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Pulse pressure: A game changer in the fight against dementia

Researchers propose that elevated pulse pressure in blood traveling to the brain can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular dysfunction, leading to brain damage and cognitive decline. The study suggests reducing elevated pulse pressure could prove synergistic with other therapeutic approaches to treat dementia.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJun 24, 2020

Stroke bleeds in the brain not decreasing, Framingham study finds

A new analysis of the Framingham Heart Study found that brain bleeds called intracerebral hemorrhages remained stable in incidence among all age groups over the past 30 years. However, they increased in people 75 and older, with a threefold increase in seniors taking anticoagulants. The study suggests that thinners could be a factor, b...

One-size-fits-all approach doesn't work for treating hypertension in pregnancy

A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology suggests that women's treatment decisions during pregnancy should be tailored to their individual values and preferences. The research found that half of the women preferred tight control of blood pressure, while half preferred less-tight control, with Caucasian ethnicity, uni...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateMay 11, 2020

High-altitude adaptations connected with lower risk for chronic diseases

Research team finds that high-altitude adaptations in the Himalayas may lower risk for hypertension and diabetes-associated anemia. The study, led by Katherine Wander of Binghamton University, found that a Tibetan-descended population living in Southwest China had lower rates of these conditions compared to low-altitude Han populations.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateApr 23, 2020

Association of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors with severity or risk of death in patients with hypertension hospitalized for COVID-19

A study examined the association between renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and COVID-19 severity, finding no significant link to increased risk of death or severe illness. However, some studies suggest that these medications may exacerbate respiratory symptoms in patients with underlying hypertension.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateApr 23, 2020

Diagnosing hypertension in children

A new study found that testing blood pressure load, which detects elevated readings over 24 hours, is not necessary for diagnosing hypertension in children. Having high average blood pressure on a 24-hour test does strongly predict risk of cardiac and kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 13, 2020

Workplace program to improve blood pressure control

A randomized clinical trial in 60 urban workplaces in China found that a wellness program with hypertension management component significantly improved blood pressure control among employees. The program reduced systolic blood pressure by 3.5 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.5 mmHg compared to usual care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMar 4, 2020

Community health worker-led care improves blood pressure control in hypertensive patients

A multi-country intervention trial found that community health worker-led care led to significant reductions in blood pressure and improved hypertension management. The study, conducted in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, showed a 5mmHg decline in systolic blood pressure and better BP control in the intervention group.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2020

Increases in minimum wage may not have anticipated positive health effects, study shows

A new study by researchers at the University of Washington found that increases in minimum wages had no overall effect on the health of working-age people. However, they did find a mix of negative and positive effects associated with the health of certain subgroups, including increased obesity rates among working-age people of color.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateFeb 10, 2020