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Oral contraceptive use in girls and alcohol consumption in boys are associated with increased BP....

A large pregnancy follow-up study found that adolescent boys with higher alcohol consumption, girls using oral contraceptives, and both sexes with high salt intake and BMI had higher blood pressure levels. The study warns that these lifestyle behaviors can lead to adverse health consequences in adulthood.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJul 11, 2012

Behavioral support from peers, staff lowers patients' blood pressure

A study found that behavioral support from peers and primary care office staff can help patients with poor blood pressure control improve their blood pressure levels by as much as starting a new drug. The intervention reduced systolic pressure by 7.2mmHg in the treatment group compared to 0.8mmHg in the control group.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 21, 2012

WSU researchers say genes and vascular risk modify effects of aging on brain and cognition

Researchers found that older APOE ε4 carriers experience smaller brain volumes and poorer cognitive performance with even minor increases in systolic blood pressure. The study suggests an interaction between genetic and vascular risk factors contributes to age-related decline in brain and cognition.

Big doses of vitamin C may lower blood pressure

A review of 29 clinical trials found that taking an average of 500 milligrams of vitamin C daily reduced blood pressure by 3.84 millimeters of mercury in the short term. However, more research is needed to understand its implications as a treatment for high blood pressure.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 19, 2012

Lifestyle changes for obese patients linked to modest weight loss

Researchers at WashU Medicine found that lifestyle interventions can slow weight gain and improve blood pressure in high-risk, low-income patients. Despite modest six-month weight losses, participants who received lifestyle intervention maintenance over two years experienced significant improvements in blood pressure control.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 12, 2012

Differences in systolic blood pressure between the left and right arm could indicate vascular disease and increased likelihood of death

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that a difference of 15mm Hg or more between arms is associated with increased risk of peripheral vascular disease, pre-existing cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. Measuring blood pressure in both arms should be part of routine care to identify patient...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 29, 2012

2-arm blood pressure check indicator for risk from heart disease or death

Researchers at Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that differences in systolic blood pressure between arms are associated with increased risk of vascular disease and mortality. A difference of 10mm Hg or more is linked to an increased risk of peripheral vascular disease, pre-existing cerebrovascular disease, and mortality.

For those with diabetes, controlling blood pressure is crucial, but not urgent

Researchers found that delaying effective hypertension treatment for up to a year results in small-quality adjusted life expectancy loss, but longer delays cause significant damage. The study suggests patients and providers focus on diabetes self-management and lifestyle modification within the first year after diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 9, 2012

Home monitoring may help manage and reduce costs for heart failure

A new study suggests that home monitoring strategies, including self-care, phone calls from nurses, and telemedicine, can effectively track heart failure disease-management and early identification. The authors recommend a multi-pronged approach, combining monitoring with patient follow-up and feedback to improve outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 3, 2012

New predictor of heart attack or stroke

A new study from Northwestern University finds that a significant increase in blood pressure during middle age increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. Maintaining low blood pressure early on can reduce this risk, with those who keep their blood pressure low having a significantly lower risk.

Blood pressure monitoring: Room for improvement

Inaccurate blood pressure measurements from faulty techniques result in misclassified patients and potentially different treatment decisions. A study published by the University of New Mexico found that 93% of patients have different blood pressure readings when using outdated versus updated guidelines.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 12, 2011

Childhood diet lower in fat and higher in fiber may lower risk for chronic disease in adulthood

A recent study found that a childhood dietary intervention resulted in significantly lower fasting plasma glucose levels and systolic blood pressure in young adulthood. The study suggests that reducing fat and increasing fiber intake during childhood may have long-term benefits for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 27, 2011

Take your blood pressure meds before bed

A study by the American Society of Nephrology found that taking blood pressure-lowering medications at bedtime improves blood pressure control and reduces the risk of heart problems. Patients who took their medications before bed had better outcomes than those who took them in the morning.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 24, 2011

Genetic factors behind high blood pressure

Researchers have identified 16 new genetic variations that affect blood pressure, providing a significant step towards better diagnostics and treatment. The discovery was made using genetic data from over 200,000 Europeans and reveals new genetic risk groups to help predict the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature·DateSep 19, 2011