Research on high blood pressure and its consequences. Covers heart-failure prediction, kidney-disease models, AI detection, and cardiovascular risk.
Research suggests that both short and long sleep durations are independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Adults who sleep less than seven hours per day or more than nine hours per night have a higher risk of heart problems compared to those who get average sleep duration.
A large-scale study published by BGU researchers found that normal blood pressure at age 17 can predict hypertension in early adulthood, particularly in teenage boys. The study also revealed that estrogen may protect against hypertension in girls, and that monitoring weight and blood pressure is crucial for adolescents and young adults.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified a biochemical pathway regulating blood pressure, involving nitric oxide signaling and proteins thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) and CD47. Blocking this pathway could lead to novel blood pressure-regulating drugs.
A new study found that patients with hypertension who monitor their blood pressure at home and adjust their medication can experience greater falls in blood pressure. The TASMINH2 trial showed significant reductions in systolic blood pressure after 6 months, with no increase in side effects.
Patients with hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease who maintained systolic blood pressure at less than 130 mm Hg did not have improved cardiovascular outcomes compared to usual blood pressure control. Tight blood pressure control was actually associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality.
A study by American Society of Nephrology suggests that consuming foods with high fructose levels can increase the risk of hypertension. Researchers analyzed data from over 4,500 US adults and found a significant association between fructose consumption and elevated blood pressure.
Researchers found that consuming dark chocolate can significantly reduce systolic blood pressure by 5mmHg, comparable to 30 minutes of moderate exercise. This effect is most pronounced in individuals with high blood pressure, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular events by 20% over five years.
Researchers found that Smurf1 is elevated in animal models of PAH and can degrade BMP receptors, leading to excessive growth of vascular cells. This suggests Smurf1 may be an attractive therapeutic target to block disease progression.
A recent NIH-supported study has discovered a novel pathway that may lead to the development of new treatments for high blood pressure. By increasing certain proteins in mouse blood vessels, researchers were able to relax the vessels and lower blood pressure, reducing damage to the kidneys compared to normal mice.
The INTERSTROKE study found that high blood pressure, smoking, waist-to-hip ratio, diet, physical activity, lipids, diabetes mellitus, alcohol intake, stress, and depression are significantly associated with stroke. Collectively, these risk factors accounted for 90% of the global risk of stroke.
A study by Medical College of Georgia researchers found a chain of events linking excess fat to increased sodium retention and higher blood pressure. The team identified prostasin, a protease that activates the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), which regulates salt excretion in the kidneys.
A study of 825 postmenopausal women found that those with low calcium intake were more likely to develop both osteoporosis and hypertension. Researchers suggest that a low calcium diet may be a risk factor for these conditions.
A recent study by MSU psychiatrist Dale D'Mello found that nearly half of patients hospitalized with bipolar disorder also suffer from high blood pressure. The study discovered a link between the severity of bipolar disorders and the level of mania experienced by patients with hypertension.
Hypertension control increased from 27.3% in 1988-1994 to 50.1% in 2007-2008, with blood pressure decreases among patients with hypertension. However, hypertension prevalence has not decreased in recent years and remains high at approximately 65 million individuals in the US.
A study found that academic detailing increased prescribing of thiazide-type diuretics in counties with higher activity levels. The intervention led to a small increase in medication dispensing, but other factors may have blunted its impact.
A large study found that frequent doctor visits can help diabetes patients lower their high blood pressure to normal levels more quickly. Patients who visited their primary care physicians at intervals of one month or less saw a faster decline in blood pressure, with an average time to reach normal levels of just 0.7 months.
A study published in Circulation found an association between sugary drink consumption and elevated blood pressure. Reducing sugar-sweetened beverage intake by just one serving per day was linked to a drop of 1.8 mm Hg in systolic pressure and 1.1 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure over 18 months.
A pharmacist-led home blood pressure monitoring program supported by the American Heart Association's Heart 360 website improved blood pressure control for patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The program, which used online tools and clinical pharmacy specialists to adjust medications based on proven protocols, resulted in a signif...
A study by Dr. Ferran Barbé Illa found that CPAP usage can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events and hypertension in non-sleepy patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The risk of cardiovascular event decline was observed in patients who used CPAP for at least four hours a night.
Researchers developed an experimental rat model that mimics the plexiform lesion in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a life-threatening problem. The model is expected to reveal detailed cellular and molecular mechanisms of severe PAH.
Researchers found that anti-inflammatory drugs can preserve kidney function in hypertensive rats by regulating blood pressure on tiny filters called glomeruli. The study aims to understand how kidneys autoregulate pressure and explore the role of inflammatory factors in arteriole dysregulation.
A clinical panel recommends that patients' blood pressure should be closely monitored and controlled before starting angiogenesis inhibitors for cancer treatment. Treating a patient's hypertension before treatment begins and maintaining blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg can help control this side effect.
A study found that individuals with fluctuating blood pressure, in addition to high blood pressure, are at a higher risk of cerebrovascular disease. Fluctuations in blood pressure were associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, even among those with normal blood pressure.
A study of 2,500 patient records found that medical staff fails to check a child's blood pressure nearly half the time and often misses elevated readings. The consequences are missed development of hypertension and its serious consequences.
Patients with hypertension who excrete slightly increased amounts of protein in the urine, known as microalbuminuria, have an elevated risk of developing heart and kidney problems. Microalbuminuria is associated with a higher risk of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular complications in non-diabetic patients with hypertension.
Scientists sequenced the genome of the spontaneously hypertensive rat to understand causes of human hypertension. The study identified 788 genes mutated in SHR, including those related to ion transport and immunological processes, which may be causally associated with the disease.
Researchers found that African American boys have higher levels of angiotensin II, a hormone that contributes to high blood pressure, while African American girls have lower levels of protective angiotensin (1-7). These findings suggest that changes in hormone metabolism may occur before blood pressure changes, potentially leading to p...
Researchers investigated the role of Heat Shock Protein-90 (HSP-90) in neural vasoregulation and portal hypertension. They found that HSP-90 is essential for nNOS-mediated vasodilation, a significant finding with potential implications for clinical trials targeting portal hypertension.
Researchers found that dark chocolate reduced damage to blood vessels in cirrhotic patients and lowered blood pressure. In contrast, white chocolate had no beneficial effects on portal hypertension.
A recent NIH study found that vitamin C and E supplements starting in early pregnancy do not reduce the risk of hypertensive disorders and their complications. The supplements did not show any significant difference in preeclampsia or other pregnancy-related hypertension complications, contradicting earlier small studies.
Researchers found an inverse association between high systolic blood pressure and mortality risk, with those having high BP having a favorable prognosis. Patients with higher systolic BP had lower mortality rates compared to those with lower BP levels.
A new study found a direct link between chronic loneliness and increased blood pressure over four years, independent of age and other factors. Even modest levels of loneliness can lead to significant increases in blood pressure.
LCZ696, a new dual-action drug, has been shown to provide significantly greater reductions in blood pressure than the established ARB valsartan. The drug's dual mechanism of action, blocking both angiotensin II and neprilysin, may offer superior benefits for treating hypertension and heart failure.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that female sex chromosomes, not just hormones, help regulate blood pressure. Male mice with female sex chromosomes experience hypertension seen in postmenopausal women.
Researchers found that lowering systolic blood pressure below 115 can increase cardiovascular risk for patients with diabetes and coronary artery disease. This new data challenges traditional guidelines recommending lower blood pressure levels as better.
A research team at Oregon Health & Science University has discovered that nitric oxide is a powerful regulator of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule involved in the development and function of the nervous system. This finding could play a significant role in preventing and treating high blood pressure.
A study suggests that variability in blood pressure can be a strong predictor of stroke and other cardiovascular events, independent of mean blood pressure. The researchers found that patients with the most variation in systolic blood pressure were six times more likely to have a stroke.
Early treatment reduces glaucoma risk in high-risk individuals, but delaying treatment may not offer significant benefits for those at low risk. An individualized assessment can aid patients and clinicians in making informed treatment decisions.
A study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics reveals Pycnogenol lowers urinary proteins and improves blood flow to the kidneys. Pycnogenol also reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as inflammatory markers.
The ACCOMPLISH study shows that initial treatment with benazepril plus amlodipine reduces CKD progression more effectively than benazepril plus hydrochlorothiazide. This benefit was seen in patients at high risk for cardiovascular events.
A Mediterranean-like diet was found to be associated with a lower risk of brain infarcts and areas of dead tissue linked to thinking problems. Researchers assessed the diets of 712 people and found those who closely followed the diet were 36% less likely to have brain damage.
A study of 990 older adults found that hypertension predicts dementia progression in those with executive function deficits, but not in those with memory dysfunction. Control of hypertension may decrease the projected rate of dementia progression by half.
Researchers found that new immigrants to Ontario, Canada had a 30% lower rate of strokes at age 16-65 compared to long-term residents. The study controlled for factors such as income level, smoking, and history of diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes.
A large-scale research project at the University of Copenhagen found that soccer is an effective form of exercise for improving cardiovascular risk factors, including maximal oxygen uptake and blood pressure. Small-sided games also showed significant gains in terms of cardio and strength training.
A survey by the University of Michigan Medical School found that 28% of doctors and their diabetic patients do not agree on the most important health conditions to manage. Diabetics were more likely to prioritize symptoms such as pain and depression, while doctors focused on diabetes and hypertension.
A new study found that childhood obesity can increase the risk of future heart disease and stroke as early as age 7, regardless of other health factors. Obese children had abnormal blood markers, including inflammation and clotting, compared to their lean counterparts.
A systematic review found that combining beta-blockers with certain anti-hypertensive drugs significantly lowers blood pressure in patients. The combination therapy resulted in a 30% greater reduction in blood pressure compared to single drug therapy.
A new study reveals that Caribbean-origin Hispanics have a higher prevalence of hypertension, while Mexicans are more susceptible to diabetes. The research highlights the importance of considering crucial distinctions among Hispanic ethnic subgroups to prevent adverse cardiovascular events.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that young Swedish men are consuming at least double the recommended daily amount of salt. The high salt intake may lead to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart problems and stroke, although no direct connection was detected in the study.
Research from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study finds elevated blood pressure increases white matter lesions, a known risk factor for dementia. Maintaining normal blood pressure may help prevent brain damage and associated cognitive decline.
Research from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health found that high blood pressure is associated with white matter abnormalities in the brain, which can lead to dementia. Women who had hypertension at age 65 were more likely to develop dementia eight years later.
The National Salt Reduction Initiative proposes targets to reduce sodium levels in packaged and restaurant foods by 25% over five years. The initiative aims to decrease the nation's salt intake by 20% and prevent thousands of premature deaths.
Research suggests that low vitamin D levels are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and may contribute to higher cardiovascular risk among blacks. The study found that accounting for vitamin D levels reduced the race-based risk of cardiovascular mortality by 60 percent.
A new therapeutic approach to treating hypertension may be possible using an enzyme called ACE2, which breaks down angiotensin II in the system. This approach could provide a more complete and effective suppression of the renin-angiotensin system, treating not just hypertension but also other medical conditions.
A study found that patients with a specific gene variant are twice as likely to develop congestive heart failure, suggesting a genetic link between vitamin D action and heart disease. The research analyzed the genetic profiles of 617 subjects and identified a critical enzyme associated with the development of congestive heart failure.
Researchers have identified a novel gene, phosducin, that modulates high blood pressure in response to stress. The studies found that mice lacking the gene developed high blood pressure under stress, while certain DNA variants serve as markers for increased blood pressure risk in humans.
Researchers identify phosducin's role in modulating blood pressure in response to stress, finding increased baseline and stress-dependent blood pressure in mice and humans. The study suggests phosducin as a promising target for developing drugs to alleviate stress-induced hypertension.
Patients treated with team-based care involving pharmacists achieved lower blood pressure levels and were more likely to reach blood pressure control goals compared to those without this approach. The study found significant improvements in mean blood pressure and overall blood pressure control rates.
A study found that nearly 40% of children with chronic kidney disease have masked hypertension, which increases the risk of heart problems. Children with masked hypertension are four times more likely to develop left ventricular hypertrophy, a common consequence of untreated hypertension.
A new study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that Transcendental Meditation significantly reduces blood pressure, anxiety and depression in young adults at risk for hypertension. The three-month intervention program showed a 52% lower risk of developing hypertension in later years.