I have spent more than 30 years in healthcare with one consistent mission: helping people sustain and improve their lives. That mission has guided my work across large pharmaceutical companies, entrepreneurial startups, and academic institutions. It has shaped how I view innovation—not as a luxury, but as a necessity.

We often speak about healthcare innovation as if it exists in a vacuum. It does not. Innovation only matters if patients can access it, understand it, and afford it. Today’s system too often breaks that chain.

The U.S. healthcare system has evolved to prioritize risk management over prevention, short-term cost containment over long-term health, and utilization controls over patient outcomes. The consequences are real. Breakthrough therapies are delayed or denied. Preventive medicines are underused. Patients are left navigating complexity at the very moment they are most vulnerable.

However, innovation has repeatedly proven it can change the trajectory of disease—and lives—when it reaches patients.

Earlier in my career, I had the opportunity to help build Claritin into a household name. What made Claritin transformational was not just the molecule, but access. Non-sedating allergy relief allowed people to function—to work, learn, drive, and live daily life without compromise. We paired scientific innovation with brand-building, education, and emerging digital tools to enable patients to engage with their care in new ways. That experience taught me something enduring: innovation fails when it remains trapped behind complexity.

As digital channels emerged, I saw how virtual access could democratize care. Early online refill capabilities and digital front doors were not about marketing. They were about meeting patients where they were. Innovation is not only what happens in the lab; it is how solutions are delivered in the real world.

More recently, my work in cardiovascular and preventive medicine has reinforced this belief. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, yet preventive innovation often struggles most to gain access. When therapies reduce future heart attacks, strokes, and hospitalizations—but do not show immediate cost offsets within narrow budget windows—they face resistance. This is actuarial logic colliding with human biology.

But prevention works. Inflammation matters. Long-term risk reduction matters. Helping people avoid catastrophic events enables them to remain productive, engaged, and present in their lives and with their families. The value of that outcome is difficult to capture on a quarterly balance sheet, but it is undeniable.

Innovation also matters because healthcare is not static. Populations are aging. Chronic disease is rising. Demand for care will only increase. Without continued pharmaceutical innovation—new mechanisms, better tolerability, improved adherence—we risk managing decline rather than enabling vitality.

Critics often frame innovation and affordability as opposing forces. They are not. The real tension lies between short-term system incentives and long-term societal benefit. When access to effective therapies is delayed or denied, costs do not disappear. They shift—reappearing as hospitalizations, disability, lost productivity, and diminished quality of life.

I have worked inside large organizations, small startups, and everything in between. I have seen how difficult it is to bring a medicine from concept to patient—and how fragile that final step of access can be. That is why innovation must be paired with thoughtful policy, modernized reimbursement, and a patient-centered view of value.

Healthcare should not be about simply surviving longer. It should be about living better for longer. Medical innovation, particularly in pharmaceuticals, plays a central role in making that possible. Even in a system burdened by complexity and constraints, innovation remains one of our strongest tools for advancing healthcare.

After three decades, my belief has not changed: when science, access, and mission align, lives improve. That is worth fighting to achieve.

The post Medical Innovation Still Matters—Even When the System Makes It Hard appeared first on Medika Life.

My father collapsed at home, his face slack, his words gone.

In Shakespeare’s Henry VI, they called it a sudden outrage:
“What sudden outrage hath struck thee down?”

But for us, it was something simpler.

A stroke.

And life was never the same.

My uncle survived his stroke, but lost half his body to paralysis.

But now, with all my training, stroke feels like an enemy we still haven’t defeated.

Until maybe now.

Every Minute Counts — And Millions of Brain Cells Die Waiting

Doctors have a saying:

“Time is brain.”

For every minute your brain goes without blood flow, you lose almost 2 million neurons — and about a week of independent life.

Most strokes are ischemic — caused by a clot that blocks blood flow to the brain.

The clot may form in place (thrombotic stroke) or travel from elsewhere (embolic stroke).

Today, we treat them with two main tools:

• With clot-busting drugs like tPA.
• Or by physically removing the clot with a device snaked into the brain.

But here’s the harsh truth:

Even today’s best devices fail on the first try about half the time.

And the longer it takes, the worse the outcome.

A Spinning Breakthrough: The Milli-Spinner

Now, something new.

At Stanford, engineers built a tiny device called the milli-spinner.

It’s smaller than a pencil tip but spins like a turbine.

Placed next to a clot, it crushes and shrinks the blockage by up to 95% — in seconds.

No more multiple passes — and far fewer complications.

No more dangerous fragments breaking free.

Just restored blood flow — fast.

In early animal tests, it worked almost every time.

Dr. Jeremy Heit called it “a sea change.”

Others called it something simpler: magic.

If it works in people as well as in animals, it could save tens of thousands of lives a year — and prevent countless families from facing what mine did.

Other Stroke Breakthroughs You Should Know

The milli-spinner isn’t the only new advance reshaping stroke care:

AI That Spots Strokes in Seconds

New artificial intelligence tools can scan CT images instantly — alerting hospitals before a doctor even sees the scan.

Ambulances With Brain Scanners

Mobile stroke units bring the ER to your driveway — starting treatment minutes earlier than ever before.

Safer, Longer-Lasting Clot-Busters

Researchers are developing clot-busting drugs that last longer and work for more patients — even those who arrive late.

Microrobots That Swim Through Blood

In the future, magnetic millirobots may be able to swim through your blood vessels, crushing clots before they cause damage.

It sounds like science fiction.

But it’s happening.

If This Had Existed, My Father Might Be Alive

When my father had his stroke, we didn’t have these options.

We utilized the best tools available at the time.

But even the best tools weren’t enough.

That’s why this work matters.

That’s why I tell my patients — and you — about it.

What You Can Do Right Now

Stroke breakthroughs are coming.

But your best defense is prevention — and fast action when a stroke strikes.

Know the Warning Signs: FAST

• Face: Drooping on one side?
• Arms: Weak or numb?
• Speech: Slurred or strange?
• Time: Call 911 immediately.

Lower Your Risk

• Control high blood pressure.
• Stop smoking.
• Exercise daily.
• Manage cholesterol and diabetes.
• Treat atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that causes many strokes.

Prepare Your Family

• Know where your nearest stroke center is.
• Make sure your family knows what to do if you collapse.
• Keep a list of your medications and medical history handy.

The Future of Stroke Care: Almost Here — But Not Yet

In medicine, there are no miracles.

But sometimes, there are tiny machines with spinning fins — small enough to dance inside your blood vessels — saving your brain before it’s too late.

I wish my father had lived to see this.

But maybe another family won’t have to say goodbye so soon.

↓ Want to protect your brain? Follow me for future guides on stroke prevention and brain health.

Michael Hunter, MD, is a cancer doctor, health writer, and stroke prevention advocate who helps readers take charge of their well-being through science-backed habits.

The post The Stroke That Stole My Father And the Tiny Device That Could Stop the Next One appeared first on Medika Life.

I stepped outside, tea still warming my throat, and began walking past the hedge that always rustles without wind, past the tree that leans like it’s listening.

I do this twice a day, sometimes more.

Not because I’m chasing steps or closing rings, but because walking calms the static inside me.

It’s a quiet ritual stitched into my hours.

And lately, I’ve learned it may be doing more than soothing my mind — it might be rewriting the rhythm of my heart.

Heart Arrhythmias

Your heart beats in a steady, coordinated rhythm — about 60–100 times per minute at rest — thanks to an internal electrical system that keeps everything in sync.

What is the heart’s natural pacemaker?

www.medicalnewstoday.com

In an arrhythmia, the electrical system misfires, and the heart can:

• Beat too quickly (tachycardia)
• Beat too slowly (bradycardia)
• Beat irregularly (like a flutter or with pauses)

Common types

Here are the most common types of arrhythmia:

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type, where the upper heart chambers (atria) quiver instead of beating properly.
• Ventricular tachycardia is a dangerously fast rhythm from the lower chambers.
• Premature beats are usually harmless and feel like a skipped beat or a flutter.
• Heart block is a condition in which electrical signals are delayed or blocked.

Why It Matters

Some arrhythmias are harmless and cause no symptoms.

Others can lead to stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest.

Symptoms may include:

• Palpitations (fluttering or pounding)
• Dizziness or fainting
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort

Fortunately, a healthy lifestyle can reduce our risk, including a heart-healthy diet, physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and managing stress.

A New Study

A new study led by researchers at the University of Glasgow (United Kingdom) reports this:

Walking briskly (more than 4 miles per hour) can reduce the risk of heart rhythm abnormalities or atrial fibrillation by as much as 43%.

The study, published in Heart, suggests that brisk walking could be a safe and effective way to reduce heart rhythm abnormalities, particularly in those at higher risk of developing them.

Study Details

Researchers analyzed data from the UK Biobank, focusing on 420,925 adults with an average age of 56 years.

Among them, 80,773 participants wore accelerometers (such as smartwatches) to track their walking time and speed.

Walking pace was self-reported and grouped into three categories:

• Slow: Less than three mph
• Average: 3 to 4 mph
• Brisk: Over four mph

Of the participants, 7% identified as slow walkers, 53% as average, and 41% as brisk walkers.

Results in Detail

Over a median follow-up of 13.7 years, 9 percent developed some form of cardiac arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation, bradyarrhythmias (abnormally slow or irregular heartbeats), and ventricular arrhythmias.

After adjusting for factors like age, sex, alcohol intake, ethnicity, existing health conditions, and socioeconomic status, the results were striking:

• Average pace. Compared to slow walkers, those who walked at an average pace had a 35% lower risk of developing arrhythmias.
• Brisk walking. Brisk walkers had an even greater benefit, with a 43% lower risk.

My Take

This study is the largest to show that physical activity can lower the risk of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation.

The article also highlights this:

Exercise quality — not just quantity — matters. The faster the pace, the greater the benefit.

Of course, the study does not prove a causal relationship exists between brisk walking and reduced AFib risk.

Nevertheless, these findings provide stronger evidence to guide my conversations with patients, encouraging them to exercise regularly and with enough intensity to protect their hearts.

The post This 5-Minute Habit Could Help Prevent a Dangerous Heart Condition. appeared first on Medika Life.

Back then, this felt like the only approach.

My father decided that the potential benefits of anticoagulation were not worth the risks.

But I always wondered: Had my brilliant father chosen poorly?

Fast forward to today, and two recent studies, NOAH-AFNET 6 and ARTESiA, are shaking things up in stroke management.

These studies are re-evaluating the use of anticoagulants for stroke prevention in a specific patient group.

This new research sparked my curiosity.

Do the new findings vindicate my father’s decision? Or because he had a first stroke with associated symptoms, is his case different?

More importantly, could they change how we treat individuals suffering a stroke moving forward?

My Goals

In this article, I’ll delve into the NOAH-AFNET 6 and ARTESiA studies, explore their potential impact on stroke treatment, and discuss what these findings might mean for the future.

I’ll end with some ways you can drop your stroke risk.

Blood Thinners to Prevent a Second Stroke

Both NOAH-AFNET 6 and ARTESiA were large-scale, randomized clinical trials designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of anticoagulant blood thinning or clot-preventing) therapy compared to standard treatment (aspirin or placebo) for stroke prevention.

The studies focused on a specific group of patients: those with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) detected by implanted cardiac devices.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

www.stroke.org.

These TIAs, often referred to as “mini-strokes,” are brief episodes of neurological dysfunction that typically last less than an hour and leave no lasting damage.

However, they serve as a warning sign for potential future strokes.

Here is where my dad’s case differs. Doctors diagnosed my father’s stroke because of his symptoms.

In contrast, in these studies, doctors identified the strokes or TIAs through implanted cardiac devices that continuously monitor heart rhythm.

This approach allowed researchers to identify a subgroup of patients who might have experienced these events without exhibiting outward symptoms, potentially putting them at a higher risk of future strokes.

Study Results: Balancing Risks and Benefits

When analyzed using a meta-analysis approach, NOAH-AFNET 6 and ARTESiA findings revealed some intriguing results.

The studies demonstrated this:

For patients with a history of device-detected stroke or TIA, using blood thinners (specifically edoxaban and apixaban in these studies) reduced the risk of ischemic stroke (strokes caused by blood clots blocking blood flow to the brain) compared to aspirin or placebo.

However, the studies also highlighted a crucial trade-off.

While these drugs reduced ischemic stroke risk, there was a corresponding increase in the risk of major bleeding events associated with blood thinners.

Let’s explore how many people we would have to treat to see a benefit from blood thinning drugs.

A Personalized Approach on the Horizon?

The findings from NOAH-AFNET 6 and ARTESiA represent a significant shift in stroke prevention strategies.

Traditionally, the risk of bleeding complications often outweighed the potential benefits of blood thinners in stroke patients.

Thus, my father declined anticoagulants.

However, these studies suggest that the balance might tip favor anticoagulation for a specific subgroup with device-detected stroke or TIA.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Taya Glotzer, MD, an electrophysiologist at the Hackensack University Medical Center (New Jersey, USA), highlights the relatively small reduction in stroke risk observed in both studies.

In ARTESiA, the annual stroke reduction was just 0.44 percent, requiring treatment for 250 patients to prevent one stroke.

NOAH-AFNET 6 showed even smaller reductions, with a 0.2 percent decrease in the main trial and a 0.7 percent reduction in patients with stroke history.

The combined results translate to this:

We would need to treat 500 (for the ARTESiA study) and 143 patients (for NOAH-AFNET 6), respectively, to prevent a single stroke.

Benefits Are Small

Dr. Taya Glotzer, an electrophysiologist at Hackensack University Medical Center, emphasizes that these reductions wouldn’t meet the “class 1 recommendation” criteria for blood thinners, which typically require a 1–2% annual stroke reduction.

However, she does acknowledge a positive takeaway: the studies demonstrate a “very, very low” stroke rate in patients with a history of stroke.

My Take

These studies offer valuable insights, but we should exercise caution.

While blood thinners might be beneficial for some stroke patients with implanted cardiac devices, the reduced stroke risk comes with an increased risk of bleeding.

More research is needed to determine the optimal approach for this specific patient population.

The recent research findings pave the way for a more personalized approach to stroke prevention.

By considering factors like the type of stroke, underlying risk factors, and implanted cardiac devices, doctors can have a more nuanced conversation with patients about anticoagulant therapy’s potential benefits and risks.

This comprehensive approach can empower patients to make informed decisions about their stroke prevention plan.

However, it’s important to remember that these studies are just the beginning.

More research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications of blood thinners in this patient population and further refine treatment strategies.

Perhaps, by exploring this new landscape, we can honor the memory of those lost and pave the way for better treatment options for those facing stroke.

Take Action

Here are some steps you can take to drop your stroke risk:

• Keep your cholesterol and blood pressure in the normal range
• Don’t smoke
• Keep your glucose (blood sugar) in the normal range
• If you have heart disease, get treatment
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Be active
• Eat a balanced diet.

Taking these steps can also help lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Summary

While blood thinners reduce the risk of ischemic stroke, they also increase the risk of major bleeding events.

Before 2024, stroke prevention felt like a clear-cut decision — a binary choice between anticoagulation and not.

Now, we find ourselves in a complex grey zone, carefully weighing the risk of stroke against the potential for bleeding complications with blood thinners. This shift in our understanding requires a more nuanced approach to stroke treatment.

Anticoagulation Shows No Benefit in Preventing Second Stroke

For patients who have had a stroke, anticoagulation with edoxaban didn’t reduce the risk for another.

The post A Father Lost, A Question Lingers: Rethinking Stroke Treatment appeared first on Medika Life.

But then I saw scary headlines proclaiming that the sweetener xylitol — in the gum that I am chewing as I write — is linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and early death.

Here’s CNN:

“Common low-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds.”

The Washington Post offered this take:

“Sugar substitute xylitol linked to increased risk of heart attack, stroke.”

A recent study throws a wrench into the idea that sugar alcohols like xylitol and erythritol are universally healthy, natural sugar substitutes.

Before discussing the research findings, let’s briefly examine xylitol.

Sugar-Free Candy, Gum, Protein Bars & More

True story: I chewed on Xylitol-containing gum as I spied the striking headlines.

For years, xylitol has been a shining star in the sugar-free world.

Xylitol is touted for its low-calorie sweetness and dental benefits. You can find it in everything from sugar-free candy to gum to toothpaste.

New Study on Xylitol

But a new study throws a curveball . Could this seemingly healthy sweetener be linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and even death?

Hold off on tossing your sugar-free stash just yet.

This research follows a multi-step approach:

• Large-scale analysis (discovery cohort): Researchers began by examining blood samples from over 1,100 people undergoing heart evaluations. They were looking for interesting patterns related to how the body processes xylitol.
• Confirmation study (validation cohort): The investigators then used a more precise technique to confirm the initial findings in a separate group of over 2,100 people.
• Detailed lab studies: The researchers then conducted experiments using human blood components and animal models to understand better how xylitol might affect blood clotting.
• Direct impact study: Finally, a small group of healthy volunteers consumed xylitol to assess its effects on their blood clotting function directly.

This multi-pronged approach helped the scientists understand how xylitol interacts with the body and its potential impact on heart health.

Human Study Findings

This research explores a potential link between xylitol, a common sugar substitute, and heart health.

• Step 1: Finding a Clue: The study began by analyzing large groups of people’s blood (discovery cohort). They found that higher levels of a substance like xylitol seemed to be associated with an increased risk of heart problems over three years (major adverse cardiovascular events or MACE).
• Step 2: Confirming the Suspect: Next, they used a more precise method (stable isotope dilution) to confirm it was specifically xylitol, not similar molecules, linked to the increased risk (validation cohort).
• Step 3: Digging Deeper: Scientists then conducted lab experiments (mechanistic studies) to understand how xylitol might influence the body. They found that xylitol, at levels typically seen in the bloodstream after consumption, increased activity in cells involved in blood clotting. This phenomenon could potentially lead to a higher risk of blood clots forming.
• Step 4: Direct Test: Finally, they gave healthy volunteers a xylitol-sweetened drink and observed a rise in their blood levels and increased activity in those same clotting cells.

What Does All of This Mean?

This study suggests a possible link between xylitol and an increased risk of heart problems.

However, it’s important to note that this is a single study; more research is needed to confirm these findings.

It’s also important to remember that correlation doesn’t necessarily equal causation.

Just because high xylitol levels are linked with increased risk doesn’t necessarily mean xylitol itself caused the problem.

They can help you interpret this research in light of your health situation.

Xylitol may not be benign.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the study on xylitol sheds light on a potential link between this common sugar substitute and an increased risk of heart problems.

However, it’s important to approach these findings cautiously, as further research is needed to confirm the results.

As more research emerges, weighing the benefits of xylitol against its potential risks will be important, especially in individual health situations.

One more thing

Xylitol alert! This sweetener can be deadly for dogs.

Here’s a breakdown of the dangers:

• Rapid Blood Sugar Drop: Xylitol is processed differently by dogs than humans. It can cause a quick and severe drop in blood sugar levels.
• Symptoms: This drop can lead to vomiting, weakness, tremors, seizures, and even coma.
• Fast Action Needed: Quickly acting is crucial if you think your dog has ingested xylitol. Contact your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control.

Remember: Keep Xylitol products out of your dog’s reach. These products include sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, peanut butter, some medications, and other products that might contain it.

The post Is My Drink Plotting My Downfall? Xylitol Explained appeared first on Medika Life.

One of the most blatant examples of ignorance and bias has been shown in political campaigns where stroke seems to be a central issue — it shouldn’t be. The inappropriateness of a medical professional in this area is startling.

A stroke comes in varying degrees of brain involvement, some fatal and many neither life-threatening nor totally incapacitating. Medical breakthroughs and physical and cognitive rehab today, offering new hope for stroke patients, are breaking through the wall of ignorance and bias. Even stroke patients with sight loss are now receiving further treatments. One program helps patients to retain or potentially restore stroke-vision loss.

What about the cognitive impairments of a stroke? The results here all depend on the stroke type, the damage’s extent, and where it occurred. Many have ischemic strokes caused by blood clots; an illustration can be found here. One type of stroke, a TIA, or transient ischemic attack, is a “warning stroke” that occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery for a short time. The only difference between a stroke and TIA is that with TIA, the blockage is transient (temporary).

Depending on the type of stroke, rehab can often aid the brain in accessing its extraordinary ability to utilize other areas to take over some actions. The treatments for a stroke are many and varied to address physical and cognitive difficulties. Currently, more than seven million persons in the US have had strokes, so the numbers are not minuscule. But one of the problems is that up to one-third of them don’t receive rehab. What might be the problem here?

One of the problems may be insurance coverage where services are denied because the insurance company doesn’t believe there is “medical necessity,” ask the doctor to get involved. If you believe you are being denied payment or access to a medical service that you are entitled to, you have the right to appeal the decision. If this should happen, appeal the decision or look for ways to take additional action to receive the needed services.

Disability consultants have told me that the usual rehab course is about one year, but insurance may only provide three months of coverage. If Social Security Disability benefits are received, and the consultant decides to limit benefits to three months, do not accept it. Appeal and provide yourself with a disability attorney.

What does Medicare pay for in terms of stroke rehab? Medicare reimbursement depends on the type of Medicare and co-insurance the individual has with Medicare.

The costs may vary, but one study found it can be expensive, especially if all of the stroke patient’s medical insurance isn’t sufficient. One-year costs after the start of medical specialist rehabilitation post-stroke from a societal perspective, were $70,601 and $27,473 for inpatients and outpatients, respectively. For both inpatients and outpatients, rehabilitation was the biggest contributor, yet to a larger extent in inpatients than in outpatients. Both the costs for staying in the rehabilitation facility and for all types of therapy were higher. These costs may not relate to the US since the study was conducted in Europe.

The many areas of cognitive rehab require specific interventions long enough to aid in remediation. Going back to work might be one of the things you can plan to do once recovery has begun. A few helpful hints are offered here to assist anyone recovering from a stroke.

Anyone who wants a high-profile example of a brain injury victim (and that is what a stroke can be considered) should follow former Congresswoman Gabby Gifford’s rehab after a gunshot head wound. The woman should inspire any stroke patient, whether they have had a major or minor stroke.

A stroke is not the end of everything, and one of the most potent factors working on a patient’s behalf is motivation to keep improving. The brain is a wonderful organ, so let it perform its wonders.

The post Stroke Patients Are Being Cast Aside by a Lack of Understanding and Bias appeared first on Medika Life.

Let’s look at a myth about strokes before turning to the risk factors. We’ll end with some strategies to drop your risk of suffering from a stroke.

Myth: We can’t reduce stroke risk

This one hits close to home for me as my dad died of a heart attack and stroke in his 86th year. Friend to both Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X and mentor to hundreds, his passing was a significant loss to many.

But there is this turn of events: Three weeks before his death, my father expressed that he had a full and wonderful life, that his grandchildren were on a path to success, and that he would die in three weeks. He died naturally, to the day.

Now, back to stroke risk-reduction. Here are the most common risk factors for stroke, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine (USA):

Stroke: Potentially modifiable risks

• High blood pressure (hypertension). A blood pressure of 140/90 or higher can damage blood vessels (arteries)providing your brain’s blood supply.
• Heart disease. Heart disease is the number two risk factor for stroke and the primary cause of death for stroke survivors. Stroke and heart disease share many risk factors.
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
• High blood cholesterol and lipids. High cholesterol levels can lead to thickening or hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) caused by plaque buildup. This buildup can decrease the amount of blood flow to the brain. A stroke occurs if there is a blockage of blood supply to the brain.
• Obesity
• Lack of exercise
• Excessive alcohol use. Consumption of more than two alcohol-containing drinks daily raises blood pressure. Binge drinking can lead to stroke.
• Illegal drugs. Intravenous drug abuse is associated with a high risk of stroke from blood clots. Cocaine and other drugs increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and many other cardiovascular problems.
• High red blood cell count. Blood thickening makes clots more likely. This thickening raises stroke risk.
• Abnormal heart rhythm. Some types of heart disease can raise your risk for stroke. Having an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) is the most powerful and treatable heart risk factor of stroke.
• Heart abnormalities. Damaged heart valves (valvular heart disease) can cause long-term heart damage. Over time, this can raise your risk for stroke.
• Mini-strokes (transient ischemic attacks or TIAs) have symptoms the same as with a stroke, but with a TIA, the symptoms are temporary. Here’s the problem: TIAs make it nearly 10-times more likely to have a stroke than someone of the same sex and age who has not experienced a TIA.

After a transient ischemic attack, the risk of stroke is somewhere between two and 17 percent within the first 90 days. Among patients with a transient ischemic attack, one in five will have a subsequent stroke, a heart attack, or die within one year.

There are many risk-reduction strategies for those who have suffered a TIA.

Stroke: Fixed risks

The risk of a stroke more than doubles for each decade after age 55. African-Americans have a significantly higher risk of stroke than whites, partly because African-Americans are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure.

While stroke occurs more commonly in men, more women than men die from the disease in the USA.

A history of a prior stroke increases the chances of having another one. Those with a family history of the condition have a higher risk, too. In the USA, strokes are more common in the country’s southeastern part.

Strokes occur more frequently during temperature extremes.

Stroke risk-reduction

I focus on modifiable risk factors. I avoid high blood pressure, tobacco, and work to tamp down my slightly high triglycerides. I am okay weight-wise and do not suffer from diabetes.

Physical activity and a healthy diet can go a long way to reducing these risk factors. Finally, I try to minimize stress. Hopefully, these lifestyle maneuvers will help me escape any genetics from my dad.

Get help FAST

FAST is an easy way to remember the signs of a stroke. When you see these signs, you will know that you need to get help fast. FAST stands for:

F — Face drooping. One side of the face is drooping or numb. When the person smiles, the smile is uneven.

A — Arm weakness. One arm is weak or numb. When the person lifts both arms simultaneously, one arm may drift downward.

S — Speech difficulty. You may see slurred speech or difficulty speaking. The person can’t repeat a simple sentence correctly when asked.

T — Time to call 911. If someone shows any of these symptoms, call 911 right away. Call even if the symptom goes away. Make a note of the time the symptoms first appeared.

The post A Big Stroke Myth You Should Know appeared first on Medika Life.

Today we explore a study suggesting that as blood pressure rises above 90 mm, we risk damaging our heart’s blood vessels (coronary arteries). Today we look at that recent discovery before turning to more practical issues about blood pressure measurement:

• How often should you check your blood pressure?
• What time of day is best?
• Should you immediately repeat the measurement?
• What substances should you avoid for 30 minutes before checking you?

First of all, thank you for joining me today and caring about your health.

Blood pressure basics

I recently bought a blood pressure measuring tool. Do you know what the medical term is for the device? Kudos if you know this remarkably long name: Sphygmomanometer.

When I measure my blood pressure, the machine gives me two numbers, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The former refers to systole, when my heart pumps blood into the main blood vessels, the aorta.

Diastolic points to diastole, the resting time when blood refills the heart. My heartbeats and the blood pressure rises to the systolic level. In-between beats, it drops to the diastolic level.

I have long thought that I had ideal blood pressure, with a systolic blood pressure of 110 to 118. The American Heart Association agrees with my assessment, offering these observations about blood pressure:

• Normal: Systolic less than 120 and diastolic less than 80
• Elevated: Systolic 120 to 129 and diastolic less than 80
• High blood pressure, stage 1: Systolic 130 to 139 or diastolic 80 to 89
• High blood pressure, stage 2: Systolic 140 or higher or diastolic over 90
• High blood pressure crisis (contact a doctor immediately): Systolic 180 or higher or diastolic over 120

A medical professional must confirm a high blood pressure diagnosis. If you have shallow blood pressure, you should connect with a medical professional.

Blood pressure: A new normal?

Am I right in thinking I am perfect for my blood pressure? Now comes a study that calls our historical definitions of blood pressure into question.

The study title gets right to the point: “Intensive Blood Pressure Control Lowers Cardiovascular Risk.”

Let’s get a bit more granular: When systolic blood pressure rose above 90 mm, the risk of coronary artery damage rose with it. The study suggests that we have made significant improvements in modifying heart disease risk factors (such as tobacco cessation), but we have more work to do. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the USA.

For every 10 mm increase in systolic blood pressure, the risk of calcium deposits and cardiovascular events rose accordingly. Compared with people with systolic pressures of 90 to 99 mm, those with pressures of 120 to 129 mm were 4.58 times more likely to have experienced a cardiovascular event.

We in the USA (and elsewhere) have work to do. As we put on more and more pounds, we increase our risk of two risk factors for heart disease — type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Yes, we have pills for treatment, but they can come with side effects. You probably know what I am going to say: Use lifestyle, including my five pillars of health:

• Move (walking is my go-to)
• Get adequate sleep
• Eat well (and watch your cholesterol and blood sugar levels)
• Mindfulness
• Community engagement

It goes without saying to avoid tobacco and to dodge excess alcohol. Now back to blood pressure. As positive encouragement, I offer this: Individuals in traditional non-industrial societies typically maintain systolic blood pressure in the low 90s throughout life.

Measuring your blood pressure

The Mayo Clinic offers guidance on performing accurate blood pressure monitoring at home:

• Check your blood pressure device’s accuracy. Check it against your healthcare provider’s office model before you start using a monitor. Your provider can also make sure you are using it correctly.
• Measure your blood pressure twice daily. Check in the morning before eating or taking medications, and check again in the evening. Aim for the same times each day.
• Don’t measure blood pressure immediately after you awaken. If you exercise in the morning, check before exercising.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco use in the 30 minutes before measuring, and go to the toilet first (a full bladder may increase your blood pressure).
• Sit quietly during monitoring and always use the same arm. Get your arm to the level of your heart when measuring. Put the cuff on bare skin, not over clothing.
• Repeat the measurement one to three minutes after the first measurement. Write down the results.

Be kind to your heart, brain, and kidneys. Watch your blood pressure. Most of us, myself included, can do better. Thoughts?

The post Rethinking Blood Pressure appeared first on Medika Life.

We know that being sedentary can increase your risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease. One extensive analysis discovered that sedentary behavior increases the risk of early death, cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attack and stroke), cancer incidence and mortality, and type 2 diabetes.

Prolonged sedentary time is independently associated with poorer health outcomes, regardless of physical activity.

Today, we take a quick look at another peril of sedentary behavior (such as television watching): Deep venous thromboembolism or DVT.

TV watching and blood clots

Watching television is an essential component of our sedentary time for many of us. While I don’t watch much television, you will not be surprised that I spend a lot of my time sitting as I write health and wellness articles.

Some, but not all, studies have linked watching television to a higher probability of suffering from potentially deadly blood clots (for example, in the legs). Now comes more evidence of an association between this sedentary behavior and thromboembolic phenomena.

Scientists from Finland, Ghana, and the United Kingdom analyzed a collection of studies in a process known as a meta-analysis. The three studies selected included over 131,000 subjects from Japan and the United States, ages 54 to 65.

The investigators tried to control for potentially confounding variables, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity. The subjects self-reported television viewing time.

Results

Prolonged television watching appeared associated with a one-third (35 percent) increase in the risk of blood clots, compared with watching TV for shorter times.

The researchers appropriately note that we cannot establish a causal relationship between television watching and blood clots because of the observational nature of the studies.

Television watching and blood clots — My take

While I think perils are associated with being sedentary, this study has several potential problems. For example, do those who are very active during the rest of the day have a higher risk of blood clots when we sit at our desks?

The study is observational, so we cannot prove cause and effect. The subjects self-reported their television watching time. Modern tracking devices (smartwatches or FitBit-type devices) can provide more objective data.

Do the results apply to younger individuals? Age is a significant risk factor for blood clots and stroke. Wouldn’t it be nice if studies included data about blood sugars and other measures of inflammation?

Despite these criticisms, I will continue to listen to my smartwatch and get up at least once per hour. Movement is one of my four pillars of health (the others being rest, mindfulness, and diet).Physically Fit? My 4 Fitness PillarsYOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THE NUMEROUS health benefits of physical activity. But what does it mean to be physically fit…medium.com

Thank you for joining me today.

The post Your Television Could Kill You appeared first on Medika Life.

There is no shortage of people who carry excess weight but have impeccable blood pressure and cholesterol levels and no known health problems. Consider the example of professional athletes whose livelihoods are dependent on being heavy, such as football linemen or sumo wrestlers.

At first glance, it is easy to notice their rotund shape, but they also possess greater physical endurance and strength than the average person. On the other hand, some maintain a thin figure but eat poorly, seldom exercise, and have a host of health issues.  Granted, most of us don’t train like professional athletes but it gets to the heart of the question: What matters more when it comes to health– weight or fitness?

Some studies do suggest that regular physical activity can mitigate some of the negative effects of being overweight, which does lend credibility to the idea of being both. Regardless of your weight, exercising regularly is sure to be a good thing. However, even when controlling for physical activity level, those who are overweight tend to be at higher risk of disease than their normal-weight peers.

Here are three reasons why being overweight does not always harmonize with being fit:

1. Fat is a hormonally and metabolically active tissue – Fat cells do more than just add inches. They can influence the balance of hormones and energy systems in our bodies. For example, fat cells can increase cortisol levels, which can further contribute to weight gain, and can promote insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes.   It can also release substances that contribute to a steady level of chronic inflammation in the body – which increases risk of some cancers.
2. Excess weight, irrespective of fitness level, can be a risk factor for development of disease. While some people may be overweight but still maintain healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels, it is important to recognize that they are a snapshot of their present health status. The reality is that being chronically overweight carries the risk of developing other health problems in the future, although there is no way to predict exactly when that might occur.  Health is about the long-term strategy. Some of these health problems include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Certainly, maintaining a regular physical activity regimen to keep fit may delay the development of these conditions, but losing body fat is another important way to reduce the risk of developing them.
3. Carrying extra fat can put undue stress on various body structures. Many discussions about fitness focus on cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of some cancers, but being overweight can also worsen back and joint pain. Chronic back and joint pains are significant causes of disability as we get older.  Extra fat around the neck can also contribute to the development of obstructive sleep apnea by causing the airway to collapse while sleeping.

The COVID pandemic has taught us important lessons about the importance of self-care. It’s not just about our lifespan, but also our health span.  That requires each of us to do our part in striving for a healthier lifestyle, whether that means eating more healthfully, exercising more consistently, or implementing better stress reduction techniques. While it’s possible to achieve good health despite being overweight, reducing excess body fat is yet another way to further optimize health and fitness and reduce the development of chronic disease.

The post How Many Pounds You Weigh vs How Fit You Are… appeared first on Medika Life.