An easy, inexpensive way to detect those most likely to suffer a future heart attack or stroke has been discovered by Medical School researchers. The method is independent of smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, being overweight, and other common risk factors. The researchers also found that aspirin significantly reduces the chance of a first heart attack and stroke in those at highest risk. Risk for ischemic stroke was two times higher.
Ischemic stroke occurs when clots plug arteries bringing blood to the brain.
This raises the possibility that other anti-inflammatory agents may help to prevent heart disease and stroke. Common brand names of such agents include Advil, Excedrin, Motrin, and Nuprin. Cutting the Risk Ridker and his colleagues recruited men who participate in the Physicians' Health Study, a joint effort of the Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Later Harvard studies found the same is very likely to be true in women. Tests have already begun to determine whether the protein serves as a useful predictor for women as well as for men.