Research on high blood pressure and its consequences. Covers heart-failure prediction, kidney-disease models, AI detection, and cardiovascular risk.
A global multicentre clinical trial found that a one-hour ultrasound-based procedure called 'renal denervation' significantly reduced blood pressure in resistant hypertension patients. The study, published in The Lancet, suggests this procedure could offer hope to patients who do not respond to recommended treatments.
The American Heart Association recommends increasing physical activity as the first treatment choice for mild to moderately elevated blood pressure and cholesterol. Regular exercise can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, with benefits extending to other health areas.
A study of over 5.8 million children found that those whose mothers had high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia during pregnancy were more likely to develop stroke by age 41. The research suggests a potential long-term link between maternal hypertensive disorders and cardiovascular disease in offspring.
The SPRINT study found that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120 mm Hg significantly reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular disease. The study also showed a 25% decrease in all-cause mortality.
A new study found that the 2016 US presidential election may have triggered potentially life-threatening heart rhythms and worsened high blood pressure in people with underlying cardiovascular disease. Researchers linked data from cardiac devices to find a significant increase in arrhythmias during the election period.
A recent study presented at the American Heart Association's conference found that black adults who consumed ultra-processed foods were at a 55% increased risk for high blood pressure compared to white adults. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 participants and used the NOVA system to categorize food processing levels.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened disparities in blood pressure control, particularly among uninsured and under-resourced populations. Research shows a decline in healthy blood pressure levels before the pandemic, with limited access to healthcare and health insurance as key factors.
A new study found that ultrasound treatment, called renal denervation, significantly lowered blood pressure in patients with drug-resistant hypertension. The procedure, which uses brief pulses of ultrasound to disrupt nerve signals, resulted in a 8-point drop in daytime blood pressure and an average decrease of 8.3 points at night.
Patients who underwent renal denervation experienced a median reduction of 8 mmHg in daytime ambulatory systolic blood pressure. The procedure was shown to be effective regardless of sex, ethnicity, age, or waist size.
Women in their early 40s with mildly elevated blood pressure face a doubled risk of acute coronary syndromes in their 50s. Regular monitoring and lifestyle changes can help mitigate this risk.
A study found that Black and Hispanic women are more likely to develop idiopathic intracranial hypertension, a condition characterized by increased pressure in the fluid surrounding the brain. Obesity is the primary risk factor for the condition, which can cause chronic headaches, vision problems, and permanent vision loss.
Smaller, solo practices that made operational changes, such as training medical assistants for accurate blood pressure readings, saw substantial improvements. Practice facilitation was crucial, with larger practices requiring more facilitation to achieve meaningful gains.
A new study reveals that nearly 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure are taking medications that could elevate their blood pressure. Researchers identified three common culprits: antidepressants, NSAIDs, and oral steroids, which were reported by 9%, 7%, and 2% of participants, respectively.
A meta-analysis of 14 air pollution studies found that short- and long-term exposure to certain environmental air pollutants is associated with elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels in children and adolescents. Regular blood pressure measurement can help identify individuals with elevated blood pressure early.
Researchers at UniSA identified an enzyme, NEDD4-2, that regulates sodium reabsorption in kidneys. Low levels of the protein are linked to chronic kidney disease progression, even without high blood pressure.
Researchers describe a rare case of atrial flutter followed by supraventricular tachycardia in a newborn with Turner syndrome. The study highlights the need for early and precise investigation of cardiovascular rhythm disorders in infants and children with Turner syndrome.
Researchers found that intermittent fasting lowers blood pressure by altering the gut microbiota composition. The study suggests that gut dysbiosis contributes to hypertension by changing bile acid signaling.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure are more likely to drink less coffee or choose decaf, highlighting the role of genetics in regulating coffee consumption for cardio health. Genetic tolerance to caffeine is linked to coffee drinking habits, suggesting a protective mechanism.
A recent study found a causal genetic link between coffee consumption and cardio health, suggesting that genetics play a role in regulating safe levels of caffeine. People with high blood pressure are more likely to avoid or limit their caffeine intake.
Researchers investigated the prevalence of portopulmonary hypertension among patients with chronic liver disease at Shinshu University Hospital. The study aims to clarify the condition's etiology and pathophysiology, as well as identify risk factors for its onset.
The USPSTF reaffirms its recommendation of screening for high blood pressure in adults 18 years or older, highlighting the condition's significant impact on cardiovascular health. Regular screenings are crucial for early detection and effective management of hypertension.
A new study found that Black and Hispanic stroke survivors are at higher risk of having changes in the brain's blood vessels that can lead to a second bleeding stroke. The research, published in Neurology, suggests that these differences may be due to disparities in healthcare access and severity of cerebral small vessel disease.
A study found that women with a history of migraine before menopause are at a 29% higher risk of developing high blood pressure after menopause. This association was observed even among those without aura and could be linked to early signs of arterial stiffness.
Scientists developed a new mathematical model to predict disease onset risk using patient genomic data, providing improved predictive quality and personalized health risks for patients. The model can analyze large datasets of genetic markers linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
A study found that addressing social determinants of health improved blood pressure control in patients with diabetes or hypertension in Kenya. The intervention combined community microfinance groups with group medical visits reduced systolic blood pressure by 44% compared to standard care.
A study found that gender-affirming hormone therapy can lead to changes in blood pressure among transgender men and women, with an average decrease in systolic blood pressure for women and increase for men. The study highlights the importance of monitoring blood pressure and preventive measures in this patient population.
A new study found that gender-affirming hormone therapy was associated with changes in blood pressure among transgender men and women. Researchers monitored 470 patients who began hormone therapy between 2007 and 2015, and found that some experienced different blood pressure effects compared to their peers.
A new study led by UCSF reveals that maintaining physical activity during young adulthood, especially at higher levels than previously recommended, is crucial in preventing hypertension. Among the four groups, Black men were found to be the most active in early adulthood but saw significant declines in exercise intake by age 60, mirror...
A new study by NUI Galway researchers found no evidence that diastolic blood pressure can be harmful when reduced to levels previously thought too low. The study suggests treating systolic values between 100-130mmHg is beneficial, freeing doctors from worrying about diastolic readings falling too low.
Researchers found that high blood pressure alters artery structure, facilitating atherosclerosis development and increasing accumulation of LDL cholesterol in human-like arteries. Keeping both LDL cholesterol and blood pressure low is crucial for preventing atherosclerosis.
A medical records study revealed that infant cardiac surgery may be associated with increased hypertension in adulthood. Despite restored healthy heart function post-surgery within 10 years of birth, the study found a potential link between childhood CHD repair and high blood pressure later in life.
A new study found that certain high blood pressure medications prescribed to people with HIV may alter their heart risk, particularly those taking beta-blockers. Researchers suggest ACEi/ARBs and diuretics as safer alternatives.
A new study suggests that a stricter definition of high blood pressure during pregnancy could identify more women at risk of developing life-threatening complications. The revised definition would make over 50,000 additional women eligible for aspirin treatment to prevent preeclampsia.
A new study by The George Institute for Global Health found that replacing regular salt with a reduced-sodium, added-potassium salt substitute significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in rural Indian hypertensive patients. The intervention was shown to be an effective and low-cost way to control blood pressure in these communities.
A Kaiser Permanente study reveals that Black middle-aged adults are at a significantly higher risk of stroke due to high blood pressure. The research highlights the importance of raising awareness among young and middle-aged Black adults about the dangers of hypertension.
A low-cost hypertension management intervention was shown to be cost-effective and scalable for rural communities in low- and middle-income countries. The study found that scaling up the program could save governments $10.70 per participant treated, with costs decreasing over time.
Research estimates that physical inactivity is responsible for up to 8% of non-communicable diseases and deaths globally. The impact per person is greatest in high-income countries, while middle-income countries have the largest population affected by physical inactivity.
A recent study found that adults with periodontitis, a severe gum infection, are more likely to have higher blood pressure compared to those with healthy gums. The researchers also discovered that active gum inflammation is associated with higher systolic blood pressure values.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends specific exercises for individuals based on their current blood pressure level. For those with hypertension, aerobic exercise is the most effective method to lower blood pressure. For people with high-normal blood pressure, dynamic resistance training is recommended, while those with normal...
Only 3% of patients with high blood pressure who are at risk for primary aldosteronism receive screening, a condition that can lead to heart and kidney complications. Researchers emphasize the importance of initiatives to encourage screening to prevent cardiovascular and kidney disease.
A new review published in the Journal of Dairy Science suggests that fermented milks may help reduce hypertension by modulating gut microbiota. The researchers propose the development of tailor-made fermented milks to target this effect, which could have significant implications for cardiovascular health.
Despite minimal improvement, racial disparities persist in rural areas for diabetes and high blood pressure-related mortality. However, modest gains were observed for heart disease and stroke mortality in both rural and urban areas.
A multiyear workplace health promotion program was shown to prevent health risks among working-age individuals. The study found that participants remained at the same level or improved their rating, while only a small percentage deteriorated.
A large UK-based study found that high blood pressure is poorly controlled in over half of those diagnosed with the condition, with older age, black ethnicity, and low earnings being key risk factors. Despite treatment, nearly two-thirds of patients are not receiving proper care.
A recent study found that even small differences in blood pressure measurements between arms can lead to incorrect diagnoses in children. The research involved 118 participants aged 7-18 years and showed that one in four healthy children had an inter-arm difference that could lead to misdiagnosis.
Women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) have a greater risk of premature mortality, including cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related deaths. A new study found that GHTN and preeclampsia were associated with a 42% increase in premature mortality, while women with HDP had an over two-fold higher risk of premature...
This issue of CVIA features important papers on COVID-19's impact on cardiology, including a meta-analysis of pacemaker complications and risk factors for pressure injuries during aortic surgery. Research also explores the relationship between cardiac injury and inflammatory biomarkers in severe COVID-19 patients.
Researchers at Aarhus University and hospital have identified the fundamental step linking hypertension to atherosclerosis, finding that hypertension causes increased accumulation of bad cholesterol in arterial walls. This discovery may aid in developing new treatments targeting disease mechanisms.
Children and adolescents exposed to tobacco smoke or living with a smoker may be at higher risk of elevated blood pressure. Researchers found a significant association between tobacco exposure and increased blood pressure in children.
A decade after childbirth, women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy may experience changes in the structure and function of their hearts, predisposing them to ischemic heart disease and heart failure. Early therapeutic interventions can help prevent long-term cardiac complications.
Researchers identified two novel vascular smooth muscle cell subsets under high hydrostatic pressure, which promote or exacerbate endothelial dysfunction. These subsets are associated with hypertension and contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and stroke.
Research from the Smidt Heart Institute found that women have a lower normal blood pressure range compared to men, with systolic pressures above 110mmHg associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study's authors recommend reassessing blood pressure guidelines to account for sex differences.
A study led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that nearly 60% of low-income, middle-aged African-American women with uncontrolled hypertension screened positive for depression. The researchers emphasize the need for routine screening and treatment for these women.
A study found that higher blood pressure at night than day increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older men. Researchers analyzed data from 1,000 Swedish men and found a 64% increased risk of dementia diagnosis among those with reverse dipping blood pressure patterns.
A recent study has found that women who develop high blood pressure during and after pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing chronic hypertension. The study, which followed 368 women for six to 18 months after delivery, found that nearly half of the women developed high blood pressure in the first six weeks postpartum.
Hypertension symptoms in women are frequently misattributed to menopause, increasing their risk of heart disease and stroke. Middle-aged women with a history of pregnancy complications or early menopause are particularly at risk.
A new University of Saskatchewan study found that stretching is superior to brisk walking for reducing blood pressure in people with high blood pressure or at risk of developing elevated levels. Stretching resulted in bigger reductions in blood pressure across all three types of measurement.
A retrospective cohort study found that testing for primary aldosteronism in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension was rare and associated with higher rates of evidence-based treatment and better blood pressure control. An adaptive stepped exercise program improved pain and physical function in knee osteoarthritis patients.
A global study found that a difference in blood pressure readings between arms is linked to increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. The research suggests that measuring both arms could save lives by identifying patients at significantly increased risk.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients who are men, obese, or have complications from diabetes or hypertension have a higher risk of dying. The analysis also showed that age remains the strongest predictor of mortality from COVID-19.