Articles tagged with Hypertension
Researchers found that black women with high blood pressure during pregnancy had the highest homocysteine levels, while white women had lower levels. The study suggests increasing folic acid intake among blacks to mitigate this risk. Homocysteine levels are influenced by diet and genetic factors.
Researchers found that exercise-induced high blood pressure may be caused by cells failing to relax and expand blood vessels. This impairment can be a common factor among various risk factors for heart disease, including aging, menopause, and diabetes.
A study found that 156 inner-city black adolescents who practiced transcendental meditation twice daily for four months lowered their daytime blood pressures, with an average drop of 3.5 millimeters in systolic pressure and 3.4 millimeters in diastolic pressure.
A specific mutation in the KCNMB1 gene is associated with lower blood pressure, according to a study published in JCI. Researchers found that individuals with this mutation had lower diastolic blood pressure compared to those without it. The study suggests that targeting the beta1 subunit may have therapeutic potential for treating hyp...
A gain-of-function mutation in the KCNMB1 potassium channel subunit is associated with a lower prevalence of diastolic hypertension. The beta1 subunit of the Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel protects against hypertension, as outlined in an accompanying commentary.
A recent study found that moderate amounts of alcohol may help prevent death from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in men with hypertension. The study involved 14,125 male physicians and showed a significant reduction in CVD mortality among those who drank moderately.
A study of 4,939 elderly patients with hypertension found that home blood pressure testing was more accurate than office tests in predicting cardiovascular events. Home blood pressure testing showed a 17.2% increased risk of cardiovascular events for each 10-mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure.
Researchers found a strong relationship between increasing blood pressure and CVD risk in women, with even borderline elevations associated with an increased risk. The study of 5,218 female health professionals showed that for each 10 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure, CVD risk rose by 9 percent.
Researchers found a strong correlation between obesity and high blood pressure in children aged 8-17. The prevalence of high blood pressure increased by 4.2% among overweight children, 3.5% among obese children, and 2.6% among normal-weight children over 10 years.
A study analyzing physician office data and pharmacy surveys found that the cost of high blood pressure therapy increased by $12 billion between 1990 and 2002. The primary contributors to this increase were higher prices for expensive ACE-inhibitors and ARBs, as well as a decline in diuretic prescriptions.
The study found that patients who used home blood pressure monitoring were more likely to stop taking antihypertensive drugs and had lower costs, but also had less BP control. Self-measurement helped identify white-coat hypertension, supporting a step-wise strategy for evaluating blood pressure.
Researchers found that achieving basal growth hormone levels of less than 2.5 µg/liter and glucose-suppressed GH levels of less than one µg/liter may not minimize cardiovascular risks in acromegaly patients. Instead, these patients are at increased risk for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and osteoarthritis.
The study found that lifetime stroke risk is 21% in women at age 55, while men have a 17% risk. Blood pressure significantly increases the risk of stroke across all ages. Lifestyle changes to control blood pressure can reduce stroke risk.
Researchers found that elevated sFlt-1 levels and low PlGF levels can predict the development of preeclampsia. Women with preeclampsia also have lower VEGF levels, which may contribute to the condition's health problems.
A survey of primary care doctors found that those who favored prescribing expensive medications were more likely to provide patients with free drug samples from pharmaceutical representatives. This may lead to a bias towards prescribing more expensive options, despite their comparable effectiveness to cheaper alternatives.
Screening for proteinuria is not recommended for the general population due to high costs and false positive/negative test results. However, targeted screening for hypertensive patients aged 30+ and adults 60+, or less frequent screenings every 10 years, can be cost-effective.
A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that fitness in young adulthood can significantly reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Improving fitness levels by 50% or more can decrease these risks by as much as 50%.
A large observational study found that improving fitness in healthy young adults can significantly reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and protect heart health, even after age-related changes.
A large study found a positive association between increasing levels of C-reactive protein and risk of developing hypertension. Women with higher levels of this inflammatory marker were about twice as likely to develop high blood pressure over a median follow-up period of 7.8 years.
The International Verapamil-Trandolapril Study (INVEST) found that older hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease treated with a calcium antagonist strategy or a beta-blocker had similar outcomes. The study included over 22,500 patients and followed them for an average of 2.7 years.
Researchers found that women with hypertension in the SYMPHONY trials received more and different agents to reduce blood pressure than men, yet showed no significant difference in blood pressure control. The study highlights opportunities for improving medical therapy and outcomes in women.
Researchers at the Emory Heart Center found that oral tetrahydrobiopterin can significantly lower blood pressure in patients with poorly controlled hypertension. The study showed a significant reduction in blood pressure after just three weeks of therapy, likely due to increased availability of nitric oxide and enhanced vasodilation.
The SCOPE study found a significant 42% relative risk reduction in fatal/non-fatal strokes in the Atacand group compared to the control group. The study showed that Atacand offers important clinical benefits by reducing the risk of stroke in elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension.
Researchers found that overweight boys experience greater increases in blood pressure during stress, but their ability to restore normal pressures is impaired. In contrast, overweight girls have a more effective natural mechanism for reducing blood pressure, which may be attributed to the effects of estrogen.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.