Research presented at American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2015 found that dehydration worsens stroke conditions. Almost half of ischemic stroke patients were dehydrated when admitted to the hospital, with hydrated patients experiencing better recovery outcomes and lower risk of worsening conditions.
Research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2015 found that stroke survivors have a higher annual rate of age-adjusted cancer incidence compared to the general population. Additionally, stroke survivors who develop cancer are more than three times likely to die compared to those without cancer.
Research suggests that motorized cycling can prime the brain for relearning everyday tasks and improve motor function in stroke patients. In a small study, 17 stroke survivors showed a 34% improvement in motor skills after exercising on a motorized stationary bike compared to voluntary cycling or no aerobic exercise training.
Research found that patients with low vitamin D levels suffered larger areas of dead tissue resulting from obstruction of the blood supply compared to those with normal levels. Additionally, a 10 ng/mL reduction in vitamin D level was associated with a decreased chance for healthy recovery after stroke
Researchers found that aged mice developed more severe intestinal permeability and bacterial infections after stroke, leading to higher mortality rates. In contrast, social isolation improved recovery in aged mice by reducing inflammation and enhancing brain function.
The American Stroke Association is honoring three researchers for their groundbreaking work in stroke prevention and treatment. Graeme J. Hankey, Michael Chopp, and Lewis B. Morgenstern are receiving awards for their lifetime contributions to the field of stroke research.
Researchers report improved diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients with Mobile Stroke Treatment Units, reducing median alarm-to-CT scan completion times by 41 minutes. The units provide pre-hospital evaluation and treatment, allowing for earlier clot-busting medication administration and better outcomes.
A new study presents a non-invasive test using optic nerve ultrasound to measure sheath thickness, which can help identify acute stroke patients at high risk of dying within days or months. The findings suggest that larger nerve sheath measurements are associated with increased death risk and disability six months later.
Researchers have developed a new device that significantly improves healing of small ruptured brain aneurysms. The HydroCoil device combines a gel-like substance with a platinum coil, allowing it to expand and block blood flow to the aneurysm, reducing recurrence rates by up to 70% compared to standard treatment.
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital found that stroke survivors are more likely to commit driving errors, particularly during complex tasks, and made a greater number of hazardous errors in simulated driving conditions compared to healthy drivers.
Delayed consent to administer tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a clot-busting drug, occurred in over 50% of cases among ischemic stroke patients. Women and weekends were more likely to experience these delays. Training tools could reduce tPA delay time by improving the consent process. Additionally, insertable cardiac monitoring det...
A new study published at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference found that 1 in 4 acute ischemic stroke patients treated with tPA were transferred quickly to certified stroke centers. The study suggests that these transfers may lead to improved patient outcomes, as time is brain in stroke care.
A new study found that lowering systolic blood pressure to below 140 mm Hg significantly reduces the risk of stroke in people over 60, with especially high risks for Hispanics and blacks. The study also highlights the importance of targeting this group with specific treatment guidelines.
Research shows depression is a powerful predictor of nighttime sleep disturbances among stroke survivors. Sleep quality is impacted by brain lesion location and depression, with daytime sleepiness also linked to fatigue, brain damage, and female gender.
A new study found that young and middle-aged women experience higher levels of mental stress after a heart attack, leading to worse recovery outcomes. The study analyzed data from over 2,400 female and male heart attack survivors between 18-55 years old.
Researchers surveyed 1,000 people about their willingness to trade time and money to avoid taking daily medication for cardiovascular disease. The study found that 21% would accept minimal risk of death and 43% wouldn't take any risks, highlighting the impact of medication on quality of life.
A new study found that middle-aged heavy drinkers (more than two drinks daily) had a 34% higher risk of stroke compared to light drinkers. Heavy drinking also increased stroke risk in mid-life, regardless of genetic and early-life factors.
A new study published in Circulation reveals that long-term exposure to elevated cholesterol levels substantially increases lifetime risk for heart disease. Adults with longstanding mild to moderately elevated cholesterol levels may benefit from more aggressive prevention strategies earlier, according to the study's lead author.
Research found that children with favorable psychosocial experiences had a 14% greater chance of being at normal weight as an adult and improved cardiovascular health outcomes. Early life stages appear to have lasting benefits for heart health, highlighting the importance of investing in child well-being.
Researchers found that eating one avocado a day as part of a moderate-fat diet can improve bad cholesterol levels in overweight and obese individuals. The study also showed favorable results for total cholesterol, triglycerides, small dense LDL, non-HDL cholesterol, and other cardio-metabolic risk factors.
According to new research, people with high fitness levels are less likely to develop hypertension. The study found that those who reached 12 METs or more during the stress test had a 20 percent lower risk of developing hypertension compared to those reaching less than six METs.
A new study found that most heart attack patients do not receive sexual counseling from their healthcare provider, with only 12% of women and 19% of men reporting such advice. The researchers recommend that healthcare providers raise the issue of resuming sexual activity with their patients, as it is an important aspect of overall health.
A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke found that CT scans taken within 24 hours of a mild, non-disabling stroke can identify patterns of damage associated with different levels of risk for a subsequent stroke. The analysis revealed that patients with certain types of brain damage were at a higher risk o...
Children who receive a heart transplant quickly are predicted to have better quality-adjusted survival rates, even if they have antibodies that may attack the new heart. Transplanting with the first suitable heart is also cheaper than waiting for a better-matched organ.
A study found that children who spend more time in front of screens are at increased risk for obesity and heart disease. The researchers suggest reducing parental screen time may help lower the risk in children. Parents' behavior can have a lasting impact on their child's health.
Recent research has shown that children with dilated cardiomyopathy are living longer without heart transplants, with a survival rate of 15% without transplantation. The study found that the more recent era (2000-09) had better survival rates and was associated with factors other than transplantation availability.
Researchers have developed a new self-contained leadless cardiac pacemaker that reduces complications associated with traditional pacemaker systems. The device was implanted in eight patients with no complications in an average of 41 minutes and demonstrated reliable performance during follow-up sessions.
Researchers used 3D printing to create detailed heart models of three patients with complex congenital heart defects. Surgeons successfully repaired severe abnormalities in all three patients, potentially extending their lifespan by decades. This emerging technology has the potential to revolutionize surgical planning and treatment.
A small study found that home exercise can significantly reduce feelings of hopelessness in patients with coronary heart disease. Patients who walked or biked at home for at least three days a week experienced a 12% reduction in state hopelessness scores, even when considering other factors such as depression.
Researchers discovered that cocaine users experience abnormal blood flow in the smallest blood vessels, putting them at risk for heart complications. This microvascular dysfunction may not be detected by regular testing, highlighting the need for more research on this understudied population.
A recent study of approximately 1,000 healthy men found that those who consumed the most trans fats showed notably worse performance on a word memory test. The strength of the association remained even after taking into consideration things like age, education, ethnicity and depression.
A new trans-satellite wireless 12-lead ECG has been shown to significantly reduce treatment time for people with severe heart attacks. The study found that patients who received a wireless ECG had a hospital arrival to angioplasty time of 53 minutes, compared to 104 minutes for those who did not receive the test.
A study found that quitting smoking significantly lowers death risk across all weight categories. Researchers compared deaths among smokers and quitters in Japan, discovering a 26-49% lower risk of death among those who gained more or no weight after quitting.
A recent study by the American Heart Association found that following a healthy diet can lower blood pressure measurements. The research, which included over 12,000 volunteers, suggested that eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may be an effective way to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Researchers found that disclosing genetic risk information led to increased perceived personal control and counseling satisfaction among patients. Patients who received genetic risk information also reported adopting healthier behaviors to reduce coronary heart disease risk.
A new study found that adults with obese mothers before pregnancy have a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Researchers analyzed data from 1971 to 2012 on 879 participants, who were followed for 41 years, resulting in 193 cardiovascular events and 28 cardiovascular deaths.
Men with early atherosclerotic plaque development and arterial stiffness are more likely to develop erectile dysfunction. Researchers found that coronary artery calcium scores were the strongest association to erectile dysfunction, followed by carotid intima-media thickness.
A recent study found that pregnant women with non-complex congenital heart disease had very low risks of arrhythmias and other heart-related complications during labor and delivery. However, these women were more likely to undergo cesarean section and remain in the hospital longer than expected.
A pilot study found using a smartphone app for education and feedback about heart-healthy behavior decreased the risk of heart disease in young black women. The treatment group showed improved blood pressure, cholesterol levels, stress, anxiety, and healthy habits compared to the control group.
Researchers found that social media campaigns with emotionally driven content, infographics, and peer influencers led to higher engagement rates. The study used a paid pilot campaign on Facebook, followed by influencer-led content for a month, resulting in improved attitudes towards organ donation.
Researchers found that Hispanic women with five or more live births are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Diastolic dysfunction, an abnormal relaxation phase of the heart, was common among these women, with 85% showing signs, according to the study.
Researchers found a significant association between vital exhaustion and an increased risk of developing first-time cardiovascular disease. Vital exhaustion, characterized by fatigue, irritability, and demoralization, was linked to a 36 percent higher risk of heart disease in healthy individuals.
Research reveals that major urban hospitals in the US are disproportionately penalized for readmission rates, with Detroit and Newark suffering the nation's highest average penalties. This penalty system may lead to reduced access to care for already vulnerable populations.
Researchers found that a diet rich in plant-based flavonoids can help regulate the body's immune system response to fine particles in polluted air, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, a low-cost vaccine targeting PCSK9 has been shown to safely lower bad cholesterol levels in animal studies.
A new screening method using pulse oximetry has detected 13 babies with previously unknown congenital heart defects in New Jersey. The screenings were mandated in licensed birthing facilities and resulted in the detection of undiagnosed critical congenital heart defects, which may have prevented significant disability or death.
Preliminary research suggests that secondhand marijuana smoke can damage blood vessels as much as tobacco smoke, raising concerns about its impact on cardiovascular health. The study found that blood vessel function dropped by 70% after exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke.
Hospital admissions for acute aortic dissection increased during peak flu season in the US, according to research. Researchers found a notable correlation between flu activity and AAD admissions from 2001-2013.
The study found that more than half of US adults with high blood pressure now have readings below 140/90 mmHg. Despite progress, nearly half of those with hypertension remain uncontrolled, highlighting the need for increased efforts to prioritize blood pressure management at every medical visit.
Research suggests that long-term use of anti-clotting drugs like warfarin and aspirin or clopidigrel can increase the risk of dementia in people with atrial fibrillation. Patients with abnormally slow blood clotting times were found to be more likely to develop dementia.
Research spanning over three decades found that participants with low risk for heart disease as young adults were 60% less likely to report disability as older adults. A healthy lifestyle has been shown to be associated with favorable levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors, according to the study lead author.