Articles tagged with Hypertension
Researchers found that Losartan reduced fatty streak development in monkeys fed a high-fat diet by 50%, suggesting the drug's potential in preventing atherosclerosis. The study suggests treating hypertension and cholesterol together may improve heart attack prevention statistics.
A study led by Johns Hopkins found that patients with high blood pressure taking beta blockers were 28% more likely to develop diabetes than those not taking the medication. In contrast, thiazide diuretics were associated with a lower risk of diabetes.
A two-decade study found that depression and anxiety are associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension. The risk was highest among black women, who faced a substantially higher risk compared to white women and men. Controlling for other risk factors did not change the result.
A Mayo Clinic study found that blood pressure levels differ equally between day and night, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. The researchers monitored 240 healthy people for 20 consecutive hours, revealing significant variations in blood pressure during sleep.
The NHLBI halted a study on high blood pressure treatments after an independent review found that an alpha-adrenergic blocker, doxazosin, was less effective than the diuretic chlorthalidone in reducing cardiovascular disease. The study compared newer drug treatments with conventional and less costly treatment options.
A large clinical trial, ALLHAT, has stopped part of its study due to Cardura being less effective at lowering blood pressure and preventing heart failure. The study compared Cardura with a diuretic, finding those taking Cardura had more serious hypertension complications
Researchers found four distinct groups with varying adherence rates, medication use, and lifestyle habits. Group A and B members have better health outcomes due to effective medication and lifestyle regimens.
A study of 616 middle-aged men from Finland found that those experiencing high levels of hopelessness were three times more likely to develop hypertension. The link between hopelessness and cardiovascular disease is considered a critical factor in increased risk, independent of other known risk factors.
A University of Iowa researcher has found that ion channels in the kidney play a critical role in regulating blood pressure and that a hormone called vasopressin stimulates these channels to increase sodium absorption, leading to hypertension. The study provides new insights into Liddle's syndrome, a rare genetic form of hypertension.
Researchers found that supplemental estrogen prevented hypertension in 3-month-old female rats with healthy hearts, but not in 17-month-old rats who already had hypertension. The study suggests that estrogen supplementation may be beneficial for women nearing or going through perimenopause, where estrogen levels decline.
A 500mg daily vitamin C supplement reduced systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures by approximately 9% in hypertensive patients. Vitamin C's antioxidant properties may help protect nitric oxide levels and maintain healthy blood pressure.
A study published in Neurology found that high blood pressure is associated with a higher risk of severe cognitive decline, particularly in those with untreated or uncontrolled hypertension. The study suggests that controlling high blood pressure may help prevent or delay dementia.
A two-year study of 309 hypertensive urban African American men found that personalized care improved blood pressure control rates by an average of 39%. The team intervention showed a slightly higher improvement rate compared to the standard education and referral group.
Researchers found that the anti-hypertensive drug Losartan inhibited atherosclerosis development in monkeys by 50% compared to untreated controls. This suggests treating hypertension with Angiotensin II-blockers may slow or prevent atherosclerosis progression.
African-American adolescent boys who received emotional support during conflict situations had higher blood pressure reactivity than those with problem-solving or no support. Emotional support may be perceived as negative by these adolescents, leading to increased cardiovascular reactivity.
A University at Buffalo study found that pet dog or cat owners experienced significantly reduced cardiovascular measures during stressful situations compared to non-pet owners. The study showed that having a pet helped to stabilize heart rate and blood pressure in response to mental stress.
Research suggests that decreased perception of pain, or hypoalgesia, may precede the onset of hypertension in individuals at high risk. The study found that men and women with hypertension are more likely to suffer an unrecognized myocardial infarction due to suppressed chest pain during episodes of myocardial ischemia.
Elevated cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication that can lead to seizures, liver or kidney failure, and premature delivery. Women with high cholesterol before pregnancy are more likely to develop the condition, which affects thousands of women each year.
A study suggests that frequent dental visits can eliminate gingival overgrowth recurrence in patients taking nifedipine for high blood pressure. This regimen significantly reduces gum swelling and associated health risks.
A new study from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute finds that systolic blood pressure is more accurate than diastolic pressure in identifying patients with hypertension. The study suggests that future treatment guidelines may emphasize systolic pressure, which correctly classified nearly 96% of patients.
A recent study suggests that teens from low-SES neighborhoods with higher educated parents exhibit reduced blood pressure responses to stress. This finding reinforces the importance of education in mitigating health risks for adolescents.
Researchers have found a potential link between leptin and high blood pressure in a study of over 300 healthy adults. Higher levels of leptin were associated with higher diastolic blood pressure, suggesting that leptin may play a role in regulating blood pressure.
Researchers identified two gene variants that may govern the body's ability to regulate levels of an enzyme called renal kallikrein, which can affect salt and water balance. The study found that variations in the human tissue kallikrein gene are associated with higher blood pressure in African Americans.
A UCSF team has identified a key gene, sgk, that regulates blood pressure by mediating the effects of aldosterone. The discovery could lead to more effective therapies for hypertension and low blood pressure, two conditions affecting millions of Americans.
Research finds that noncompliance with prescribed antihypertensive drugs leads to approximately half of the failures in controlling high blood pressure. A special electronic medication container, eDEM Monitor, identifies clinically unrecognized noncompliance.
The NHLBI Director notes a decline in hypertension levels from the 1950s to the 1980s, but reports that recent data show a slowdown in blood pressure control rates and a slight increase in stroke rates. The study highlights the need for continued efforts to prevent and treat hypertension.
A study found a significant increase in advertising for calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors, paralleling a trend away from beta blockers and diuretics. The authors suggest that pharmaceutical marketing efforts may have contributed to this shift, despite scientific evidence favoring the older drugs.
Research suggests that children who grow up in smoking households experience small but lasting negative effects on their health, including higher blood pressure and heart rate. The study found that even though the children were not exposed to tobacco smoke at home, they still had higher baseline rates, putting them at risk for hyperten...
A study found that low educational level increases the risk of congestive heart failure by 35% compared to those with more education. The strongest risk factors for developing CHF were diabetes, high blood pressure, overweight, smoking, and physical inactivity.
A study by Duke University Medical Center scientists found that habitual coffee drinkers experienced increased adrenaline, noradrenaline, and blood pressure when consuming caffeine. This heightened response can lead to damage in the heart over time.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered that mice lacking the EP2 receptor exhibit salt-sensitive hypertension and reduced fertility. The study found that PGE2 excretion increased in response to high salt diets, leading to unmasked constrictor receptors and development of hypertension.
A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine reveals that the DASH diet can effectively lower blood pressure, particularly among African Americans with hypertension. The diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, resulted in an average 13-point drop in blood pressure among participants.
A large longitudinal study found that job strain is a significant risk factor for high blood pressure and heart disease. Men with highly demanding jobs experience higher blood pressure, while those who move to less demanding roles see their blood pressure decrease over time.
Researchers found that elevated blood pressure is a strong predictor of changes in brain structure and related cognitive functioning. All participants showed declines in mental abilities over time, with higher blood pressures associated with greater declines, particularly for visual-spatial ability and speed of performance.
A recent study published in the American Heart Association meeting reveals that hypertension is a significant risk factor for heart failure among urban African Americans. The study analyzed data from cardiac catheterization patients and found a higher prevalence of heart failure among African Americans compared to Caucasians.
A two-year study found that environmental stressors, such as unemployment and lack of health insurance, contribute to high blood pressure in young African-American males. An intervention team's efforts led to a 50% blood pressure control rate and a 75% decrease in emergency room visits.
A study of 95 men and women found that pharmacist intervention increased blood pressure control by 55% compared to medical care alone. Pharmacists' counseling on diet, exercise, and medication adherence led to improved outcomes, especially among high-risk minorities.
Researchers discovered that trace amounts of nicotine can raise blood pressure in an animal model by releasing the neurotransmitter lutenizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). The study suggests that even small doses of nicotine may cause short-term high blood pressure and potentially hypertension in humans.
A study found that women with longstanding hypertension are more likely to develop preeclampsia if they have a history of high blood pressure and protein in the urine early in pregnancy. Women who developed preeclampsia were also more likely to experience complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
The safety of new high blood pressure drugs is being questioned due to insufficient data. Centrally acting antihypertensives have been found to target brainstem receptors that orchestrate blood vessel dilation, but concerns remain over their long-term effectiveness in reducing heart attacks, strokes, and deaths.
A Wake Forest University School of Medicine study found that patients with skin problems receive inadequate comprehensive care from primary care doctors, who focus solely on the skin issue. Dermatologists provide superior treatment due to their specialized expertise, and previous studies have shown they are cost-effective as well.
A study in Detroit is testing whether extra pharmacist attention can keep patients with hypertension on track. Pharmacists are checking blood pressure, watching for side effects, and suggesting medication changes to doctors.
A study of 19 habitual coffee drinkers found that moderate caffeine use raises blood pressure by an average of five points, increasing the risk of heart disease. This effect occurs within an hour of consumption and remains elevated throughout the day.
A new technique developed by Dr. John Absher may help prevent strokes among Americans with high blood pressure. By adapting a space shuttle technique that simulates zero gravity, doctors can determine the risk of stroke for patients taking medication to lower their blood pressure.
A recent study revealed that 11% of the general population has silent cerebral infarcts, with current cigarette smoking and hypertension being significant risk factors. The findings suggest that these lesions may be associated with a poor prognosis in the general population.
Research at Emory University Health Sciences Center suggests that high blood pressure caused by sodium retention could be related to oncogenes involved in cancer. Understanding the complex communication and regulation of kidney cells may help better comprehend how kidney diseases begin and hypertension is controlled.
Researchers found that members of the African Hebrew Israelite community, who follow a vegan Middle Eastern diet and engage in regular exercise, have virtually no health problems despite being at higher risk. The study's findings suggest that with lifestyle changes, African Americans can prevent hypertension and related diseases.
A study by Deborah R. Young found that t'ai chi lowered systolic blood pressure in sedentary older adults, with significant effects seen after six weeks of exercise. The benefits were comparable to those achieved through moderate-intensity aerobic exercise.
A study of 6,100 veterans found that diuretics and diuretic plus beta-blocker regimens were the most effective in lowering blood pressure, producing average pressures of 140.1/81.9 mmHg. In contrast, calcium channel blockers had the highest average pressures of 149.0/86.5 mmHg.
A study of 975 older adults with hypertension found that about 40 percent maintained diet and exercise changes, enabling them to stop taking medication for high blood pressure. Participants who made moderate changes in body weight and salt intake showed impressive results, controlling blood pressure without medication.
The TONE study shows that weight loss and sodium reduction produce significant results in reducing the need for blood pressure medicine. Lifestyle interventions led to a 30% reduction in blood pressure medication use among participants.
Researchers found no benefit from low-dose aspirin therapy in preventing preeclampsia in women at high risk, contradicting previous studies. High blood pressure and protein in urine can lead to eclampsia, which may be fatal.
Researchers at the University of Florida successfully prevented high blood pressure and its damaging effects on the heart and kidneys in laboratory animals. The study used gene therapy to decrease the effectiveness of angiotensin II, a hormone that regulates blood pressure, and showed promising results.
Research found that young people under 45 with sleep apnea require aggressive treatment to reduce hypertension and cardiovascular issues. The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, included subjects aged 20-100 years old.
Researchers have found a potential link between calcium channel blockers and brain damage, as well as impaired memory. The study analyzed data from the Cardiovascular Health Study and found that participants taking these medications had more evidence of white matter hyperintensity and lower scores on mental tests.
A study found a link between high blood pressure and sexual problems in premenopausal women, with difficulties in achieving orgasm and inadequate vaginal lubrication being associated with the condition. The researchers hope their findings will encourage physicians to ask about sexuality when treating patients.
The new guidelines, JNC VI, recommend stratifying patients into risk groups based on blood pressure stage and presence of risk factors. Lifestyle changes are advised for all patients on drug therapy, regardless of risk group.
A new study found that many North Carolina third- and fourth-graders have higher-than-healthy blood pressure and total cholesterol levels, putting them at a higher risk of heart disease or strokes later in life. Additionally, a small but significant number of elementary school children are already smoking.
A new study by Ohio University researchers found that three commonly prescribed antihypertension drugs can enhance a protection mechanism against oxidative stress, which can cause cell damage. The drugs stimulated the production of antioxidant enzymes in most cases, but inhibited it in others.
Researchers found a causal relationship between sleep-disordered breathing and hypertension in a substantial number of American adults. People with mild to moderate sleep apnea were 1.8 times more likely to have hypertension than those without, with the severity of apnea linked to increased blood pressure risk.