Sleep apnea is a condition which increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and diabetes and increases the chance of car accidents or other accidents. Sleep apnea is a leading cause of excessive daytime sleepiness. The most common type is known as obstructive sleep apnea. Symptoms may include snoring and … Read more
A new study, by far the largest analysis of stroke treatment with a clot dissolving drug, demonstrates dramatically the importance of early stroke treatment. A team of physicians from the UCLA stroke center analyzed data from a national database on over 58,000 patients treated with the drug tPA, which is the only FDA approved medication … Read more
Although it has been known for some time that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts was linked to heart health, a major study recently published lends stronger support to the dietary approach to prevention of cardiovascular disease. In a study of over 7000 people in Spain, followed for almost five years, there was … Read more
Stryker’s Wingspan stent is used to open narrowed arteries within the brain in patients who are experiencing repeated strokes. This is a serious condition with few treatment options. The device was originally approved by FDA in 2005 as a Humanitarian Use Device (HDE), a category for rare conditions. FDA has changed the labeling of this … Read more
The American Heart Association / American Stroke Association has published a scientific advisory which includes new oral anticoagulants to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. For many years, the only oral anticoagulant available has been warfarin (Coumadin). Alternatives have now been introduced. Dabigatran (Pradaxa) was approved by FDA in October 2010, followed by rivaroxaban … Read more
