Stroke news tips for Friday, Fe...( he biggest indicators for predicting a ...),Health

he biggest indicators for predicting a second stroke. The researchers studied 655 stroke patients over four years and recorded additional strokes, heart attacks or deaths. Fifty-five percent of the participants were women, 27 percent AfricanAmerican, 54 percent Hispanic and their average age was 69. After considering risk factors for coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, age and race-ethnicity, researchers found that stroke patients with fewer than three friends are 40 percent more likely to suffer a second event. If they have no one to help around the house, they are 80 percent more likely to suffer a second stroke. Social support remained the leading risk indicator even when compared to high blood pressure, diabetes, education, gender, insurance, occupation, marital status and the presence of a primary care doctor. Researchers suggest future secondary stroke prevention programs may need to incorporate ways to increase a stroke patients social support system.

Bernadette M. Boden-Albala, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, (212) 305-1710, bb87@columbia.edu; Ralph L. Sacco, (212) 305-1710, rls1@columbia.edu.

5:30 p.m. #P148 Exercise can thin the blood. Although a strong association exists between higher levels of physical activity and a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, it is still unclear what biological mechanisms are involved in this protective effect. Platelet aggregation, (a measure of how the blood clots) and blood cholesterol levels can be used to assess an individuals risk of ischemic cardiovascular disease, because they are components of blood clots. Blood clots can cause heart attack and ischemic stroke, the most common form of stroke. Sixteen young people (50 percent women), average age 26, participated in a six-week, low-impact, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program. Platelet aggregation and cholesterol levels were mea
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Contact: Carole Bullock
210-582-7159
American Heart Association
8-Feb-2002

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