Research on high blood pressure and its consequences. Covers heart-failure prediction, kidney-disease models, AI detection, and cardiovascular risk.
A recent study found that children with high blood pressure at night experienced a faster time to kidney failure than those with normal blood pressure. The study also showed that patients with high blood pressure during both day and night had an even more rapid decline, highlighting the importance of nighttime blood pressure control in...
New research suggests that greater reductions in mean blood pressure may harm the kidneys, rather than benefiting them. In hypertensive patients, intensive blood pressure treatment was found to be associated with an increased risk of kidney function decline.
Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages like soda and juice is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. A review of 36 studies found that frequent intake of these beverages contributes to the onset of cardiometabolic diseases, including high blood pressure and heart disease.
A new study found that Chinese adults who enjoyed spicy foods ate less salt and had lower blood pressure, suggesting a potential health benefit. The study linked spice preference to brain activity in regions involved in salty taste, supporting the idea that spices can reduce salt consumption.
A study characterises the clinical, physical, physiological and dietary patterns of the overweight/obese population with primary hypertension. The researchers found that a profile of high cardiovascular risk includes hypertension diagnosis, excess weight/obesity, poor cardiovascular fitness, and unhealthy dietary habits.
A study of 1.7 million people found that 37% had high blood pressure, with only 5.7% having the condition under control. The study also revealed low treatment rates and ineffective treatments, highlighting the need for a national hypertension strategy.
Scientists found that skin helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate in response to changes in oxygen availability. In mice genetically modified to lack certain HIF proteins, the response to low-oxygen conditions was altered, affecting heart rate, blood pressure, and overall activity.
A recent study found that over one-third of Chinese adults have high blood pressure, with fewer than 1 in 20 having the condition under control. The study also revealed that many primary care pharmacies in China do not stock anti-hypertensive medications, and that higher-cost alternatives are often prescribed.
Researchers found a significant association between elevated systolic blood pressure and the development of mitral regurgitation, a condition where the heart valve leaks. The study suggests that controlling blood pressure may be crucial in preventing this common heart valve disorder.
A new study from The George Institute for Global Health at the University of Oxford found a strong link between high blood pressure and mitral regurgitation, a condition that makes the heart less efficient at pumping blood. Lowering blood pressure through exercise, diet or medication may reduce the risk of developing this condition.
Researchers found that blood pressure medication only restored normal vascular rhythms in larger vessels, leaving smallest ones unaffected. The study suggests that hypertension worsens age-related decline in microvascular function.
A study published in Neurology found a significant increase over 10 years in the percentage of people with stroke who have high blood pressure, diabetes, and other risk factors. The prevalence of these risk factors increased from 88% to 93%, with high cholesterol and drug abuse rates doubling.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that high blood pressure in women's 40s is associated with a 65% increased risk of dementia. Women who developed high blood pressure in their 40s were 73% more likely to develop dementia than those with stable blood pressure throughout their 30s and 40s.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which gut bacteria contribute to hypertension, involving the breakdown of cortisol into a molecule called GALF. This process can lead to an increase in blood pressure. The study aims to develop targeted therapies to combat hypertension.
Men who batted in saunas 4-7 times a week had lower blood pressure levels than those who only batted once a week. This was attributed to vasodilation, improved endothelial function, and relaxation of the body and mind. Regular sauna bathing also reduced the risk of pulmonary diseases.
A study published by The Endocrine Society found that expectant mothers with elevated blood pressure during pregnancy are more likely to have children who develop childhood obesity. Women with high blood pressure, even within the normal range, were associated with a higher risk of overweight or obese children.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that routine screening and interventions for hazardous and harmful alcohol use in people with hypertension in primary care could significantly lower blood pressure and reduce premature deaths. The authors estimate that these interventions would lead to substantial reductions in cardiovascular dis...
Self-monitoring of blood pressure at home is associated with a significant reduction in clinic blood pressure, particularly when combined with individually tailored intensive support. The effect was strongest in people on fewer antihypertensive medications and those with higher systolic blood pressure before self-monitoring.
A community health worker-led multicomponent intervention improved systolic and diastolic blood pressure control in low-income patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Over 18 months, the intervention group showed a significant decrease in blood pressure and increased controlled hypertension rates compared to usual care.
A study of 180 teenagers found evidence of organ damage in those with normal blood pressure and those in the mid-risk group. Researchers suggest that imaging of the heart may be useful to determine how aggressive therapy should be for youth in the high-normal range of blood pressure.
A quality improvement program using MAP framework improved hypertension control in primary care practices by 9.2 percentage points over six months. The program's evidence-based strategies encourage accurate blood pressure measurement and medication adherence, leading to reduced systolic pressures.
A new study found that adults with lower education levels and no partner are less likely to regularly check their blood pressure at home. This is associated with a higher frequency of home monitoring among those with high blood pressure who are aware of it and being treated.
Researchers found that stroke volume explains 55% of the variance in systolic blood pressure in females, while total peripheral resistance is the main determinant in males. This study suggests potential benefits to prescribing blood pressure-lowering medications with consideration for gender differences in underlying physiology.
New research reveals that maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in preventing high blood pressure, with participants who kept their weight in check being 41% less likely to develop increasing blood pressure. The study also found that focusing on weight management can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Research presents evidence that women who develop preeclampsia earlier in pregnancy are more likely to experience thickening in their heart's left ventricle one month after delivery. Women with early-onset preeclampsia also showed more severe left ventricular changes, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.
Research finds that Asian dust is associated with an increased likelihood of acute myocardial infarction, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease. The study analyzed data from Kumamoto University Hospital and found a significant association between Asian dust exposure and the onset of acute myocardial infarction.
A novel screening programme for vascular disease saves one life for every 169 men assessed. The combined screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral artery disease, and hypertension gained more living years for lower costs than European cancer screening programmes.
New research reveals young adults, particularly men, are at higher risk for heart attack and stroke due to inadequate high blood pressure awareness and management. Young adults are more likely to be obese and have lower rates of blood pressure treatment and control compared to middle-aged and older adults.
A minimally invasive catheter-based procedure lowered office and ambulatory blood pressure in uncontrolled hypertensive patients not taking medication. Renal denervation was effective in reducing blood pressure, even with small reductions correlating to significant cardiovascular risk reductions.
A study found that ibuprofen, a commonly prescribed NSAID, increases blood pressure and is associated with a higher incidence of hypertension in patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Celecoxib, on the other hand, showed a slight decrease in blood pressure, while naproxen had a relatively small increase.
The PATHWAY-2 study finds that salt retention is the main cause of drug-resistant hypertension and that older diuretic medications are the most effective treatment. The research discovered that spironolactone and amiloride work equally well in lowering blood pressure, offering new alternatives for patients with resistant hypertension.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham are working on two major cardiovascular diseases: heart failure after heart attacks and resistant high blood pressure. They hope to create new treatments using a combination of engineered heart patches and novel molecular pathways.
The new guidelines offer a series of evidence-based recommendations for pediatricians, including routine blood pressure measurements only at annual wellness visits and using ambulatory blood pressure monitors. The report also removes obese patients from normal blood pressure calculations, replacing them with average-weight kids to prev...
A new study found that low-income patients with high blood pressure are three times less likely to take their medications as directed if their healthcare providers do not use a collaborative communication style. The researchers also found that discussing social issues like employment and housing can increase medication adherence.
A new study investigates how different blood pressure targets affect cognitive function in older adults and finds racial disparities. The research, published in JAMA Neurology, suggests that lower blood pressure targets may offer greater protection for black patients with hypertension.
A study found that women who experience hypertension during pregnancy have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension after pregnancy. Long-term follow-up is necessary to manage risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Research published in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found a significant association between marijuana use and an increased risk of death from hypertension. Marijuana users had a three-fold higher risk of dying from hypertension compared to non-users, with the risk increasing with each additional year of use.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure variability are more likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Home monitoring of blood pressure may be a useful tool for assessing future dementia risk.
A large NIH-funded study found that middle-aged Americans with vascular health risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure are more likely to develop dementia later in life. The study analyzed data from 15,744 participants over 25 years and found a strong link between midlife vascular health and the risk of developing dementia.
Researchers suggest targeting aldosterone receptor for effective hypertension treatment in women. High aldosterone levels are linked to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular risk.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that individuals born in high stroke mortality states have a higher risk of developing dementia. Black participants had the highest risk, with cumulative 20-year dementia risks at age 65 being 30.13% compared to 21.8% for those not born in high stroke mortality states.
Researchers identified potential kidney damage from aggressive blood pressure treatments in mice and patients with high blood pressure. The study found that blocking renin cells, which are sometimes targeted in treating high blood pressure, can cause obstructive vascular lesions in the kidneys.
A study found that phthalates, widely used in consumer products, are linked to cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, and high blood pressure in men. Higher phthalate levels were also associated with increased inflammatory biomarkers.
The USPSTF found a small but positive benefit of behavioral counseling for cardiovascular disease prevention in adults without obesity who do not have high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol or blood sugar levels or diabetes. Behavioral counseling interventions improve healthful behaviors and reduce CVD risk factors, with minimal harms.
A longitudinal study found that overweight, high blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in childhood are linked to decreased arterial distensibility in adolescence. The study suggests that primordial prevention of cardiovascular diseases should focus on children and young people.
A study by Complutense University of Madrid found that 85% of Spanish schoolchildren eat too much salt, with an average daily intake of 7.8g. The experts recommend reducing salt intake from young age, particularly from processed foods like cured meats and bread.
A new study published in The Lancet found that oral misoprostol tablets were more effective than Foley catheter induction in reducing need for caesarean section and increasing vaginal birth rates. Women who received oral misoprostol tablets also reported higher satisfaction rates with the outcome.
Researchers found that African Americans who had at least two modifiable healthy behaviors were 20% less likely to develop high blood pressure. The study also found that those who followed six or more of the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 guidelines had a 90% lower risk of high blood pressure.
A Drexel University study finds that Obamacare has narrowed the gap in care between Mexican-Americans and white Americans with high blood pressure, increasing insurance rates, doctor visits, and regular sources of care. The Affordable Care Act also improved treatment outcomes for Mexican-heritage patients with hypertension.
A long-term study found a significant link between aircraft noise and an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. Exposure to night-time aircraft noise was associated with a doubling in risk of heart flutter and stroke, with every additional 10 dB of noise linked to a 69% heightened risk of high blood pressure.
A study by UAlberta researchers found that 70% of home blood pressure monitor readings are unacceptably inaccurate, which could lead to serious implications for people relying on them. The team advises comparing measurements with clinical readings and taking multiple readings.
A new study found that quarter-dose combinations of blood pressure lowering medications are effective in treating hypertension, resulting in fewer side effects than single doses. Researchers analyzed data from 42 trials involving over 20,000 people with high blood pressure.
A study suggests that lowering systolic blood pressure to below the current recommended targets can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause death. The researchers analyzed data from 42 clinical trials involving over 144,000 patients with hypertension.
Researchers found that nearly 18% of participants aged 50 and older had healthy vascular aging, with the youngest group most likely to achieve this. Lifestyle measures such as staying lean, avoiding diabetes, and maintaining favorable cholesterol levels were also crucial in achieving healthy vascular function.
A new study found that women with preeclampsia are seven times more likely to have severe preeclampsia or eclampsia if they also have pregnancy-associated stroke. Infections and chronic high blood pressure were also linked to an increased risk of stroke in these women.
Researchers found that black patients have not benefited equally from declining risk factors for stroke, with a greater decline in hypertension. Despite decreasing contributions of major risk factors across the entire participant sample, the disparity in reducing these risks highlights racial disparities in cardiovascular health.
A new study found that intensive lowering of blood pressure reduced left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and prevented cardiovascular events. Lowering systolic blood pressure to less than120 mmHg improved heart muscle, but did not correlate with fewer incidents.
Research found that measures of OSA severity were significant predictors of AF, with oxygen desaturation remaining a significant predictor after adjusting for known risk factors. Women with sleep apnea were more likely to develop AF hospitalizations, highlighting the potential for gender-specific mechanisms.
A study by University of Manchester researchers found that over one third of people with high blood pressure are not taking their medication as prescribed. The study used a urine test to examine the relationship between patient characteristics and non-adherence, revealing four key parameters that predict non-adherence
Researchers found that young individuals with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular problems. The study, which examined 2,001 participants in the Dallas Heart Study, suggests treating ISH patients sooner rather than later to prevent future damage.