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Blood pressure too high? You probably have cholesterol problems, too

A recent study found that nearly half of adults with hypertension also have high cholesterol, which can be treated with existing medications. However, many individuals are not receiving adequate treatment for their cholesterol problems, highlighting the need for aggressive management of both conditions to prevent cardiovascular disease.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 28, 2004

Caffeine consumption associated with increases in blood pressure in adolescents

A study found that caffeine consumption is associated with increased systolic blood pressure in adolescents, particularly those who consume more than 100mg of caffeine per day. The researchers suggest that high caffeine intakes may be a marker for unhealthy dietary and lifestyle practices that increase the risk of hypertension.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 3, 2004

Hypertension tamer

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 2, 2004

JCI table of contents, 2 April 2004

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...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 2, 2004

Research examines treatment goals for acromegaly patients

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.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 18, 2004

U-M study: Doctors more likely to prescribe pricey new blood pressure drugs

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 19, 2003

Atacand(R) proven to prevent stroke in the elderly

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.

Obesity and blood pressure

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.

2003 HBP news tips

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.

Millions wasted on blood pressure tablets

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Health Services Research·DateSep 7, 2003

JCI Table of Contents

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 2, 2003

Decreased diabetic cardiac death from losartan?

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.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 21, 2003

Study calls for major reforms in marketing of ephedra

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.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateAug 12, 2003