News by Subject Medicine & Health

Young adults who develop PTSD after a traumatic event (e.g., gun violence, sexual assault, military combat or natural disaster) may be more likely to experience a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or major stroke event by middle age. This nationwide study of more than 1.1 million adults showed that PTSD may be a potent risk factor for developing stroke at a young age.

Research has shown that while elite athletes overall are at decreased risk of death from cardiovascular problems, a certain group of athletes -- football linemen in the United States -- actually have higher risk than the general population than other elite athletes.

African-Americans who reported high levels of chronic stress developed high blood pressure more than people who reported low stress levels.

Children exposed to Swedish snus (a moist, powdered tobacco placed between the gums and upper lip) in the womb have higher systolic blood pressure than children not exposed to nicotine products during fetal development.

Nonpharmacologic treatments, such as massage and touch therapy, seemed to be more effective than pharmacologic treatments for reducing aggression and agitation in adults with dementia. Findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis are published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

People who lose weight and keep it off can stabilize or even improve their cardiometabolic risk factors compared to people who regain weight, finds a new study led by researchers from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts.

People with Type 2 diabetes who regained weight forfeited the benefits of an intensive weight loss program that reduced their heart disease and stroke risk factors. Keeping off at least 75% of lost weight sustained or improved the initial benefits.

Dog ownership was associated with a 33% lower risk of death for heart attack survivors living alone and 27% reduced risk of death for stroke survivors living alone, compared to people who did not own a dog. Dog ownership was associated with a 24% reduced risk of all-cause mortality and a 31% lower risk of death by heart attack or stroke compared to non-owners.