Research on blood pressure and its control. Covers intensive control and dementia, cardiovascular benefits, wearable ICU monitoring, and self-measurement.
Scientists have identified a signaling channel in the carotid body that links obesity to high blood pressure, paving the way for potential new treatments. Blocking this molecule can effectively lower blood pressure in obese mice.
A recent study published in the European Society of Cardiology journal found a strong association between gum disease and high blood pressure. The meta-analysis of 81 studies revealed that moderate-to-severe periodontitis was associated with a 22% raised risk for hypertension, while severe periodontitis was linked with 49% higher odds.
Researchers found that electronic pill bottles and two-way text messaging increased medication adherence to over 80%, but didn't lower blood pressure levels. The study's results highlight the need for more effective strategies to manage hypertension.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that at-home measurements are more accurate and less expensive than clinic readings, especially for African Americans. This approach can help identify high-risk hypertensive patients earlier, potentially preventing heart disease.
A telemedicine program using remote blood pressure monitoring has shown promising results in engaging newly postpartum women in cardiovascular monitoring, with 88% of participants returning to the clinic for follow-up appointments. The program aims to bridge care from obstetricians to ongoing cardiovascular monitoring, empowering patie...
Researchers found a 14.5% increase in appropriate use of preventive medicine and a 41% reduction in blood pressure among patients using SMARTHealth. The program, developed by the George Institute, empowers local women with training on blood sample collection and data analysis to provide cardiovascular care.
Research suggests that central blood pressure, measured at the aorta, can more accurately reflect heart disease risk in individuals with treatment-resistant high blood pressure. This measurement may help tailor blood pressure treatment and reduce heart disease risk for affected patients.
A study found that Native Hawaiians who participated in a hula dance program significantly lowered their blood pressure compared to those who received standard education. The program, which was tailored to the community's cultural values and perspectives, showed promising results in reducing blood pressure and improving overall health.
A new study published at the American Heart Association's Hypertension 2019 Scientific Sessions found that intensive blood pressure-lowering treatment does not induce orthostatic hypotension or its symptoms in adults. The research involved over 2,800 participants and monitored their blood pressure levels and symptoms during 36,342 visits.
Researchers found that heat therapy applied during sleep decreased systolic blood pressure by up to 30 mm Hg in patients with autonomic failure. However, it did not reduce nighttime urine production or morning blood pressure drop. Additional studies are needed to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of this approach.
A study of 211 medical students found over 16% had elevated blood pressure, with nearly 29% having stage 1 high blood pressure. The risk factors include increased waist circumference, stress, lack of exercise, and poor diet.
A preliminary research study suggests that treating high blood pressure may slow down cognitive decline among middle-aged and older adults. The study found that participants with high blood pressure showed a more rapid rate of cognitive decline compared to those being treated for high blood pressure.
A small study of adults found that hot yoga lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressures, while also reducing perceived stress. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A recent study found that exercising while using antibacterial mouthwash can significantly reduce the benefits of exercise on lowering blood pressure. The researchers discovered that oral bacteria play a crucial role in the production of nitrite, a molecule that enhances nitric oxide production and helps maintain widened blood vessels....
Exposure to built environment, outdoor temperature, and chemicals during pregnancy may contribute to prehypertension and hypertension in childhood. Children whose mothers lived in urban areas with access to green spaces had lower blood pressure.
A new exposome-based approach analyzing over 200 environmental exposures found associations between certain exposures and higher blood pressure in children. Moderate fish intake during pregnancy was linked with lower blood pressure, while exposure to tobacco smoke and bisphenol-A were associated with increased risk.
A study by the European Society of Cardiology found a strong link between childhood risk factors and adult cardiovascular disease. Children with higher levels of serum cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), or who smoke have a significantly increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in adulthood.
A new clinical trial from Penn Medicine found that administering arginine vasopressin to trauma patients with severe bleeding can significantly reduce the need for blood products, a promising way to save lives. The study, published in JAMA Surgery, showed that patients treated with AVP required less than half the usual volume of blood ...
Biofeedback has shown promise as a treatment for various conditions, including headache pain reduction, improved urinary and fecal incontinence, and aid in stroke recovery. The review highlights the benefits of biofeedback for several conditions, while also identifying areas where further research is needed.
A novel study found that fatigue symptoms in Parkinson's Disease are associated with low diastolic blood pressure throughout the day. This association may lead to the development of new treatments targeting DBP without exacerbating cardiovascular effects.
Changes in blood pressure in early adulthood have been linked to markers of poorer brain health in later life, according to a UCL-led research study. Higher blood pressure at midlife and faster rises in blood pressure between ages 36 and 43 were associated with smaller brain volumes.
A study of 502 individuals found that high blood pressure and increasing blood pressure during midlife are associated with reduced brain volume and white matter lesions in later life. However, there is no evidence that these associations are linked to cognitive decline or the build-up of beta-amyloid plaques.
A new study from the University of Southern Denmark shows that football is a surprisingly efficient type of physical training for female prediabetes patients, resulting in broad-spectrum improvements in cardiovascular, metabolic and musculoskeletal fitness. The exercise intensity and effects were similar in women and men, with impressi...
A study by UCSF researchers found that intensifying antihypertensives at hospital discharge may increase falls, fainting and acute kidney injury without long-term benefits. Patients who received intensified medications had a higher risk of readmission and medication-related serious adverse events within 30 days.
Recent advances in biomedical imaging and bioengineering funded by the NIH include a non-invasive blood glucose monitoring device and a skin patch that monitors blood pressure continuously. Additionally, researchers have developed painless laser scans for breast cancer screening and prosthetic hands with sensory feedback.
Researchers have found that abnormal blood pressure in middle and late life significantly increases the likelihood of developing dementia. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure throughout life may be a key factor in reducing this risk.
This observational study found that individuals with higher daytime and nighttime systolic blood pressure levels had an increased risk for cardiovascular events and death, independent of clinic-measured blood pressure. The findings suggest monitoring blood pressure outside the clinic during a 24-hour period may help identify African Am...
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.
Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that intensive blood pressure control is associated with fewer white matter lesions and a slightly greater decrease in brain volume than standard blood pressure control. This could lead to lower risks of dementia and cognitive impairment.
Researchers found that midlife hypertension sustained into late life and a pattern of midlife hypertension followed by late-life low blood pressure are associated with increased dementia risk. The study included nearly 4,800 participants and found that these patterns were linked to increased risk of mild cognitive impairment.
Researchers found that intensively controlling blood pressure was more effective at slowing the accumulation of white matter lesions than standard treatment. This is encouraging for advancing the science of understanding and addressing aging brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and related dementias.
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 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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.