Research on high blood pressure and its consequences. Covers heart-failure prediction, kidney-disease models, AI detection, and cardiovascular risk.
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.
A long-term trial found that treating hypertension reduces heart failure risk, even in those with severe heart disease. The study showed significant benefits for patients over 80 and those who had a heart attack before the trial.
Researchers at NIA found that high blood pressure speeds up memory loss in the elderly by accelerating brain atrophy and cognitive decline. Current treatment practices may not be sufficient to prevent this combined effect of hypertension and aging on the brain.
A meta-analysis of 98 studies found that sustained-release and extended-release formulations of nifedipine are safe when used in combination with diuretics or beta blockers. However, patients taking short-acting nifedipine were more likely to experience adverse side effects.
Researchers found that high cholesterol can lead to increased blood pressure during stressful situations, but lowering cholesterol can help control this response and reduce the risk of hypertension and heart disease. The study involved 70 people with normal blood pressure, with 33 having normal cholesterol and 37 having high cholesterol.
A recent study found that potassium supplements decreased blood pressure by significant amounts, particularly in those with hypertension or high salt intake. The researchers combined data from over 30 studies and enrolled more than 2500 persons, concluding that potassium can reduce blood pressure.
A recent study found that African-American men are four times more likely to develop end-stage renal disease than white men, with high blood pressure and lower income contributing to the increased risk. The study analyzed data from over 332,000 men aged 35-57 and found that interventions addressing ethnic disparities in blood pressure ...
A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products can significantly lower blood pressure. Among participants with high-normal or stage 1-mild hypertension, the DASH combination diet reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 3.5 m...
Research suggests that dietary levels of nutrients during formative months and years are important determinants of blood pressure. Studies found that children who consumed more calcium and fiber had lower diastolic blood pressure, while eating more fat was linked to higher diastolic pressure.
A new analysis of 18 clinical trials found low-dose diuretic therapy to be highly effective in reducing the risk of stroke, congestive heart failure, coronary disease, and total mortality in patients with high blood pressure. Beta blockers also showed promise in preventing these complications.
A study found that only 39% of stroke patients and 27% of the general population could identify a single warning sign of stroke, highlighting a need for education on recognizing symptoms and risk factors. The researchers also noted that controllable risk factors such as high blood pressure are not being adequately addressed.
Treatment with low-dose diuretic cuts strokes and heart attacks in older patients with diabetes, with a significant reduction in cardiovascular events. The study shows diuretic therapy as a first-choice treatment for this population, alongside lifestyle changes.
Researchers found that people at high risk of developing hypertension have a decreased pain sensitivity, which may be due to an overactive brain center. This could lead to the suppression of pain signals and potentially affect blood pressure control.
A diet high in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and other low-fat foods significantly lowers blood pressure, according to a multicenter study. The combination diet reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 5.5 mm Hg and diastolic pressure by an average of 3.0 mm Hg within two weeks.
Researchers found that people with only occasionally elevated blood pressure already had blood vessel abnormalities before the onset of sustained high blood pressure. The study suggests that vascular changes may lead to hypertension, rather than vice versa, in people.
A new study reveals that premature infants born to women with mild high blood pressure may have a lower incidence of respiratory distress syndrome compared to those born to mothers with severe hypertension. Infants born to mothers with mild hypertension tend to mature faster, reducing the risk of chronic lung problems.
Two NIH-supported studies show that lifestyle modifications, such as a low-fat, high-fiber diet, can substantially reduce blood pressure in adults. The findings also suggest that weight loss and reduced dietary sodium can safely reduce the need for antihypertensive medication in older patients.
The new report provides revised tables with height percentiles, helping physicians diagnose high blood pressure in children accurately. Accurate assessment is crucial as hypertension can be a symptom of underlying disease or correlate with early adulthood hypertension, allowing for prevention.
Research suggests that physically fit women experience lower blood pressure during stressful days at work, compared to unfit women. This buffering effect reduces the risk of heart disease.