Research on blood pressure and its control. Covers intensive control and dementia, cardiovascular benefits, wearable ICU monitoring, and self-measurement.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that only 20.9% of children who received an elevated blood pressure reading at a doctor's office went on to receive another screening within a month. Most children with one elevated blood pressure reading have normal blood pressure readings when checked again.
Increased visit-to-visit blood pressure variability is associated with worse performance on cognitive tests, including selective attention and reaction time, general cognitive speed, immediate and delayed memory. Higher variability also links to higher stroke risk, independent of average blood pressure.
A small study found that college football players, especially linemen, may develop high blood pressure over the course of their first season. Researchers noted a significant increase in blood pressure levels among players after the season, with 47% considered pre-hypertensive and 14% having stage 1 hypertension.
Researchers developed new compounds that mimic catestatin, a naturally used blood pressure regulator. The findings suggest these compounds could be used to control hypertension and potentially lead to new treatments for the disease.
A large-scale study found that exercising regularly can reduce stroke risk in adults by up to 20% compared to those who are inactive. The study suggests that moderate to vigorous intensity exercise can have a significant impact on reducing stroke risk, particularly among men.
A recent study published in the American Heart Association journal found that elevated blood pressure rates rose by 27% in children and adolescents over a 13-year period. The research highlights the link between high body mass, larger waistlines, and excessive sodium intake as contributing factors to this trend.
Two angiotensin-receptor blockers, telmisartan and valsartan, have been shown to reduce hospitalization for heart attack, stroke, or heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers found a lower risk of cardiovascular illnesses associated with these drugs compared to other treatments.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that patients with gout who initially experience pain in other joints, such as the knee or elbow, are at higher risk of future flare-ups. Additionally, chronic blood pressure variability and smoking are linked to increased cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Researchers found that small differences in health status are associated with large reductions in stroke risk. A better score on the Life's Simple 7 health factors is linked to a lower stroke risk, with ideal blood pressure being the most important indicator.
Researchers discovered that immune system cells and lymph capillaries regulate sodium balance and blood pressure in the skin, contrary to traditional views focusing on the kidney and brain.
A recent study found that just three short high-intensity sessions per week can significantly improve the fitness of inactive men. VO2max increased by 10% in one group and 13% in another after a 10-week training session.
A recent study published in the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development found that patients who have suffered a stroke respond equally to care efforts, regardless of their age. The research looked at 3,196 patients treated for ischemic strokes and found little difference in health quality across different age groups.
Research from the American Society of Hypertension meeting shows that mobile phone calls can increase blood pressure, while yoga can lower it. A study also found that hypertensive individuals prefer more salt in their food but can curb this desire with other seasonings.
A team of Stanford engineers has created a thin, flexible 'skin' that can monitor heart health, detecting stiff arteries and cardiovascular problems. The device is sensitive enough to track changes in the pulse wave, which could lead to more detailed diagnostics in the future.
Researchers found that exposure to sunlight lowers blood pressure and improves overall health by reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. The study's results suggest that the benefits of sunlight outweigh the risks of skin cancer.
Metabolic disorders like excess abdominal fat, high blood pressure, and low HDL cholesterol are found in children as young as 6-8 years old. These conditions accumulate over time, leading to mild artery wall stiffness and reduced arterial dilation.
A Michigan State University analysis found that federally funded safety-net clinics lag behind in controlling high blood pressure among low-income patients. Only 38% of hypertensive patients had their blood pressure under control at a mid-Michigan safety-net clinic, with diabetes patients facing even greater challenges.
A high resting heart rate is associated with a higher risk of death, regardless of physical fitness level. Men with heart rates between 51-80 beats per minute had a 40-50% increased risk of death compared to those with lower rates.
A cup of beetroot juice a day reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by about 10 mm Hg in participants. Increasing dietary nitrate intake through vegetables like beets may be an accessible way to manage blood pressure, researchers suggest.
Researchers identify mTORC1 protein as a key player in controlling blood pressure and link its abnormal activation to cardiovascular disease and obesity. Targeting this pathway may lead to better hypertension treatments for at-risk patients.
Research shows that diseases traditionally associated with wealth are now prevalent in middle-income countries, while obesity and high blood pressure are rising in poorer nations. The study suggests improved diagnosis and lifestyle changes in wealthy countries may be driving the shift.
Researchers found that egg white protein peptide RVPSL reduces blood pressure in laboratory rats, comparable to a low dose of Captopril. The study suggests that egg white peptides could become useful as an adjunct to high-blood-pressure medication.
Studies show that reducing salt intake lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease. Increasing potassium intake also has significant health benefits, with reduced blood pressure and a lower risk of stroke in adults. Lowering sodium intake should be part of public health efforts to reduce cardiovascular diseases.
A review of literature suggests that lowering salt intake is associated with decreased cardiovascular disease and mortality. National studies in Finland and Great Britain show a significant decrease in death due to stroke and coronary heart disease after instituting a national salt-reduction program.
Research analyzed seven studies to determine energy drink impact on heart health. Consuming energy drinks was found to prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. Systolic blood pressure also increased significantly in participants.
A recent study found that African Americans with kidney disease who experience large fluctuations in blood pressure are nearly three times more likely to die prematurely. Monitoring and addressing these day-to-day changes may improve health outcomes.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that vitamin D supplementation can help reduce systolic blood pressure in African-American adults. The study showed modest but significant gains, suggesting that widespread use of vitamin D supplementation could have substantial public health benefits for this demographic.
Using a telemedicine system to engage people in underserved urban communities resulted in significant reductions in systolic blood pressure. Nearly all study participants lowered their blood pressure, with those using the interactive reporting system achieving an average drop of 19 mmHg compared to 12 mmHg for non-telemedicine users.
A study by the University of Utah reveals that female partners of vets with PTSD suffer from significant increases in blood pressure, anger, and emotional distress. The study suggests these partners may be at similar or greater risk for cardiovascular disease due to relationship conflict and PTSD.
Researchers found that DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in oily fish, activates ion channels to lower blood pressure. In contrast, the ethyl ester form of DHA, commonly used in fish oil pills, fails to activate these channels and may even counteract their effects.
Scientists have discovered that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can help lower blood pressure. The 'SLO1' potassium channel plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of these fatty acids. When administered to mice, DHA expanded blood vessels and decreased blood pressure, but this effect was blocked when the SLO1 channel was not present.
A specialized receptor in blood vessels senses molecules created by gut microbes, increasing blood pressure. The finding suggests a complex system involving gut bacteria and blood vessel regulation.
Researchers at University of Bristol identify MC4R as critical regulator of brain's response to obesity, also linked to increased blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. The study reveals a mechanism by which MC4R balances sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity.
A Kaiser Permanente study of 26,000 patients with diabetes found that controlling blood pressure and cholesterol is crucial in preventing heart disease. Patients who met guidelines for all three risk factors had a significantly lower rate of hospitalization for heart attack or stroke.
A new study found that directing short bursts of radio waves at nerves surrounding the kidneys lowered blood pressure for at least six months and up to one year. The procedure, called renal denervation, has significant public health implications in treating resistant hypertension.
Blocking the endothelin receptor reduces cardiovascular risk factors in patients with chronic kidney disease independent of blood pressure. The findings suggest that blocking the receptor may provide heart-related benefits to these patients, who have a higher risk of developing heart problems due to their condition.
A study found that young black males with high hormone aldosterone are at risk for cardiovascular disease due to retaining too much salt, leading to enlarged heart muscles and high blood pressure. Researchers suggest early use of aldosterone inhibitors to control blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk.
A Tel Aviv University study found that adding fish oil to the diet of critically ill patients can reduce pressure ulcers by 20-25%. The researchers also observed a boost in the immune system and a decrease in swelling and inflammation. This natural approach may offer an alternative to conventional treatments for bedsores.
A study found that essential oils reduce blood pressure and heart rate in people exposed for less than an hour, but prolonged exposure is associated with increased heart rate and blood pressure. This suggests that aromatherapy may be beneficial for cardiovascular health when used correctly.
Researchers have found that a specific enzyme, CYP2J2, is overexpressed in women with preeclampsia, contributing to the development of high blood pressure. Inhibiting this enzyme reduced disease symptoms in animal experiments, suggesting a potential new treatment for preeclampsia.
Researchers found that adding fruits and vegetables can reduce metabolic acidosis and preserve kidney function in CKD patients. Poor dietary habits and poverty are also linked to an increased risk of kidney disease, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address disparities in care.
A new study found that high blood pressure causes structural damage to the brain's white matter and gray matter, even among young adults. The research suggests that vascular brain injury develops insidiously over time, leading to accelerated brain aging and a higher risk of cognitive decline.
A University of Michigan study found that automated calls and home blood pressure monitoring can significantly reduce blood pressures and depressive symptoms among hypertensive patients in Honduras and Mexico. The program showed promising results, especially among patients with limited literacy and income.
Research from the University of Exeter found that soccer training significantly lowered blood pressure in middle-aged men with hypertension, improving exercise capacity and reducing body fat. The study suggests that regular soccer training can be a game-changing approach to managing cardiovascular disease risk.
A new study reveals racial differences in how body mass index affects blood pressure in children, with black children showing a greater impact. Black children's blood pressure was 8% higher than white children's, suggesting targeted prevention strategies may be necessary.
A study of 234 people with high blood pressure found that those with poor sleep quality were twice as likely to have resistant hypertension. Women were more likely to report lower sleep quality than men.
A study by the American Heart Association found that drinking low-calorie cranberry juice for eight weeks significantly lowered blood pressure in healthy adults, from an average of 121/73 mmHg to 118/70 mmHg. The antioxidants in cranberry juice are believed to be responsible for this effect.
Researchers found that African-Americans are less likely to adopt the DASH diet due to cultural differences, but altering traditional recipes can improve adherence. Significant reductions in blood pressure were seen among participants who followed the DASH diet, especially when combined with exercise and weight loss.
Greater adherence to the DASH diet can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure, but African Americans are less likely to adhere to it compared to whites. The study found that after four months, participants with higher post-treatment DASH adherence scores had lower blood pressure levels.
A new study found that cooking with a blend of sesame and rice bran oils significantly lowers blood pressure and improves cholesterol levels. The researchers discovered that the oil blend works nearly as well as a commonly prescribed high blood pressure medication, with even more impressive results when used in combination.
A recent study found that consuming at least 2% of daily calories from yogurt may help lower the risk of high blood pressure. Long-term yogurt-eaters had lower systolic blood pressure and were 31% less likely to develop hypertension than those who didn't eat yogurt.
A 10-week LifeSkills program improved teens' ability to control anger, decreased anxiety, and lowered blood pressures, with benefits holding up at six months. The program, adapted for adolescents, teaches assertiveness, sound decision-making, and positive interactions to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
About 30% of blacks retain as much salt as eating fries when stressed, leading to elevated blood pressure and increased cardiovascular disease risk. A low-salt diet may be beneficial for these individuals.
Research reveals that the skin and immune system play a crucial role in regulating sodium balance and hypertension. The immune system's macrophages activate genes that control the growth of lymphatic vessels, allowing for the transport of stored sodium away from the body.
A University of Illinois study finds that even small weight gains in college students (1.5 pounds per year) increase systolic blood pressure by 3 to 5 points. Regular physical activity can help mitigate this effect, particularly for young women, who are more susceptible to increased blood pressure.
A study published in JAMA Network found that increased aortic stiffness is associated with a higher risk of new hypertension. The researchers suggest that vascular stiffness may be a precursor to hypertension, rather than the result of it. The study's findings have significant implications for preventing and treating hypertension.
Renal artery stent deployment significantly reduces systolic blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled renovascular hypertension. The HERCULES trial found that those with higher blood pressure levels at baseline had the most dramatic reduction.
Researchers found that successive leg compressions trigger natural protective mechanisms reducing damage after a stroke. The technique, called remote ischemic perconditioning, reduced stroke size by 25.7% in animal models, doubling its efficacy when combined with tPA, the current FDA-approved stroke therapy.
Research by the European Society of Cardiology found that energy drinks improve left and right ventricular function in healthy subjects. Energy drink consumption increases diastolic blood pressure but also shows benefits for heart rate and overall cardiac performance.
Research at ESC Congress 2012 found that renal denervation regenerates blood vessels, reducing cardiovascular events. The procedure improves central hemodynamics and arterial stiffness in patients with resistant hypertension, suggesting a potential 'fountain of youth' for blood vessels.