Temps up, blood pressures down in hot yoga study
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.
Blood Pressure
Articles tagged with Blood Pressure
Mouthwash use could inhibit benefits of exercise, new research shows
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....
Early life environment may lead to high blood pressure in children
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.
SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 2, 2019
Environmental exposures in pregnancy and childhood could affect blood pressure in children
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.
SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 2, 2019
Childhood cholesterol, blood pressure, weight and smoking predict adult heart disease
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.
Giving trauma patients blood pressure stabilizing hormone cuts transfusions by half
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 ...
Review: Biofeedback could help treat a number of conditions
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.
SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 27, 2019
Fatigue in Parkinson's disease is associated with lower diastolic blood pressure
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.
Lifelong study links early blood pressure change to poorer brain health
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.
The Lancet Neurology: High blood pressure and rising blood pressure between ages 36-53 are associated with smaller brain volume and white matter lesions in later years
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.
5 cool technologies your tax dollars are funding
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.
Football scores a health hat-trick for 55- to 70-year-old women with prediabetes
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...
SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateAug 19, 2019
Increasing blood pressure medications at hospital discharge may pose serious risk
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.
Is blood pressure measured outside of clinic associated with cardiovascular disease in African-Americans?
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...
Abnormal blood pressure in middle and late life influences dementia risk
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.
Intensive blood pressure control may slow age-related brain damage
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.
Is intensive blood pressure control associated with less progression of brain vascular disease?
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.
Greater blood pressure control linked to better brain health
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.
Blood pressure patterns in middle-age, older adults associated with dementia risk
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.
Blood pressure monitoring may one day be easy as taking a video selfie
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.
Blood pressure recording over 24 hours is the best predictor of heart and vascular disease
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.
Standard vs. intensive blood pressure control to reduce the risk of stroke recurrence
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.
Pulse waves measured at the wrist uncover often-missed artery changes in menopausal women
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.
New study finds both components of blood pressure predict heart attack, stroke risk
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.
Is elevated systolic blood pressure associated with risk for valvular heart disease?
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.
Blood pressure drug linked with increased risk of bowel condition
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.
NIH scientists link genetics to risk of high blood pressure among blacks
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.
SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 3, 2019
Carbohydrate in the heart seems to help regulate blood pressure
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.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 2, 2019
Blood pressure self-monitoring helps get patients with hypertension moving, study says
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.
Smoking may impair body's blood pressure autocorrect system
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.
Sweating for science: A sauna session is just as exhausting as moderate exercise
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.
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalComplementary Therapies in Medicine·DateJun 12, 2019
US soldiers have worse heart health than civilians
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.
Sleepless nights linked to high blood pressure
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.
Could repeated squeezes to the arms, legs protect the brain?
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.
Energy drinks may increase risk of heart function abnormalities and blood pressure changes
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.
Licorice tea causes hypertensive emergency in patient
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.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 27, 2019
Lifestyle explains part of the protective effect of education on heart 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.
More years spent in education associated with lower weight and blood pressure
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.
Leaving school earlier could increase the risk of heart disease
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.
Novel therapeutic approach effective at reducing pressure for heart failure patients
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.
Biochemical compound responsible for blood pressure drop in sepsis is discovered
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.
Walnuts may help lower blood pressure for those at risk of heart disease
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.
Genes hold the key to birthweight
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.
More intensive blood pressure therapy helps patients with type 2 diabetes regardless of cardiovascular risk
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.
Diabetic drug shown to reduce the risk of heart disease in non-diabetic patients
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.
Novel 5-minute workout improves blood pressure, may boost brain function
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.
Text messages show promise as next step for improving heart health in China
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.
Preeclampsia treatment for mothers also benefits offspring
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.
The Lancet: Moderate alcohol consumption does not protect against stroke, study shows
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.
Surgery using ultrasound energy found to treat high blood pressure
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.
Blood pressure control reduces dementia risk in mid-life patients with atrial fibrillation
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.
Lowering blood pressure prevents worsening brain damage in elderly
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.
Two-drug combos using popular calcium channel blocker show superiority in lowering BP
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.
Blood pressure control is beneficial, is it not?
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 nap a day keeps high blood pressure at bay
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.
Moderate alcohol consumption linked with high 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.
Remote blood pressure monitoring via smartphone app shows promise
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.
Hypertension-related changes may occur earlier in young women with family history
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.
New scientific statement on blood pressure measurement in people
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.
No wires, more cuddles: Sensors are first to monitor babies in the NICU without wires
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.