Cardiovascular Research: Race influences warfarin dose ♦ All forms of smoking are bad for the heart ♦ Blood pressure medications can lead to increased risk of stroke

Before an operation, low blood pressure rather than high is a risk factor for death New research suggests that, before an operation, low blood pressure rather than high blood pressure is an independent risk factor for death.

Blood pressure medications can lead to increased risk of stroke The importance of preventing hypertension is reinforced by a study showing anti-hypertension medicines can increase stroke risk by 248 percent, according to new research.

Anticoagulant medications: Newer, easier to manage medications may not always be the best choice If you are over age 75, and taking an anticoagulant, the old standard may be the gold standard, Mayo Clinic researchers and collaborators have determined.

Race influences warfarin dose A new report demonstrates that clinical and genetic factors affecting dose requirements for warfarin vary by race. The study proposes race-specific equations to help clinicians better calculate warfarin dosage

All forms of smoking are bad for the heart All forms of smoking are bad for the heart, the European Society of Cardiology has warned.