To reduce “bad” cholesterol, patients commonly take medications called statins. Receiving this treatment before bypass surgery may reduce the risk of post-surgery complications.

Estrogen — a hormone used to treat symptoms of menopause — has been shown to increase the risk for certain cancers. But other questions about the safety of estrogen therapy remain. For example, is it safe for the heart?

Whether vitamins and other supplements promote cardiovascular health is not a new question. Previous studies have offered conflicting evidence about whether vitamin B lessens the chances that a person at risk for stroke will suffer such a trauma.

When it comes to strokes, rates have dropped significantly over the past decade. Despite this improvement, Mexican Americans continue to have a high rate of strokes.

More stroke patients than ever are getting the only FDA-approved treatment for dissolving blood clots. While its use has steadily climbed, the medication is still not reaching all eligible patients.

At the first sign of stroke symptoms, patients should race to get clot-busting medication. Getting therapy quickly can make a huge difference when it comes to disability risk.

There is no doubt about it — smoking is hard on the body. It doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman. Smoking cigarettes can increase anyone's risk of having a stroke. 

A stroke can be a scary, even deadly, medical emergency. But before this emergency strikes, there are several lifestyle changes that can help people lower their risk of stroke. Some regular exercise may be one of those changes.

Looking deep into a person’s eyes may hold clues about his or her cardiovascular health. Retinal imaging could become a tool for predicting which patients may have a stroke.

Along with regular exercise and eating a healthy diet, medications can lower high blood pressure. Treatment, however, has to be taken as directed by your doctor.