Health News

When the Body Turns on Itself
Some people's immune systems produce antibodies that fight parts of their own bodies. These aren’t always a big deal. But sometimes they can contribute to stroke or miscarriage risk.
No Change in Change-of-Life Hormone Warnings
A decade ago, when a woman reached menopause, she likely reached for hormone replacement therapy to calm the symptoms associated with the change in life. Then a large study called the Women's Health Initiative challenged that treatment.
Newer Blood Thinner Gaining Affirmation
Patients with atrial fibrillation, a common heart arrhythmia, have a higher risk of experiencing a stroke or blood clots. Warfarin (Coumadin) has long been the gold standard in treatment. That could be changing.
Nano Clot-Buster Targets Blockage
Clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator ( tPA ) is the only approved treatment for dissolving blood clots common during stroke, heart attacks or pulmonary embolisms.
FDA Delays Blood Thinner Eliquis Again
United States Food and Drug Administration officials today delayed approval of Eliquis ( apixaban ) to prevent stroke or systemic embolism in patients with a common heart arrhythmia for the second time.
Hearts Love Aspirin and Warfarin
Heart failure patients often take medication to lower their risk of stroke, hemorrhage or dying. A common choice is warfarin (Coumadin), though a large clinical trial has found that cheaper over-the-counter aspirin may be just as effective.
Risk High During Temporary Anticoagulant Halts
Patients with certain types of atrial fibrillation, a common heart arrhythmia, are at a high risk of stroke and blood clots if they temporarily stop their blood thinning medication before surgery or permanently because of side effects.
Sickle Cell Prevention Key to Stroke Reduction
In the late 1990s there was a striking disparity among the number of black children who died of stroke as compared to white children. Black children were 74 percent more likely to die of a stroke, because of the higher prevalence of sickle cell anemia in that population.
Anemia After Stroke Equals Bad News
Following a stroke, suffering from anemia could prove to be a fatal combination. Stroke survivors who suffer from anemia are nearly three times more likely to die the first year after a stroke.
Stem Cell Transplant Recipients Prone to Problems
Stem cell transplant patients may not only be at risk during treatment. A new study suggests that a decade later they are still more susceptible to psychological conditions and chronic illness.