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China has improved maternal and newborn health but health affordability must be addressed in future

China has made significant strides in providing maternal and newborn health services, with coverage increasing from 20% in rural areas to 62% in 2003. However, the country still struggles with non-communicable diseases, smoking cessation, and affordability of healthcare, with 438 million people facing difficulties accessing care in 2003.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 19, 2008

Disease leads to vision loss more often in men

A new study published in Neurology reveals that men with idiopathic intracranial hypertension are two times more likely to experience severe vision problems than women. The research suggests that men with this condition should have closer monitoring of their eyesight and potentially more aggressive treatment when vision loss is detected.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 15, 2008

Drug may reduce coronary artery plaque

A recent study suggests that olmesartan, a commonly used high blood pressure medication, can help reduce plaque in the coronary arteries of patients with stable angina. The trial involved 247 patients who received either 20-40mg/day of olmesartan or control, and showed significant decreases in plaque volume after 14 months of treatment.

Blood pressure drug combination reduces heart attack deaths

Researchers found that combining a thiazide diuretic with a potassium-sparing drug reduced both sudden cardiac death and total coronary mortality in elderly patients with hypertension. The study's findings challenge the current U.S. hypertension treatment guidelines, which recommend using a thiazide diuretic alone as initial therapy.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Society of Hypertension·DateSep 16, 2008

Young adults with prehypertension are more likely to have atherosclerosis later in life

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that young adults with prehypertension are more likely to develop atherosclerosis later in life. The study suggests that keeping blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg through lifestyle modifications may help prevent progression to hypertension and reduce the risk of heart disease.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 14, 2008

Leading worldwide cause of cardiovascular disease may be modified by diet

A new study suggests that increasing dietary intake of minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium may lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Potassium, in particular, has been shown to have a positive effect on cardiovascular health, particularly in populations with low sodium consumption.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Clinical Hypertension·DateJul 8, 2008

Study: Doctors not always sure when to treat BP in people with diabetes

A study found that even when patients with diabetes present with high blood pressure, there's only a 50-50 chance of receiving treatment. Uncertainty about the patient's blood pressure and other medical issues contribute to this 'clinical inertia'. More systematic guidelines for monitoring blood pressure in people with diabetes are needed

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 19, 2008

Drug therapy for PKU reverses heart damage

Researchers found that treatment with BH4 stabilizes the pumping function of failing hearts and dramatically shrinks muscle size in a short timeframe. The study's findings offer proof of principle that damage to the heart can be stopped and reversed, providing a potential therapy for high blood pressure.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateMay 13, 2008

Good nutrition starts early!

Research shows maternal diet impacts offspring health, with low-protein diets leading to hypertensive pups and abnormal blood vessels. The study highlights the need to investigate a potential link between maternal nutrition and human health.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateApr 14, 2008

Relaxation training may improve control of hard-to-treat systolic hypertension

A study found that relaxation response training significantly improved treatment of isolated systolic hypertension in elderly patients. The approach reduced the need for medication and cut healthcare costs by billions of dollars. By eliciting the relaxation response, participants experienced a significant drop in systolic blood pressure.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMar 27, 2008