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White coat hypertension may indicate risk for heart disease in some people

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...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 31, 2016

Study finds that sleep apnea therapy has positive impact on hypertensive patients

A new study found that positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy for sleep apnea significantly improves patient-reported outcomes in hypertensive patients, including reduced daytime sleepiness, depressive symptoms, and fatigue severity. The study also showed consistent improvement even in resistant hypertension cases.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateOct 28, 2016

Brain receptor identified as link between obese mothers and children's high blood pressure

A study by King's College London has discovered a link between maternal obesity during pregnancy and increased blood pressure in children, with the 'fullness' hormone leptin playing a key role. Mice exposed to high levels of leptin in the womb developed high blood pressure and kidney damage later in life.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2016

Targeting cardiovascular disease risk factors may be important across a lifetime

A recent NIH-funded study found that all adults, regardless of age, should be mindful of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The study, led by George Howard, discovered that nearly half of participants developed high blood pressure during a 10-year follow-up, highlighting the importance of prevention efforts across the lifespan.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 5, 2016

Is sex in later years good for your health?

A study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that sex in later years can have contrasting effects on cardiovascular health for men and women. For older men, frequent sex increases the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems, while moderate amounts of sex may promote health among older women.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateSep 6, 2016

Hypertension: Releasing the pressure at its source

Researchers have identified a potential new way to treat high blood pressure by targeting aberrant nerve signals in the carotid bodies. By blocking these signals, they were able to significantly reduce blood pressure in preclinical models, suggesting a novel approach to controlling cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 6, 2016

Diet designed to lower blood pressure also reduces risk of kidney disease

A study published in American Journal of Kidney Diseases found that following a DASH-style diet can lower the risk of developing chronic kidney disease over two decades. The diet, which emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy, was also shown to reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateAug 9, 2016

To beat hypertension, take the 'clinic' to the people

A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that one-on-one coaching sessions with trained pharmacists and dietitians significantly reduced blood pressure among participants, especially those who were African American. The program's motivational interviewing approach helped patients set achievable goals and address medication concerns.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalEthnicity & Disease·DateAug 4, 2016

Virgin olive oil and hypertension

Epidemiological studies support the consumption of virgin olive oil as an effective antihypertensive agent. The unique bioactive properties of oleic acid and minor constituents in virgin olive oil protect against hypertension by influencing vascular contractibility and heart/kidney cellular loss, leading to reduced blood pressure.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Vascular Pharmacology·DateJul 19, 2016

New study shows differences in blood pressure variation across ethnicity

A recent study by Binghamton University found significant ethnic differences in circadian blood pressure variation among African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, and European American women. The research suggests that genetic and cultural factors contribute to these variations, which can inform personalized treatment approa...

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateJul 13, 2016

Men may face high lifetime risk of sudden cardiac death

A study published by the American Heart Association found that about one in every nine men will experience sudden cardiac death, most before age 70. The study also revealed that sudden cardiac death claims up to 450,000 American lives each year, with no prior symptoms of cardiovascular disease being a common cause.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 29, 2016

Americans are getting heart-healthier: Coronary heart disease decreasing in the US

A new study found significant improvements in coronary heart disease rates among the US population, particularly among those without established risk factors. The prevalence of CHD decreased by 1.3% from 2001-2002 to 2011-2012, with notable declines seen among women, non-Hispanic white and black adults, and those with health insurance.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 14, 2016

Study finds wide geographic differences in treatment of diabetes, hypertension, depression

A large-scale observational study found significant variations in treatment pathways for patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and depression worldwide. The study analyzed 250 million patient records from four countries and identified unique treatment patterns for each condition.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2016

NIH study confirms benefits of intensive blood pressure management among seniors aged 75 and older

A new analysis of the SPRINT study confirms that adults aged 75 and older with high blood pressure benefit from a systolic blood pressure goal of less than 120 mm Hg, reducing cardiovascular events by 33% and death risk by 32%. The findings suggest a more aggressive blood pressure intervention may be beneficial for this age group.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateMay 19, 2016

Blood pressure targets for individuals with kidney disease should consider patients' age

A study of over 300,000 patients with chronic kidney disease found that higher systolic blood pressure is linked to poor outcomes, but this association diminishes with advanced age. The findings support current clinical guidelines for younger patients, but suggest a more cautious approach for very elderly patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 21, 2016

NIH study: Healthy diet may reduce high blood pressure risk after gestational diabetes

A study by the National Institutes of Health found that a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce the risk of high blood pressure among women who had pregnancy-related (gestational) diabetes. Women who adhered to such a diet were 20% less likely to develop high blood pressure than those who did not.

Blood pressure difference linked to heart disease risk

A large-scale study found that a difference of 5mm Hg in systolic blood pressure measurements between the two arms was associated with almost double the risk of death from heart-related disease over an eight-year period. This suggests that measuring blood pressure in both arms is crucial for identifying individuals at higher risk of ca...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateApr 14, 2016