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Ochsner study shows that social circumstances have outsized impact on hypertension control

A large clinical trial conducted at Ochsner Health found that social determinants of health, including financial stress and lack of health literacy, have a significant impact on blood pressure control rates among patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The study suggests that these barriers can eliminate racial disparities in hyperten...

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJul 20, 2022

Blacks found twice as likely to have atherosclerosis as Hispanics in young adult populations in underserved communities

A new Mount Sinai study reveals that young Black adults are twice as likely to have atherosclerosis as their Hispanic counterparts. Researchers used comprehensive questionnaires and 3D vascular ultrasounds to determine cardiovascular risk scores, finding significant discrepancies between the groups.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

“Unlocking” sarcopenic obesity: A review in portal hypertension & cirrhosis provides clarity on key aspects of disease impact and treatment

Researchers from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital review sarcopenic obesity's impact on liver disease, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. The study aims to clarify the pathogenesis of sarcopenic obesity and identify potential therapeutic avenues.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPortal Hypertension & Cirrhosis·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 6, 2022

Increase in leptin levels in preeclampsia prompts cardiovascular cascade that puts mother and baby at risk

Researchers discovered that midgestation leptin surge in preeclampsia leads to endothelial dysfunction, blood vessel constriction, and restricted fetal growth. This finding highlights the crucial role of leptin in pregnancy and its potential consequences on maternal and infant cardiovascular health.

Physical exercise boosts beneficial cardiovascular effects of losartan in men with high blood pressure

Researchers found that aerobic exercise improves autonomic regulation of the heart and contributes to proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Walking for 45 minutes three times a week increased heart rate variability, a scientifically validated parameter to assess the functioning of the autonomic nervous system.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalClinical and Experimental Hypertension·DateJun 22, 2022

NUS Medicine researchers discover glaucoma and chronic kidney disease have more in common than what meets the eye

Chronic kidney disease and glaucoma have been found to share common risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension, leading to a higher risk of developing both conditions. The study also reveals that patients with glaucoma are more likely to develop chronic kidney disease over time.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 21, 2022

Pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome at risk of heart complications during delivery, study finds

A new study links polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events and pregnancy outcomes during delivery, including preeclampsia and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for heart complications compared to those without the hormone disorder.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 16, 2022

Singapore study: Highly scalable multi-pronged intervention could cut hypertension-linked morbidity, mortality globally

A cluster-randomised trial in Singapore showed a low-cost, multi-pronged intervention improved BP control, reduced cardiovascular risk and increased use of antihypertensive medications. The intervention could cut hypertension-linked morbidity and mortality globally with rapid scalability.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 13, 2022

Adult survivors of childhood cancer often undertreated for cardiovascular risk factors

A new study found that adult survivors of childhood cancer are 80% more likely to be undertreated for cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The study highlights the need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals and improved health management strategies for cancer survivors.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 8, 2022

Transcranial stimulation lowers blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension, study shows

A recent study published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can lower blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. After a single session or ten sessions, the treatment reduced peripheral and central blood pressure in some patients by up to 15 mmHg.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateJun 7, 2022

Continuity of primary care reduces hospitalizations in people with chronic kidney disease

A retrospective cohort study found that poor continuity of care is associated with increased health care use and sub-optimal prescribing of guideline-recommended medications in patients with CKD. Strengthening patient-provider relationships and guiding physicians on recommended prescribing can help mitigate these issues.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 24, 2022

Lifestyle coaching lowers blood pressure in Black adults

A Kaiser Permanente study found that culturally tailored lifestyle coaching can help Black adults with hypertension improve their blood pressure control, leading to long-term benefits. The coaching program resulted in better blood pressure control compared to usual care and enhanced medication management programs.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 18, 2022

More cardiovascular disease found in lean people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease than in those who are overweight with the same condition

A new study found that lean individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease compared to those who are overweight or obese. Despite having lower risks for other metabolic and cardiovascular conditions, lean patients with NAFLD were more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

Obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure increase mortality from COVID-19 – especially among young and middle-aged people

A recent study found that obesity, impaired blood glucose metabolism, and high blood pressure significantly increase the risk of dying from COVID-19 in young and middle-aged people. Researchers analyzed data from the European case registry LEOSS and found that patients with all three conditions had a similar increased risk of death as ...

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

Changing guidelines for treating mild chronic hypertension in pregnancy

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating even mild forms of high blood pressure during pregnancy is safe and beneficial for both mother and developing baby. The study's results demonstrated a significant decrease in pregnancy complications, including severe preeclampsia and preterm births.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2022

Understanding arteriosclerosis: How blood vessels restructure under pressure

High blood pressure can cause long-lasting changes in the structure of vascular smooth muscle cells, stiffening arterial walls and increasing the risk of cerebrovascular disease. Researchers found that a signaling pathway triggered by E–T coupling is involved in this process, leading to inflammation and vascular remodeling.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2022

Making a game of it: Contests help new moms increase their steps

Researchers found that gamification increased daily steps by an average of 647 for postpartum individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, demonstrates the effectiveness of text-based gamification interventions to improve physical activity among high-risk postpartum women.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 20, 2022

Study: Mediterranean-style diet further linked to reduced risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women of all races

A new study found that following a Mediterranean-style diet can lower the risk of preeclampsia by at least 20% in pregnant women. The research surveyed over 8,000 women and found that racial differences in rates of preeclampsia were more related to socioeconomic factors than genetic or biological ones.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 20, 2022

Study explores what food sector needs to know about how to reduce sodium

A comprehensive review of scientific literature on sodium reduction strategies in food production identifies five main approaches: salt reduction, salt replacers, flavor modification, physical modification, and functional modification. These methods can help food companies reduce sodium content while maintaining palatability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalComprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 18, 2022

Under (blood) pressure

A study by Alisa Auer and Petra Wirtz found that men with essential hypertension are more likely to recognize angry expressions when looking at others' faces. This 'anger recognition bias' contributes to increased blood pressure over time if someone experiences high levels of anger.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateMar 31, 2022