The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has published a new study regarding the benefits of folic acid used in conjunction with blood pressure medication, based on a sample of more than 20,000 adults with high blood pressure and no previous heart attacks or strokes. Researchers said the study “is the first large-scale randomized trial to test the hypothesis using individual measures of baseline folate [folic acid] levels.”
The study found that people who take medication for high blood pressure as well as a folic acid supplement were less likely to have a stroke than those who took just the drug. Folic acid occurs naturally in many foods, but “large segments of the world’s population, potentially billions of people… have low levels of folate,” said Meir Stampfer and Walter Willett of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
The study shows promise for those at higher risk of suffering a stroke. While prevention is the best solution, research is ongoing in many areas regarding stroke. The National Institute of Health says about that research:
“Currently… researchers are studying the mechanisms of stroke risk factors and the process of brain damage that results from stroke. Basic research has also focused on the genetics of stroke and stroke risk factors. Scientists are working to develop new and better ways to help the brain repair itself to restore important functions. New advances in imaging and rehabilitation have shown that the brain can compensate for function lost as a result of stroke.”
Signs and symptoms of a stroke
Strokes can be devastating not only to the victim but to friends and family. While promising research like this continues, it’s important to know the signs of a stroke. Faster treatment means a better chance of minimizing any damage that happens. The National Institute of Health’s “Know Stroke” campaign offers these signs and symptoms to watch for:
- Sudden NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden CONFUSION, trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes
- Sudden TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden SEVERE HEADACHE with no known cause
Additionally, it is important to be aware that a stress on the body from a traumatic wreck or blunt force trauma can accelerate the likelihood of a stroke occurring secondary to such an event. The Rocky McElhaney Law Firm has been helping injury victims across Tennessee and the Southeast for over 15 years and we have had particular success helping victims of stroke brought on by trauma. If you or someone you know has subsequently suffered a stroke or a traumatic brain injury as a result of such circumstances, please contact us for a free consultation. We fight for your future. We fight for you.
