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High Triglycerides Raise Risk of Stroke

Cardiologists have focused on cholesterol as a major risk factor for heart disease. Neurologists, on the other hand, may start paying more attention to triglycerides for preventing strokes. A new study from Denmark suggests that the danger of having a blood clot in the brain increases as triglycerides rise above 90 mg/dL. The 30-year study included almost 14,000 adults and had 100 percent complete follow-up.

In women, the highest level of triglycerides was associated with nearly quadruple the risk of stroke; in men, the corresponding risk was about double. Cholesterol levels had no impact on stroke in women. In men, the risk of stroke quadrupled when cholesterol levels reached 350. Perhaps it is time to start paying as much attention to triglycerides as cholesterol. Studies have shown that reducing refined carbohydrates, taking fish oil, eating nuts and losing excess weight can all help lower triglycerides.

[Annals of Neurology, online Feb. 18, 2011]

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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