Tag

Stroke

All articles tagged with #stroke

health11 days ago•17 min saved

Common Sugar Alcohol in Diet May Boost Stroke Risk, Lab Finds

CU Boulder researchers found that erythritol, a sugar alcohol widely used in protein bars and zero-sugar drinks, altered brain blood vessel cells in vitro: less nitric oxide, more endothelin-1, and about 75% higher reactive oxygen species. When thrombin was introduced, erythritol also blunted tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), reducing the body's ability to dissolve clots. The study echoes a 2023 epidemiological link between higher blood erythritol and stroke/heart attack risk, but authors caution that causality isn’t proven and endogenous production of erythritol may confound results, so continuing evaluation of non-nutrient sweeteners is prudent.

via Gizmodo|

#blood-clots #erythritol #health

health15 days ago•6 min saved

Brain’s Natural Repair Sets the Pace for Early Stroke Recovery

A University of Auckland–led ESPRESSO trial with 64 stroke survivors found that adding 90 minutes of high‑intensity hand/arm therapy daily for 15 days, starting within two weeks of stroke, did not improve three‑month outcomes versus standard care, whether delivered via immersive video-game therapy or conventional methods. The results suggest early recovery is driven by the brain’s natural repair processes and that pushing more therapy in the acute phase may not enhance recovery, though digital therapy was engaging and as effective as traditional therapy. Implications point to exploring biological treatments early and reserving intensive physical therapy for a later stage when patients can engage more fully.

via Neuroscience News|

#clinical-trial #digital-therapy #health

health16 days ago•5 min saved

Shingles vaccine linked to fewer heart complications in people with heart disease

A large observational study of more than 246,000 U.S. adults with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease found that receiving at least one shingles vaccine dose (Shingrix or Zostavax) was associated with substantially lower risks of major cardiovascular events within a year, including a 46% drop in major adverse cardiovascular events, 27% fewer heart attacks, 27% fewer strokes, 33% fewer heart failures, and a 61% reduction in death from any cause, compared with unvaccinated peers. The researchers caution that causality cannot be proven from observational data and longer follow-up is needed, but the findings add to evidence that the shingles vaccine may offer broader health benefits and support vaccination guidelines for adults 50 and older, especially those with cardiovascular disease.

via Medical News Today|

#cardiovascular-disease #health #heart-attack

science19 days ago•7 min saved

Magnetic Gel Seals Heart Pouch to Cut Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation

Researchers are testing a magnetically guided magnetogel injected into the left atrial appendage to seal it from within, potentially lowering stroke risk for atrial fibrillation patients. Animal studies in rats and pigs showed the gel forms a complete, smooth seal with the heart lining and avoids tissue damage seen with rigid implants, but the approach remains experimental with long safety, delivery, and MRI-compatibility concerns before human use.

via ScienceAlert|

#atrial-fibrillation #catheter #left-atrial-appendage

health21 days ago•48 min saved

Stroke After Birth: A Young Mom's Courageous Path to Recovery

Leen Lorig, then 25, suffered a postpartum stroke caused by a brain AVM, underwent brain surgery and weeks of ICU and rehabilitation, relearning speech and movement after aphasia; she later shared her journey on TikTok to raise awareness about strokes in young mothers, endured PTSD and divorce, and now continues to adapt to life as a resilient mother while advocating for others.

via Yahoo|

#aphasia #brain-avm #health

health23 days ago•4 min saved

Every extra serving of ultra-processed food hikes heart risk, study finds

New research links each additional serving of ultra-processed foods to higher risks of heart attack, stroke, and fatal heart disease, with nine servings daily tied to a 67% increase in heart-disease risk; Black individuals see larger per-serving increases, highlighting racial disparities, while the broad American diet also poses risks as most people get more than half their calories from UPFs; experts recommend moderating UPFs and prioritizing whole foods.

via New York Post|

#cardiovascular-disease #health #heart-attack

health27 days ago•3 min saved

Recreational Drugs Linked to Higher Stroke Risk, New Analysis Finds

A large analysis of medical data from over 100 million people links recreational drug use to a higher risk of stroke, with amphetamine users facing about a 122% increase, cocaine about 96%, and cannabis around 37%. In people under 55, amphetamine risk nearly triples and cocaine increases by about 97%, while cannabis rises roughly 14%. Mendelian randomization supports a causal link, likely via blood pressure spikes, vessel constriction, and clotting, though opioids showed no significant association. The findings underscore stroke risk from these substances and serve as a warning, not a guide to drug use.

via Futurism|

#amphetamine #cannabis #cocaine

health1 month ago•3 min saved

Illicit drug use linked to sharp rise in stroke risk, especially among younger adults.

A large review of 32 studies with more than 100 million people links recreational drug use to substantially higher stroke risk: amphetamine use raises risk by about 122%, cocaine by 96%, and cannabis by 37%—with under-55s seeing an even bigger effect (amphetamines nearly triple; cocaine ~97%; cannabis about 14%). The analysis argues for a causal link supported by genetic data and notes mechanisms including blood‑pressure spikes, narrowed brain vessels, and accelerated atherosclerosis. The authors emphasize that most strokes are preventable through healthy lifestyle choices, despite rising global drug use.

via The Guardian|

#amphetamine #cannabis #cocaine

health-and-wellness1 month ago•22 min saved

Hypertension’s Hidden Toll: What High Blood Pressure Does to Your Body

Hypertension affects about half of US adults and often has no obvious symptoms, yet it quietly raises the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and other organ damage. Regular blood pressure checks and effective treatment can dramatically reduce these risks, underscoring the condition’s status as a leading preventable cause of death.

via The Washington Post|

#health-and-wellness #heart-disease #high-blood-pressure

health1 month ago•263 min saved

U.S. study warns of rising heart disease and stroke risk for younger women

Using national surveys and census projections, the American Heart Association estimates the share of adult women with cardiovascular disease will rise from 10.7% in 2020 to 14.4% in 2050, driven by aging and increasing rates of diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure, with the rise already seen among women ages 20–40 and disparities heavier among Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and multiracial groups. The report notes GLP-1 weight‑loss drugs aren’t accounted for and urges improved prevention and early detection—regular checkups, medications, and healthier lifestyles—to reduce what it calls largely preventable cardiovascular risk (about 80%).

via AOL.com|

#cardiovascular-disease #health #heart-disease

health1 month ago•263 min saved

AHA Warns Cardiovascular Disease Will Rise in Young Women by 2050

The American Heart Association projects a substantial rise in cardiovascular disease among adult women—from 10.7% in 2020 to 14.4% by 2050—driven by aging and risk factors like diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. The uptick spans all ages but hits girls and women 20–40 hardest, with greater effects on Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and multiracial groups. The report notes GLP-1 weight‑loss drugs could influence future risk, though long-term safety and access are uncertain. Actionable steps include regular checkups, taking prescribed medications, and adopting healthier diet and exercise habits, especially around pregnancy and menopause.

via AOL.com|

#cardiovascular-disease #health #heart-disease

health1 month ago•10 min saved

Mediterranean diet linked to reduced stroke risk among women, study finds

A new study suggests that women who closely follow a Mediterranean-style diet have a lower risk of all types of stroke, reinforcing evidence that dietary patterns influence cardiovascular health in women.

via The Globe and Mail|

#cardiovascular-disease #diet-study #health

entertainment1 month ago•9 min saved

ANTM’s Miss Jay Alexander Reveals Stroke Left Him Paralyzed, Vows to Walk Again

Miss Jay Alexander reveals in Netflix’s Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model that he suffered a stroke in December 2022, leaving him paralyzed and in a five‑week coma. Now using a wheelchair, he’s determined to walk again and recalls teaching models to walk, while friends Jay Manuel and Nigel Barker visited him in the hospital and Tyra Banks has not yet visited. The documentary streaming on Netflix adds new context to ANTM’s legacy as the show’s cast continues to be revisited in new retrospectives.

via The Ashley's Reality Roundup|

#antm #entertainment #miss-j-alexander

health1 month ago•15 min saved

Warning Strokes: Recognizing TIAs Before They Turn Into a Full Stroke

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or warning strokes, mimic stroke symptoms but resolve quickly; they are a serious warning sign because up to about 20% of people with a TIA may have a stroke within 90 days, so seek immediate medical attention and follow-up to manage risk factors and prevent brain damage.

via HuffPost|

#befast #emergency #health

science2 months ago•6 min saved

Erythritol May Undermine Brain Shield, Raise Stroke Risk

New lab and observational evidence suggests the sugar substitute erythritol can damage cells of the blood-brain barrier, trigger oxidative stress, and lower nitric oxide while raising endothelin-1, potentially narrowing cerebral vessels and hindering clot dissolution—factors that could elevate stroke risk; these findings align with studies linking erythritol to higher cardiovascular events, though most experiments used isolated cells and require validation in more realistic models.

via ScienceAlert|

#blood-brain-barrier #cardiovascular-health #erythritol