June 19, 2020

Woman With COVID-19 Develops Serious Heart Ailment After Taking Chloroquine

THURSDAY, June 18, 2020 -- One of the drugs championed by President Donald Trump as a potential "game changer" in the coronavirus pandemic led to a potentially deadly heart rhythm disorder in a 84-year-old woman treated for COVID-19, according to a new report.

Doctors said her condition improved once they discontinued the drug, chloroquine.

June 15, 2020

Smoking a Big Stroke Risk for Blacks

WEDNESDAY, June 10, 2020 -- Smoking carries a host of health risks, and now a new study shows the habit significantly increases black Americans' risk of stroke.

The research included more than 5,300 participants, aged 21 to 84, from the tri-county area around Jackson, Miss. In the final analysis, 546 were current smokers, 781 were past smokers, and 3,083 never smoked.

June 4, 2020

Spirituality Helps Stroke Survivors, Caregivers Bounce Back

THURSDAY, May 28, 2020 -- Could a higher power help stroke recovery? People who are spiritual may be better able to deal with stroke-related disability, new research suggests.

The Italian study linked spirituality -- be it through religion or simply a strong sense of purpose and connection to others -- to a lower risk of depression for people with low to moderate disability after a stroke and their caregivers. Spirituality also appeared to improve the quality of life for both.

June 4, 2020

No Evidence Marijuana Raises Stroke Risk

WEDNESDAY, June 3, 2020 -- Whether pot use increases the risk of stroke has been hotly debated, and now a new study adds to evidence that it doesn't.

"Our observational study looked specifically at recent cannabis use by reviewing drug testing data for people admitted to the hospital. While more research is needed with larger numbers of people, our study lends support to the studies showing that cannabis use does not increase the risk of stroke," said researcher Dr. Carmela San Luis, of the University of Mississippi in Jackson.

May 19, 2020

Heavy Drinking Tied to Raised Stroke Risk, Study Finds

TUESDAY, May 5, 2020 -- Lots of boozing might increase your risk for a stroke, Swedish researchers report.

Heavy alcohol use can triple your risk for peripheral artery disease, a narrowing of arteries that results in reduced blood flow, usually to the legs. It can also increase your risk for stroke by 27%. There's also evidence of a link to coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation and aortic aneurysm, the researchers said.

May 11, 2020

AHA News: 'Angry and Depressed,' Stroke Survivor Found Solace in Helping Others

FRIDAY, May 8, 2020 (American Heart Association News) -- Retired happily and resettled in a peaceful community near Salt Lake City, 70-year-old Doug Tapking is enjoying the good life – golfing and woodworking, singing in choirs with his wife, Karen, and spending time with their four grandchildren.

But retirement hasn't always been so idyllic. Four years ago, while dining out with another couple at a bustling steakhouse, Doug's left arm and leg began to cramp. Stretching his leg didn't help.