In a nutshell This meta-analysis examined the safety and effectiveness of ticagrelor (Brilinta) to prevent stroke. The authors concluded that ticagrelor was safe and effective at preventing stroke, heart attack and cardiovascular death in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Some background Ticagrelor (Brilinta) is a medication used to...
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Is intense rehabilitation after stroke more beneficial?
In a nutshell This study looked at how intensity of rehabilitation may affect the risk of death in stroke patients. The authors determined that high intensity rehabilitation was associated with a decrease in mortality risk following stroke. Some background Many stroke patients experience post-stroke disabilities. These can have an impact on...
Read MoreVegetarian Diet Great for Type 2 Diabetes
Critical benefits may be had from eating a vegetarian diet for people living with type 2 diabetes, a recent meta-analysis of randomized control trials* indicates. Published in Clinical Nutrition, the meta-analysis of nine studies involved over 600 participants taking insulin, oral glucose lowering drugs, lipid-lowering medications or medications to...
Read MoreUsing robot-assisted therapy to improve upper limb function in stroke patients
In a nutshell This study compared proximal robotic rehabilitation to distal robotic rehabilitation at improving upper limb function in stroke patients. The authors concluded that distal robotic rehabilitation may be more effective, particularly at improving distal upper limb function and strength. Some background It is common among stroke patients to...
Read MoreHow important is timing of treatment after ischemic stroke?
In a nutshell This study looked at endovascular treatment for ischemic stroke and the link between stroke onset and beginning treatment. The authors established that shorter time from stroke to treatment resulted in better recovery in ischemic stroke patients. Some background Endovascular treatment (EVT) involves minimally invasive procedures to...
Read MoreAntioxidants in Grapes and Avocados
The mitochondria in cells produce energy. In the process they form reactive oxygen species. Reactive oxygen species, also called free radicals or oxygen radicals are used in many metabolic processes that are essential to life. For example, they are are part of enzyme reactions in the body. White blood cells, like neutrophils produce reactive oxygen...
Read MoreRisk of bleeding in stroke patients on antiplatelet therapy
In a nutshell This study examined the risk of bleeding due to dual antiplatelet therapy in stroke patients. The authors concluded that patients treated with dual antiplatelet therapy have a higher risk of major and gastrointestinal bleeding within the first 30 days of treatment. Some background Antiplatelet therapies (such as aspirin) are used to...
Read MoreCan electroacupuncture improve motor function in stroke patients?
In a nutshell This meta-analysis reviewed the effect of electroacupuncture at treating motor dysfunction in stroke patients. The authors concluded that electroacupuncture combined with rehabilitation and/or drugs could help improve motor dysfunction in stroke patients. Some background Motor dysfunction is a common occurrence after stroke. Post-stroke...
Read More5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Your Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands-which are also called suprarenal glands-are part of the endocrine system and are found on the top of each kidney. How the endocrine system hormones work Hormones secreted from glands of the endocrine system travel in the bloodstream to target cells. Target cells have receptors that are specific to each hormone. The hormones and receptors...
Read MoreShould stroke patients be treated with antihypertensive medication after stroke?
In a nutshell This study looked at whether patients should be prescribed antihypertensive medication after stroke. The authors concluded that treatment with antihypertensive medication reduced the risk of death from cardiovascular disease in stroke patients. Some background Hypertension (high blood pressure) is associated with stroke and other...
Read MoreHeart problems after stroke
In a nutshell This review described the relationship between the brain and heart damage in stroke patients. They concluded that there are clinical indicators that could be helpful in diagnosing early stage heart problems in stroke patients. Some background Previous studies have shown that heart problems and failure are common in patients with...
Read MoreSCAD and Heart Facts Infographic
This week, the American Heart Association put out its first Scientific Statement on SCAD-spontaneous coronary artery dissection. “Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has emerged as an important cause of acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction, and sudden death, particularly among young women and individuals with few conventional...
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