1. Inconsistency of Anti-Hypertensive Medication Increases Risk of Stroke
Research featured in the European Heart Journal has unveiled that the ill practices of hypertensive patients can be detrimental. The study aims to emphasize that the correct doses of treatment is important as it could prevent mild to severe cases of stroke which ultimately lead to death. Read more at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130716194917.htm
The Trial
Around 73, 000 participants, all with hypertension, were grouped into those who adhered to their medication and those who did not. It was discovered that the stubborn cluster had a significant increase risk of dying from stroke within the second year of being prescribed medication for blood pressure control.
A Plea from Medical Communities Worldwide
It’s not only the American medical communities that are uniting to advise people with hypertension to take their medication regularly. Health experts worldwide consisting of leading cardiologists in the UK and Finland are also active in organizing groups to promote the proper care for hypertension.
Change Over Time
The fact that most hypertensive patients are inconsistent with their adherence to medication was also taken into account. Some are strict in taking their prescription for periods ranging from months to years. Unfortunately, the time they spent following medical experts’ orders won’t matter because they still put it to an end.
Based on studies, the majority of hypertensive patients are usually unthreatened by the effects. Due to their condition not causing severe pain, it’s likely that even with the recommendation of a physician and word from medical groups, those suffering from it will just ignore taking their medication. Only until it’s too late will they realize their mistake.
2. Migraine Can Affect the Structure of the Brain, According to a Study
Migraine is possibly affecting the brain’s structure. That is according to a study published in the journal Neurology. The study said that the disease may even cause development of brain lesions. (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265345.php)
The researchers analyzed the data gathered in 19 previous studies, six of which are population-based and 13 clinic-based. The present study was conducted to know if migraines cause silent brain abnormalities, brain volume changes and brain lesions.
The researchers of the study made use of MRI brain images. In the study, patients with “migraines with aura” were also included, in addition to patients with “common-migraine”.
A patient is categorized under “migraine with aura” if the patient had experienced the symptoms before the onset of migraine, in contrast to “common-migraine” patients who experienced the symptoms during the onset of the problem. The MRI images from both groups were then compared to the MRI images of people without migraine.
Here are the results from the present study:
• “Migraine with aura” people are more likely to develop white matter lesions in the brain than those who never had experienced migraines. The risk is increased by about 68%.For those with common migraines, they are only at risk by 34%.
• People with common migraines and those with migraines with aura also experience changes in the brain volume in comparison that don’t have migraine problems.
The findings of this particular research suggest that migraine is affecting the brain structure. This is particularly disturbing because, according to the Migraine Research Foundation, in the US alone, 6 persons go to hospital to be treated for migraine or headache every one minute.
Implication of the Study
Further research should be done to substantiate the findings of the present study. There is also a need to know the health repercussions that can happen when the brain changes its structure due to migraine.