History of COVID-19 Doubles Long-term Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke and Death

Cleveland: A history of COVID-19 can double the risk of heart attack, stroke or death according to new research led by Cleveland Clinic and the University of Southern California.
The study found that people with any type of COVID-19 infection were twice as likely to have a major cardiac event, such as heart attack, stroke or even death, for up to three years after diagnosis.

Neurointerventionalists Can Rarely Recover Payment for Out of Network Mechanical Thrombectomy Under the No Suprises Act

A new Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute study found that neurointerventionalists, who often deliver lifesaving and disability-sparing treatments for emergency stroke cases, have essentially no financially viable access to payment recovery through the No Surprises Act (NSA) for professional mechanical thrombectomy (MT) out-of-network (OON) claims. MT is an effective treatment for emergent large vessel occlusions, such as ischemic stroke. This Journal of Neurointerventional Surgery study was based on 1,000 simulated years of OON MT claims.

Moderate coffee and caffeine consumption is associated with lower risk of developing multiple cardiometabolic diseases, new study finds

Consuming moderate amounts of coffee and caffeine regularly may offer a protective effect against developing multiple cardiometabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke, according to new research published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Black stroke patients arrive later to hospitals, EMS less likely to notify

During a stroke, Black Americans arrive later to emergency departments — which are less likely to be notified of a patient’s condition ahead of time, a national study shows. Researchers say quality improvements for EMS should be a target for stroke system redesigns to achieve greater health equity.

ADLM publishes new guidance on lipid testing to improve care for patients with cardiovascular disease

The Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM, formerly AACC) has issued expert guidance on lipid tests, which measure blood levels of fats and cholesterol to help assess a patient’s risk of heart disease and stroke. By giving clinicians and laboratory medicine professionals much-needed clarity on how to best use these tests, the new guidelines will ensure that more patients with cardiovascular disease get the treatment they need.

Do People with High Blood Pressure Have a Higher Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease?

People 60 and older with untreated high blood pressure may have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared to both people who have been or are being treated for high blood pressure as well as people without the chronic condition. The new research, a meta-analysis, is published in the August 14, 2024, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. These results do not prove that untreated high blood pressure causes Alzheimer’s disease, they only show an association.

Uncontrolled Hypertension: The Old ‘Silent Killer’ is Alive and Well

High blood pressure affects about 45% of U.S. adults. In the 1970s, only about 50% of patients were aware of their hypertension. Today, 54% are aware of their high blood pressure, 40% are actively treated and 21% are actively controlled. As such, researchers alert health care providers that the old “silent killer” is alive and well.

American Heart Association Recognizes Loyola University Medical Center for Advanced Care for Stroke and Type 2 Diabetes

Loyola University Medical Center (LUMC) has earned the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Blood pressure high for years? Beware of stroke risk

Years of high systolic blood pressure are linked to a greater risk for the two most common types of stroke. The results suggest that early diagnosis and sustained control of high blood pressure over the lifespan are critical to preventing stroke, especially in Black and Hispanic patients who are more likely to have uncontrolled hypertension.

Eating More Ultra-processed Foods Tied to Cognitive Decline, Stroke

People who eat more ultra-processed foods like soft drinks, chips and cookies may have a higher risk of having memory and thinking problems and having a stroke than those who eat fewer processed foods, according to a new study published in the May 22, 2024, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study does not prove that eating ultra-processed foods causes memory and thinking problems and stroke. It only shows an association.

Could AI Play a Role in Locating Damage to the Brain After Stroke?

Artificial intelligence (AI) may serve as a future tool for neurologists to help locate where in the brain a stroke occurred. In a new study, AI processed text from health histories and neurologic examinations to locate lesions in the brain. The study, which looked specifically at the large language model called generative pre-trained transformer 4 (GPT-4), is published in the March 27, 2024, online issue of Neurology® Clinical Practice, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Doctor discusses a recent study about dementia.

Tresa Mcneal, MD, at Baylor Scott & White Health, discusses a recent study about dementia. What You Need to Know: Dementia affects thinking, memory and social ability. Stroke can cause dementia. Dementia risks increase for those who are sedentary. Reduce…

JMIR Neurotechnology Invites Submissions on Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)

JMIR Publications is pleased to announce a new theme issue in JMIR Neurotechnology exploring brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that represent the transformative convergence of neuroscience, engineering, and technology.

Doctors discusses recent study about blood pressure and its impacts on heart attacks and strokes

Marc Elieson, MD, at Baylor Scott & White Health, discusses recent study about blood pressure and its impacts on heart attacks and strokes. What You Need to Know: People with high systolic numbers were found more at risk for heart…

Two University Hospitals Physician-Scientists to Receive 2024 Top Ten Clinical Research Achievement Awards from the Clinical Research Forum

Two University Hospitals physician-scientists will receive recognition for their profound contributions to advancing clinical research. UH is the only hospital system to have two honorees acknowledged this year by the Clinical Research Forum for the 10 most significant clinical advancements impacting the health and wellness of humanity.

Menopause and migraines: New findings point to power of prevention

Women who have both migraines and a long-term history of hot flashes and/or night sweats have a slightly higher risk of heart disease and stroke, and young women who have migraines have a higher risk of later persistent menopause symptoms, according to a new pair of papers.