Botox May Help Prevent Post-Op A-Fib

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 5, 2018 -- Botox has other uses beyond enhancing lips and minimizing facial wrinkles. Scientists now say it may help prevent atrial fibrillation after heart surgery.

A-fib -- an abnormal heart rhythm -- is common after heart surgery, and it's linked to stroke and heart failure. But two new studies suggest that botox injections during surgery temporarily freeze nerve bundles in the heart, preventing the dangerous complication.

Insights Into Women and Stroke Risk

TUESDAY, Dec. 11, 2018 -- You might be surprised to learn that stroke is the number three killer of women.

Women and men have many of the same risk factors for stroke, but some -- like high blood pressure, migraine with aura, diabetes and stress -- tend to be stronger or more common in women.

AHA: Warm, Wet Weather Linked to Better Outcomes for Stroke Survivors

FRIDAY, Nov. 16, 2018 (American Heart Association) -- Rainy days may bring a lot more than relief from summer heat -- they also are connected to better survival chances and overall outlook for stroke survivors, according to a new study.

Researchers examining the connection between strokes and seasonal weather in the United States found that hospital admissions for ischemic strokes, those caused by blood clots, went up during winter. The season also was associated with a higher chance of patients dying during their hospital stay.

Stroke After Heart Attack: Danger May Persist for Months

MONDAY, Oct. 22, 2018 -- After a heart attack, your risk for a stroke is elevated longer than previously believed, preliminary results of a new study suggest.

"A heart attack is a risk factor for stroke for at least three months," said researcher Dr. Alexander Merkler, an assistant professor of neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.

Does Stroke Run in Your Family? Healthy Living Lowers the Risk

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 24, 2018 -- Has stroke hit your family particularly hard? A healthy lifestyle may be your best defense, new research shows.

The study of more than 306,000 white British people found that exercising, eating right and not smoking lowered stroke risk -- even for those whose DNA predisposed them to the attacks.

Vaccine to Stop Recurrent Strokes Shows Promise in Mice

MONDAY, Oct. 29, 2018 -- Stroke remains a major killer. But could a simple vaccine help prevent a recurrence in stroke survivors someday?

That's the promise from new Japanese research conducted in mice.