Research on blood pressure and its control. Covers intensive control and dementia, cardiovascular benefits, wearable ICU monitoring, and self-measurement.
A new study published in Neurology found that people who experience a sudden drop in systolic blood pressure when standing up may be at higher risk of developing dementia years later. The study also showed that controlling these blood pressure drops could be a promising way to help preserve people's thinking and memory skills as they age.
A systematic review of seven plant-based diets found that even small amounts of meat and dairy can be consumed while still experiencing a significant reduction in blood pressure. This study suggests that incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes into one's diet can lead to improved cardiovascular health.
Texas A&M researchers aim to create a continuous, non-invasive blood pressure monitor for nocturnal measurements, providing valuable insights into cardiovascular health. The wearable device uses bioimpedance sensors and advanced machine learning techniques to accurately track blood pressure fluctuations.
A new study published by the American Heart Association has found a connection between narrow retinal artery diameters and higher blood pressure in young children. Researchers analyzed data from over 260 children aged six to eight, finding that narrower retinal vessel diameters were associated with increased systolic blood pressure.
A study published in Circulation Research found that exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas cookers can lower blood pressure by 5 mm Hg. Blood levels of nitrite also increased after exposure, suggesting a possible mechanism linking air pollution to cardiovascular health. The findings suggest that cooking with gas may have a beneficial e...
Researchers found that females upregulate anti-inflammatory T cells to maintain lower blood pressures, which may lead to new hypertension treatment strategies for females. In contrast, males did not show a significant response to reduced Treg levels, suggesting their blood pressure is less dependent on this mechanism.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that a 4-month rifampin regimen is cheaper and more effective than a 9-month course of isoniazid for treating latent tuberculosis. The treatment has the potential to change the way latent tuberculosis is treated, with significant cost savings for healthcare systems.
A high-salt diet has been found to have a significant impact on the health of the gut microbiome and blood pressure in adults with untreated hypertension. In a six-week study, participants who reduced their sodium intake experienced increased levels of short-chain fatty acids and lower blood pressure.
A randomized clinical trial found that reducing blood pressure medications for older adults can be done safely without significant changes in short-term blood pressure control. The study included 534 adults aged 80 and older, suggesting that potential risks of continued treatment may outweigh benefits.
NUI Galway research shows that taking blood pressure medications can reduce the risk of developing dementia and cognitive impairment by 7%, and cognitive decline also by 7% over a four-year period. The study highlights the critical importance of controlling blood pressure in maintaining brain health, combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Early warning scores (EWS) used in hospitals have methodological and reporting weaknesses, which may lead to detrimental effects on patient care. The research found that most EWS were developed for UK and US use, but many studies had poor methods and inadequate reporting.
Research shows low-income adults are less likely to receive preventive heart disease care, including cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. Socioeconomic disparities worsen during crises like COVID-19, highlighting the need for city-level interventions and public health policies to address these gaps.
A new study found that positive health beliefs can reduce blood pressure among stroke survivors, with female patients showing a significant decrease. The study, led by NYU School of Global Public Health, suggests targeted strategies to improve health beliefs may be crucial for managing blood pressure after stroke.
A study published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension found that intensive blood pressure control reduces the risk of atrial fibrillation. Lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120mmHg resulted in a 26% lower risk of AFib compared to standard lowering, with similar benefits seen across different groups.
Research found that nicotine-fueled e-cigarettes increase heart rate and blood pressure in healthy, young nonsmokers. The study used JUUL e-cigarette nicotine or placebo and measured heart rate, blood pressure, and sympathetic nerve activity. Nicotine caused a prolonged increase in blood pressure.
Researchers at Temple University Health System discover a protein called B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) produced in sepsis, which lowers blood pressure. Inhibition of JNK and BNP activity reverses cardiovascular damage and improves survival rates in mice with sepsis.
A nationwide intervention to replace regular salt with potassium-enriched salt substitutes in China could prevent nearly half a million cardiovascular deaths per year. The blood pressure lowering effects of salt substitution were estimated to prevent around 460,000 cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths each year.
A randomized clinical trial found that patients who used smartphone-compatible devices and received video care visits had better blood pressure control after a heart attack. The study suggests that these interventions can help improve patient adherence to guideline-based therapy following a heart attack.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found significant variability in blood pressure readings taken from different parts of the body and opposite sides of the body in the same individual. The study suggests that blood pressure measurements may need to be adjusted based on the site taken, which could impact medical decisions.
A Canadian study found that nearly a quarter of adults suffer from hypertension, with a notable decline in awareness, treatment, and control rates, particularly among women. The findings highlight the need for urgent re-engagement on blood pressure treatment and control to combat preventable deaths and disability.
An observational study examines the association between cumulative blood pressure levels and racial disparities in cognitive decline risk. The findings suggest that high blood pressure may contribute to these racial differences, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention strategies.
A larger thigh circumference may be associated with lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease in people with obesity. Thigh circumference could potentially be used as an indicator for earlier detection and prevention of high blood pressure and related complications.
A comprehensive analysis of 121 randomised trials found that most diets result in modest weight loss and improvements in cardiovascular risk factors over six months. However, the benefits often disappear at 12 months, except for the Mediterranean diet which saw a small reduction in LDL cholesterol.
Patients with untreated high blood pressure experienced statistically significant reductions in average blood pressure over 24 hours following renal denervation. The procedure offered an effective alternative approach to traditional medications, lowering blood pressure throughout the day and early morning periods.
A new study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) substitutes can affect fetal development and lead to hypertension in later life. The research, conducted on pregnant rats, suggests that even low-dose exposure to these chemicals can impact blood pressure later in life.
Researchers found that swallowing and reflex airway closure can disrupt sleep and trigger tachycardia in healthy adults. These defense mechanisms tend to coincide with spontaneous arousal from sleep, suggesting a potential link between sleep disruption and cardiovascular issues.
Researchers found that African Americans with kidney disease have higher rates of uncontrolled blood pressure when measured at home. Participants with masked hypertension had worse physical functioning than those with controlled hypertension.
Researchers have identified the mechanism behind the large drop in blood pressure caused by intravenous paracetamol, which affects critically ill patients. By understanding this process, they believe a new co-therapy design is possible to prevent the side effect.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that people who took more steps daily, as tracked by their smart watch, had lower blood pressure on average. The research used data from over 638 participants who wore an Apple Watch for about five months.
A study of 329 female college athletes found nearly half had higher than normal blood pressure levels, with 61% classified as elevated. The research highlights the need for further study into cardiovascular risks in this largely overlooked group.
A new study found that testing blood pressure load, which detects elevated readings over 24 hours, is not necessary for diagnosing hypertension in children. Having high average blood pressure on a 24-hour test does strongly predict risk of cardiac and kidney disease.
Obesity increases levels of peroxynitrite-making enzymes in tiny cell membranes, silencing TRPV4 and lowering calcium entry. This leads to increased blood pressure. Targeting peroxynitrite or enzymes that make it may be an effective way to treat high blood pressure in obesity.
A large-scale analysis of electronic health record data found that 60% of patients had controlled blood pressure, but only 12% received new medication when readings were high. Improving medication intensification rates could lead to significant improvements in blood pressure control.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators found that aggressively lowering blood pressure levels can add six months to three years to a person's lifetime, depending on their age. The analysis used age-based methods to estimate the long-term benefits of intensive blood pressure control.
A study found that combining home blood pressure telemonitoring with phone-based lifestyle counseling significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in minority stroke survivors. After 12 months, those who received both interventions experienced a 14-point reduction, compared to 5 points for those with only telemonitoring.
A new study found that two-thirds of patients with unchanged hypertension treatment had normal blood pressure readings at home, highlighting the effectiveness of therapeutic inertia. The study suggests that accepting home blood pressure metrics can improve healthcare quality metrics and patient education.
A study by NIH researchers found that higher maternal blood pressure during pregnancy is associated with chemical modifications to placental genes, including DNA methylation. The findings suggest a potential link between early origins of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure in pregnancy.
Researchers at Monash University developed a wearable device using continuous wave radar and photoplethysmogram sensors to calculate continuous blood pressure measurements. The device achieved high accuracy rates, with 93% success during sedentary tasks and 83% during exercises.
A new study explores the connection between early high blood pressure and increased risk of dementia. Researchers are using advanced brain imaging techniques to examine cerebral blood flow, cognitive function, and brain structure in midlife individuals with elevated blood pressure.
A new study found that amlodipine lowered long-term gout risk compared to two other commonly prescribed blood pressure medications. The study, conducted by physician-researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, demonstrated the antihypertensive drug's association with a lower risk of gout.
Research led by Duke Health finds wide swings in young adult blood pressure readings increase cardiovascular disease risk by middle age. The study suggests ignoring variability in blood pressure readings may mask an early warning sign of heart disease.
A new study found that quercetin can greatly reduce systolic blood pressure and improve HDL cholesterol levels. Quercetin administration is associated with a 10-20% reduction in cardiovascular risk for heart failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction.
A study found that intensive blood pressure control in people aged 80 and older reduces the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and mild cognitive impairment, but increases the risk of declines in kidney function. Benefits were highest in those with higher cognitive performance.
Researchers create breathable and waterproof device using passive cooling to deliver personal air conditioning, with potential applications in healthcare and sustainable fashion. The wearable AC can cool the human body by up to 11 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
A study found that nitroglycerin infusion triggers abnormal cardiovascular responses in migraine patients, including higher heart rates and reduced stroke volume. The findings suggest a systemic susceptibility to the vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin, possibly due to enhanced sensitivity to nitric oxide.
A KAIST research team created a highly sensitive wearable pressure sensor for continuous health monitoring. The sensor overcomes issues of limited stretchability and signal drifting with its integration of liquid metal, achieving an extremely low detection limit and enhanced pressure sensitivity.
A new study by a Canadian research team found that office workers who spend long hours on the job are more likely to have high blood pressure, including masked hypertension. The study of over 3,500 white-collar employees revealed a link between long working hours and sustained hypertension.
A new blueprint developed by University of Sussex physicist Dr Conor Boland could lead to a new golden age of healthcare with wearable real-time health monitoring devices based on nanomaterials. The breakthrough enables researchers to compare successes and optimize sensitivities and flexibilities in these materials.
A study found that cell secretions may be the cause of elevated nighttime blood pressure in patients with apnea, leading to cardiovascular complications. The researchers identified a potential diagnostic test using blood exosomes to assess cardiovascular risk.
A new study published in PLOS One suggests that mindfulness training can significantly reduce blood pressure readings and improve self-regulation skills. The nine-week customized Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction program was developed for participants with elevated blood pressure and showed positive effects, particularly for t...
A study found that only a fifth of UK shoppers know their intraocular pressure, a major risk factor for primary open angle glaucoma. Advertising the eye health check alongside blood pressure testing increased participation.
A four-year study found that immigration deportation worries double the risk of developing high blood pressure in Mexican-born women, highlighting potential negative impacts on cardiovascular health. The study suggests considering immigration policies' effects on stress levels and subsequent blood pressure outcomes.
A study by Penn State found that college students who got an additional 43 minutes of sleep per night experienced lower blood pressure and reduced sleepiness. The researchers also discovered that a relatively minor commitment to get more sleep can make a significant impact on improving health.
Exercise referral schemes have been shown to improve physical activity levels among individuals with long-term conditions. However, the analysis of data from 23,731 participants found that while significant improvements were observed in most measures, they did not reach clinical thresholds for meaningful impact.
A population-based cohort study found that people with substantial changes in blood pressure over time were at greater risk of dementia. Variations in systolic and diastolic blood pressure led to similar findings, suggesting potential to prevent dementia through targeting blood pressure variability.
Two studies examine the effects of intensive blood pressure control on life expectancy, with a target systolic blood pressure of less than 120 mm Hg. A cost-effectiveness analysis found that targeting high-risk patients is the most cost-effective approach over 10 years.
Researchers discovered a structural change in brain cells controlling salt-resistance, which can be mimicked to combat high blood pressure. This finding has implications for the development of targeted therapies for salt-resistant individuals.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that taking anti-hypertensive medication at bedtime reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and death by nearly half compared to morning medication. Patients who took their medication at night had better-controlled blood pressure and a significantly lower risk of heart attack...
A study found that children exposed to snus during pregnancy had a systolic blood pressure 4.2 mmHg higher than those with no nicotine exposure, increasing the risk of higher blood pressure in adulthood. The researchers emphasized that tobacco products should be avoided during pregnancy.
A major study published in Circulation shows that more aggressively controlling daily blood pressure in older adults can improve brain health by reducing the accumulation of white matter lesions. Researchers found that intensive blood pressure therapy reduced these lesions by up to 40% and lower cardiovascular events, making it a safer...