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Disease leads to vision loss more often in blacks

A study published in Neurology found that black patients are 3.5 times more likely to experience severe vision loss and nearly five times more likely to become legally blind compared to non-black patients. This increased risk may be attributed to other factors such as higher body mass index, low blood iron, and higher brain pressures.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 10, 2008

Smoking is major risk factor for stroke in China

A large-scale study published in the American Heart Association rapid access journal report found that cigarette smoking is a significant predictor of stroke in Chinese men. Researchers analyzed data from over 170,000 participants and found that smokers were 2-3 times more likely to suffer an ischemic stroke compared to never-smokers.

Herpes virus link to complications in pregnancy

Researchers have discovered a link between viral infection, particularly from the herpes group, and pregnancy-induced hypertensive disease and pre-term birth. The study found viral nucleic acid in heel-prick blood samples of 1326 newborn babies, including over 400 with cerebral palsy.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateFeb 18, 2008

Aircraft noise raises blood pressure even whilst people are sleeping, says study

Researchers monitored 140 sleeping volunteers near London Heathrow and three major European airports, finding that aircraft noise increased systolic blood pressure by an average of 6.2 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 7.4 mmHg. The study's findings highlight the need to reduce night-time aircraft noise levels to protect public health.

SourceImperial College London·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateFeb 12, 2008

Most with high blood pressure do not follow recommended diet

A recent study found that a small proportion of individuals with hypertension eat diets aligned with government guidelines, while many others consume unhealthy patterns. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) trial showed that a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables can significantly lower blood pressure.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2008

Diuretics excel in drug comparison trial involving hypertension/metabolic syndrome

A large-scale drug comparison trial involving 23,077 people with both high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome found that diuretics significantly reduced the risk of heart disease. Diuretics were particularly effective in reducing cardiovascular disease in black patients, who have a higher incidence of hypertension.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 28, 2008

Elderly with high blood pressure less likely to get lifestyle modification advice from doctors

A study by UNC researchers concludes that people over 60 with high blood pressure are less likely to receive lifestyle modification advice from their doctors compared to younger groups. Despite this, most patients remember receiving some type of advice on making healthier choices to lower their blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of Clinical Hypertension·DateNov 2, 2007

Combination therapy reverses effects of portal hypertension in rats

Researchers found that a combined treatment with rapamycin and Gleevec significantly reduced splanchnic neovascularization and portal pressure in rats with established portal hypertension. The combination treatment was more effective than using either drug alone, suggesting a potential new approach for treating human patients.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateOct 1, 2007