Among adults ages 18-49 (median age of 41 years) who were born with a hole in the upper chambers of their heart known as patent foramen ovale (PFO), strokes of unknown cause were more strongly associated with nontraditional risk factors, such as migraines, liver disease or cancer, rather than more typical factors such as high blood pressure.

Triage — when first responders assess the severity of patient injuries to determine the need for treatment and what treatment to provide — is critical to saving lives at the scene of a car crash, fire or other emergency. The updated guidelines could benefit emergency responders and patients alike once the issues are addressed. The project was awarded through a cooperative effort between the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, which is administered under the Uniformed Services University.