Here's who should be taking aspirin regularly, according to the American Heart Association: People at high risk of heart attack should take a daily low-dose of aspirin (if told to by their physician) and heart attack survivors should regularly take low-dose aspirin.
But new research published in the Journal of Women's Health found more than half of women who should be taking aspirin to prevent heart attack and stroke do not.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. And while slightly more women die from heart disease every year than men (432,709 women compared to 398,563 men in 2006, the most recent year for which data is available), many Americans (women especially) still mistakenly perceive heart problems as a "man's disease." There are too many women who don't know their risk for heart disease — or what to do about it.
In total, 217,987 women took the survey. Of that pool, 29,701 met the national guidelines for daily aspirin use. Only 41 percent of those who met the recommendation for primary prevention (before heart attack or stroke) reported taking aspirin on a daily basis, the researchers found. Additionally, only 48 percent of those who met the criteria for secondary prevention (after heart attack or stroke) responded "yes" to daily aspirin use.
Researchers also noticed some interesting patterns, among them that women with high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease were more likely to take aspirin.
In the Journal of Women's Health article, the researchers also note a need for more heart disease education programs for women: "This study provides direct evidence for the need for education about aspirin among clinicians and women for increased awareness and prevention of cardiovascular disease events," they write.
That doesn't mean you should go out and buy the family-size bottle of low-dose aspirin just yet. Regular aspirin use doesn't come without its own risks, such as bleeding or eye disease — and there's no hard-and-fast rule declaring aspirin a magic bullet for heart disease. Don't start (or stop) taking aspirin regularly without talking to your doctor first. He or she can help you find the right dosage. If you're healthy and have no risk for heart disease, you probably don't need the extra preventive measure.
Showing posts with label stroke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stroke. Show all posts
Monday, August 13, 2012
Monday, October 17, 2011
Even a mild stroke can cause serious side effects
Even mild strokes can result in serious but unrecognized disabilities, such as depression, vision problems and difficulty thinking, according to a new study.
The findings, released Monday at the Canadian Stroke Congress in Ottawa, suggest new guidelines are needed on the treatment and management of mild strokes, the researchers said.
"There is no such thing as a mild stroke," said study co-author Annie Rochette, of the University of Montreal, in a news release from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. "These patients face huge challenges in their daily lives."
After interviewing 200 stroke victims within six weeks of having their first stroke, the researchers found a high rate of sleeplessness and depression among the participants. Nearly 25 percent were clinically depressed. The stroke patients also reported a significant drop in their perceived quality of life, the study revealed.
The researchers said treatment for symptoms of depression, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, lack of concentration, disturbed sleep and thoughts of suicide, should be an important part of recovery for mild stroke patients.
The participants' average age was 62 years -- younger than the typical age for a severe stroke, which is over 65. About 40 percent still worked before they had their stroke and they were worried about returning to their jobs.
Other mild stroke patients interviewed were concerned about caring for their families and being able to drive. Many feared another stroke and felt uncertainty about the future, the researchers found.
"People who have had a mild stroke are five times more likely to have a stroke over the next two years than the general population," Dr. Michael Hill, Heart and Stroke Foundation spokesperson, said in the news release. "Proper treatment and management of risk factors can help prevent another stroke."
Despite these worries, few of the mild stroke victims were screened for problems with their vision or mental abilities, which are often less obvious than problems with movement. The authors noted that nearly 25 percent of mild stroke patients are only treated in an emergency room and not seen by occupational therapists, neuropsychologists or speech therapists.
"Patients are told to see their family doctor, but given no other tools or rehabilitation," added Rochette. "When they go to drive again, some people are too afraid to get behind the wheel."
New treatment guidelines, including more accessible rehabilitation services, would help more people get needed care, the researchers concluded.
More information
The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke provides more information on stroke rehabilitation.
The findings, released Monday at the Canadian Stroke Congress in Ottawa, suggest new guidelines are needed on the treatment and management of mild strokes, the researchers said.
"There is no such thing as a mild stroke," said study co-author Annie Rochette, of the University of Montreal, in a news release from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. "These patients face huge challenges in their daily lives."
After interviewing 200 stroke victims within six weeks of having their first stroke, the researchers found a high rate of sleeplessness and depression among the participants. Nearly 25 percent were clinically depressed. The stroke patients also reported a significant drop in their perceived quality of life, the study revealed.
The researchers said treatment for symptoms of depression, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, lack of concentration, disturbed sleep and thoughts of suicide, should be an important part of recovery for mild stroke patients.
The participants' average age was 62 years -- younger than the typical age for a severe stroke, which is over 65. About 40 percent still worked before they had their stroke and they were worried about returning to their jobs.
Other mild stroke patients interviewed were concerned about caring for their families and being able to drive. Many feared another stroke and felt uncertainty about the future, the researchers found.
"People who have had a mild stroke are five times more likely to have a stroke over the next two years than the general population," Dr. Michael Hill, Heart and Stroke Foundation spokesperson, said in the news release. "Proper treatment and management of risk factors can help prevent another stroke."
Despite these worries, few of the mild stroke victims were screened for problems with their vision or mental abilities, which are often less obvious than problems with movement. The authors noted that nearly 25 percent of mild stroke patients are only treated in an emergency room and not seen by occupational therapists, neuropsychologists or speech therapists.
"Patients are told to see their family doctor, but given no other tools or rehabilitation," added Rochette. "When they go to drive again, some people are too afraid to get behind the wheel."
New treatment guidelines, including more accessible rehabilitation services, would help more people get needed care, the researchers concluded.
More information
The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke provides more information on stroke rehabilitation.
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