Research on blood pressure and its control. Covers intensive control and dementia, cardiovascular benefits, wearable ICU monitoring, and self-measurement.
A study found that Black adults living in food deserts who received home-delivered groceries and dietary guidance based on the DASH eating plan had a greater reduction in blood pressure levels compared to those given a stipend to purchase groceries. The program improved cardiovascular and metabolic health outcomes, but limitations incl...
A six-month family-based program in rural China reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 10 mm Hg compared to non-participants. Participants implemented a low-sodium diet, exercised regularly and monitored their blood pressure using digital devices.
A modeling study suggests that achieving systolic blood pressure equilibrium would significantly decrease the number of cardiovascular disease events and fatalities experienced by non-Hispanic black U.S. adults. Initiatives to maintain normal blood pressure and control hypertension could substantially improve health equity in the U.S.
A new study by USC researchers reveals that short-term 'dynamic instability' in blood pressure is linked to loss of brain tissue and nerve cell injury in older adults. This phenomenon, where blood pressure fluctuates wildly from one heartbeat to the next, may be a key risk factor for brain shrinkage and neurodegeneration.
A large-scale cohort study found that stopping drinking even at low levels can lead to clinically meaningful reductions in blood pressure. Researchers analyzed data from over 359,000 adults and discovered that quantity of alcohol intake is the primary driver of blood pressure changes.
Researchers developed innovative blood-based biomarkers to predict long-term blood pressure improvements after bariatric surgery. The study analyzed pre-surgery blood tests and identified top 10 molecules linked to improved blood pressure outcomes.
A recent study published in JAMA challenges the common practice of individualizing blood pressure targets based on preoperative nighttime mean arterial pressure. The findings suggest that this approach may not be effective for high-risk patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.
A recent study published in JAMA found that intraoperative blood pressure management with mean arterial pressure goals did not improve functional disability at 6 months postoperatively. The study suggests standard intraoperative blood pressure management may be sufficient for patients undergoing surgery.
A new study found that cardiovascular-related complications during pregnancy affect approximately 15% of pregnancies, with increases seen across all age groups. The rise in health risk factors before and during pregnancy drives these complications, emphasizing the importance of early identification and prevention strategies.
New research shows that music therapy significantly decreases heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and patient-ventilator asynchronies for patients admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (ICU). Music therapy is a safe, low-cost, non-pharmacological intervention that complements conventional treatments.
A recent study analyzing data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Surveys (2016-2023) found that cardiovascular disease risk increased in Mexico between 2016 and 2023. The average 10-year CVD risk was estimated at 9.5% using region-specific tools, highlighting the need for accurate models to predict local disease burden.
Researchers have developed an implantable system to stabilize blood pressure in people with spinal cord injuries. The therapy, which involves delivering finely tuned electrical stimulation, has been shown to restore blood pressure stability and prevent life-threatening spikes.
The American Heart Association and American Medical Association recognize 2,307 health care organizations for their efforts in tackling high blood pressure through the Target: BP initiative. This effort has impacted over 10 million adults with hypertension.
A new study found that nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, and inaccurate images of blood pressure measurement contribute to potentially wrong conclusions about their blood pressure levels. The study highlights the importance of using accurate images to demonstrate proper technique for measuring blood pressure.
Research suggests that children with higher blood pressure at age 7 may be at increased risk of dying of cardiovascular disease by mid-50s. Monitoring blood pressure as an important metric of cardiovascular health in childhood is recommended.
A recent study found that AI voice agents can improve the accuracy of blood pressure measurements in older adults, leading to better patient outcomes. The technology also identified patients who needed follow-up medical care based on their readings, resulting in an 88.7% lower cost-per-reading.
The study found that adding baxdrostat to standard care can lower blood pressure and delay kidney damage in patients with chronic kidney disease and uncontrolled high blood pressure. Participants experienced a significant reduction in urine albumin levels, indicating potential benefits for delaying kidney progression.
A new study found that only 6% of US adults with high blood pressure use salt substitutes, which can help manage blood pressure and heart health. The investigation highlights the need for healthcare professionals to raise awareness about the safe use of salt substitutes.
Research highlights a significant increase in deaths from high blood pressure-related kidney disease, with age-adjusted mortality rates rising 48% over the past 25 years. This trend is particularly concerning for Black and Hispanic individuals, who experience disproportionately higher death rates due to untreated high blood pressure.
Researchers found that methotrexate significantly lowers systolic blood pressure in people with rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests that this could be a new benefit of the drug beyond its usual role in treating inflammation, and may also provide protection against heart disease.
A landmark clinical trial found that Transcendental Meditation significantly reduced diabetes risk factors and supported weight loss in older Black women at high risk for heart disease. Meditation improved blood sugar control, insulin resistance, cholesterol, and weight.
Research shows that cardiovascular health scores among older adults with high blood pressure, stroke, or heart failure decreased significantly. The study analyzed data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, finding that physical activity and blood pressure scores were low for those with cardiovascular disease.
A new study reveals that endometriosis can lead to lower blood pressure responses in women due to altered autonomic nervous system functions. This finding may have significant implications for diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
A simulation study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that intensive blood pressure control is cost-effective, even with typical levels of measurement error. The study suggests that targeting systolic blood pressure below 120mmHg prevents more cardiovascular events than lower targets.
A large international study found that spironolactone, a medication for high blood pressure and heart failure, does not reduce the risk of heart-related death or hospitalizations in people with kidney failure receiving dialysis. The study also showed an increased risk of severe hyperkalaemia.
The American Heart Association's new guideline recommends combining healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as a heart-healthy diet, with early medication treatment to lower blood pressure. The guideline also provides updated guidance on medication options and recommends using the PREVENT risk calculator to estimate cardiovascular disease risk.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have found that common blood pressure readings are inaccurate, with as many as 30% of cases of high blood pressure being missed. The team developed an experimental model to explain the physics behind these inaccuracies and identified a previously unknown factor contributing to underestimation.
A novel experimental rig accurately reproduces human circulatory system behavior, revealing the reason for cuff-based systolic underestimation. The study proposes improved calibration methods or refinements to the cuff protocol.
Seoul National University researchers developed a wearable electronic device that continuously measures blood pressure with a compact, flexible patch. The device surpasses traditional cuff-based monitors in accuracy and convenience, paving the way for early diagnosis of chronic conditions like hypertension.
A new study published in JACC found that using portable HEPA air filters at home can significantly lower systolic blood pressure in adults with elevated readings. The study found an average 2.8 mmHg reduction in SBP after one month of HEPA filtration.
Researchers found that consuming nitrate-rich beetroot juice altered the oral microbiome in older adults, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. The study suggests that encouraging older adults to consume more nitrate-rich vegetables could have significant long-term health benefits.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive cuff-free blood pressure monitoring technology using speckle contrast optical spectroscopy, showing improved accuracy compared to traditional photoplethysmography methods. The technology measures blood flow and volume information simultaneously, enabling simultaneous measurements of cardiovascu...
Researchers developed a new method to estimate arm blood pressure from ankle readings, improving accuracy for people who cannot have their arm blood pressure measured. This could lead to fewer misdiagnoses and better healthcare outcomes for thousands of people worldwide.
High blood pressure typically has no signs or symptoms, according to the CDC. Few U.S. adults can correctly identify what blood pressure reading is considered high (130/80 mmHg). Despite prevalence, many people mistakenly believe high blood pressure always has noticeable symptoms or can be identified by feeling calm and relaxed.
A new study found that nearly one-third of individuals adopting healthy diets didn't lose weight but still experienced significant improvements in cardiometabolic markers, including increased HDL cholesterol and reduced visceral fat. The research suggests a healthy diet can have benefits beyond weight loss.
A large international study has found that managing low and high blood pressure in non-cardiac surgery has no significant impact on in-hospital delirium or cognitive changes one year after surgery. The study included 2,603 patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery and compared two strategies for mean arterial pressure targeting.
A 48-month study found that intensive blood pressure reduction lowered the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment by 15% and 16%, respectively. This suggests that reducing high blood pressure may be a key strategy for preventing dementia in patients with hypertension.
Researchers developed a wearable smart photonic wristband that assesses cardiorespiratory function and performs biometric identification, expanding personalized medicine applications. The device features an all-polymer sensing unit with high stability and durability, enabling continuous real-time monitoring of physiological information.
A new study found that intensive blood pressure reduction had similar outcomes across educational attainment levels, but high-educated individuals experienced greater cardiovascular risk reductions. The research analyzed data from the SPRINT trial and suggested that unmeasured social factors may play a role in heart health disparities.
A new study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that flavan-3-ols in tea and dark chocolate can reduce blood pressure readings. Regular consumption of these compounds was shown to improve blood vessel function, benefiting cardiovascular health.
A study of all-women extreme divers off the coast of Korea found two genetic changes that could aid their diving ability, lowering blood pressure and improving pain tolerance to cold. The researchers hope this discovery will advance care for health conditions like stroke related to high blood pressure.
A new MRI technique measures a person's 'functional age' of their heart, revealing how unhealthy lifestyles add years to their heart's aging process. This method has the potential to transform heart disease diagnosis and offer a lifeline to millions by catching problems early.
A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry reveals that childhood trauma significantly increases the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, including harmful alcohol consumption, smoking, and illicit drug use. The research also found an unexpected connection between trauma and cardiovascular health, wit...
Researchers have discovered a new pathway that may lead to a treatment for high blood pressure and aortic aneurysms. By targeting the protein DUSP-3, the team was able to block the development of aortic aneurysms and reduce hypertension in mice.
A study from the University of Illinois Chicago found that simple consultations during emergency room visits can significantly lower blood pressures and improve hypertension management. The intervention, which included smartphone-paired blood pressure monitors, was particularly effective for patients from underrepresented backgrounds, ...
A new study from the University of Missouri highlights how 'smoothed' graphs can help doctors better manage patients with hypertension. The findings suggest that these graphs can reduce errors in assessing blood pressure control, potentially alleviating pressure on the healthcare system.
Increasing dietary potassium and reducing sodium can effectively regulate blood pressure, according to a new mathematical model developed by the University of Waterloo. The study suggests that a higher ratio of potassium to sodium intake may be more effective for lowering blood pressure than simply reducing sodium intake.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of multidimensional sleep health in reducing cardiometabolic risks. The statement reviews evidence on the relationship between sleep and various health factors, including body fat, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Researchers found that cortisol levels were lower in survivors, while heart rate and blood pressure responses were altered. Interleukin 1B was significantly higher, suggesting potential long-term health problems despite healthy symptoms.
A new study found that a 2018 US public housing smoking ban led to reduced hospitalizations for cardiovascular problems. The ban resulted in modest declines in heart attacks incidence rates and small differential declines in strokes among adults aged over 50.
A pooled data analysis of existing research suggests that relaxation techniques can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure for people with high blood pressure after 3 or fewer months. The most commonly included interventions were breath control, yoga/tai chi, biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation, and music.
A study found that pedometers capture a remarkable 88% of the health information provided by more advanced accelerometer measurements. Walking at a brisk pace is essential for cardiovascular health optimization, with a minimum cadence of 80 steps per minute strongly associated with good aerobic fitness.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that legislation to reduce sodium in processed food in South Africa is linked to significant declines in blood pressure levels. The reduction in sodium intake has been associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease mortality and stroke, potentially saving millions of lives globally.
A new study found that smartwatches paired with a health app can encourage people with newly diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes to start and maintain purposeful exercise, leading to improvements in blood sugar levels and systolic blood pressure. The programme also helped participants lower cholesterol and improve their quality of life.
Researchers found that lifestyle and health factors linked with heart disease have a stronger impact on women than men. Women were more likely to have fewer negative risk factors but faced a greater increase in cardiovascular events if they had more negative risk factors compared to men.
A new Brazilian technology developed by brain4care has been shown to measure absolute values of intracranial pressure (ICP) more accurately than existing non-invasive methods. The technology analyzes ICP's morphology and trend, allowing for early detection of neurological changes and enabling doctors to intervene quickly and accurately.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys discovered novel fragments of future drugs that selectively inhibit the enzyme VHR, which plays a role in controlling the immune system's response to danger. The findings may lead to the development of new therapies for sepsis and septic shock.
A polypill programme combining a statin and three blood pressure lowering drugs could prevent thousands of heart attacks and strokes annually. The approach would be a flagship strategy for disease prevention rather than treatment.
A new study proposes a theoretical framework for AI-based wearable blood pressure sensors, paving the way for non-invasive and continuous cardiovascular monitoring. The review highlights clinical aspects of implementation, real-time data transmission, and signal quality degradation, and presents strategies to address technical barriers.
Research found that community-dwelling older adults with advanced age, frailty, or multiple prescription medications had greater net benefits from intensive blood pressure lowering. However, this approach can increase treatment-related harms in these groups.