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This heart implant is a game-changer in reducing the risk of stroke

geralt/Pixabay

Thanks to advancements in technology, more and more developments have been made in the medical field. One such breakthrough is a certain heart implant that can reduce the risk of a stroke in people.

Express reports that the implant referred to as Watchman FLX, developed by scientists in Britain, recently launched and the first batch of patients who already suffer from heart disease have already been fitted with this implant. Watchman FLX is the size of a coin and acts as a sieve when inserted into the left atrial of the heart which is where 90 percent of blood clots that result in strokes come from.

The studies conducted by researchers in the Mayo Clinic found that this device lowered the risk of a stroke in patients by up to 70 percent. This result means that the device completely changes the game when it comes to treating a wide range of patients, particularly those who suffer from atrial fibrillation. Heart specialist Dr. John Foran, expressed that the Watchman FLX can “potentially save thousands of patients from strokes. For people who cannot take blood-thinning drugs, this implant provides cover without the need for medication.”

At the moment, patients who do suffer from atrial fibrillation tend to be prescribed blood-thinning drugs. However, this medication can also result in the bleeding of the stomach as well as the brain, which can also result in a stroke.

One of the ways to reduce the risk of heart disease, in general, is through lifestyle changes. Express reports that in terms of dietary changes, certain foods like tomatoes and limiting the intake of foods that contain trans fats or saturated fats to lower the risks of high cholesterol and high blood pressure as well as heart attacks.

How much sleep a person gets is also a factor that can either lower or increase a person’s risk of heart disease. When it comes to sleep, take note of sleeping patterns such as breathing and if you snore. There is also reducing stress, in order to lower the risk of heart disease. Along with at least 2.5 hours of physical activity every day or at least 150 minutes of exercise, a week can help promote overall health as well as weight loss.

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