AHA News: Emphysema May Raise Risk of Ruptured Aneurysms

TUESDAY, March 19, 2019 (American Heart Association News) -- When a weakened artery wall balloons or bulges, it's called an aneurysm. For people with emphysema, the risk of that aneurysm rupturing is much higher than for those without the lung condition, new research suggests.

While family history may play a role, how and why aneurysms develop is not well understood. The study, published Tuesday in the American Heart Association journal Stroke, found that emphysema may be a unique risk factor for aneurysm, potentially giving doctors another tool to identify people with aneurysms.

AHA News: Black Woman in Their 50s Face Especially High Stroke Risk

THURSDAY, March 14, 2019 (American Heart Association News) -- Black women in their 50s may have more than triple the risk of stroke compared to white women of the same age, according to a new study that also found a healthy lifestyle could help curb much of that risk.

The findings suggest strokes are "impacting black women at a time in their lives when they're most productive at the peak of their lives," said Monik C. Jiménez, lead author of the study published Thursday in the American Heart Association journal Stroke.

Heavier People May Be More Likely to Survive a Stroke

WEDNESDAY, March 6, 2019 -- While it's long been understood that being overweight or obese raises the odds of stroke, new research indicates those carrying extra weight are far less likely to die after having such a "brain attack."

For the study, scientists analyzed more than 1,000 people who had a so-called ischemic stroke, in which a clot blocks blood flow to the brain. The researchers found that severely obese patients were 62 percent less likely to die afterward than patients of normal weight.

Flu May Up the Odds of Stroke, Neck Artery Tears

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 30, 2019 -- Flu can make you deathly ill, but it could also trigger a stroke or a rupture in your neck arteries, two new studies suggest.

The findings prompted an urgent reminder from the researchers: Getting a flu shot will not only protect you against infection but may also reduce your risk for these serious complications.

Vaping Tied to Rise in Stroke, Heart Attack Risk

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 30, 2019 -- People who vape might increase their odds of suffering a stroke, heart attack or heart disease, a new study suggests.

Federal survey data revealed that compared with nonusers, people who use e-cigarettes have a:

An Upbeat Attitude Might Help Prevent 2nd Stroke

THURSDAY, Jan. 31, 2019 -- If you've had a stroke, a positive outlook might just help prevent another one, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that when people felt they could protect themselves from a second stroke, they had lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for a recurrent stroke.