Cardiovascular

A new study has revealed that atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a wide range of serious conditions and the risk for a number of these conditions is greater than that of stroke.

Stroke patients are eight times more likely to suffer from depression in the first three months after stroke than those who have not had a stroke, new research has revealed.

Deaths from heart disease and stroke have plummeted in the UK by almost 70 per cent over the past 30 years, but these improvements have not been equally distributed among all four countries, or between men and women, finds an analysis of the available data, published online in the journal Heart.

Ten potentially modifiable risk factors account for 90 per cent of strokes worldwide, but regional variation should be considered, according to a new study published in The Lancet.

Using statins to reduce LDL cholesterol levels to very low targets for all patients with pre-existing heart disease appears to have no additional benefits, research has found.

Use of methylphenidate in children and young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been found to be associated with an increased risk of abnormal heart rhythm shortly after the start of treatment, suggests research published by The BMJ.

Lowering blood pressure goals for adults at high risk of cardiovascular disease could save tens of thousands of lives annually in the US and reduce costs, according to a computer simulation by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) and NewYork-Presbyterian.

Young athletes should not undergo screening to prevent sudden cardiac arrest as it is not proven to save lives, suggests an analysis of the available evidence published in The BMJ.

Replacing saturated fats with vegetable oils rich in linoleic acid lowers blood cholesterol, but doesn’t curb heart disease risk or help you live longer, suggests a study published by The BMJ.

Two studies published by The BMJ evaluating treatments for patients with cardiac arrest in hospital have questioned elements of resuscitation guidelines and pointed out non-adherence in other areas.