Is stroke prevention surgery worth the risk?

Posted on 2008-08-14 20:00:00 in Stroke | Surgery |

Stroke prevention surgical procedures do not equate with the increased surgical dangers high-risk patients face, it has been suggested.

In news that may be of interest to anti-aging physicians, new research published in the August issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons revealed that individuals with a variety of medical conditions - including high blood pressure and coronary artery disease - can achieve positive outcomes from undergoing carotid endarterectomy.

This is a stroke-preventing operation that involves clearing blockages from the neck's carotid arteries, Eurekalert notes.

It was previously suggested that such patients should receive alternative therapies in order to lower the risk of complications.

Some 120 individuals had the outcomes of their carotid endarterectomy analyzed as part of the retrospective research.

Alan Dardik, of the Yale University School of Medicine, said: "The presence of multiple medical comorbidities is not sufficient to automatically rule out this treatment, which has demonstrated long-term efficacy in preventing stroke in medically high-risk patients."

In related news, a team of University of California, San Diego School of Medicine physician-researchers has announced that lowering cholesterol early in life could ultimately save lives.
ADNFCR-1506-ID-18734272-ADNFCR

Health Headlines

Berries May Combat Metabolic Dysfunction

Finnish researchers reveal that a diet rich in berries may reduce levels of inflammatory markers linked to metabolic disorders and liver disease.

Scientists Discover Protein that Naturally Inhibits Aging

UCSD (US) researchers discover Sestrin, a protein that functions as natural inhibitor of aging and age-related pathologies in a fruitfly model of aging.

Cocoa Compounds Boost Blood Flow to Muscles

Researchers find that a beverage rich in cocoa flavanols increases blood flow to muscles, and may thereby alleviate exercise-related strains on the heart.

Cardiac Risks of Air Travel in the Older Population

Older airline passengers with a history of heart disease may be more prone to heartbeat irregularities.

Blood Pressure Dietary Program May Boost Brain Function

The DASH Diet, resultant from the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension study, improves mental activity in overweight adults with high blood pressure.

Daily Dose of Sugary Beverages Linked to Rise in Diabetes

In the US, more than 100,000 cases of diabetes over the last decade may be a direct result of the rise in consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, sports drink

Alcohol May Help to Curb Weight Gain in Women

Large-scale study finds that light alcohol consumption slashes women’s risk of gaining excess weight.

Weakened Muscles May Result from Low Vitamin D Levels

Insufficient blood levels of vitamin D may cause fat to amass in muscle tissue, reducing muscle strength.

Nutrigenomics Personalizes Disease Prevention

Nutrigenomics is a new scientific field that combines molecular biology, genetics and nutrition to regulate gene expression through specific nutrients.

Red Clover Extract May Lessen Depression and Anxiety

Austrian study finds that red clover extract may alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in postmenopausal women.