Articles tagged with Blood Pressure
Intensive systolic blood pressure control was associated with a smaller increase in brain white matter lesions compared to standard treatment. There was also a greater decrease in total brain volume, although the significance of this finding is unclear.
Researchers developed a transdermal optical imaging system that uses facial videos to predict blood pressure with high accuracy. The technology has the potential to become an accessible and convenient method for monitoring blood pressure, particularly for individuals who may not follow traditional cuff-based devices.
A large international study found that 24-hour blood pressure recordings are the best predictor of heart and vascular disease. The study, published in JAMA, followed 11,135 individuals for 14 years and showed that nighttime blood pressure measurements were closely associated with cardiac and vascular illness.
Researchers measured radial pulse waves at the wrist to identify artery changes in menopausal women, which were not evident in standard blood pressure measurements. The study found that specific harmonic amplitudes in radial pulse waves reflected changes during menopause and may shed light on atherosclerosis progression.
A randomized clinical trial and meta-analysis found intensive blood pressure control to be more effective than standard control in reducing stroke recurrence risk. Patients who received intensive blood pressure control had a lower risk of stroke compared to those on standard control, suggesting potential benefits for stroke prevention.
A large Kaiser Permanente-led study found that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings predict cardiovascular risk, contradicting decades of previous research. The study analyzed over 36 million blood pressure readings from 1.3 million people, revealing that high blood pressure is a strong predictor of heart attack or stroke.
A large UK Biobank study found an association between elevated systolic blood pressure and increased risk of major valvular heart disease. The study included over 329,000 individuals with genetic data and blood pressure measurements.
A type of blood pressure lowering medication called calcium-channel blocker may be linked to an increased risk of a bowel condition called diverticulosis. The study found that genetic variants related to this type of drug were associated with a higher risk of the condition.
Researchers found 17 variants of the ARMC5 gene linked to high blood pressure among blacks, including one 'protective' variant associated with lower blood pressure. The study suggests ARMC5 may play a role in regulating blood pressure in blacks and could be related to primary aldosteronism.
Researchers found that a specific carbohydrate attaches to a peptide hormone called atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), regulating fluid balance and blood pressure. The study may lead to improved medications for high blood pressure.
A study found that blood pressure self-monitoring helps patients with hypertension adhere to exercise programs, leading to greater physical activity. By measuring their own blood pressure, patients can see the immediate effects of exercise and stay motivated, even after the supervised program ends.
Researchers found that smokers' blood pressure rises more significantly after a drop, pushing it to unhealthy levels. The impaired baroreflex system may contribute to this increased response.
A new study by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg found that sauna sessions increase blood pressure and heart rate comparable to a short, moderate workout. After the session, both metrics drop below baseline levels.
A new study found that US soldiers have worse cardiovascular health compared to civilians of similar ages, particularly in blood pressure. The researchers, who analyzed data from over 263,000 active duty Army personnel and a representative civilian population, aimed to identify areas for improvement.
A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that a bad night's sleep can lead to a spike in blood pressure, even on the following day. Researchers wore portable blood pressure cuffs and actigraphy monitors on participants to measure the impact of sleep efficiency on cardiovascular health.
A recent study found that people who restricted their blood flow by wearing inflated blood pressure cuffs on an arm and leg showed signs of more controlled blood flow to their brain. The process, called remote ischemic preconditioning, may be beneficial in preventing neurological diseases such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that consuming energy drinks can increase the risk of electrical disturbances in the heart, which affect heart rhythm. The study also found a statistically significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in participants who consumed energy drinks.
A case study reveals that excessive licorice root consumption can lead to severe hypertension, headaches, and fluid retention. Physicians are advised to screen for licorice root intake in patients with difficult-to-control hypertension due to its potential health risks.
A study published in The BMJ found that lifestyle factors like weight, blood pressure, and smoking explain around 40% of the protective effect of education on heart disease risk. Intervening on these modifiable risk factors could lead to reductions in cases of heart disease, but more than half of the overall effect remains unexplained.
A study led by Imperial College London found that only 40% of the effect of education on cardiovascular disease risk is explained through body mass index, blood pressure or smoking. Higher education is associated with a reduction in BMI and systolic blood pressure, which can contribute to lower heart disease risk.
Research suggests that leaving school earlier may increase the risk of heart disease in later life. Studies found that higher levels of BMI, blood pressure, and smoking partly explain this association. Interventions targeting these risk factors could lead to reductions in cardiovascular disease.
A novel therapeutic approach occluding the superior vena cava shows promise in reducing pressure and volume in heart failure patients. The treatment improves cardiac filling pressures and function without affecting systemic blood pressure or output.
Researchers have discovered a biochemical compound responsible for the rapid decline in blood pressure during sepsis. The compound, cis-WOOH, is formed by an enzyme and plays a signaling role in vasodilation, potentially leading to organ failure and death.
A randomized controlled trial found that participants who ate whole walnuts daily had lower central blood pressure and reduced cardiovascular risk factors. Walnuts were found to have additive benefits on heart health, with alpha-linolenic acid and other bioactive compounds contributing to the positive effects.
A large-scale international collaboration has identified 190 genetic links to birth weight, with two-thirds discovered for the first time. Research found that a baby's genes play a substantial role in determining their birth weight, while also influencing factors in their intrauterine environment.
A recent study published in the American Heart Association's journal Hypertension found that patients with type 2 diabetes who received intensive blood pressure treatment had lower rates of heart attacks, strokes, and other complications. This benefit was observed regardless of a person's preexisting cardiovascular risk level.
A study found that metformin reduces left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in prediabetic and pre-existing heart disease patients, leading to lower cardiovascular risks. The MET-REMODEL Trial showed significant benefits of metformin on LVH, blood pressure, oxidative stress, and body weight.
Preliminary results from a clinical trial show that 5-minute Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training can significantly lower blood pressure and improve large-artery function. The study also found improvements in cognitive performance and endurance during exercise.
Researchers at Yale University tested a text message intervention aimed at improving heart health in Chinese patients with heart disease. The study found that although the texts did not produce the desired outcome, patients liked the messages and wanted them to continue.
Children born to women with preeclampsia have higher blood pressure during childhood and increased stroke risk. Treating preeclampsia with sildenafil citrate may help protect offspring's cardiovascular health.
A genetic study of over 160,000 adults in China found that moderate drinking has no protective effects against stroke and may even increase the risk. Blood pressure also rises with increased alcohol consumption.
A large randomized controlled trial found that two frontline two-drug combinations including amlodipine significantly reduced blood pressure levels more than a third combination without amlodipine. The study, conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, showed that nearly half of adults have high blood pressure, often receiving ineffective treatment.
A one-off operation targeting kidney nerves successfully maintains reduced blood pressure in hypertension patients, with fewer medication requirements. The procedure, known as renal denervation, was found to be effective in controlling blood pressure without long-term safety concerns.
A new study found that controlling high blood pressure in mid-life patients with atrial fibrillation can reduce dementia risk by up to 15%. The study analyzed data from over 196,000 patients and found that lowering systolic blood pressure to 120-129 mmHg was associated with lower dementia risk.
A new study found that keeping blood pressure around 130 mm Hg for three years significantly reduced the accumulation of harmful brain lesions compared to maintaining a higher systolic blood pressure. This reduction also led to fewer major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers found that lower blood pressure is associated with increased risk of death in adults over 80, and those who've had a heart attack or stroke. This study's results suggest adjusting antihypertensive treatment based on individual needs, moving away from blanket approaches.
A study found that napping during the day can significantly lower blood pressure levels, with an average drop of 5 mm Hg. This reduction is comparable to other known interventions for lowering blood pressure.
A large US study finds moderate drinking substantially raises one's risk of hypertension, contradicting previous studies. The research suggests that heavy and moderate drinking both increase blood pressure.
Researchers found that young women with a family history of hypertension have decreased baroreflex sensitivity, which can be a marker for hypertension and heart disease. This study suggests that these women may be at increased risk for developing high blood pressure later in life.
A pilot study found that remote blood pressure monitoring via smartphone app, accompanied by education and health coaching, can significantly improve blood pressure control. Participants who had the highest blood pressure at baseline showed the most reductions in both systolic and diastolic pressure.
The updated guideline recommends using electronic oscillometric devices for accurate office blood pressure measurement, reducing human errors associated with the auscultatory approach. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is also recommended to screen for white coat and masked hypertension in clinical practice.
Researchers developed soft, flexible wireless sensors to monitor premature babies in the NICU. These sensors allow physical bonding between baby and parent while providing clinical-grade measurements, replacing traditional wire-based sensors that pose a barrier to skin-to-skin contact.
A new study published in Neurology has found that medications commonly used to lower blood pressure and cholesterol do not slow down cognitive decline in older adults. The study, which involved over 1,600 participants, suggests that longer studies are needed to determine the effects of these medications on brain health.
A recent clinical trial found that pregnant mothers who consumed daily 600 milligrams of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) had offspring with protected blood pressure levels despite excessive weight gain during early childhood. The study demonstrated a significant reduction in blood pressure increases associated with obesity.
A new study found that eating 200g of blueberries daily for a month improves blood vessel function and reduces systolic blood pressure in healthy people. Anthocyanins, a type of phytochemical responsible for blueberry's color, play a key role in this effect.
Research finds that combining morning exercise with frequent breaks from sitting throughout the day significantly reduces systolic blood pressure in older overweight men and women. Women experience an enhanced benefit from this combination, which may be attributed to hormonal changes after menopause.
A randomized-controlled clinical trial found that Montmorency tart cherry juice helped lower systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol in older adults by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers. The participants also showed increased DNA repair activity, suggesting potential health benefits for heart health.
Researchers found that black women are more likely to be readmitted to hospital and suffer severe maternal morbidity, even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. Text-based monitoring of blood pressure reduced racial disparities in ascertainment.
Researchers found that intensive blood pressure lowering reduces the risk of bleeding in the brain after 'clot-busting' treatments for acute ischaemic stroke, making thrombolysis safer. However, this didn't translate to improved overall outcomes for patients.
A large international clinical trial found that intensive blood pressure lowering safely reduces the risk of brain bleeding in ischemic stroke patients being treated with clot-busting drugs, but did not improve post-stroke recovery. The study also showed no harm identified for intensive blood pressure management.
A multicenter trial found that administering a nitroglycerin patch in an ambulance did not reduce post-stroke disability. In fact, it worsened outcomes for patients with brain bleeds, indicating that the treatment should not be used very early after stroke.
A recent study by Rutgers University found that African-Americans are 5 times more likely to develop hypertensive emergency, a life-threatening condition. Targeted interventions to control diabetes, chronic heart and kidney disease, and anemia may reduce the risk of drastic increases in blood pressure.
Researchers found that stroke survivors who believe they can protect themselves from having another stroke have significantly lower blood pressure. The study revealed nearly 78% of adults agreed they could protect themselves, leading to a 6.44 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure.
A clinical trial led by Wake Forest School of Medicine found that intensive control of blood pressure significantly reduced the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older people. MCI is a precursor to early dementia and increases the risk of dementia progression, but reversion to normal cognition is possible.
A systematic review of available evidence suggests that cycling and treadmill workstations are associated with greater short-term physiological changes compared to standing versions. Both types boosted heart rate, energy expenditure, and reduced blood pressure. However, treadmill versions interfered with keyboarding skills.
The SPRINT MIND trial found that intensive lowering of systolic blood pressure did not significantly reduce dementia risk, but had a measurable impact on mild cognitive impairment. The study demonstrated that intensive blood pressure control is safe for the brain and may offer avenues for prevention.
A team of researchers has discovered genetic associations with blood pressure that could guide future treatments for patients with hypertension. Over 250 new genetic variants and 400 new genes associated with blood pressure were identified, suggesting existing drugs may be used to lower blood pressure.
A study found that people with blood pressure above normal were more likely to have loss of volume in the gray matter in certain areas of the brain than those with normal blood pressure. High blood pressure was linked to reduced gray matter volumes, particularly in the left inferior frontal gyrus.
A new study published in Psychophysiology found that thinking about one's romantic partner can lower blood pressure during stressful situations, just as effectively as having the partner physically present. The study suggests that high-quality romantic relationships may support people's health by enabling better stress coping mechanisms.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health found no association between exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy and an increase in blood pressure. In fact, higher exposure to phthalates, BPA, and parabens was linked to a decrease in blood pressure, particularly in the second trimester.