The Solitaire With the Intention for Thrombectomy (SWIFT) trial showed that the new device opened blocked vessels without causing symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in 61% of patients, compared to 24% with the MERCI retriever. The device also led to better survival three months after stroke, with a 17.2% mortality rate versus 38.2% wi...
A new drug, AX200, manufactured form of G-CSF, failed to show efficacy in improving disability among stroke patients. Despite initial promising results in animal studies and a limited clinical trial, the study found no significant improvement in disability scores.
A new study by the American Heart Association found that combining clopidogrel with aspirin for stroke prevention in patients with subcortical strokes may increase the risk of bleeding and death. The trial involved over 3,000 patients and showed that there was no difference in stroke recurrence between treatment arms.
Prevention strategies that included ultrasound screening and chronic blood transfusions for children with sickle cell anemia led to a significant decrease in racial disparities in stroke-related deaths. This change occurred after the Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia (STOP) was implemented in 1998.
Research suggests that erratic heart rhythms, particularly paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), contribute to about one-fifth of unexplained strokes. Patients with stroke of unknown origin may benefit from extended monitoring and treatment with medications like dabigatran and rivaroxaban.
Researchers discovered that rivaroxaban, a new anti-clotting drug, is less likely to cause brain bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are at high risk of stroke. The study found five risk factors that increase the likelihood of AF patients experiencing intracranial bleeding.
Research reveals severe anemia in stroke patients can lead to a higher risk of death, with patients experiencing increased mortality rates after six to twelve months. Anemia is measured by hematocrit levels, and moderate to mild cases also show elevated mortality risks.
The experimental drug clazosentan reduced the risk of blood vessel spasm in patients with a brain aneurysm. Patients on higher doses of the drug experienced a significant reduction in vasospasm-related complications, including neurological deficits and respiratory issues.
Research presented at American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2012 links common childhood infections to a high risk of ischemic stroke. Acute infections are more critical in triggering stroke than chronic infections over time.
Research found re-blockage rates to be low in both stented and surgically-opened carotid arteries, with less than 7% of patients developing repeat blockages after two years. The study suggests that both procedures are durable and equivalent in terms of re-blockage rates.
A study by American Heart Association finds that people with severe sleep apnea have a higher risk of silent strokes and white matter lesions. The severity of sleep apnea increases the risk of disability at hospital discharge.
Research suggests that severe memory loss in years before a stroke may predict a future deadly stroke. Participants who died after stroke had more severe memory decline compared to those who survived or didn't have a stroke.
Researchers compared clot busting treatments in patients with wake-up stroke and those treated within 4.5 hours of symptom onset, finding similar death rates, risk of bleeding, and recovery rates. The study suggests administering clot-busting drugs to wake-up stroke patients is feasible and safe.
Research finds that grief increases heart attack risk by 21 times within the first day, declining steadily over the first month. Grieving spouses are also at higher long-term risk of dying from heart disease and strokes.
A new study found that robotic therapy can improve walking ability in severely impaired stroke survivors, with five times more patients able to walk without assistance. However, the benefits were only seen in the most severely impaired patients, highlighting the importance of patient selection for this type of treatment.
A Swedish study found that antioxidant-rich diets, particularly those high in fruits and vegetables, lower stroke risk in women with and without a history of cardiovascular disease. The study's findings suggest that increasing consumption of such foods may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, key factors in stroke development.
A drug-coated balloon inserted into a narrowed bare metal stent restores blood flow by reducing scar tissue development, as effectively as drug-eluting stents. The treatment reduces the body's reaction to a metal jacket in arteries, offering an alternative to traditional stents.
The study found that pneumonia is the most common serious infection after heart surgery, occurring in 2.4 percent of patients, followed by C. difficile colitis and bloodstream infections. Risk factors for infection include congestive heart failure, hypertension, and length of stay.
Research found that low-income older adults are at a higher risk of developing heart failure, regardless of their education level. The study highlights the need for affordable access to healthcare and healthy lifestyle promotion.
Researchers developed a gelatin-based drug-delivery system that can quickly restore blood flow by activating tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in blood clots. The treatment, which uses soundwaves to reactivate tPA once it reaches the clot, shows promise for treating patients with chest pain en route to the hospital.
Adults with congenital heart disease and implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) experience sexual performance problems due to fear of device shock. The study found men with ICDs had lower sexual function scores, especially those with high shock-related anxiety.
In a preliminary human trial, an injection targeting PCSK9, a cholesterol regulator, lowered low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or 'bad' cholesterol by 64% in healthy volunteers. The study found that increasing doses of the monoclonal antibody AMG145 improved cholesterol levels and reduced side effects.
Research found that heart failure patients with low vitamin C intake had shorter intervals without major cardiac issues or death and were more likely to die from cardiovascular disease. Inflammation pathways in heart failure may contribute to poor health outcomes.
A study by the American Heart Association found that frequent professional tooth scaling can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Participants who received regular cleanings had a 24% lower risk of heart attack and 13% lower risk of stroke compared to those who never received dental care.
Drinking two or more sugar-sweetened beverages daily can expand waistlines and increase heart disease and diabetes risk in women. The study found nearly four times more likelihood of developing high triglycerides among women consuming two or more drinks per day.
Research suggests that sexually and physically abused girls may have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes as adults. The study found that women who experienced severe physical abuse or forced sex in childhood had a significantly increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
A state survey found that fewer than 6% of doctors fully follow national guidelines for assessing sudden cardiac death risk during high school sports physicals. Doctors reported missing critical questions, such as chest pain and family history of heart disease, in over half of the cases.
A wearable defibrillator can prevent sudden death in people with dangerous heart arrhythmias, saving up to 91.6% of those experiencing ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia. The device delivers an electric shock if needed and alerts bystanders for help.
A new study found that having a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini stroke, can reduce life expectancy by 20 percent. Patients experiencing a TIA have a high risk of early stroke and an increased risk of future problems that may reduce life expectancy.
A new study by the American Heart Association found that poorer countries with lower healthcare spending have a higher incidence of stroke and death. The study linked lower gross domestic product to increased risk of stroke and post-stroke deaths, as well as younger-age-onset stroke.
A recent study published in Circulation: Arrhythmia & Electrophysiology found that laser lead extraction is as safe in people aged 80 or older as it is in younger patients. The study, which analyzed 506 patients, found no significant differences in infection rates, complications, or other health outcomes between the two groups.
A new study found that middle-aged women with Restless Legs Syndrome are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. The study, published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension, found that women who experienced more frequent symptoms of RLS were more likely to have high blood pressure.
Researchers found that cardiac rehabilitation programs significantly improved patients' risk profiles after a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mild stroke. Patients showed improvements in cholesterol levels, body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure.
Research found that engaging in one healthy lifestyle behavior can decrease heart failure risk, while each additional behavior further reduces the risk. Key findings include: regular physical activity and a diet rich in vegetables lowering risk by 21-33% and 26-27%, respectively.
Blacks with prehypertension have a 35 percent greater risk of progressing to high blood pressure than whites. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss and physical activity can reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure for those with prehypertension.
Researchers discovered microscopic lesions in 30% of brains without diagnosed brain disease or stroke, linking small vessel disease to age-related decline. The study highlights the need for new diagnostic tools to capture these undetected cases and potentially mitigate their impact.
According to a study, nearly all heart attack patients requiring emergency angioplasty are now treated within the recommended time frame, with a significant improvement from less than half the patients five years prior. The median door-to-balloon time has declined from 96 to 64 minutes during this period.
Researchers found that limiting drug-eluting stent use to high-risk patients preserves clinical benefits while reducing costs by an average of $401 per patient. The selective use of these stents has saved the US healthcare system around $400 million annually.
A history of depression is linked to a 29% increased risk of total stroke in women, according to new research. Women who used anti-depressant medication also had a higher risk of stroke, likely due to underlying vascular disease or inflammation.
A new study suggests that people with higher levels of optimism may be less likely to have a stroke. The research found that each point increase in optimism corresponded to a 9 percent decrease in acute stroke risk over a two-year follow-up period.
A randomized controlled clinical trial found that soy and milk protein supplements lowered systolic blood pressure in adults with pre-hypertension and stage-1 high blood pressure. The study suggests replacing refined carbohydrates with foods or drinks high in soy or milk protein may help prevent and treat high blood pressure.
A new analysis of a clinical trial found that an experimental drug, torcetrapib, can improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes who are taking cholesterol-lowering drugs. The study showed that torcetrapib increased levels of 'good' cholesterol and improved glucose measurements.
New research suggests that obstructive sleep apnea can cause changes in blood vessel function, reducing blood supply to the heart. Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been shown to improve blood supply and function in study participants.
A regional system for cooling cardiac arrest patients improved survival rates and neurological scores, according to a US-based study. The protocol, which was implemented across a network of hospitals and EMS departments, showed comparable outcomes between patients transferred within the network and those not.
Researchers found that a coordinated care system significantly reduced door-in-door-out times for STEMI patients, with median transfer times decreasing from 97 minutes to 58 minutes after implementation. The system improved outcomes and was supported by the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline initiative.
Researchers have successfully implanted lab-grown blood vessels from donor skin cells into patients, a breakthrough that could improve treatment for kidney dialysis and coronary bypass surgery. The vessels withstood high pressure and frequent needle punctures without rejecting the immune system, paving the way for widespread use.
Patients who received motivational interviews early after a stroke had normal mood, fewer instances of depression, and greater survival rates compared to those receiving standard care. After one year, 48% of patients with the intervention had normal mood, while the death rate was 6.5%, significantly lower than the control group.
Research found that millions of adults with peripheral artery disease are not taking cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure-lowering medications, despite having a significantly increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Taking two or more of these medications was associated with a 65% lower rate of death from all causes.
Researchers found that exercise training significantly improved physical function scores and social function scores in patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). The study also showed that the exercise program restored upright blood circulation, improved kidney function, and dramatically improved quality of life fo...
The right ventricle's size and pumping ability vary by age, gender, and ethnicity, with older adults having smaller but stronger hearts. The study found that men have larger right ventricles than women, while African-Americans have smaller ones compared to Caucasians.