Research on high blood pressure and its consequences. Covers heart-failure prediction, kidney-disease models, AI detection, and cardiovascular risk.
A new study found that early-onset hypertension (before age 55) is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular death and may be linked to an inherited predisposition. This knowledge can help clinicians assess an individual's cardiovascular risk more effectively.
Young veterans with combat-related PTSD have an increased 'fight or flight' response during mental stress, contributing to higher risks of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that these individuals had higher adrenaline levels and less control over their heart rate in response to blood pressure changes.
A study found that the DASH diet reduced gout incidence in men with similar dietary patterns, while a Western diet increased risk. The diet's emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products may help lower uric acid levels and reduce cardiovascular problems.
A diet high in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, but low in salt, sugary drinks, and red meat, is associated with a lower risk of gout. The DASH diet has been found to reduce blood pressure and uric acid levels, suggesting it may also lower gout risk.
Researchers at Western University developed a simple blood test to identify physiological changes causing resistant hypertension, leading to improved treatment outcomes. The study found that patients treated with the test had 50% controlled blood pressure after one year, compared to 11.1% in those receiving usual treatment.
Investigators at MUSC have identified a critical regulatory mechanism for nitric oxide production in liver endothelial cells following liver injury. The study reveals that inhibition of CAV1 or GRK2 phosphorylation compromises complex formation and reduces eNOS activity, leading to increased portal pressure.
Researchers have discovered that altered immune cells activated by placental ischemia can exacerbate preeclampsia symptoms. However, deleting these cells in animal models of the condition reduces hypertension, inflammation, and fetal growth restriction.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered a new cause of high blood pressure, known as Connshing syndrome, which is characterized by the overproduction of both aldosterone and cortisol. This condition can lead to increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and may require additional treatment beyond current medications.
A unique bleeding syndrome associated with chronic gastrointestinal bleeding has been identified by researchers at MUSC. The syndrome, characterized by acute bleeding and presence of iron deficiency anemia, is recognized as a common condition that practicing physicians should be aware of.
A new study reveals a rising trend in hospitalizations for hypertensive emergency but a decrease in hospital mortality rates over the last decade. The presence of acute cardiorespiratory failure, chest pain, stroke, and aortic dissection were key predictors of higher hospital mortality.
A study published in Pediatrics found that obesity significantly increases the risk of high blood pressure in Hispanic adolescents, with a prevalence rate nearly six times higher than in non-Hispanic peers. Researchers attribute this disparity to lack of data on health risks for Hispanic youth.
The Endocrine Society has issued a statement advising healthcare providers on how to spot hormonal causes of high blood pressure that can be cured with surgery or treated effectively with medication. Screening for underlying conditions is crucial to prevent cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and even death.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism suggests that increasing dietary potassium intake can have an equally important effect on hypertension as decreasing sodium intake. Eating foods high in potassium, such as sweet potatoes, avocados, and spinach, may help lower blood pressure.
A recent study found that patients with higher levels of trust in the medical profession took their blood pressure medicine 93% of the time, compared to 82% for those with lower levels of trust. The study also linked trust to greater resilience and better health-related quality of life.
A new study found that comprehensive pharmacist care can improve health outcomes and save significant money for Canada's healthcare system. The research estimates that full scope pharmacist care could prevent over 130,000 strokes, 260,000 heart attacks, and save nearly a million years of life.
A study of nearly 7,500 Americans age 65 or older found that elevated blood pressure is not related to high mortality risk among those with weak grip strength. The research suggests treating high blood pressure in older patients should not follow a one-size-fits-all approach.
A recent study published in the Canadian Family Physician journal reveals that more than half of Canadian family doctors are using outdated manual devices to measure blood pressure, resulting in inaccurate diagnoses. This can lead to unnecessary medication and increased healthcare costs.
Participants in an online behavioral intervention for high blood pressure reduced their systolic blood pressure by 10 mmHg, compared to a 6 mmHg reduction for those taking part in a control group. The study found that lifestyle counseling can complement and optimize the effectiveness of medical therapy to reduce high blood pressure.
A new study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that high uric acid levels in very young children are associated with higher blood pressure at 3 years of age. The research suggests that maintaining appropriate levels of serum uric acids from early life may help reduce the risk of future increased blood pressure.
New research finds automated blood pressure monitoring over 30 minutes significantly reduces the number of patients meeting criteria for antihypertensive medication. This technique yields lower blood pressure readings than routine office measurements, helping to avoid overtreatment.
A study on rat models found changes in brain activity and blood flow early in life, potentially linked to hypertension. The researchers suggest that these changes could be a cause of high blood pressure, paving the way for potential prevention strategies.
A study found that people with high blood pressure consumed an average of 3,100 milligrams of sodium per day, more than twice the recommended daily limit. The increase was driven by rising sodium intake among Hispanics and African-Americans, groups that historically showed lower sodium intake levels.
A new study finds that babies born to mothers with cardiometabolic risk factors had lower systolic blood pressure if their mothers had higher folate levels during pregnancy. Children with elevated systolic blood pressure were more likely to have mothers with pre-pregnancy obesity, hypertensive disorders, and diabetes.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa are at high risk of developing hypertension, which can lead to cardiovascular disease. The study suggests integrating routine hypertension screening into HIV clinics and expanding access to antihypertensive medications.
Research reveals that only one in five patients with resistant hypertension are taking all their prescribed medications, while 20% are not taking any. The study found that adherence to medication greatly affects the ability to assess the value of another treatment, and patients can take steps to prevent high blood pressure from remaini...
Researchers have discovered that nitric oxide, which regulates blood pressure, is formed in nerves rather than blood vessel walls. This finding could lead to new treatments for people with poorly controlled high blood pressure.
The International Society of Feline Medicine has published consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of hypertension in cats. The guidelines emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment, highlighting challenges such as routine blood pressure monitoring being performed infrequently in cats.
Researchers found that patients who experienced food insecurity had a higher incidence of stroke risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes. In contrast, patients not labeled food insecure had lower rates of these conditions.
A new study found that intensive lowering of systolic blood pressure to below 120 mm Hg would prevent 107,500 deaths per year in the United States. This reduction would be primarily among men aged 75 or older.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of Iowa have shown that gestational hypertension can be reversed in offspring born to hypertensive rats. The study's findings may offer a promising approach to addressing fetal programming and preventing the transfer of health risks from mothers to children.
Researchers are exploring how high salt intake can trigger an immune response contributing to chronic high blood pressure in females. Studies found that female salt-resistant rats produce nitric oxide, a powerful dilator of blood vessels, which takes pressure down and activates a protective immune response.
Researchers project that intensive blood pressure control can save over 100,000 lives each year in the US. By lowering blood pressure to less than 120 mmHg, the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death can be significantly reduced. However, this approach may require additional medication and more frequent health check-ups.
A new ultra-low dose four-in-one pill has shown remarkable results in treating high blood pressure, with all patients experiencing significant drops in blood levels within 4 weeks. Researchers also found no side effects associated with the treatment, which could be a game-changer for patients worldwide.
Scientists are investigating how increased cell death from high blood pressure leads to inflammation and further increases blood pressure. They aim to identify targets that could block unintended results without suppressing the natural immune response.
Scientists have identified 107 new gene regions linked to high blood pressure, enabling doctors to target treatments and advise on lifestyle changes. The findings suggest a personalized medicine approach could reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A study published in Frontiers in Physiology found that people living at higher altitudes (457-2297 meters) had a lower risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome, which contributes to heart disease and diabetes. The research suggests that high-altitude living may help improve heart and lung function, insulin sensitivity, and weight loss.
A 1-year football training program significantly reduces blood pressure, body fat percentage, and improves bone density in women with mildly high blood pressure. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of Football Fitness as a broad-spectrum medicine for women with high blood pressure.
Researchers found that coronary artery calcium scores can help personalize treatment for patients with mild to moderate high blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease. The study suggests using these scores to determine the most appropriate blood pressure treatment strategy for each patient.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) have released a new guideline for treating hypertension in adults 60 years old and older. The guidelines recommend a less aggressive treatment target for otherwise healthy adults, with a focus on achieving a systolic blood pressure of less tha...
The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommend that physicians initiate treatment in adults aged 60 years old and older with persistent systolic blood pressure at or above 150 mm Hg to achieve a target systolic blood pressure of less than 150 mm Hg. The guideline notes that some ...
A clinical trial in Nigeria replaced biomass and kerosene cookstoves with ethanol stoves, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in pregnant women. The study found a significant decrease in high blood pressure among women who cooked with ethanol, with risks reduced by 97% compared to those using traditional...
A new study suggests that a woman's blood pressure before pregnancy is related to the likelihood of delivering a boy or girl. The research found that women with higher blood pressure before pregnancy were more likely to deliver a boy, contradicting previous theories and providing a novel insight into human reproduction.
A global analysis of 8.7 million participants found that elevated systolic blood pressure increased substantially between 1990 and 2015, leading to over 10 million deaths and 212 million disability-adjusted life-years. The study highlights the need for increased efforts to control high blood pressure globally.
The National Commission on Prevention Priorities has released updated rankings for clinical preventive services, highlighting the most effective and cost-effective options. The top three services include immunizing children, tobacco-use screening, and alcohol misuse screening, with scores of 10 out of a possible 10.
A new study reveals that 50% of Canadians are unaware they have high blood pressure, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education on managing the condition. Researchers also found a significant number of participants experienced hypertensive urgency or emergency, emphasizing the importance of proper management.
A Brazilian government-sponsored community activity program has improved activity levels of adult women, with a significant increase in leisure-time physical activity rates. The study suggests that the program can serve as a model to reduce inequalities in physical activity worldwide.
A new study found that pediatricians in the US underdiagnose hypertension and prehypertension in children aged 3 to 18 by as much as 95%, leading to inadequate treatment. The study analyzed electronic health records of over 400,000 children and revealed that only 6% of those with diagnosed hypertension received prescribed medication.
A large study found that thiazide diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, are associated with a lower risk of hip and pelvic fractures. The analysis included 22,180 participants followed for up to eight years and reported a 21% lower risk of fractures in the chlorthalidone group compared to other treatments.
A new study finds that dementia rates are decreasing in the US, particularly among those with more years of education. However, three risk factors – diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity – are on the rise and could offset these gains.
A special edition of the International Journal for Equity in Health examines Brazil's improved access to medical care and highlights areas where health inequalities persist. The study finds disparities in healthy life expectancy, chronic diseases, mental health care, and violence across different regions and socioeconomic groups.
A UK study found that nearly half of stroke patients were not prescribed preventative drugs, including those with high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats. Researchers estimate that up to 12,000 first strokes could be prevented annually through optimal prescribing.
The global prevalence of high blood pressure has more than doubled over the past 40 years, with significant increases observed in low- and middle-income countries. High blood pressure remains a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease, claiming over 7.5 million lives annually.
The number of people with high blood pressure has nearly doubled in 40 years, with the UK being the European country with the lowest proportion of people with high blood pressure. Research found that men have higher blood pressure than women globally, and that poor nutrition in childhood may contribute to the growing problem.
A preliminary study found that offspring with early-onset parental hypertension are more likely to develop high blood pressure, with a 3.5 times increased risk compared to those with normal blood pressure.
A recent study published in JCI Journals reveals that immune cells, specifically perivascular macrophages, play a crucial role in the development of dementia in individuals with hypertension. The research suggests that targeting these cells may be a potential approach for preventing cognitive decline in high blood pressure patients.
Research found that children who experienced childhood abuse or neglect had higher blood pressure and greater variability in blood pressure readings. The study suggests that clinicians should ask patients about childhood adversity and monitor blood pressure variability to identify individuals at risk of adult hypertension.
A study found that African-Americans have greater aortic stiffness than Caucasians and Hispanics, which may explain the higher rates of hypertension and heart disease in this group. The researchers suggest that genetic differences, sodium intake, and potassium levels may contribute to these findings.
A five-year study in Tanzania aims to determine whether combining diabetes and hypertension screening with HIV screening will increase HIV testing and care. The integrated approach is expected to improve health outcomes and reduce costs, addressing growing global epidemics of HIV, diabetes, and hypertension.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that white coat hypertension is associated with an increased risk of heart disease in older patients. Researchers analyzed data from over 650 patients and found that those diagnosed with white coat hypertension were more likely to experience cardiovascular eve...
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine found that electroacupuncture can lower blood pressure for at least three days by increasing enkephalin gene expression. The therapy may be suitable for treating clinical hypertension with minimal side effects.