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UC Davis study finds that above-normal weight alone does not increase the short-term risk of death

A new UC Davis study found that being overweight or obese alone is not linked to an increased risk of death in the short-term. However, severely obese individuals with diabetes or hypertension do face a higher risk of mortality, emphasizing the importance of weight loss and managing co-occurring health conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateJul 6, 2012

Jeffrey W. Olin, DO, authors study that describes symptoms and severity of fibromuscular dysplasia

A patient registry has yielded crucial data on the clinical features and outcomes of fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), a non-inflammatory vascular disease. The study found that 91% of patients are women diagnosed in their prime of life, with an average delay in diagnosis of four years from symptom onset.

WSU study finds overwhelming evidence of hidden heart disease in hypertensive African-Americans

A Wayne State University School of Medicine study found that 90.7% of patients with hypertension also had hidden heart disease, emphasizing the need for early detection and treatment. The study's results have significant implications for preventing cardiovascular disease in high-risk populations.

Study: Insomnia linked to hypertension

A new study from Henry Ford Hospital found that individuals with insomnia are more likely to develop hypertension due to frequent nighttime wakings and delayed sleep latency. The research highlights the importance of addressing sleep disorders to prevent related health issues.

JCI early table of contents for May 8, 2012

Researchers have discovered a new class of malaria transmission-blocking compounds that work by inhibiting bumped kinase I, blocking the parasite's infectious stage. Genetic variation is also linked to high blood pressure, with researchers finding that inhibiting renin pathway activity can return blood pressure to normal levels.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 8, 2012

Big doses of vitamin C may lower blood pressure

A review of 29 clinical trials found that taking an average of 500 milligrams of vitamin C daily reduced blood pressure by 3.84 millimeters of mercury in the short term. However, more research is needed to understand its implications as a treatment for high blood pressure.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 19, 2012

Arteries under pressure early on

Researchers found that small arteries showed signs of artery damage and reduced compliance after just six weeks on a high-fat diet, while large arteries remained unaffected. This early stage of damage may be the first step in developing high blood pressure.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Translational Research·DateApr 3, 2012

Antidepressant use during pregnancy and high blood pressure

Research found that selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor antidepressants may increase the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension by 60%, with one SSRI associated with an 81% increase. Women should consult their doctor if concerned, as discontinuation can lead to depressive relapses and post-partum depression.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateMar 21, 2012

Rare kidney disease shows how salt, potassium levels are moderated

A rare kidney disease study reveals how sodium and potassium levels are moderated in the body, shedding light on hypertension and familial high blood pressure disease. Researchers identified novel mutations linked to increased sodium activity and decreased potassium activity, providing a better understanding of this inherited condition.

Boston University School of Medicine researchers clarify link between salt and hypertension

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine debunked the concept that excess salt causes high blood pressure by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system to produce adrenalin, causing artery constriction. The study suggests that diuretics may not be enough to treat hypertension cases associated with renal failure and recommend...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Hypertension·DateJan 11, 2012

For those with diabetes, controlling blood pressure is crucial, but not urgent

Researchers found that delaying effective hypertension treatment for up to a year results in small-quality adjusted life expectancy loss, but longer delays cause significant damage. The study suggests patients and providers focus on diabetes self-management and lifestyle modification within the first year after diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 9, 2012

New predictor of heart attack or stroke

A new study from Northwestern University finds that a significant increase in blood pressure during middle age increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. Maintaining low blood pressure early on can reduce this risk, with those who keep their blood pressure low having a significantly lower risk.

Blood pressure monitoring: Room for improvement

Inaccurate blood pressure measurements from faulty techniques result in misclassified patients and potentially different treatment decisions. A study published by the University of New Mexico found that 93% of patients have different blood pressure readings when using outdated versus updated guidelines.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 12, 2011