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New study finds both components of blood pressure predict heart attack, stroke risk

A large Kaiser Permanente-led study found that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings predict cardiovascular risk, contradicting decades of previous research. The study analyzed over 36 million blood pressure readings from 1.3 million people, revealing that high blood pressure is a strong predictor of heart attack or stroke.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 17, 2019

NIH scientists link genetics to risk of high blood pressure among blacks

Researchers found 17 variants of the ARMC5 gene linked to high blood pressure among blacks, including one 'protective' variant associated with lower blood pressure. The study suggests ARMC5 may play a role in regulating blood pressure in blacks and could be related to primary aldosteronism.

Study finds link between hypertension and air pollution

A new study published in the Journal of Public Health suggests a significant link between long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and an increased risk of developing hypertension. The researchers also found associations between air pollution levels and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, higher triglyceride levels, and ob...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateJun 25, 2019

Elevated air pollution could diminish health benefits of living in walkable communities

A study led by St. Michael's Hospital found that living in walkable neighborhoods can have diminishing health benefits due to increased exposure to traffic-related air pollution. The research, based on nearly 2.5 million adults from Ontario municipalities, challenges the idea that walkability always improves overall health and well-being.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalEnvironment International·DateJun 25, 2019

Being denied a wanted abortion may have detrimental health effects in the long term

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that women who were denied an abortion due to gestational age limit reported worse health 5 years later compared to those who underwent an abortion. The study also found similar physical health outcomes between women who had abortions in the first or second trimester and those who ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 10, 2019

Early weight-loss surgery may improve type 2 diabetes, blood pressure outcomes

A study funded by the NIH found that early weight-loss surgery in youth can lead to remission of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, compared to waiting until later in life. Teens who underwent gastric bypass surgery showed significant improvements in blood glucose control and reduced medication use.

Arsenic in drinking water may change heart structure raising risk of heart disease

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that arsenic exposure in drinking water may lead to thickening of the heart's main pumping chamber in young adults, increasing the risk for future heart problems. The study, published online in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging, assessed the effects of arsenic o...

Sleeping pill use linked to greater need for blood pressure medications

A study of 752 older adults found that using sleeping pills regularly was associated with an increasing number of blood pressure medications over time. The association held true regardless of sleep duration, quality, or other factors, suggesting that sleeping pill use may indicate a future need for greater hypertension treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalGeriatrics and Gerontology International·DateApr 3, 2019

Researchers find high blood pressure link

A recent study published in Hypertension Research found a significant association between early onset menstruation and high blood pressure in late adulthood. The research suggests that women with early menarche may have less optimal developed cardiovascular systems, increasing their risk for hypertension.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalHypertension Research·DateMar 7, 2019