341. Statin medications lower the risk of dangerous types of strokes
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
Strokes are one of the leading causes of death and disability in this country. A new study published in the journal Neurology suggests that statin medications lower the risk of the most dangerous type of stroke. Researchers in Denmark analyzed the medical records of over 88,000 people who did not have a history of stroke. Almost 2,200 had a stroke from an intracerebral hemorrhage during the study period. An intracerebral hemorrhage involves blood from an artery suddenly leaking into the brain. The researchers found that adults who were on statin drugs at any time during the study had a 16 percent and 17 percent lower risk of a bleeding stroke, depending on the location. Those who took a statin for more than five years had a 33 to 38 percent lower risk. In addition to statins, other stroke prevention efforts can include exercise, eating a healthy diet, and stopping smoking.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
