Research on high blood pressure and its consequences. Covers heart-failure prediction, kidney-disease models, AI detection, and cardiovascular risk.
Researchers analyzed health records of nearly half a million patients post-heart attack and found that depression was associated with a nearly 50% higher stroke risk compared to those without depression. The study highlights the need for greater attention to mental health in research and practice.
A new study suggests that a high-salt diet can lead to the hyperactivity of brain cells, resulting in increased constriction of blood vessels and worsening of cardiometabolic diseases. The research also found that excessive salt consumption can trigger an unusual response in which neurons become more active despite reduced blood flow.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that Hispanic/Latino youths experiencing food insecurity have poorer HDL-C levels, greater fasting glucose and triglycerides, and a higher risk of metabolic syndrome. The study highlights the need for nutrition policies to address food insecurity among this population.
A study published in the American Heart Association's Hypertension Journal found that a significant rise in blood pressure upon standing may identify those with a higher risk of serious cardiovascular events. Young adults with untreated stage 1 hypertension who experienced an exaggerated blood pressure response to standing were five ti...
A new 3D matrix ultrasound method has been developed to assess cardiovascular risk in healthy individuals, offering a reliable and accurate alternative to traditional methods. The technique shows promise for personalized prevention and treatment strategies by detecting and quantifying an individual's accumulated cardiovascular damage.
Intermittent fasting produces mild to moderate weight loss and improves cardiometabolic risk factors, comparable to traditional calorie-restricted diets. The review also dispels myths about intermittent fasting, including the misconception that it leads to weakness and decreased concentration.
Children with high diastolic blood pressure scores had reduced risk of in-hospital mortality and reduced time in the ICU and hospital after CHD repair surgery. Predictive models could be improved by adding blood pressure polygenic risk scores to identify children at risk for adverse outcomes.
A new study found that consuming a balanced diet with proteins from various different sources may help prevent the development of high blood pressure. The analysis involved nearly 12,200 adults in China and found an association between protein variety score and reduced risk of new-onset hypertension.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Board of Governors approved funding for 12 new comparative clinical effectiveness research studies focusing on maternal health, autism, and urinary incontinence. These studies will improve healthcare delivery and health outcomes in real-world settings.
Researchers found that a community-based approach to reporting APOL1 genetic test results resulted in lower blood pressure readings among hypertensive patients. This trial suggests that involving communities in genetic testing could be beneficial for reducing the risks of chronic kidney disease.
A recent study published in BMJ Open found that many women with preeclampsia lack awareness about symptoms and long-term cardiovascular risks, underscoring the need for improved patient education and support. The research team surveyed over 800 pregnant women, revealing a significant gap in mental health support and preventive measures.
A study of predominantly low-income Hispanic/Latina women found that diets high in solid fat, refined grains and cheese increased the likelihood of preeclampsia, while diets rich in non-starchy vegetables, oils and fruit may lower blood pressure risk during pregnancy
A new study led by Kaiser Permanente investigators found that home blood pressure monitoring is a better option for making new diagnoses of hypertension than clinic settings. This method allows for multiple readings to be collected and averaged, providing a more accurate representation of an individual's average blood pressure.
A recent study found a significant association between oral bacteria and the development of hypertension in postmenopausal women. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,200 participants and identified 15 bacterial strains linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure.
A study found that using a one-size-fits-all approach to blood pressure cuffs can lead to inaccuracies in measurements and diagnosis. Using an appropriately sized cuff reduced the risk of misclassification, with smaller cuffs underestimating blood pressure readings and larger cuffs overestimating them.
Researchers studied 384 African American women aged 30-46 with 48-hour blood pressure monitoring. Being in debt was linked to higher daytime and nighttime blood pressure and increased risk of sustained hypertension.
A new collection of scientific articles reviews the past decade of research on women's cardiovascular health, identifying key differences between men and women. The studies highlight critical gaps in current knowledge and emphasize the need for a more tailored approach to diagnosing and treating heart disease and stroke risk in women.
A large study found a significant link between salt-containing paracetamol and an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and death. Patients with high blood pressure who took sodium-containing paracetamol had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death compared to those taking non-sodium-containing paracetamol.
Researchers found elevated plasma xanthine oxidase activity and more fragments of damaged mitochondrial DNA in Black adults with resistant hypertension compared to white adults. These findings suggest an important underlying cause of increased cardiovascular risk in Blacks with difficult-to-treat hypertension.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that women who experienced sexual assault and workplace harassment are at a higher risk of developing hypertension. The study analyzed data from over 33,000 women and found that experiencing both types of trauma had the highest risk of hypertension.
Research found that women who experienced sexual violence were more likely to develop high blood pressure over a seven-year period. Women who experienced both sexual assault and workplace harassment had the highest risk of developing high blood pressure.
A recent study led by NYU Abu Dhabi researchers found that 23.8% of indigenous Nepali individuals were hypertensive, with nearly 14% having no association with identified lifestyle factors. The findings highlight the need for tailored medical research to address the unique health challenges of indigenous populations in Nepal.
A new 10-year analysis shows that only half of individuals with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity receive lifestyle support from their GPs. Lifestyle interventions can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals that more than half of young women in the US have at least one risk factor for poor heart health before pregnancy. Optimizing heart health before and during pregnancy can prevent complications, deliver a healthy baby, and even reduce the risk of heart disease years later.
Researchers at University of Gothenburg discover a link between micro-stress and increased blood pressure, identifying a brain area controlling conscious motor skills. The study opens the door to influencing BP spikes and preventing hypertension through training.
Research found that pregnant women with sleep apnea are at a higher risk for developing hypertension and metabolic syndrome after delivery. A study of over 1,900 women found that those with persistent sleep apnea were three times more likely to develop hypertension and two times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome.
Long-term paracetamol use increases the risk of heart disease and strokes in people with high blood pressure. Researchers recommend using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time and monitoring blood pressure closely.
A new telehealth strategy for post-stroke care improved patient engagement and blood pressure control among stroke survivors living in underserved communities. The study found that remote blood pressure monitoring with mobile devices and video visits led to better health outcomes.
Research suggests that high blood pressure during young adulthood may contribute to changes in the brain later in life, increasing the risk for cognitive decline. A study of 142 adults found significant brain changes in midlife, averaging age 55, linked to vascular risk factors.
Researchers have discovered that a small protein called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) couples the body's control of blood sugar and blood pressure. This finding could lead to new treatment strategies for patients with hypertension and/or diabetes.
Hospitalizations for hypertensive crises more than doubled between 2002 and 2014, despite reports of overall progress in blood pressure control. The study found that women had similar hospital mortality rates to men, but with a higher risk of dying during a hypertensive crisis.
Research from the University of Virginia Health System found that long-term use of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can lead to hardened kidney vessels. The drugs, commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure, were associated with damage in both lab mice and humans.
A study identified factors at midlife associated with a decline in women's physical health 10 years later. Higher body mass index, smoking, osteoarthritis, and depressive symptoms were found to be significantly linked to clinically important declines in physical health.
A new issue of the CVIA journal has been published, featuring research on the clinical significance of angiographically detectable neovascularity in patients with cardiac myxoma. Studies found that ADN was present in 42.4% of patients and was associated with higher levels of eosinophils and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Aspirin use in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease should be individualized based on benefit-to-risk assessment, not age. The authors' updated meta-analysis shows a 13% reduction in cardiovascular disease with similar benefits at older ages.
Researchers have developed a custom finger clip device that measures blood pressure and other vital signs like heart rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature, and respiratory rate. The device uses photoplethysmography sensors and achieves an accuracy rate of about 90% for systolic blood pressure.
A study of over 1,300 patients found that Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion (MACS) is much more prevalent than previously reported, with almost every second patient having MACS. The condition was linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, particularly in older women.
A cross-sectional study found that mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) predominantly affects women, increasing the frequency and severity of hypertension and type 2 diabetes compared to nonfunctioning adrenal tumors. Patients with MACS carried an increased cardiometabolic burden similar to Cushing Syndrome, even without typical f...
Chronic hypertension is driving rising maternal mortality rates in the US, particularly among Black women. The study highlights a 15-fold increase in maternal mortality associated with chronic hypertension over 40 years.
A study of over 6,000 women found that US-born Black women are at higher risk of preeclampsia, but this is not solely due to their racial background. Factors such as biology, social and cultural elements, and access to healthcare also play a role in this disparity.
A global study found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients with metabolic syndrome had a 20% higher risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and dying. The study examined records of over 46,000 patients in 181 hospitals across 26 countries.
A recent study published by Queen Mary University of London has found that certain risk factors for heart disease are linked to changes in the structure and appearance of the heart. The research analyzed images from over 30,000 people's heart MRI scans using a new imaging toolkit called radiomics.
A new Northwestern University study has derived and validated the first set of risk prediction models for lifetime risk of heart failure. The models can identify individuals at greatest risk, especially among young adults, allowing physicians to start prevention measures sooner.
Researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science developed a novel model to assess hypertension risk based on simple risk factors. The model achieved an AUC of 0.92, outperforming traditional methods, and identified top risk factors including Body Mass Index, age, and family history.
Research shows autistic adults on Medicaid have higher odds of co-occurring physical and mental health conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and epilepsy, compared to the general population. Racial and ethnic disparities are also evident, with Black, Hispanic, and Asian adults facing higher odds of certain conditions.
A new NIH-funded study aims to test a program using a pharmacist-community health worker team to help patients with high blood pressure stay on track with their medication. The intervention addresses barriers to adherence, such as low health literacy and limited transportation access, through culturally relevant education and support.
A study of 16,000 adults with high blood pressure found significant racial disparities in blood pressure control, linked to unequal treatment intensification and missed appointments. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these inequities and improve outcomes for underserved populations.
A daily dose of yoghurt has been found to be associated with lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. The study, conducted on 915 community-dwelling adults, found that even small amounts of yoghurt were linked to significant reductions in blood pressure.
A recent study found that US adults experienced higher blood pressure levels during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased sedentary behavior, poor eating habits, and stress. The American Heart Association emphasizes the need for regular exercise, a healthy diet, and monitoring blood pressure to manage cardiovascular risk factors.
A study by the CDC found a strong association between obesity and diabetes, both of which are widespread in the U.S., and severe COVID-19 disease. In South Carolina, chronic diseases disproportionately affect Black communities, increasing their risk of developing severe COVID-19.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that maternal hypertension genes influence infant birth weight through effects on the placenta. The researchers analyzed fetal growth data and found a significant association between maternal genetic risk score and placental weight.
A study by CIBERDEM and IBIMA found a significant association between long-term exposure to particulate matter pollution and the incidence of high blood pressure. The research, published in Scientific Reports, monitored 1103 people over 8 years, with 282 cases of incident high blood pressure recorded.
A new study found that only 13.7% of women diagnosed with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy attended a blood pressure screening visit within 10 days of delivery. Women with inadequate prenatal care utilization had lower rates of screening attendance compared to those with adequate care.
A nationally representative survey of 27,600 US adults found that 14.9% used medications that may cause an increase in blood pressure, including 18.5% of those with high blood pressure. The study highlights the importance of monitoring medication use in patients with hypertension.
A recent study published in Hypertension suggests that adolescent arterial stiffness may increase the risk of systolic and diastolic hypertension by 20% and 2-fold, respectively, seven years later. Higher arterial stiffness levels were also associated with an increased risk of abdominal and whole-body obesity.
A village doctor-led intervention was found to be effective in reducing blood pressure levels by over half of participants within 18 months. The program, which included health coaching and home blood pressure monitoring, improved healthcare access for those with uncontrolled high blood pressure in rural China.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that losartan, commonly used to treat high blood pressure, did not significantly slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease in people with mild-to-moderate symptoms. However, the drug may still be beneficial for those with early-stage disease if prescribed for longer periods.
A study analyzing data from 109 COVID-19 patients found that obesity is the key factor associated with endothelial dysfunction, a condition increasing heart attack and stroke risk. The results suggest an 17% higher cardiovascular risk for obese patients compared to those of normal weight.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that chlorthalidone significantly lowered blood pressure by 11mmHg in patients with stage 4 chronic kidney disease. The results also showed a 50% reduction in albuminuria, suggesting potential benefits for reducing kidney failure progression and hospitalizations.
Researchers found that firefighters experience significant increases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure when responding to emergency calls, with most having uncontrolled hypertension. The study aims to raise awareness about the risks of cardiovascular disease among firefighters.