Research on high blood pressure and its consequences. Covers heart-failure prediction, kidney-disease models, AI detection, and cardiovascular risk.
A six-year study of people aged 40-70 found that those with diabetes and high blood pressure experience greater cognitive decline compared to their healthy counterparts. The study suggests controlling hypertension and diabetes before age 60 may help preserve mental abilities later in life.
A recent NHLBI study found that reducing sodium intake, combined with either a typical U.S. diet or the DASH diet, substantially lowered blood pressure in persons with high blood pressure and those at higher than optimal blood pressure levels. The DASH-Sodium study found that lower sodium intake resulted in lower blood pressures for bo...
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that unhappy marriages increase blood pressure in people with mild hypertension, while good marriages are protective. Participants who experienced marital discord had a statistically significant thickening of the heart's left ventricle after three years.
A new study found that people in unhappy relationships with mild high blood pressure experience sustained increases in blood pressure, while those in loving relationships show a decrease. The research suggests that marital distress may be a significant factor in raising blood pressure in vulnerable individuals.
Researchers found that combining a long-acting AT1-receptor blocker with an ACE inhibitor reduces blood pressure and albumin excretion in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients. The study also showed that combined treatment is more effective than using either drug alone.
Researchers found that calcium channel blockers (CCBs) were significantly less effective at preventing heart attacks, heart failure, and cardiovascular events compared to ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics. The study analyzed over 27,000 patients and showed a 26% higher risk of heart attack among CCB users.
A new study found that blacks have a higher mortality rate than whites after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), with hypertension being a significant factor. The study suggests that blacks may be more prone to severe and frequent ventricular hypertrophy, an enlargement of the heart's chambers.
A study by American Heart Association finds that consuming heavy meals may trigger heart attacks, increasing risk by about four times within two hours. The research suggests that eating a large meal can lead to temporary rises in blood pressure and heart rate, potentially causing heart attacks or strokes.
A new study suggests that losartan, a type of hypertension medication, may improve sexual function in men with high blood pressure. After 12 weeks of treatment, 88% of hypertensive males with sexual dysfunction reported improvement in at least one area of sexuality. The drug also showed promise in improving overall quality of life.
A Johns Hopkins study found that one-third of Korean Americans have high blood pressure, with almost 75% not controlling it. The prevalence is 32%, much higher than the American rate of 24% and Korean rate of 22%. English-speaking ability directly impacts hypertension control among Korean Americans.
New research suggests angiotensin-(1-7) levels may predict and prevent preeclampsia. The hormone helps regulate high blood pressure during normal pregnancy.
The new report clarifies how to monitor and treat pregnant women with hypertension before and during pregnancy. It highlights the importance of differentiating between hypertension and preeclampsia, a condition that affects the placenta, kidney, liver, and brain, and can lead to severe complications for both mother and child.
Deleting the b1 subunit of the BK channel in mice causes high blood pressure and enlarged hearts, suggesting it as a promising target for anti-hypertension drugs. The study provides a new model for investigating the molecular basis of hypertension.
A study in mice found that genetic background influences blood-pressure response to acute alcohol exposure, with some strains experiencing increased blood pressure and others not. The findings suggest a predisposition to greater increases in blood pressure with alcohol consumption, potentially leading to hypertension.
A study by the NIH found that ACE inhibitors and beta blockers significantly reduced kidney failure risk compared to calcium channel blockers. High blood pressure management has improved stroke and heart disease risks, but kidney failure remains a concern for African Americans.
Research demonstrates that increased Akt1 function is sufficient to produce tetraploid smooth muscle cells in hypertensive or aging arteries. Cyclin B degradation is prematurely triggered in these cells, allowing for extra rounds of DNA synthesis and cell growth.
A study of 27,743 patients found that long-acting calcium channel blockers increased the risk of heart attacks and congestive heart failure by 26% and 27%, respectively. The findings suggest that alternative antihypertensive drugs like diuretics, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors may be more effective in preventing cardiovascular events.
The DASH diet, known for its blood pressure-lowering effects, also reduces homocysteine levels, a risk factor for heart disease. Participants on the DASH diet had lower homocysteine levels compared to those on a control diet or one rich in fruits and vegetables.
In 1975, medicinal chemists Miguel A. Ondetti and David W. Cushman designed captopril, the first of an innovative class of drugs controlling high blood pressure and heart disease.
A Swiss research team led by Peter Buehlmayer has discovered valsartan, a drug controlling high blood pressure without side effects. The team's work has improved the lives of millions worldwide, offering hope for those affected by hypertension.
UT Southwestern researchers identified a specific protein in sensory nerves that contribute to cyclosporine-induced hypertension. The study found that mice lacking this protein experienced no increase in blood pressure when administered cyclosporine.
A five-year study found that people who snore are one and a half times more likely to have high blood pressure, with risk increasing with severity of sleep problem. The study suggests that physicians should consider hypertension when SDB is present.
Researchers aim to identify a faulty switch in the brain controlling pain, which may also contribute to high blood pressure. The study could provide doctors with an additional tool to prevent hypertension and potentially lead to a new drug treatment.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that a combination of exercise and weight loss significantly reduces high blood pressure in overweight individuals. The researchers, led by James A. Blumenthal, Ph.D., randomly assigned 133 sedentary men and women to either aerobic exercise alone or a behavioral weight management...
Researchers discovered a mutation in the mineralocorticoid receptor gene, leading to dangerously high blood pressure in pregnant women. The mutation renders the receptor more sensitive to progesterone, causing excessive salt retention and skyrocketing blood pressure.
Researchers discovered a mutation in the mineralocorticoid receptor gene linked to severe hypertension in pregnant women. The findings suggest that progesterone may exacerbate hypertension in pregnancy and could lead to clinical trials of salt restriction.
Researchers from Penn University School of Medicine investigated the safety of Viagra in men with severe coronary artery disease. The study revealed no direct adverse cardiovascular effects from Viagra use, but a small beneficial effect on coronary blood flow reserve was observed.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends a more aggressive approach to treating high blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes. This is based on studies showing significant reductions in diabetes-related strokes, small blood vessel damage, and deaths when blood pressure is brought under control.
A recent study by the NHLBI found that reducing dietary sodium can significantly lower blood pressure in people with and without hypertension. The study, which involved 412 participants, showed that the lowest sodium intake produced the greatest blood pressure reduction, regardless of diet type.
Researchers found that even mild to moderate sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of hypertension, with graver levels associated with higher likelihood. The study used data from the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study and found a substantial risk of hypertension in those with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
New research from the HOT Study reveals significant differences in the response to antihypertensive treatment between age and sex groups. Women with hypertension achieve target blood pressures more easily than men, while older patients exhibit improved blood pressure control and lower risk of adverse events.
A new NIH clinical advisory statement recommends using systolic blood pressure as the primary criterion for diagnosing and treating hypertension in middle-aged and older Americans. This shift aims to improve outcomes by targeting systolic pressure, which is associated with a higher risk of heart disease.
The NHLBI has released a clinical advisory emphasizing the importance of systolic blood pressure in diagnosing and treating hypertension in middle-aged and older adults. The guideline recommends reducing systolic blood pressure to less than 140 mm Hg to reduce heart attack, heart failure, and stroke risk.
A new study finds that men with high blood pressure, weight and cholesterol levels in their 50s are more likely to develop vascular dementia in their late 70s. The research suggests that reducing these risk factors may help delay the onset of dementia, but more large-scale studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Researchers have located 67 gene regions in hypertensive rats that are also linked to high blood pressure in humans. This study uses a genome-wide approach to pinpoint the exact genes involved in human hypertension, accelerating the search for potential treatments.
A study by a University of Michigan School of Nursing professor found that moderate exercise can lower diastolic blood pressure in pregnant women, reducing the risk of developing gestational hypertension. The randomized trial involved 16 high-risk women who engaged in treadmill or bicycle exercise three days a week for 10 weeks.
A large-scale NHLBI study found a significant relationship between sleep apnea and hypertension, with middle-aged adults at highest risk. The study revealed that even moderate levels of sleep apnea can increase the risk of hypertension in all participants, regardless of age or weight.
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.
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.
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 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.