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Articles categorized as Stroke

Article imageTerry Graedon - November 11, 2024
Article imageTerry Graedon - October 23, 2024
Article imageTerry Graedon - November 25, 2024 - 37 comments

What Are the Health Benefits of Coffee and Chocolate?

Learn about the health benefits of coffee and chocolate as well as tea. You don't have to feel guilty about your beverage!

Joe Graedon - October 7, 2024

What Can You Do If Ibuprofen Triggers Atrial Fibrillation?

Joe Graedon - September 18, 2024

Brewing Heart Health: Caffeine from Coffee and Tea Reduces Risks

Joe Graedon - September 18, 2024

Do We Have Micro Particles of Plastic in Our Brains?

Joe Graedon - September 8, 2024

Why Haven’t You Been Tested for Lp(a) Levels?

Joe Graedon - July 7, 2024

Low LDL Cholesterol Linked to Bleeding Strokes

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Terry Graedon - June 5, 2024

How to Stay Healthy with a Mediterranean Diet

Following a Mediterranean diet with lots of veggies, fruit and fish can help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and breast cancer.

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Joe Graedon - May 23, 2024

Which Diuretic is Best for Hypertension? HCTZ or Chlorthalidone?

Diuretics such as HCTZ or chlorthalidone are frequently prescribed for high blood pressure. Which drug performed better after heart attacks?

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KFF - April 25, 2024

If You Are on Medicare & Overweight You May be Eligible for Wegovy

Medicare Part D will now pay for Wegovy (semaglutide) to help millions of overweight people reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes.

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Terry Graedon - April 24, 2024

Gut Microbiota Linked to Stroke Severity

The composition of the gut microbiota influences the likelihood of severe strokes. A healthy digestive ecology also reduces the risk of AD.

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Terry Graedon - March 28, 2024

Bright Outdoor Light Exposure Overnight Raises Risk of Strokes

Living where outdoor lights are bright overnight can increase the possibility of either ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.

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Joe Graedon - March 14, 2024

FDA Approves Heart Benefits for Wegovy Weight Loss Drug

Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) is one of the hottest drugs in the world because of weight loss. What about the heart benefits for Wegovy?

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Terry Graedon - March 14, 2024

Refined Grains Increase the Risk of Stroke

People relying on diets high in refined grains are more likely to suffer strokes. A regular B-complex vitamin could help.

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Terry Graedon - January 24, 2024

Can Physical Training Help People Recover from a Stroke?

Research indicates that high-intensity training and acupuncture can help people recover from a stroke. It takes time to make progress.

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Joe Graedon - January 15, 2024

Can Stopping Aspirin or Eliquis Suddenly Lead to Deadly Blood Clots?

Is aspirin a wonder drug or has it been overhyped? Does stopping aspirin suddenly increase the risk for blood clots? What about Eliquis?

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Joe Graedon - January 10, 2024

You Have Likely Been the Victim of Diagnostic Mistakes

Diagnostic mistakes are common, often leading to permanent disability and death. A study says nearly 1 out of 5 patients are misdiagnosed.

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Terry Graedon - December 21, 2023

Healthy Eating Can Help Prevent Heart Disease

Adopting a healthy eating pattern over the years reduces your chance of a heart attack or stroke by about 20 percent.

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Joe Graedon - October 19, 2023

FDA Review of Ancient Drug (Colchicine) Spikes Price

Inflammation is more important in heart disease than people realize. Could colchicine, a VERY old drug, prevent heart attacks and strokes?

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Terry Graedon - October 1, 2023

Can You Stay in the Sweet Spot for Your Warfarin Dose?

It can be difficult to get the warfarin dose just right all the time. Even people who managed it most of the time sometimes had a dangerous deviation.

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Terry Graedon - September 7, 2023

Show 1355: Uncovering the Shocking Dangers of Misdiagnosis

New research shows the shocking dangers of misdiagnosis, with some 795,000 Americans suffering disability or death each year as a result.

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Joe Graedon - June 1, 2023

The Cardiac Effects of COVID-19 Are Really Scary!

Most people think of the coronavirus as a respiratory illness, but the cardiac effects of COVID-19 are also very worrisome.

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Terry Graedon - May 10, 2023

Dog Owners Get Survival Benefit

A Swedish study demonstrates that dog owners are less likely to die soon after a heart attack or a stroke. A meta-analysis reinforces that conclusion.

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Terry Graedon - April 6, 2023

Show 1307: Cocoa Compounds and the COSMOS Trial (Archive)

A rigorously conducted, multi-year experiment with cocoa compounds vs placebo showed that they may reduce cardiovascular mortality.

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Joe Graedon - March 2, 2023

Dairy Fat and Olive Oil Are Friends, Not Foes

Do you avoid saturated fat? The AHA tells you to shun dairy fat! Olive oil contains 14% sat-fat. Why are dairy fat and olive oil good for you?

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Joe Graedon - July 21, 2022

The Salt Wars Rage On | How Do You Cope with the Low-Salt Confusion?

The FDA wants food companies to cut back on salt. AHA guidelines are much stricter. Are the low-salt targets practical? Are they healthy?

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Joe Graedon - July 14, 2022

Is Hard Water Good for the Heart and Brain?

Is hard water high in dissolved magnesium good for your cardiovascular health? Swedish researchers suggest it can reduce the risk for strokes

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Terry Graedon - May 4, 2022

Will You Live Longer If You Sip Green Tea?

A large study in China monitored people's tea-drinking habits and their health. Those who sip green tea several times a week seem to live longer.

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Joe Graedon - April 28, 2022

Should You Take Aspirin for your Heart? Does Your Doctor Know for Sure?

Is it worthwhile to take aspirin for your heart? The experts weigh in with new recommendations. How will you make the right decision?

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Terry Graedon - April 11, 2022

Why Grandma Was Right About Vegetables

People who consume the most vegetables, apples, tea and cocoa tend to have lower blood pressure and less atherosclerosis.

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Terry Graedon - February 24, 2022

Active Seniors Have Fewer Heart Attacks and Strokes

Staying active, even by simply walking farther or faster, helps older adults avoid heart attacks and strokes.

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Joe Graedon - February 7, 2022

How Dangerous Is It to Stop Taking Aspirin?

The US Preventive Services Task Force says millions of people should stop taking aspirin to prevent a heart attack. Better be careful!

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Terry Graedon - November 24, 2021

What Is the Best Time to Go to Sleep?

A big study in the UK found that people who go to sleep between 10 and 11 pm have the lowest likelihood of cardiovascular problems.

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Terry Graedon - November 11, 2021

For Preventing Stroke, Type of Fat Matters More Than Quantity

Data from the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study show the type of fat is important. Vegetable sources rock.

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Joe Graedon - October 4, 2021

Do You Really Have High Blood Pressure?

People who have high blood pressure in the doctor's office may need to confirm that it is sustained throughout the day with home blood pressure measurement.

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Terry Graedon - September 2, 2021

Getting Systolic Blood Pressure Under 130 Makes a Difference

Studies demonstrate that lowering systolic blood pressure under 130 mm mercury can reduce cardiovascular complications.

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Terry Graedon - September 2, 2021

You Are What You Eat: Is Your Diet Killing You?

To sidestep a diet killing you, eat your vegetables and fruits, choose fish instead of processed meats and shun sugar-sweetened beverages.

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Terry Graedon - July 22, 2021

Show 1265: The Advantages of Whole Brain Living

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a neuroanatomist who gained exceptional insights into the function of the whole brain from her stroke and recovery.

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Terry Graedon - March 11, 2021

People with Cardiovascular Disease Do Better Eating Fish

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Terry Graedon - December 10, 2020

Show 1239: How Can We Prevent Diagnostic Disasters?

Getting a timely, accurate diagnosis is crucial for treatment. What questions should a patient ask to prevent diagnostic disasters?

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Joe Graedon - August 20, 2020

How Can You Save Your Brain if a Stroke Strikes?

The latest research demonstrates that every minute counts when you are having a stroke. To save your brain, know the symptoms of a stroke!

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Terry Graedon - May 21, 2020

Show 1213: How Does COVID-19 Affect Your Heart?

Learn how COVID-19 affects your heart and what you should do to keep your heart as healthy as possible during the pandemic and afterwards.

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Terry Graedon - February 20, 2020

Show 1201: Hard-to-Diagnose Conditions Can Be Deadly

Hard-to-diagnose conditions include sepsis and stroke. They can be extremely dangerous, even lethal. Learn what signs could be red flags for fast action.

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Joe Graedon - December 31, 2019

Should You Take Aspirin or Shun the Wonder Drug?

It's surprising to learn that even after a century aspirin remains highly controversial. Should people take aspirin to prevent heart attacks and cancer?

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Terry Graedon - October 24, 2019

Show 1186: What Happens When Doctors Make Diagnostic Errors?

No one knows quite how many diagnostic errors doctors make each year, but the number is high. Some have serious or deadly consequences.

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Terry Graedon - October 2, 2019

Are Optimists Protected from Heart Attacks?

A meta-analysis of 15 studies finds that optimists are less likely to suffer heart attacks and strokes. They are also less likely to die prematurely.

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Terry Graedon - September 4, 2019

Is Your Diet Putting You at Risk for Heart Disease?

Vegetarians have a lower risk for heart disease than meat eaters. However, they have a slightly higher chance of suffering a stroke.

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Terry Graedon - August 21, 2019

How Soon Do Smokers Benefit from Quitting?

A careful study shows that smokers benefit from quitting. It may be more than a decade, though, before their risk of heart attacks drops to normal.

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Terry Graedon - June 20, 2019

Forget Vitamin D Supplements for Heart Disease

A meta-analysis in JAMA Cardiology shows no benefit from vitamin D supplements for heart disease. This is the latest in a series of such disappointments.

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Terry Graedon - May 23, 2019

How Risky Is It to Eat an Egg?

Evidence from a Finnish study shows you could probably eat an egg a day without increasing your risk for stroke or heart disease.

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Terry Graedon - May 22, 2019

Is Juice as Bad for Your Health as Soda?

Fruit juice seems like a healthful choice, but it is high in fructose. People who drink a lot of juice are at risk of premature death.

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Terry Graedon - February 14, 2019

Will Drinking Diet Soda Raise Your Risk of Stroke?

Data from the Women's Health Initiative suggests that heavy diet soda consumers are more likely to suffer strokes and heart attacks.

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Terry Graedon - November 15, 2018

Is Fish Oil to Prevent Heart Attacks a Dud?

The VITAL study looked at fish oil to prevent heart attacks. The results were mostly disappointing, but fewer people taking fish oil died of heart attacks.

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Joe Graedon - September 13, 2018

Is Whole Fat Dairy (Milk, Cheese and Yogurt) Good for the Heart?

Do you buy low-fat or no-fat yogurt? Why? Do you like the taste or do you fear the saturated fat in whole fat dairy products? A new study says dairy products are good for the cardiovascular system.

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Terry Graedon - August 30, 2018

Aspirin Strikes Out for Preventing Heart Attacks

Aspirin can work for preventing heart attacks, but it can also cause excessive bleeding. People need to weigh the benefits and risks before taking it long-term.

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Terry Graedon - August 23, 2018

When Is High LDL Cholesterol a Problem?

A study of low-risk individuals that ran for more than a quarter of a century found that even in these people, high LDL cholesterol can shorten life expectancy.

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Terry Graedon - August 13, 2018

Should You Stop Taking Aspirin Before a Biopsy?

Aspirin prevents clots but it also increases the chance of bleeding. So deciding whether to stop taking aspirin before a procedure is a tough call.

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Terry Graedon - July 12, 2018

Multivitamins No Help Against Heart Disease

a meta-analysis of 18 large studies found multivitamins no help in preventing heart disease and other cardiovascular problems such as stroke.

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Terry Graedon - July 12, 2018

Aspirin vs Activase: Cheaper Is Just as Good

A trial testing aspirin vs Activase for treating acute mild strokes found that they worked equally well, but aspirin resulted in fewer serious side effects.

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Terry Graedon - May 31, 2018

Can You Take Aspirin to Prevent Stroke?

In a head to head comparison of aspirin plus Plavix vs aspirin to prevent stroke, the combination was better at prevention but also twice as likely to cause a serious bleed.

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Joe Graedon - May 24, 2018

Is Aspirin Better Than Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) To Prevent 2nd Stroke?

Anyone who has had a stroke must try very hard to prevent a recurrence. A new study asked the question: is Xarelto better than aspirin or is aspirin better than Xarelto. Learn the surprising answer.

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Joe Graedon - May 14, 2018

Exercise Plus Sauna Bathing Better Than Either Alone

Have you ever gone sauna bathing? This reader says he thought it was a lazy indulgence. Now he knows there are proven health benefits of a sauna bath.

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Joe Graedon - May 3, 2018

Will a Sauna Bath a Day Keep Strokes and Heart Attacks Away?

Finnish researchers report that people who use a sauna bath nearly every day are much less susceptible to strokes, heart attacks and dementia.

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Terry Graedon - March 19, 2018

Will Garlic Really Lower Your Blood Pressure?

Do you wonder whether garlic has earned its reputation as a heart-healthy flavor? Studies suggest that garlic may lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, at least a bit.

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Terry Graedon - March 15, 2018

Will a Crowded Emergency Room Interfere with Your Care?

If a crowded emergency room forces doctors to examine patients in the hallway, there is a risk of missing or delaying the correct diagnosis.

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Terry Graedon - December 21, 2017

Can Ginkgo Help Stroke Survivors Keep Their Wits?

A Chinese study shows that stroke survivors who take both ginkgo and aspirin fare better cognitively than those taking aspirin alone.

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Terry Graedon - November 16, 2017

Coffee Drinkers Lower Their Chances of Heart Failure

Coffee drinkers had lower chances of heart failure or stroke with every cup they drank during the week.

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Terry Graedon - October 12, 2017

How Potassium Rich Foods Help Your Heart Stay Healthy

A diet with plenty of potassium rich foods can help prevent hardening of the arteries. Potassium prevents calcium build-up in artery walls.

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Joe Graedon - October 5, 2017

Will Drug Shortages From the Puerto Rico Disaster Impact Your Health?

Have you been horrified by the hurricane's destruction of Puerto Rico? This disaster may seem far away but drug shortages from Puerto Rico could affect you.

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Joe Graedon - October 5, 2017

Will Stopping Aspirin Lead to A Heart Attack?

Low-dose aspirin is frequently prescribed to heart patients to prevent blood clots. Can stopping aspirin suddenly increase the risk for heart attacks?

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Terry Graedon - August 31, 2017

Is the Bread Worse for You Than the Butter?

A new study including more than 135,000 adults shows that a high-carb diet is linked to a higher risk of premature death–the bread IS worse than the butter.

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Terry Graedon - April 27, 2017

Is a Daily Diet Soda Bad for Your Brain?

Drinking a daily diet soda triples the risk for stroke or dementia. Would you like a glass of water instead of a soft drink?

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Terry Graedon - January 5, 2017

Why Is a Magnesium-Rich Diet So Good for You?

Eating magnesium-rich foods like nuts and dark green leafy vegetables can cut your chance of heart failure, diabetes or stroke.

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Terry Graedon - November 30, 2016

Why Are Crowded Emergency Rooms Bad for Your Brain?

In crowded emergency rooms, health care personnel are slower to get patients with suggestive symptoms in for brain imaging.

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Terry Graedon - August 17, 2016

Staying Active Can Help Prevent Chronic Health Problems

People who engage regularly in moderate to vigorous physical activity are less prone to chronic health problems such as heart disease or diabetes.

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Joe Graedon - July 21, 2016

Are Rehab Hospitals Hazardous to Your Health?

A new study found that rehab hospitals are dangerous places where mistakes are common. Anyone entering such a facility needs vigilance and help from family.

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Joe Graedon - June 16, 2016

Will Higher Bad LDL Cholesterol Help Older People Live Longer?

Doctors have been taught that so-called bad LDL cholesterol is a killer. When high, statins are almost always prescribed. New data challenge that idea.

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Terry Graedon - May 26, 2016

How to Lower Your Stroke Risk with Aspirin

People who experience a TIA have a greater likelihood of a stroke, but taking aspirin after a TIA can lower the stroke risk significantly.

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Joe Graedon - March 7, 2016

Eggs are Exonerated in Finnish Heart Study

You've been told to avoid eggs, cut back on cholesterol and stay away from saturated fat. The Finnish Heart Study Turns that advice upside down.

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Terry Graedon - February 25, 2016

How Doctors Rescued Patients with Bleeding in the Brain

A clot busting drug tPA was used to treat bleeding in the brain, though usually that is a bad idea. The results were very promising.

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Terry Graedon - December 7, 2015

Is There an Antidote to Pradaxa?

Praxbind is now available as a way to reverse the anticoagulant action of dabigatran (Pradaxa) in a bleeding emergency.

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Joe Graedon - October 4, 2015

Do Antidepressants Speed Stroke Rehabilitation?

People taking SSRI antidepressants may have better success with stroke rehabilitation than those taking old-fashioned tricyclic or no antidepressants.

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Joe Graedon - June 4, 2015

Blood Pressure Pills Fall Short on Stroke Prevention

Controlling blood pressure with multiple medications does not work as well for stroke prevention as keeping blood pressure low naturally.

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Joe Graedon - May 21, 2015

Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs Reduce the Risk of Stroke

In older people, cholesterol-lowering drugs can also lower the likelihood of suffering a stroke, though they may not help prevent heart attacks.

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Joe Graedon - March 19, 2015

Folic Acid Adds Extra Layer of Stroke Protection

Adding a folic acid supplement to a blood pressure pill lowered the risk of stroke among adults with hypertension.

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Joe Graedon - January 22, 2015

Salt Restriction May Not Be Helpful for All Older Adults

New research does not support salt restriction as a way to help older people avoid strokes, heart attacks and death.

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Joe Graedon - December 18, 2014

New Treatment Offers Hope for Stroke Victims

A new technique for removing a large blood clot from the brain gives stroke victims better chances of recovering function.

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Terry Graedon - February 20, 2014

Does Vitamin C Help Protect Against Bleeding Stroke?

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Terry Graedon - December 5, 2013

New Study Fails to Clarify Which Blood Thinner Is Best

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Terry Graedon - June 27, 2013

Caffeine in Pills Linked to Stroke

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Terry Graedon - March 7, 2013

High-Tech Goggles Help Diagnose Stroke

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Terry Graedon - January 24, 2013

Does Low Cholesterol Lead to Strokes?

Can cholesterol levels go too low? Most health professionals worry about high cholesterol. But low cholesterol can also pose unexpected risks.

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Terry Graedon - February 9, 2012

Triglycerides Increase Risk of Stroke

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Joe Graedon - February 1, 2012

Can Low Cholesterol Cause Stroke?

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Terry Graedon - January 18, 2012

Magnesium May MInimize Stroke Risk

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Terry Graedon - October 13, 2011

Chocolate Cuts Risk of Stroke

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Terry Graedon - March 2, 2011

More Potassium Reduces Risk of Stroke

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Terry Graedon - February 22, 2011

High Triglycerides Raise Risk of Stroke

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Terry Graedon - February 17, 2011

Do Diet Sodas Increase Stroke Risk?

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Terry Graedon - January 27, 2011

Quick Expert Treatment Best for Stroke

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Terry Graedon - January 6, 2011

Fish-Eaters Suffer Fewer Strokes

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Terry Graedon - April 8, 2010

Walking Lowers Stroke Risk

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Terry Graedon - February 16, 2010

Can Chocolate Protect Against Stroke?

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Terry Graedon - February 4, 2010

Lexapro Antidepressant Speeds Stroke Recovery

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Terry Graedon - December 22, 2009

New Device May Reduce Stroke Damage

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Terry Graedon - November 5, 2009

Low Vitamin D Raises Risk of Stroke and Heart Attack

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Joe Graedon - September 24, 2009

Eye Exam Trumps MRI for Stroke Diagnosis

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Terry Graedon - August 6, 2009

Weekend Effect Makes Stroke More Dangerous

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Joe Graedon - July 30, 2009

Tea Cuts Risk of Stroke

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Joe Graedon - May 13, 2009

Plavix plus Aspirin Cuts Risk of Stroke

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Joe Graedon - March 29, 2004

Music In Head Could Signal Trouble