Research on high blood pressure and its consequences. Covers heart-failure prediction, kidney-disease models, AI detection, and cardiovascular risk.
Research shows that high-risk hypertensive patients are frequently prescribed antihypertensive therapy but rarely receive concomitant statin therapy. Despite the potential to significantly reduce cardiovascular risk, over half of these patients do not receive cholesterol-lowering statins during their first year of treatment.
A large randomized trial of over 8,300 women with low dietary calcium found that calcium supplements significantly reduced severe preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and preterm delivery. Calcium supplementation also led to a lower risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.
Researchers at Tohoku University discovered that adding rice bran to the diets of hypertensive rats lowered their systolic blood pressure by about 20 percent and inhibited angiotensin-1 converting enzyme. The study also found that rice bran significantly lowered levels of a marker called 8-OHdG, indicating reduced oxidative stress.
A new genetic test has been developed with a 78% accuracy in predicting individuals with low renin levels and salt sensitivity. The test is based on the number of variations found in salt-regulating genes, with more gene variants associated with bigger health problems.
Researchers examined treatment to maintain blood pressure in patients with orthostatic hypotension (OH) caused by a neurological disease. Pyridostigmine bromide, approved for other uses, showed promise in improving symptoms and reducing standing blood pressure. The medication was found to be beneficial with minimal side effects.
A new study has found that high blood pressure and kidney disease increase the risk for heart disease and stroke in older Americans. Patients with moderate chronic kidney disease had a 38% greater chance of developing heart disease than those with normal kidney function.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a novel proteomic analysis method to diagnose and monitor preeclampsia. The study identified specific fragments of albumin and serpina-1 as characteristic biomarkers for the condition.
A new public information campaign is launched to educate patients and doctors about the benefits of diuretics in controlling hypertension. The campaign aims to reduce serious illnesses such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure by promoting lifestyle changes and diuretic use.
The ALLHAT study found that diuretics are more beneficial than calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, or alpha blockers as initial treatment to lower blood pressure. Diuretics are well-tolerated with few side effects, making them a cost-effective choice for first-line blood pressure treatment.
A recent study by Dr. Luisa Borrell at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals a racial disparity in hypertension among Hispanics, suggesting that being Black within this ethnic group is associated with the highest prevalence of high blood pressure. The research highlights the importance of addressing health inequ...
A recent study suggests that U.S. Hispanics have lower rates of high blood pressure than non-Hispanics, but this advantage disappears when race is accounted for. The research found that black Hispanics exhibit the highest prevalence of hypertension, regardless of their ethnicity.
A study of 76 men found that those taking impotency drugs like Viagra and Cialis were more likely to develop optic nerve damage. Patients with pre-existing heart disease or high blood pressure also showed a higher risk.
A four-year study of designer rats with high blood pressure and healthy counterparts has identified candidate genes that may contribute to cardiovascular disease. The online database TREX is now available to researchers worldwide, offering an unprecedented amount of data to mine.
A study analyzing data from the INTERMAP study found a significant association between higher vegetable protein intake and lower blood pressure levels. The researchers suggest that amino acids in vegetable proteins may play a role in this effect, and other dietary components like magnesium may also contribute.
Exercise has been shown to delay the onset of heart failure and improve survivability in rats with spontaneously hypertensive heart failure. The study also found that low-intensity exercise suppressed many physiological changes associated with CHF, including alterations in myosin heavy chain isoform expression and cardiac cell morphology.
Researchers found that uncontrolled high blood pressure significantly worsens verbal fluency and short-term memory in older men. The study suggests that controlling hypertension can help mitigate age-related cognitive declines and may even be beneficial for cognition.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming skimmed milk products can significantly reduce the risk of hypertension by 50%. The research, which followed 6,000 people over two years, revealed no association between whole milk consumption and hypertension risk. These findings contribute to ...
A study of 5,700 patients found that carriers of a specific genetic variation had a 43% higher risk of death, heart attack, or stroke. The research aims to tailor drugs to individual patients based on their genetic makeup, potentially leading to safer and more effective treatments.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that alagebrium reduces stiffening in arteries by 37% and improves endothelial function by 102%. The drug works by breaking down advanced glycation endproducts, which contribute to arterial aging. The results suggest a potential new therapy for reducing cardiovascular disease in the elderly.
Two studies by nephrologists at Texas Children's Hospital reveal that mild renal insufficiency is linked to poor outcomes in children with acute decompensated heart failure. Additionally, the research shows that hypertension in children is a silent disease that requires early screening and management.
Research from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute finds untreated obstructive sleep apnea significantly increases cardiovascular disease risks, including high blood pressure, heart attack, and diabetes. The study's findings support the importance of diagnosing and treating sleep apnea to reduce associated health risks.
A study of over 1.4 million woman-years found no linear association between caffeine intake and risk of incident hypertension, but consumption of cola beverages was associated with an increased risk of hypertension independent of sugary or diet status.
A recent study published in the journal Hypertension has found a significant association between fatty liver and an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that GGT levels are strongly affected by weight and body fat distribution, particularly in overweight participants with central obesity.
Researchers found that women with preeclampsia and elevated uric acid levels had a nearly seven-fold increased risk of premature delivery and delivered nearly four weeks earlier than those with normal uric acid levels. High blood pressure without protein in the urine also linked to early delivery risks.
A randomized controlled study showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 7.4 mmHg in the treatment group, compared to a rise of 3.1 mmHg in the control group. The device also demonstrated a dose-response relationship, with increased breathing exercise sessions resulting in greater SBP reduction.
Researchers developed a risk calculator to assess patient risk levels and recommend treatment options for patients with ocular hypertension. The tool identifies key factors predictive of disease progression, enabling physicians to make informed decisions about treatment.
Scientists at University of Cincinnati discover a hormone that regulates blood pressure and is linked to preeclampsia, a leading cause of fetal complications. By understanding how this hormone interacts with the sodium pump, researchers aim to develop a treatment for preeclampsia.
Researchers discovered a significant link between a genetic variation in the DRD4 gene and high blood pressure, which could help explain individual risk factors. The study also sheds light on how this gene affects kidney function and blood pressure regulation.
A study combining data from 13 randomized trials found that beta blockers increase the risk of stroke by 16% compared to other antihypertensive drugs. The researchers suggest switching to alternative low-cost treatments for patients without heart disease, while cautioning against abrupt changes under doctor supervision.
A study of 906 breast cancer patients found that comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension contributed to racial disparities in survival rates. Black patients had shorter overall survival rates, while whites were more likely to die from competing causes.
Researchers have discovered that two low-cost diuretics, amiloride and spironolactone, can significantly lower blood pressure in African-American patients. The study's findings suggest that these alternative drugs may be a more effective treatment option for patients who have not responded well to standard therapy.
A new study suggests that ADMA, a substance found in blood vessel linings, may actually contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Researchers found that high levels of ADMA stimulate genes associated with lung, heart, and kidney disease, paving the way for potential new treatment strategies.
Portal hypertension affects blood flow into the liver, causing high pressure that can lead to bleeding and death. Researchers identified a cellular mechanism leading to reduced nitric oxide production, which can be restored by reducing GRK2 protein production.
A Canadian study found that job strain increases systolic blood pressure by 2.8 mmHg, while high marital cohesion in the presence of job strain decreases it by 2.5 mmHg over a year. The study suggests people with high job strain and low marital cohesion should see their doctor for a blood pressure check.
Researchers found an inverse relationship between mental tests and adverse effects of lead exposure and high blood pressure on cognitive performance. Lead exposure early in life combined with high blood pressure in working age adults may lead to diminishing cognitive abilities in later life.
A study examines how prenatal exposure to synthetic steroids affects the development of kidneys and regulation of blood pressure in adolescents. The research aims to identify potential causes of high blood pressure, diabetes, and weight gain in prematurely born children.
Researchers have identified a genetic region on chromosome 2 that appears to be involved in causing high blood pressure in people who do not respond to ACE inhibitors and beta blockers. This discovery brings hope for developing targeted therapies for patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Researchers found that estrogen depletion exacerbates diastolic dysfunction and increases blood pressure in rats fed a high salt diet. The study suggests that estrogen may protect against hypertension and renal damage caused by excess salt intake.
Researchers found that a decline in prostacyclin led to cardiac complications, including hypertension and heart scarring, in mice prone to high blood pressure. Aspirin may protect against this damage by blocking unrestrained thromboxane actions.
A new study found that mice with high blood pressure are more susceptible to cardiac complications when taking painkillers due to a chemical imbalance between prostacyclin and thromboxane. This imbalance can lead to hypertension, enlarged hearts, and severe scarring of the heart.
A new European consensus definition of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) reveals a high prevalence, with 38% of men and 36% of women affected. The MetS is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality rates, particularly in diabetic women, highlighting gender-specific risk factors.
The Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT) found that newer antihypertensive drugs, such as amlodipine and perindopril, were more effective than standard diuretic or ß-blocker therapy in reducing blood pressure and preventing major cardiovascular events. The study showed a significant reduction in stroke events and fewer cas...
Half of high blood pressure patients reporting no medical care or guidance, despite 50 million adults affected. Guidelines for ER evaluation and management needed to address this issue.
A study of over 4,000 women found that taking high doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. Women taking these painkillers were more likely to develop hypertension compared to those who didn't use them.
A study found that nearly three-quarters of elderly individuals (80+ years) have hypertension, with women facing greater risks. Poor control rates were 38% among men and 23% among women, mainly due to inadequate use of combination therapy.
A study by the Framingham Heart Study found that despite increasing rates of high blood pressure with age, treatment rates for older adults remain low. Seventy-four percent of people aged 80 and older have high blood pressure, but only a minority receive treatment.
A study found that blood pressure control is suboptimal in older women with hypertension, with only 28% of women in this age group achieving controlled blood pressure. The researchers also noted that treatment rates are high, but the use of cost-effective thiazide diuretics is low.
A study found that inhaling salt particles causes significant increases in blood pressure, putting factory workers at risk. Wearing protective gear can mitigate this effect.
Researchers at UT Southwestern discovered that WNK1 activates SGK1, leading to sodium ion channel activation and increased blood pressure. The study suggests that genetic factors may play a role in salt-sensitive hypertension., Genetic factors may contribute to hypertension in certain population groups.
Diabetics with hypertension can significantly reduce cardiovascular disease risks by taking diuretics, according to a new study. The medication has been shown to be more protective against heart failure and stroke in patients with diabetes and high blood pressure.
A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found diuretics to be equally protective against fatal coronary heart disease or non-fatal heart attacks among people with diabetes. Additionally, diuretics were shown to be more effective in lowering systolic blood pressure and reducing the risk of congestive heart failure.
The American Academy of Neurology has released new guidelines for treating essential tremor, recommending medications such as propranolol and primidone to reduce limb tremors. Surgery is also an option when drug therapy is ineffective, with deep brain stimulation found to be more effective than thalamotomy in reducing tremors
The American Academy of Neurology has published a new guideline recommending medications such as propranolol, primidone, sotalol, and atenolol to treat limb and head tremors in patients with essential tremor. These medications can help manage tremors and improve daily life.
African-American patients have a higher rate of increased heart weight, or left-ventricular hypertrophy, than whites regardless of their differences in body fat and overall body composition. Elevated blood pressure is the best indicator of why African-Americans in the study had a higher rate of left-ventricular hypertrophy.
Benicar-based treatment algorithms significantly reduced mean systolic blood pressure in Stage 2 hypertensive populations. In Stage 1 patients, 89% reached the aggressive blood pressure goal of less than 130/85 mmHg.
Scientists Tiruppattur V. Ramakrishnan and Sergio Henrique Ferreira receive the first Trieste Science Prizes for their groundbreaking research in physics and biological sciences. Their work has led to significant breakthroughs in understanding quantum transport, nanoscopic systems, and the treatment of hypertension and chronic pain.
A study of 1,475 people found moderate to severe sleep apnea increases stroke risk by 3-4 times over four years. The risk is double that of other well-known factors like high blood pressure and obesity.
A new combination of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 21.5 points in 77% of patients, with 83% achieving acceptable diastolic blood pressure levels. The study included diverse patient groups and showed significant results.
A new analysis found that a non-drug device-guided slow breathing treatment reduced the white-coat effect by ~80% in patients, compared to ~40% for controls. The treatment was also effective across different patient groups, including pre-hypertensives and resistant hypertensive patients.
A new study from Ohio State University found that patients taking lisinopril were more likely to have their prescriptions refilled on time if the medication came in a blister package. The researchers also noted a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure among patients who received blister packages.