Research on blood pressure and its control. Covers intensive control and dementia, cardiovascular benefits, wearable ICU monitoring, and self-measurement.
Researchers identified systolic blood pressures above 150 as a critical threshold for increased risk of death or cardiovascular events. Delays in intensifying treatment by over 1.4 months also tied to higher risk, while reassessments beyond 2.7 months increased mortality.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating elevated blood pressure during pregnancy reduces the risk of stroke without increasing risks for babies. Normalizing blood pressure levels is recommended for pregnant women to minimize harm.
A large study found that younger adults with isolated systolic hypertension have a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. Women in this age group are particularly at risk, with a 55% increase in cardiovascular death compared to their male counterparts.
Researchers developed a paper clip-sized implant called the Coupler, which significantly lowered blood pressure among patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. The treatment reduced hypertensive complications and hospital admissions for high blood pressure crises, providing an immediate and pain-free solution.
Research found statins had greatest impact on affluent populations, widening health inequalities. A total of 20,400 lives were saved due to reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol between 2000-2007.
Research from the University of East Anglia shows that group walking can reduce blood pressure, resting heart rate, body fat, weight, and total cholesterol. Joining a walking group is recommended as a low-risk way to boost overall health and reduce risk factors for ill health.
A study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that BPA exposure affects heart function and blood pressure in mice differently for males and females. In female mice, the heart is more sensitive to stress-induced ischemic damage, leading to increased fibrosis and muscle damage.
Researchers found a higher blood volume shift from the lower to upper body due to weightlessness, with lower blood pressure than anticipated. Blood pressure decreased by 10 mmHg, similar to high blood pressure medication, during long-duration spaceflight.
Research from the University of Missouri found that cell phone separation can lead to increased heart rates, blood pressure levels, and anxiety in iPhone users. Participants experienced a negative physiological state when separated from their iPhones, impacting puzzle performance.
A new study found that consuming just one cup of blueberries per day can significantly lower blood pressure and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with pre- and stage 1 hypertension. The findings suggest that blueberries may mitigate the negative cardiovascular effects of menopause, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found daily blueberry consumption resulted in significant reductions of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women with pre- and stage 1-HTN. The study suggests that blueberries may prevent the progression to full-blown hypertension, potentially through enhanced nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation.
A new clinical study found that tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) supplementation can dial back excessive sympathetic nervous system activation, leading to positive effects on arterial stiffness. BH4 is a cofactor for nitric oxide synthesis and has been shown to have beneficial effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors.
A recent study published in AJCN found that consuming cocoa flavanols can improve cognitive function in individuals aged 61-85 years. The researchers observed significant improvements in overall cognitive function after only eight weeks of regular consumption.
A Michigan State University study found that exercising regularly during pregnancy can reduce a child's chances of developing high blood pressure later in life. The research suggests that physical activity during critical developmental periods may have a direct impact on the baby's cardiovascular health.
A systematic review published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that blood pressure-lowering therapy can reduce stroke, cardiovascular deaths, and total deaths in patients with mild hypertension. Ambulatory monitoring may also improve the diagnostic accuracy of office screening for high blood pressure.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that regular and irregular physical activity was associated with improved cardiometabolic health, including lower blood pressure and fasting glucose levels. The study examined data from over 622,000 adult members and suggested that exercise can play a key role in moderating blood sugar and blood pressure.
Wild blueberries (bilberries) have been shown to mitigate the negative effects of a high-fat diet on blood pressure and nutrition-derived inflammatory responses. The study found that bilberries reduced pro-inflammatory effects, prevented elevated blood pressure, and improved glucose tolerance in mice fed a high-fat diet.
According to new research, people with high fitness levels are less likely to develop hypertension. The study found that those who reached 12 METs or more during the stress test had a 20 percent lower risk of developing hypertension compared to those reaching less than six METs.
A study published in JAMA found that a low-glycemic index diet did not improve cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure and lipid levels, or insulin sensitivity in overweight adults. The researchers also found that high-glycemic index diets had more negative effects on insulin sensitivity and LDL cholesterol levels
A new analysis of the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial reveals that variations in renal denervation procedure performance and patient medication changes significantly impacted blood pressure reduction outcomes. The study suggests that a higher number of ablations and specific procedural patterns may be key to achieving effective denervation.
The campaign aims to reduce high salt intake in India, which is estimated to be around 10-12 grams per day, contributing to poor sodium to potassium balance. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and restricting salt consumption, experts hope to prevent hypertension, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
A study published in Cell found that leptin, the 'satiety hormone', is linked to obesity-induced high blood pressure. Researchers discovered that obese individuals lacking leptin or its receptor had lower blood pressure despite being heavy.
A recent study by the American Heart Association found that following a healthy diet can lower blood pressure measurements. The research, which included over 12,000 volunteers, suggested that eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may be an effective way to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
The study found that more than half of US adults with high blood pressure now have readings below 140/90 mmHg. Despite progress, nearly half of those with hypertension remain uncontrolled, highlighting the need for increased efforts to prioritize blood pressure management at every medical visit.
Researchers found that using two drugs was no more effective than a single drug in slowing disease progression in people with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). However, rigorous blood pressure treatment did slow the growth of kidney cysts and preserve kidney function.
A study found that middle-aged men whose parents were older at birth had lower blood pressure, more favorable cholesterol levels, and improved glucose metabolism. Further research is needed to determine the causes of this effect, with epigenetics and post-natal factors being potential explanations.
A broad review of blood pressure medications found that mild control at 150 or less is sufficient for adults over 60, while more work is needed on older populations. The study's findings support a shift away from stricter guidelines, which prioritize younger adults.
A recent study found that home blood pressure monitors can be inaccurate, with systolic readings off by as much as 5mm Hg and diastolic readings off by as much as 10mm Hg in up to 30% of patients. The American Society of Nephrology recommends that all patients with home monitors get them validated with their healthcare providers.
Chronic mental stress, obesity, and inflammation contribute to excessive sodium retention in blacks, increasing the risk of heart damage. Researchers aim to develop effective therapeutic strategies to treat this condition by testing angiotensin receptor blockers and other treatments.
Research at Brown University found a significant association between self-reported dispositional mindfulness and improved cardiovascular health, including lower BMI, physical activity, and fasting glucose. The study suggests that mindfulness training may be effective in increasing cardiovascular health indicators.
Research suggests team-based care with physicians and pharmacists leads to better blood pressure control compared to solo physician management. Pharmacists play a key role in counseling patients on lifestyle changes, resulting in significant systolic blood pressure reductions.
A large international clinical trial has shown that current hospital protocols for managing blood pressure in stroke patients may not be effective. The ENOS trial found that early treatment with glyceryl trinitrate patches improved outcomes in patients who received treatment within 6 hours of symptom onset.
A study of 37,000 adults found that frequent doctor visits are the strongest predictor of blood pressure control. Having healthcare insurance and being treated for high cholesterol also increased the likelihood of keeping blood pressure under control.
A new Canadian study found that consuming dairy products may have beneficial effects on metabolic health, including lower blood pressure and body weight. The study monitored the dairy-eating habits of healthy French-Canadians and discovered a positive association between dairy intake and specific metabolic risk factors.
A study published by the American College of Cardiology found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels can delay the natural increase of systolic and diastolic blood pressure with age. Men with high fitness levels experience a later onset of prehypertension, with systolic blood pressure increasing around age 54 and diastolic blood ...
A high-protein diet was associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels in healthy adults. Consuming more protein also led to lower long-term risks for high blood pressure. The benefits were evident in both overweight and normal-weight individuals.
A 16-week randomized clinical trial found that reducing calorie intake by 800 calories per day improved obstructive sleep apnea and lowered blood pressure in obese adults. The study suggests that moderate energy restriction can reduce both body fat and the severity of sleep apnea, leading to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
A recent study by American Heart Association found that small weight gain of five to 11 pounds can increase blood pressure, particularly abdominal visceral fat. This discovery suggests that even healthy individuals who experience a slight weight gain may be at risk for higher blood pressure.
A new study published in the American Journal of Hypertension suggests that sodium intake has a minimal impact on blood pressure. Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables was shown to significantly lower blood pressure, while increased physical activity showed no noticeable effect.
The SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial found renal denervation to be safe, with no significant clinical benefit for lowering blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. The procedure resulted in similar blood pressure reductions as a sham procedure, casting doubt on its effectiveness.
Researchers monitor blood pressure of 47 volunteers on Mount Everest and find a progressive increase in blood pressure with altitude. Telmisartan is effective in counteracting the effects of high altitude up to 3400 meters, but not at 5400 meters.
A study found that a self-monitoring and self-titration program for hypertension significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in high-risk patients. The results showed lower blood pressure at 12 months compared to usual care, with no adverse events.
A new study finds that black carbon pollutants from wood smoke may increase women's risk of cardiovascular disease, with the health effects exacerbated by co-exposure to motor vehicle emissions. Women living closer to highways were found to have three times higher blood pressure than those away from highways.
A comprehensive study in patients with type 2 diabetes found no evidence that blood pressure medication increases the risk of falling and breaking bones. In fact, results showed possible trends towards fewer fractures in intensive treatment groups.
A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that high-intensity interval training is safe and more efficient than moderate intensity exercise for improving exercise capacity and blood pressure control in stable heart transplant recipients. VO2 max increased by 17% in patients performing high-intensity interva...
A new analysis found that high sodium intake above the World Health Organization's recommendation of 2.0g per day contributes to nearly one in 10 global cardiovascular deaths. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, estimated 1.65 million annual cardiovascular deaths globally.
Researchers found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) resulted in significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. MBSR was more effective than progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) in reducing blood pressure levels, suggesting it could be a valuable adjunct to traditional treatment plans for hypertension.
Researchers found that consuming two servings of pistachios per day lowered vascular constriction during stress and improved neural control of the heart in adults with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes. The pistachio diet also showed improvements in sleep blood pressure, vascular response to stress, and vagal control of the heart.
Researchers found that treating high blood pressure too aggressively can increase health risks, with patients in optimal blood pressure ranges having the lowest risk of kidney failure and death. The study suggests that ideal target blood pressure ranges need to be better understood to minimize lifestyle burden and improve safety.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that eating lean beef daily can effectively lower blood pressure in healthy individuals. The BOLD+ diet, which includes 5.4 ounces of lean beef per day, was more effective at reducing blood pressure compared to other diets tested.
A recent study published in Health Psychology found that people who experience persistent sleep problems after a divorce may be at risk for increased blood pressure. The longer the sleep problems persist, the more likely they are to have an adverse effect on blood pressure.
A new study found that electronic health record algorithms can accurately identify patients with undiagnosed hypertension. The study used automated office blood pressure testing and notified healthcare staff when a patient was at risk, leading to formal diagnoses and related conditions in over 90% of cases.
A new study published in The BMJ suggests that reducing alcohol consumption, even for light-to-moderate drinkers, could be linked to improved cardiovascular health. Individuals carrying a genetic variant associated with lower alcohol consumption had a 10% lower risk of coronary heart disease and other health issues.
A new study found that empagliflozin lowers blood pressure in patients with Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. The drug also reduced blood glucose levels by 0.62-0.65 percentage points, suggesting a potential to reduce cardiovascular events.
A study of 41 untrained women aged 35-50 with mild high blood pressure found a significant reduction in blood pressure and body fat percentage after 15 weeks of football training. The researchers also found that women like playing football even if they have no previous experience, leading to the creation of their own football club.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that CPAP therapy significantly lowers blood pressure compared to nocturnal supplemental oxygen or education control treatment. This effect is particularly notable at night, when sleep apnea often prevents the expected fall in blood pressure.
Research suggests that high blood pressure in middle age is associated with increased risk of brain lesions and tiny brain bleeds, particularly in those without a history of high blood pressure. In contrast, individuals with a history of high blood pressure may experience smaller brain volumes and lower memory scores.
A community-based program significantly lowered blood pressure among minority populations at high risk of developing hypertension. Participants who engaged more with the program showed greater reductions in blood pressure, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and education.
A new study found that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy significantly reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressures and decreases vascular tone in adults with obstructive sleep apnea. Successful treatment also reverses these improvements after a short period of treatment withdrawal.
Raised systolic blood pressures increase risk of intracerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage, and stable angina, while diastolic pressure is linked to abdominal aortic aneurysm. Modern therapy still struggles to manage hypertension's substantial lifetime burden.