A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers shows that a longer duration Food Is Medicine program associated with improved adult cardiometabolic health. Participants who received weekly plant-based grocery packages for 2.7 years showed dose-dependent reductions in diastolic blood pressure, body weight, and BMI.
Research suggests that isometric exercise training, even with less frequent training, can help maintain significant blood pressure reductions. The study found that those who exercised once or twice a week maintained improvements in blood pressure and other cardiac measures.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 29, 2026
A study of 57,611 UK Biobank participants found that fluctuations in blood pressure were associated with a higher risk of death and strokes. The study suggests that blood pressure variability could help identify high-risk patients, but more research is needed to prove its benefits.
A study in pediatric critical care found adopting permissive blood pressure targets resulted in no significant difference in mortality and duration of invasive ventilation at 30 days compared to usual care. The study suggests that a more permissive approach to blood pressure management may be safe for pediatric patients in critical care.
Researchers found that viewing natural landscapes with VR and listening to classical music reduced patients' blood pressure and anxiety. The study showed significant reductions in blood pressure and anxiety levels after 15 minutes, with no further significant difference after 60 minutes.
Researchers found that strokes among adults ages 20-54 nearly doubled over nearly three decades, even as short-term survival after stroke improved. The increase was driven by ischemic stroke, with rates rising from 23.8 cases per 100,000 person-years in 1993-1994 to 47.3 cases per 100,000 person-years in 2020.
Researchers analyzed data from 1.4 million adults in England and found that nearly two-thirds of those with high blood pressure were unaware of their condition. The study highlights the need for more proactive approaches to detecting and treating hypertension, particularly among younger adults.
Dr. Mark Walker led a seminar on pre-eclampsia, a condition that affects 2-4% of pregnancies and can be life-threatening. The seminar reviews current knowledge, strategies for prevention, and highlights a critical global health challenge, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 87 clinical trials found that consuming four to six servings of wholegrain per day can lower cardiovascular risk factors, including body weight, waist circumference, and total cholesterol levels. Benefits were most pronounced at intakes of 60 to 100 grams per day.
Researchers analyzed data from the Framingham Heart Study to investigate the relationship between menopause and aortic stiffness. The study found that factors other than menopause timing contributed to the increase in pulse pressure in women after midlife.
A community-based trial in rural China found that intensive blood-pressure lowering intervention reduced dementia risk by 15% compared to usual care. The intervention also showed benefits in cognitive impairment and serious adverse events. This scalable approach may help reduce the increasing burden of dementia globally.
A meta-analysis of 91,339 trial participants found that patients with higher adherence to antihypertensive medication experienced significant reductions in systolic blood pressure and major cardiovascular disease events. In contrast, patients with lower adherence showed little to no cardiovascular benefit
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new system using wearable sensors and AI to generate blood pressure readings, which shows promising results in initial patient tests. The system could potentially replace the need for invasive arterial lines, reducing risks of bleeding, clotting, and infection.
A health coaching intervention combined with self-measured blood pressure monitoring increased healthcare engagement and BP control by 12 months postpartum. This strategy supports reducing long-term uncontrolled hypertension among patients with high blood pressure during pregnancy.
A long-term study published in Circulation found that consuming sugary drinks and fruit juice in childhood may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure later in life. The study suggests that substituting these beverages with whole fruits, milk, and water may be associated with a lower risk of developing high blood pressure.
A new poll shows nearly all Michiganders age 50 and over value keeping their brains healthy, but less than half know daily habits can reduce dementia risk. Only half practice key brain-protecting habits.
A new approach to blood pressure management after thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke has shown significant improvement in functional recovery and reduced complications. The HOPE trial found that adapting blood pressure targets to the degree of cerebral reperfusion improves patients' recovery without increasing risk.
A major study found that patients who measured and recorded their blood pressure at home had a significantly lower risk of hospitalization and death from cardiovascular diseases. The use of digital telemonitoring systems can help improve health outcomes, save lives, and ease pressure on the NHS.
A study found an association between genetic variants for high pulse pressure and an increased risk of dementia as a contributing cause of death. Researchers constructed polygenic risk scores to calculate predisposition to disease, and found a 16% increased risk with higher scores.
A University of Utah team developed a smartwatch prototype that tracks blood pressure and flow using electrical properties of blood flow for continuous, cuff-free readings. The technology harnesses physics and machine learning to provide accurate and interpretable results.
A meta-analysis of 32 studies and 43,618 adults found a clinically relevant drop in blood pressure with obesity drugs for weight loss. The study shows that GLP-1RAs and MHRMs can induce significant BP reductions, with a 0.34 mmHg reduction per 1% weight loss.
Aerobic exercise consistently demonstrates robust reductions in ambulatory blood pressure, while combined exercise and HIIT show promising results. The findings suggest that resistance training should be viewed as a complementary strategy to lower high blood pressure.
A higher dietary intake of soy and legumes is associated with a lower risk of high blood pressure. The optimal daily amount may be around 170g of legumes, which include peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans, and 60-80g of soy foods.
A recent study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that practicing yoga can significantly decrease blood pressure in individuals with overweight or obesity. The meta-analysis of 30 studies showed that systolic and diastolic blood pressure were lowered by an average of 4.35 mmHg and 2.06 mmHg, respectively.
A CDC study found that approximately half a million post-9/11 U.S. veterans had high blood pressure, highlighting the need for early prevention strategies. The study also revealed that Black veterans were more likely to have high blood pressure and women were often undiagnosed.
A team-based program in community health clinics helped low-income patients reduce their blood pressure more than standard care alone. After 18 months, patients in the team-based program saw a significant drop in systolic blood pressure and showed better adherence to hypertension treatment.
The MOMENTUM study found that 27% of patients with resistant hypertension have hypercortisolism, a condition characterized by elevated cortisol levels. This finding suggests that hypercortisolism may be an underlying cause of resistant hypertension, which impacts nearly 10 million patients in the US.
A study of over 25,300 participants found that consuming a high amount of dietary salt (4,200mg/day) increases the risk of new-onset heart failure by 15%. Reducing sodium intake could lead to a significant reduction in heart failure cases and deaths.
A new study found that the common blood pressure medication telmisartan can significantly enhance the cancer-killing activity of olaparib, potentially expanding its use to many more patients. Telmisartan made tumors more vulnerable to PARP inhibitors, even when they lacked specific DNA repair defects.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics finds that children with obesity but without metabolic complications still face a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal blood lipid levels later in life. Treatment can greatly benefit these children, reducing the risk of future diseases.
Regular morning exercise is associated with lower rates of coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and obesity compared to later-day exercise. Morning exercise timing may be an underappreciated aspect of cardiometabolic health.
Death rates from hypertension-related heart disease have risen sharply among young women between 1999 and 2023, with a fourfold increase over the past two decades. The study highlights the urgent need for specific prevention strategies to address this growing concern.
Researchers found that measures of blood vessel health from routine blood pressure readings can identify adults at increased risk for dementia. Vascular aging patterns may provide meaningful insight into future dementia risk, and managing vascular health earlier in life may influence long-term brain health.
A Mayo Clinic study found that a single dose of non-prescribed Adderall can have measurable cardiovascular effects in healthy young adults, including significant increases in blood pressure and heart rate. The study highlights the risks of unsupervised use of stimulants like Adderall.
A new study found that adding one avocado and a cup of mango to daily meals and snacks for eight weeks improved vascular function among adults with prediabetes, while also reducing diastolic blood pressure. The Avocado-Mango diet showed significant increases in flow-mediated dilation and nutrient-dense nutrients without changes in calo...
A group of nerve cells in the brainstem has been identified as a stabilizing system for blood pressure, preventing fluctuations between daily activities. The study suggests that loss or dysfunction of these cells can lead to unstable blood pressure and is associated with conditions such as multiple system atrophy.
A traditional Chinese mind-body practice called Baduanjin was proven to lower blood pressure as effectively as brisk walking in a large randomized clinical trial. Practiced for centuries, Baduanjin is a low-to-moderate-intensity routine that requires no equipment and can be performed in various settings.
A study in Lesotho shows that trained laypeople can achieve better blood pressure control in their community compared to normal treatment in healthcare facilities. The layperson-assisted model was found to be safe and effective, reducing hospital admissions and improving access to healthcare for underserved rural communities.
A new study found that aligning overnight fasting with the body's natural sleep-wake rhythm improved cardiovascular and metabolic health. Participants who extended their fast by two hours and dimmed lights three hours before bedtime showed significant improvements in blood pressure, heart rate, and blood-sugar control.
A study of 2,700 adults found that South Asian adults in the US had higher rates of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure compared to peers from other populations. This suggests the need for earlier screening and risk-factor management to prevent heart disease.
Researchers discovered that mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) can block a key enzyme involved in blood pressure control and offer antioxidant effects. MAAs are naturally occurring compounds found in algae and cyanobacteria, which also act as natural sunscreens.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the importance of aggressive blood pressure control, early recognition of stroke symptoms, and prompt treatment for pregnant and postpartum women. Controlling blood pressure before and after delivery can help save lives and improve outcomes for mothers and their babies.
A study published in BMJ Global Health found that higher salinity in drinking water is associated with higher blood pressure and an increased risk of hypertension. Researchers analyzed data from 27 population-based studies involving over 74,000 participants across several countries.
A study found that one-third of patients in an at-home hypertension management program could not complete weekly readings, highlighting the need for more convenient and less burdensome monitoring tools. The researchers suggest innovative wearable devices that can passively collect blood pressure readings to reduce patient burden.
Research shows that beige fat surrounding blood vessels helps regulate blood pressure, promoting healthy vascular function even during obesity. Activating thermogenic fat tissue may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Beige perivascular adipose tissue supports healthy blood vessels and blood pressure control.
Obesity is a chronic health condition associated with harm to health, affecting more than one-third of the US population. A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes socioeconomic and structural barriers to obesity prevention and management.
Research highlights racial-ethnic differences in pregnancy-related high blood pressure risk, with Pacific Islanders and Filipinos more likely to develop a hypertensive disorder. Early identification and treatment can help prevent serious complications for both pregnant individuals and their infants.
A new study published in BMC Medicine found that higher maternal blood pressure increases the risk of preterm delivery, smaller babies, and gestational diabetes. The research used Mendelian randomization to assess the link between maternal blood pressure and 24 adverse pregnancy outcomes, revealing clear causal effects.
A new study found that choosing ARB drugs from the start can lead to better adherence and improved cardiovascular health. The study, which analyzed data from 340,000 patients, showed that ARB treatment resulted in fewer side effects and higher persistence rates compared to other drug classes.
A Finnish study found that adults who remained physically active throughout adulthood had a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome at age 61. Increasing physical activity later in life, especially muscle-strengthening exercises, also mitigated risks.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement suggests that combination pills combining two or more medications may help adults with high blood pressure achieve optimal blood pressure goals more quickly, reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke, and improve long-term health. Currently, most people need two or more medicatio...
Cuffless devices, such as smartwatches and patches, have shown promise in measuring blood pressure but require standardized validation for medical decision-making. The American Heart Association has outlined key limitations and recommended further research to establish their accuracy.
Researchers at Purdue University are testing a computer-vision method to analyze smartphone photos of pregnant women's eyes to predict preeclampsia risk. The two-year study aims to reduce maternal mortality in Africa and could potentially save thousands of lives.
A daily multivitamin may be beneficial for reducing the risk of hypertension in people with poorer nutritional intake. Multivitamins lowered risk of hypertension in participants with comparatively lower diet quality, as measured by Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) and Alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED) scores.
A new study warns of a sharp decline in high blood pressure control in England, with the rates plateauing since 2011 and deteriorating post-pandemic. The study reveals that an estimated five million adults may now be living with undiagnosed hypertension.
A recent study published in JAMA Cardiology found that high blood pressure during adolescence can increase the risk of atherosclerosis in middle age. The study analyzed data from over 15,000 men and found that even mild hypertension at age 18 was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
A new study published in the Hypertension Journal found that chronic pain in adults may increase their risk of developing high blood pressure, with depression playing a significant role. The study analyzed data from over 200,000 adults and found that widespread pain was associated with a higher risk of high blood pressure.
Dental teams can identify hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk through blood pressure screenings in routine care visits. The American Heart Association's Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative provides standard blood pressure screening and referral guides, empowering dentists to connect patients with primary care.
A University of Delaware study uses robotic testing to gauge perception-based movement in stroke survivors, revealing hidden sensory losses. The researchers hope their findings will encourage clinicians to integrate precision testing into assessments, leading to a personalized medicine approach to treatment.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure who took a daily chance to win cash were more likely to take their medication consistently. However, they did not achieve significantly better blood pressure reductions compared to those without financial incentives. The study suggests that improving long-term behavior changes is c...