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Very low carbohydrate diets can improve blood pressure, blood sugar levels and weight control compared to diets that only target hypertension

A randomized trial found that very low carbohydrate diets led to greater improvements in systolic blood pressure, glycemic control, and weight compared to the DASH diet. The addition of extra support did not have a statistically significant effect on outcomes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 23, 2023

Mobile phone calls linked with increased risk of high blood pressure

Research published in European Heart Journal – Digital Health found a 12% increased risk of high blood pressure among mobile phone users who spent 30 minutes or more per week on calls. This association held true even after adjusting for other risk factors, suggesting that the duration of phone conversations may be a crucial factor.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Digital Health·DateMay 4, 2023

U.S. adults who felt discrimination at work faced increased risk of high blood pressure

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that U.S. adults who experienced workplace discrimination were more likely to develop high blood pressure. The research, which analyzed data from over 1,200 adults, suggests that work-related stress due to discrimination may be an emerging risk factor for card...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 26, 2023

Growing number of states provide coverage for outpatient hemodialysis for undocumented immigrants

A growing number of states have implemented policies to cover outpatient hemodialysis for undocumented immigrants with kidney failure. This expansion may be due to increased awareness of poor outcomes with emergency hemodialysis and advocacy efforts. The move towards covering dialysis in all 50 states is called for by experts, who also...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023

Keeping a tighter rein on blood pressure in adults over 50 is desirable for brain health

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that intensive blood pressure treatment significantly reduces the risk of adverse cerebrovascular events such as stroke. Participants with hypertension who received intensive treatment showed reduced white matter lesions and improved blood flow, indicating better overall brain health.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023

KAIST team develops highly-sensitive wearable piezoelectric blood pressure sensor for continuous health monitoring

A KAIST research team has developed a highly sensitive, wearable piezoelectric blood pressure sensor for continuous health monitoring. The sensor's accuracy meets international standards, with errors within ±5 mmHg and a standard deviation under 8 mmHg for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 17, 2023

Machine-learning technique identifies people who would benefit most from treatment to reduce future cardiovascular disease risk

Researchers used a novel machine-learning technique called causal forest, which found that treating individuals with high estimated benefits provided better population health outcomes than the traditional high-risk approach. This approach targets those with high blood pressure and could lead to more effective treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 14, 2023

Personalized blood pressure treatment more effective

A new study from Uppsala University found that patients can experience twice as much improvement in blood pressure by changing medication as they would by doubling their current dose. The study, involving 280 patients and testing four different blood pressure-lowering drugs, challenges the conventional strategy of recommending equally ...

SourceUppsala University·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2023

Non-biological factors and social determinants of health important in women’s CVD risk assessment

The new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of including non-biological factors and social determinants in CVD risk assessment for women. These factors include economic stability, neighborhood safety, education level, and access to quality healthcare, which disproportionately affect women from dive...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateApr 10, 2023

High blood pressure in your 30s is associated with worse brain health in your 70s

A new UC Davis study found that high blood pressure in young adulthood is associated with lower regional brain volumes and worse white matter integrity, both factors linked to dementia. The research also showed sex differences in the negative brain changes, with men exhibiting stronger effects than women.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 7, 2023

Strength training reduces BP when practiced with moderate to vigorous intensity two or three times a week

A systematic review of clinical trials found that strength training with moderate to vigorous intensity, two or three times a week, can significantly lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The study analyzed over 21,000 scientific articles and concluded that effective results appeared around the twentieth training session.

World first: Researchers identify specific regions of the brain that are damaged by high blood pressure and are involved in a decline in mental processes and dementia

High blood pressure damages specific brain regions, including the putamen and white matter areas, leading to cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia. The study uses a combination of MRI, genetic analyses, and observational data to identify these affected regions.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2023

Post-bariatric surgery exercise modulates brain regions associated with regulation of food intake

Exercise training after bariatric surgery alters brain networks associated with food intake and energy regulation. The study found that exercise increased connectivity between the hypothalamus and sensory areas, while decreasing links to the default mode network and salience network.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMar 23, 2023

Real-world studies confirm effectiveness of bulevirtide to treat chronic hepatitis D

Three real-world studies published in the Journal of Hepatology and JHEP Reports demonstrate that bulevirtide is well-tolerated and safe for treating chronic hepatitis delta. Long-term suppressive therapy with BLV monotherapy has the potential to reduce viral replication and improve liver function in difficult-to-treat patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

Promoting healthy longevity should start young: pregnancy complications lift women’s risk of mortality in the next 50 years

Research found that pregnancy complications such as preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders, and gestational diabetes are associated with increased risk of mortality. Women who experienced these complications had a higher risk of all-cause mortality, with some complications linked to specific causes of death like cardiovascular diseases.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2023

Researchers study the impact of cancer on Hispanic patients and their caregivers

A recent review article highlights the significant impact of cancer on Hispanic patients and their caregivers, citing communication barriers, financial difficulties, and sociocultural issues. The study estimates 126,000 new cancer cases diagnosed yearly in Hispanics, placing a substantial burden on family members and friends.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalCancers·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2023

New trials show promising, minimally invasive procedure to treat resistant hypertension

A recent study published in JAMA demonstrates the effectiveness of a minimally invasive procedure called renal denervation (RDN) to treat uncontrolled hypertension. RDN uses ultrasound energy delivered through a small balloon to denervate the renal artery, reducing sympathetic nerve activity and decreasing blood pressure.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateMar 16, 2023

Pregnancy complications tied to higher risk of death as long as 50 years later

A new study found that pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure and preterm delivery, can increase the risk of death in decades following childbirth. The research tracked data from over 46,000 people born between 1959 and 1966, revealing a significant association between these complications and increased mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCirculation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 14, 2023

Remote blood pressure management program enhanced care during pandemic

A remote hypertension program, operated by Mass General Brigham, successfully supported patients through the COVID-19 pandemic in achieving their blood pressure goals. Participants who enrolled during the pandemic reached and maintained their goal blood pressures an average of two months earlier than in the pre-pandemic period.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeObservational study·DateMar 13, 2023

New drug to lower brain pressure could treat blinding IIH headaches, trial finds

A phase two trial found that exenatide significantly reduced brain pressure and monthly headaches in seven patients with Idiopathic Intercranial Hypertension (IIH). The study showed a rapid action of the drug, with results indicating significant reductions in brain pressure and headache days compared to the placebo arm.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBrain·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 12, 2023

Meta-analysis shows association between autism in children and cardiometabolic diseases

A meta-analysis of 34 studies found a significant association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and increased risks of developing diabetes, dyslipidemia, and heart disease. Children with ASD were more likely to develop these metabolic complications, prompting clinicians to monitor them closely.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 10, 2023

Obesity puts people at higher risk of diabetes and hypertension than dyslipidemia, especially women

Research reveals obesity increases risk of diabetes and hypertension more significantly in women, with weight loss effective in reducing disease risk. However, merely losing weight is insufficient for reducing dyslipidemia in women, highlighting the need for lifestyle improvement guidance and treatment.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 2, 2023

Black women of childbearing age more likely to have high blood pressure, raising pregnancy risks

A new study found that Black women of childbearing age are twice as likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure as their white peers, increasing their risk of heart-related complications during pregnancy. Food insecurity was also a significant issue among Black and Hispanic women, with one in four experiencing food insecurity.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 27, 2023