Research on high blood pressure and its consequences. Covers heart-failure prediction, kidney-disease models, AI detection, and cardiovascular risk.
Having obesity before and during early pregnancy is linked to adverse outcomes like high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. These complications account for a small percentage of increased cardiovascular disease risks in the years following pregnancy for people with obesity.
A new study found that pre-pregnancy obesity is a primary driver of future cardiovascular disease risk, rather than pregnancy complications. The research followed 4,216 individuals from early pregnancy to postpartum and found those with overweight or obese BMI had a higher risk of developing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
A new study led by UCL researchers finds that integrated health care for chronic high-burden conditions like diabetes and hypertension is feasible and cost-effective. The study showed that integrated care was associated with high levels of retention in care, no adverse effect on viral suppression among people with HIV, and cost-saving ...
Research reveals that faster placental growth increases the risk of preeclampsia and shorter pregnancy duration. Genetic variations affecting placental size also influence baby weight and mother's health.
Research suggests that trans men and women have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, while the link to diabetes remains uncertain. Testosterone therapy may contribute to increased cardiovascular risk in trans men, whereas hormone treatments for trans women do not explain this association.
Researchers analyzed UK data to identify patterns of illnesses in individuals leading up to a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. High blood pressure, respiratory tract infections, heart conditions, and asthma were commonly observed, suggesting earlier diagnosis may be possible.
A large public health survey in rural South Africa found that approximately half of people living with HIV, diabetes or hypertension have unmet health needs. The study's novel framework quantifies met and unmet health needs for individuals living with infectious and non-communicable diseases.
A real-world study confirms the reliability and effectiveness of the Pooled Cohort Equation (PCE) in assessing cardiovascular risk, regardless of statin use. The PCE performed well across different demographics and retained accuracy with measurement factors outside its original risk profile range.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia alter cardiac energy production by interfering with metabolic substrate uptake. The research reveals early changes in apparently healthy middle-aged individuals, highlighting the importance of identifying mechanisms involved in heart disease onset.
A new study from Brigham researchers reveals that women who struggle with getting enough sleep are at greater risk of developing hypertension. The research highlights the association between sleep difficulties and higher BMI, lower physical activity, and poorer diets.
A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that patients with acute kidney injury on outpatient dialysis may not need lifelong treatment if they have the potential to recover. The study tracked data from over 1,700 patients and showed that approximately three-quarters of those who recovered kidney function discontinued dialysis with...
A recent study found that adding 3000 steps per day can significantly reduce high blood pressure in older adults. The study involved sedentary adults aged 68-78 who walked an average of 4000 steps before the intervention, resulting in a 7-point decrease in systolic and 4-point decrease in diastolic blood pressure.
A study of over 1 million Swedish men found that high blood pressure at age 18 was associated with a higher risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes. Early intervention for hypertension may be critical to reducing later cardiovascular events.
A new study reveals that most healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries are unprepared to deliver services for treating cardiovascular disease risk factors, including diabetes and hypertension. However, investing in HIV care may provide a solution by improving readiness.
Preeclampsia, a major cause of maternal mortality, has increased by 37% in Texas since 2017. A new $1.47 million NIH grant will support research initiatives to address preeclampsia rates in six Panhandle counties.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases found that lower uromodulin levels are associated with a higher risk of developing end-stage kidney disease. Participants who experienced steeper declines in uromodulin also showed an increased risk of kidney failure.
The USPSTF recommends screening for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. The rate of hypertensive disorders has been increasing, from approximately 500 cases per 10,000 deliveries in 1993 to 1,021 cases per 10,000 deliveries in 2016-2017.
A first-of-its-kind study by LSU Health New Orleans found that chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, explained nearly two-fifths of the racial disparity in COVID-associated hospitalizations. Non-Hispanic Black cancer patients had a higher prevalence of chronic diseases and were more than twice as likely to live in high-p...
A meta-analysis of 34,000 older adults found that antihypertensive treatment decreased dementia risk compared to untreated hypertension. Individuals with treated hypertension had no increased risk of dementia.
The study found that tenofovir alafenamide fumarate use is associated with a higher incidence of hypertension and statin initiation, particularly among those over 40. Continuous monitoring of blood pressure and lipids for TAF users is recommended.
In a randomized clinical trial, lorundrostat effectively lowered blood pressure in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension compared to placebo. The study included 200 participants and will require further confirmation.
A new remote digital monitoring program improved blood pressure control rates in over half of patients, highlighting its potential to improve outcomes and decrease heart attacks and strokes. The study found significant improvements when combining digital monitoring capabilities with clinical feedback.
A 12.3% increase in blood pressure control was achieved among at-risk populations through community-based, self-measured blood pressure control programs. These programs, implemented in partnership with patients and healthcare professionals, utilized evidence-based interventions to address the needs of disproportionately affected groups.
Jessica Faulkner, a physiologist at the Medical College of Georgia, has been awarded the Harry Goldblatt Award from the American Heart Association's Hypertension Council. Her research focuses on the role of leptin in preeclampsia and obesity-associated cardiovascular disease in women.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure while lying flat on their backs had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and premature death. The study suggests that measuring blood pressure in different body positions may help identify cardiovascular disease risk.
Research found that cold weather slightly increases blood pressure and decreases blood pressure control rates during winter months. Participants' systolic blood pressure increased by up to 1.7 mm Hg in the winter months compared to summer, while blood pressure control rates decreased by up to 5%.
A Tufts University study found that produce prescription programs associated with significant improvements in health outcomes, including halving food insecurity and lowering blood pressure. The programs provided free fruits and vegetables to low-income individuals with diet-related illnesses, resulting in clinically relevant outcomes.
Researchers have identified four specific factors that can predict atrial fibrillation, a condition that increases stroke risk by up to five times. The team developed an easy-to-use tool for doctors to identify high-risk patients, which may lead to targeted treatment and reduced future strokes.
Researchers have been awarded $600K each to lead projects improving healthcare access for underserved populations, including Black women and rural/minority communities. These projects will use innovative strategies such as at-home blood pressure monitoring and telemedicine-assisted testing to address health disparities.
Research led by Vesna D. Garovic reveals that pre-eclampsia causes accelerated aging in women, leading to increased risks of cardiovascular and kidney disease. Women with a history of pre-eclampsia are more likely to develop chronic conditions at a younger age.
A new study finds SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly associated with development of high blood pressure in hospitalized adults. Persistent high blood pressure was more common in people with COVID-19 than influenza, highlighting potential long-term cardiovascular risk.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that pregnant women living in walkable areas engage in more physical activity and have fewer issues with pregnancy complications. The study also suggests that walking can have health benefits beyond exercise, such as social interactions and community engagement.
A new study found that arterial stiffness is a novel cause of premature heart damage among adolescents, leading to increased blood pressure and insulin resistance. The study discovered that adolescents with high arterial stiffness had a 23-27% increased risk of structural heart damage.
A large US study found that social determinants of health are a major factor contributing to higher cardiovascular disease mortality rates in Black individuals compared to Whites. The study analyzed data from over 50,000 adults and found significant associations between social factors such as unemployment and food insecurity with CVD m...
A new study reveals a high incidence of youth with cardiovascular risk factors but inadequate resources to provide preventive care. Pediatricians and policymakers must address these gaps by investing in pediatric preventive cardiology and increasing collaboration between programs.
Research reveals that high blood pressure disrupts artery cell messaging, causing arteries to remain constricted and limiting blood flow to the brain. The study provides a potential route for developing first-ever drug treatments for vascular dementia.
A new American Heart Association science advisory emphasizes the need for more resources and best practices in pediatric preventive cardiovascular care. The survey found that many programs are overwhelmed with referrals and have long wait times, highlighting the importance of updated guidelines and strategic action plans.
A study published in Stroke found significant disparities in stroke risk factors between Black and non-Black adults. However, after one year of intensive medical intervention, some risk factors were reduced in Black adults.
Research analyzed seven international studies and found a continuous increase in blood pressure measures with both low and high alcohol intake. Low levels of alcohol consumption were linked to detectable increases in blood pressure levels, which may lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular events.
Dr. Prachi Singh of Pennington Biomedical Research Center has received a $3.7 million grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to investigate the cardiovascular risks associated with limited sleep and extended eating duration.
The conference will focus on optimizing patient care in the Latin America region, discussing strategies to improve heart health and address rising cardiovascular disease rates. Key topics include cardiac rehabilitation, heart failure management, and practical approaches for clinicians.
A pooled data analysis of clinical trials found that static isometric exercises were the most effective in lowering blood pressure, with reductions of up to 8.24/4 mmHg after isometric training. The findings suggest that current exercise guidelines may be outdated and support the development of new recommendations.
A Northwestern University study found that only 60% of women with heart disease risk factors received counseling on optimizing their heart health during their six-week postpartum visit. The study highlights the need for improved access to care and increased awareness of maternal cardiovascular health monitoring.
Dr. Eric Lazartigues has been recognized for his groundbreaking research on salt-sensitive hypertension and the role of the brain renin-angiotensin system in regulating blood pressure. His work has led to a deeper understanding of hypertension's impact on cardiovascular diseases and mortality.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine finds that home blood pressure monitoring can reduce cardiovascular events by 4.9% and stroke cases by 3.8% over 20 years, leading to cost savings and improved health outcomes for underserved populations.
Researchers identified six distinct blood pressure trajectories in the first half of pregnancy that accurately predicted preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. These early predictions worked equally well across different racial groups, with three patterns identifying 74% of patients at risk.
A recent study found that lifestyle interventions have limited impact on postpartum blood pressures, with most studies showing improvements in other outcomes like weight loss. Black women are underrepresented in these studies, despite being disproportionately affected by high blood pressure during and after pregnancy.
A novel molecular pathway has been identified, explaining how a mutation in the ACTA2 gene can cause individuals in their 30s with normal cholesterol levels to develop coronary artery disease. The mutation leads to stress in smooth muscle cells, triggering the production of excess cholesterol and driving atherosclerotic plaque formation.
Researchers found that younger age is associated with an increased risk of heart failure in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors treated with sunitinib or sorafenib. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of health complications and death among AYAs diagnosed with cancer, with hypertension being a common complication.
A recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Hypertension found that apparent resistant hypertension (aRH) is more common than previously reported, affecting nearly 1 in 10 hypertensive patients. Investigators also discovered that patients with well-managed aRH are more likely to be treated with mineralocorticoid receptor anta...
A 12-month lifestyle intervention led by community health workers reduced systolic blood pressure in Nepal. However, a 5-year follow-up found that the benefit was not maintained, with blood pressure rising again after the intervention ended. This highlights the need for ongoing education and follow-up to prevent potential harm.
Researchers at Temple University Health System discovered a promising alternative to control hypertension and associated cardiovascular problems. The infused juice concentrate from the Japanese plum was found to attenuate growth-promoting signals induced by angiotensin II, reducing hypertrophy of the aorta and inflammation.
Researchers found immune markers associated with myocardial injury in hypertensive patients with Covid-19, including altered cytokine levels and immune cell activation. These findings suggest a key role for immune dysregulation in the development of cardiac muscle injury.
Scientists have identified a gene variant that causes a common type of hypertension and found a way to cure it by removing an adrenal gland. The discovery, published in Nature Genetics, could lead to more accurate diagnoses and treatment options for patients with high blood pressure.
Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children identified high densities of variants linked to blood pressure genes in the non-coding genome. The study uses massively parallel reporter assay technology to examine genetic variants and provides a functional map of regulators of blood pressure genes.
Researchers analyzed data from 120 clinical trials and found no evidence that treatment efficacies differ depending on the number of comorbidities. The study suggests that modest levels of comorbidities do not affect treatment outcomes, providing valuable insights for clinicians to make informed recommendations.
A new study published in Hypertension found that oral estrogen hormone therapy may increase the risk of high blood pressure in women, while transdermal and vaginal formulations appeared to have a lower impact. The research involved over 112,000 women aged 45 years and older who took estrogen-only hormone therapy.
Researchers at Lund University have mapped the location where atherosclerotic plaques rupture, identifying an enzyme marker that could predict patients at risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. The study's findings may lead to preventive treatments and new therapies.
Researchers at the University of Arizona studied the impact of grief on heart function and found a significant association between grief severity and elevated systolic blood pressure response. Grief can cause a marked rise in blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiac events.
A retrospective cohort study of over 66,000 older adults found that intensive antihypertensive treatment during hospitalization was linked to greater risk of adverse events. Treating asymptomatic elevated blood pressure in hospitalized patients may not be necessary and could lead to overtreatment.