Articles tagged with Hypertension
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that systolic blood pressure is the strongest indicator of increased mortality risk. Systolic pressure was more closely associated with an increased risk of death compared to diastolic and pulse pressure, especially among older adults.
Researchers found that a comprehensive healthcare team approach improved hypertension control among 309 African American young men. The intervention showed positive outcomes, including decreased smoking and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors.
A team-based intervention program improved blood pressure control rates among hypertensive African-American men, with 44% of participants achieving control compared to 17% at baseline. The study dispels the myth that underserved African-Americans are hard to include in clinical trials.
A recent NHLBI study found that hostility and impatience are associated with a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. The study, which followed over 3,000 young adults for 15 years, found that those who exhibited higher levels of time urgency and hostility had an increased risk of developing hypertension.
Researchers studied 99 adults with mild hypertension, finding reduced heart function during exercise and at rest if they delivered less oxygen per beat. This study suggests oxygen pulse during exercise could be a useful screening tool for identifying heart issues in these individuals.
A new study finds that stress-induced salt sensitivity and increased blood pressure load contribute to racial differences in hypertension prevalence. The research suggests that these factors may help explain the higher incidence of hypertension among African-Americans, a long-standing public health concern.
Researchers found that high-fat diet causes downregulation of CYP4A and CYP2C23 enzymes in renal tubules, leading to increased sodium reabsorption and elevated blood pressure. This study highlights the importance of eicosanoid synthesis in regulating renal function and blood pressure.
Researchers found that middle-aged individuals with high blood pressure perform slower in certain tasks compared to older adults with similar blood pressure levels. Age-related decline in cognitive performance was not accelerated by high blood pressure, but rather associated with overall difficulty of the task.
A global physician survey found that six in ten doctors believe men are more likely to die from stroke than women, despite women being 11% more likely to die from the condition. The study highlights the importance of addressing hypertension as a major risk factor for strokes and improving awareness among women about their risk factors.
Studies found that people with high-normal blood pressure already have signs of target organ damage and are at increased risk for cardiovascular death. Potassium intake was also shown to reduce the size of a stroke in an animal study.
A new study examined lipid data from the DASH-Sodium Trial and found no notable increases in blood lipid levels among participants on low, intermediate, or high sodium intake levels. The findings are significant for public health recommendations to reduce sodium intake and lower high blood pressure.
Researchers found genetic associations with blood pressure, including a SNP in adducin 2 that lowered systolic blood pressure in hypertensive individuals treated with beta-blockers. These findings may enable personalized treatment approaches to manage high blood pressure.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure have reduced blood flow to the brain compared to those with normal blood pressure, leading to slightly worse scores on memory tests. This vascular remodeling may explain why some individuals experience subtle differences in mental tasks.
Dr. Judah Folkman, a pioneer in angiogenesis research, has been awarded the Novartis Award for Hypertension Research for his contributions to understanding how angiogenesis affects blood vessels leading to high blood pressure. His work has led to discoveries of new molecules and treatments for hypertension and cancer.
Researchers found that age, gender, and body size are better predictors of aortic aneurysm than previously thought. Atherosclerosis and related risk factors only accounted for 3% of cases, suggesting genetic diseases like Marfan syndrome may play a more significant role.
Research confirms that female alcoholics experience more severe cardiovascular effects from heavy drinking than male counterparts, with these effects emerging sooner and at lower consumption levels. This phenomenon, known as 'telescoping,' highlights the need for women to be aware of their increased risk of heart disease due to alcohol...
Researchers investigate how excess fat contributes to hypertension by increasing blood volume, as opposed to constricting it. Studies show impaired sodium handling mechanisms lead to prolonged elevated pressures in obese individuals.
A study estimates that millions of dollars are wasted each year on blood pressure medication due to unnecessary prescriptions. The researchers suggest that increasing the use of thiazides as a first-line treatment could save healthcare services up to $1 billion annually.
A comprehensive study on anthrax lethal toxin reveals that human infection is not caused by septic shock but rather hypoxia-induced liver failure. The findings suggest that existing therapies for cytokine-mediated sepsis will not be effective in treating anthrax, highlighting the need for new approaches to treatment.
Researchers analyzed health data from over 200,000 people, finding that compact counties were associated with increased leisure time walking and lower weights. The study suggests that urban design can impact physical activity levels and overall health.
A post-hoc analysis of the LIFE study found that losartan significantly reduced sudden cardiac death in diabetic patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy compared to atenolol. The results showed a nearly 50% risk reduction in sudden death for losartan-treated patients.
A post-hoc analysis of the LIFE study found a close to 50% risk reduction in sudden death among losartan-treated diabetic patients compared to those treated with atenolol. Lars Lindholm comments that the results are exploratory and require confirmation.
A study found that 41% of web sites selling ephedra products failed to disclose potential adverse effects or contraindications, while 53% did not reveal the dosage of ephedra alkaloids. The authors recommend that makers of dietary supplements containing ephedra should voluntarily disclose pertinent information about the supplements.
A Johns Hopkins study found that home visits from community health workers led to a 4.5 mmHg systolic and 4 mmHg diastolic blood pressure reduction, with the percentage of participants controlling their blood pressure doubling over three years.
A protein called PPAR-alpha is critical to this process, and the liver plays a key role in explaining the high incidence of diabetes and hypertension in obese individuals. The study suggests that understanding how steroids cause side effects may help prevent these disorders.
A long-term study found that patients with leukoaraiosis, a condition characterized by scattered loss of white matter in the brain, were 1.5 times more likely to have a stroke than those without the condition. The risk was even higher for multiple strokes, leading to increased disability.
A clinical trial found that early treatment with Atacand significantly reduced 12-month mortality and vascular events in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. The study also showed a comparable tolerability profile to placebo.
A new study published in American Journal of Hypertension found that the Resperate device significantly reduced blood pressure in patients with hard-to-control refractory hypertension. The 8-week study demonstrated that daily self-treatment with the device reduced blood pressure, even in those taking multiple antihypertensive medications.
Research highlights similar risk factors for women and men, yet varying impacts on heart health. Experts discuss the role of estrogen in blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular disease prevention.
Research found that women with preeclampsia or gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing insulin resistance and high blood pressure after delivery. The study suggests that monitoring for these conditions during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease later on.
The VA health system saw significant improvement in quality-of-care indicators after implementing reforms, including electronic medical records and accountability measures. The system outperformed Medicare on many measures, making it an excellent model for healthcare organizations to adopt.
Two studies found a strong connection between diabetes, hypertension, and serious eye disease, particularly among black populations. Higher systolic blood pressure and poor diabetes control increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy and related conditions like open-angle glaucoma.
A new meta-analysis of 42 clinical trials involving over 190,000 patients found that low-dose diuretics significantly reduced the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death. Low-dose diuretics were found to be more effective than other medications in preventing cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality.
The new guidelines introduce a 'prehypertension' category to alert individuals to their risk, recommend lifestyle changes, and streamline diagnosis and treatment. They also emphasize the importance of lowering blood pressure through medication and healthy habits.
The RESPeRATE TM device is gaining acceptance for its non-drug treatment of hypertension, with a new chapter in the American Heart Association's textbook supporting its therapeutic effect. The device works by reducing sympathetic outflow and peripheral resistance, leading to blood pressure reductions.
Researchers found that consuming sesame oil as the sole cooking oil for 60 days lowered patients' blood pressure levels from 166/101 mm Hg to 134/84.6 mm Hg, with a reduced dose of nifedipine from 22.7 mg/day to 7.45 mg/day. The effect may be attributed to polyunsaturated fatty acids and sesamin in sesame oil.
Researchers linked poorly controlled hypertension with a higher risk of depression in patients. The study highlights the importance of treating depression to prevent poor blood pressure control and related health risks.
The PREMIER study found that an all-in-one approach to lifestyle changes, including diet and physical activity, significantly lowered blood pressure in participants. The study showed that those who made the greatest lifestyle changes had the best results, with significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
A study by Laura Svetkey and colleagues found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, combined with regular exercise, can effectively lower blood pressure. The DASH diet was paired with traditional dietary and exercise guidance for the best results.
A 12-week study found that drinking Concord grape juice daily reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive men by nearly six points. The results, presented at the FASEB annual meeting, suggest a possible mechanism of action involving improved arterial wall flexibility.
Studies found associations between high blood pressure, retinal changes, and increased risk of stroke and age-related macular degeneration. Hypertension and pulse pressure may be markers for small-vessel diseases that predict stroke and other vascular events.
Researchers found that simvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering statin, prevents diet-induced arterial hypertension and metabolic insulin resistance in mice by stimulating nitric oxide bioavailability. This effect appears to be related to stimulation of vascular NO availability.
A new research study suggests that grape seed extract can blunt salt-sensitive hypertension in postmenopausal women, similar to the effects of plant estrogens or 17ß-estradiol. The study found that adding grape seed extract to a high-salt diet reduced blood pressure in estrogen-depleted female rats.
The first International Preeclampsia Summit is being held to bring together experts in the field to discuss ways to intervene and reduce maternal illness and death due to preeclampsia. The summit aims to prioritize appropriate treatment options for this top cause of maternal mortality.
A study in Ecuador found that over a third of adults had high blood pressure, with fewer than 1% having well-controlled hypertension. Most cardiovascular deaths were among younger individuals, highlighting the need for accessible care and affordable drugs.
A study found that people with metabolic syndrome are 1.5 times more likely to develop a stroke than those without it, with women being 2.1 times more at risk. The condition is also associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and vascular-related deaths.
A new study has found that African Americans are at higher risk of developing hypertensive retinopathy, a sign of severe hypertension. The study, which included over 15,000 participants, found that racial differences in blood pressure levels and hypertension severity were the main factors contributing to this disparity.
A study of 4,500 youth ages 9, 13, and 16 found higher systolic blood pressures than expected, with more significant increases in obese children. The research suggests a strong correlation between childhood obesity and elevated blood pressure.
Researchers found that RGS2-deficient mice developed strongly hypertensive conditions and persistent vessel constriction due to prolonged GPCR signaling. Genetic defects affecting RGS2 function may also contribute to hypertension in humans, according to findings published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Scientists have identified a key protein involved in regulating blood pressure, RGS2, which works by stopping the action of angiotensin II and enabling arterioles to relax. This discovery may lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating high blood pressure in individuals with underlying genetic defects or differences.
A study found that mice deficient in RGS2, a regulatory protein, exhibited persistent vessel constriction and strongly hypertensive effects. This suggests that abnormally prolonged GPCR signaling may contribute to the onset of hypertension.
A study analyzing data from a large ongoing stroke study found that living in an area with high poverty levels and unemployment is an independent risk factor for stroke. The finding holds true across racial groups, highlighting the need to rethink stroke-prevention programs and prioritize disadvantaged communities.
Research on montelukast treatment for reactive airway disease in infants with RSV bronchiolitis shows increased symptom-free days and nights, while study on exercise capacity in COPD patients reveals it as the best predictor of mortality.
A man with kidney disease experienced severe abdominal pain after using a whirlpool in a Jacuzzi, highlighting potential health risks. The case study suggests that whirlpooling may cause mechanical injury to the kidneys, particularly under conditions like hypertension or anticoagulation.
Despite being enrolled in a clinical trial comparing anti-clotting agents, African American stroke patients show poor rates of awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. These findings are concerning, as heart disease and stroke can be prevented with vigilant risk factor management.
A recent NHLBI study found that traditional diuretics are more effective than newer antihypertensive medications in treating high blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular events. The study, which involved over 42,000 participants, showed that diuretics reduced the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 34% compared to the other groups.
The Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) revealed that diuretic chlorthalidone is more effective in controlling hypertension than other drugs. The study, involving over 33,000 participants, showed that patients require multiple medications to manage blood pressure effectively.
A Phase II clinical trial has shown that an hemoglobin raffimer may be effective in reducing the need for transfused blood during heart surgery. The study found that patients treated with the agent experienced no significant negative side effects, except for elevated blood pressures, which were manageable.
Researchers found that calcium channel blockers primarily affect small arteries called 'store-operated' channels, suggesting a new class of drugs with fewer side effects. This discovery could lead to improved treatment options for heart disease and high blood pressure.
A study found that mailed health promotions reduced outpatient visits by an average of 4.84 visits among arthritis patients, while increasing visits for high blood pressure patients. The interventions generated significant savings, supporting the potential cost-effectiveness of health mailings for managing chronic conditions.