their heart at risk. Lead author of the study Prof. Vlado Perkovic said, “The findings highlight the key role blood pressure ...click here to read more

Type 2 diabetes drug decreases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease, according to study findings. The drug, known as liraglutide, is taken by diabetics to help reduce glucose levels. Diabetics are at a higher risk for cardiovascular events and kidney disease, and this drug has been found to help reduce these risks. ...click here to read more

Statins are commonly prescribed as cholesterol-lowering drugs, but a new study suggests they also reduce the risk of infection. The researchers analyzed medical records from over 1,600 people who were hospitalized with ischemic stroke, and found that those taking statins had a reduced risk of infection by 58 percent. Study author Doug Weeks said, “If ...click here to read more

A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology suggests that moderate exposure to sunlight can help reduce blood pressure and help prevent heart disease. Research from the universities of Southampton and Edinburgh shows that sunlight alters the level of nitric oxide (NO) in the skin. NO is a small messenger molecule that controls blood pressure. This ...click here to read more

Individuals who partake in fitness activities in midlife have a reduced risk of stroke in later-life, according to new findings. Dr. Ralph Sacco, chairman of neurology at the University of Miami who was not involved in the study, commented, “It is becoming increasingly clear that healthy midlife behaviors pay off as we age, and lower ...click here to read more

Multiple sclerosis and stroke may seem like they don’t have much in common, but they both affect the brain and the nervous system and so they have a lot more in common than you think. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which myelin becomes damaged. The nerves are exposed as a result, lending cause ...click here to read more