A Canadian researcher is working to create a more comprehensive classification system for the Paralympics, addressing the limitations of current methods. The system will assess cardiovascular function, allowing athletes to compete fairly and safely.
A new study published in the journal Stroke found that black stroke survivors had higher blood pressure a year after their initial stroke. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for having another stroke, and controlling it can cut the risk in half.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming grapes reduced blood pressure, improved blood flow and decreased inflammation in men with metabolic syndrome. The polyphenols found in grapes are thought to be responsible for these beneficial effects.
A new study suggests that higher blood pressure is associated with lower mortality in extremely frail, elderly adults. However, the same association was not found for healthier, robust older adults. The researchers used walking speed as a measure of frailty and found striking results.
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.
A new study found that adding liraglutide to insulin therapy improves blood sugar control in obese adults with poorly controlled Type 1 diabetes. Patients also experienced significant weight loss and lower blood pressure.
A new study found that persistent and late-onset menopausal symptoms are associated with increased blood pressure, white blood cell count, glucose, and insulin levels, which are risk markers for heart disease and stroke.
A new, user-friendly tool called the Healthy Aging Brain Care Monitor has been found to be a reliable and valid way to measure dementia symptoms. The study, published by Indiana University School of Medicine, shows that the monitor can detect changes in symptoms and distinguish between patients with varying levels of impairment.
Researchers found that standard measures of clinical care for blood pressure are misleading and incomplete, while a new experimental measure provides a clearer picture of patients' needs. The study suggests prioritizing patients most likely to benefit from treatment.
A study found that over 8% of VA patients with diabetes may be over-treated, while 6% are under-treated. An individualized approach could help identify the right treatment plan for each patient.
Researchers found that hunter-gatherers like the Tsimane people in Bolivia have lower age-related increases in blood pressure and less risks of atherosclerosis. The Tsimane diet is high in fruits, vegetables, and potassium, and low in calories, salt, and alcohol. This study challenges traditional views on modernization's impact on health.
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.
The Folsom Group revitalizes the 1967 report's blueprint, updating 13 grand challenges to facilitate nationwide integrated patient-centered community health services. Intranasal corticosteroids show small therapeutic benefit for sinus infection sufferers, but with potential harms and cost implications.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Quality of Care and Outcomes Research Scientific Sessions 2012 found that home telemonitoring with pharmacist-led support improved blood pressure control in patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. The study, which involved 450 patients, showed a significant reduction in blo...
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.
A new study found that longer commutes by automobile are associated with decreased cardiorespiratory fitness, increased weight, and other indicators of metabolic risk. Commuting distances greater than 10 miles were linked to high blood pressure.
A new study suggests fish oil capsules can reduce AV graft clotting and improve hemodialysis patient outcomes. Patients taking fish oil experienced lower rates of graft failure, cardiovascular events, and blood pressure.
Researchers discovered a link between ACE inhibitors and ARBs and lower PTSD symptom scores in patients taking these medications. The findings suggest that these blood pressure medications could be valuable tools for treating or preventing post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers found that teenagers with abnormally high uric acid levels were twice as likely to have high blood pressure. Elevated uric acid persisted even after adjusting for other factors, suggesting it may be an independent driver of high blood pressure.
Researchers developed a non-invasive monitoring technique to assess changes in brain arteries, detecting brain damage in 61 children undergoing heart repair surgery. The 'hemoglobin volume index' allowed for real-time detection of brain injury and potential adjustments to blood pressure management.
A new study presented at the World Congress of Cardiology found that high normal blood pressure becomes less of a risk factor for incident cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease with age. The study showed similar risks for diagnosed high blood pressure across all age groups.
A recent study published at the World Congress of Cardiology found that regular exercise significantly reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease in individuals with high blood pressure. The study involved over 434,000 participants and revealed a significant difference in mortality risks between physically active and inactiv...
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.
Researchers found a strong association between elevated pulse pressure and an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease in Alzheimer's patients. The study suggests that targeting the pulsatile component of blood pressure may offer new treatment implications for Alzheimer's patients.
A randomized controlled trial found that consuming three servings of raisins per day can significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with mild hypertension. Raisins' high potassium content is believed to be the key factor behind this effect.
A study found that moderate isoflavone intake can lower systolic blood pressure in young adults, with a notable benefit for African Americans. Isoflavones may help compensate for endothelial dysfunction, a condition that plays a bigger role in hypertension in African Americans.
Internet-based telemedicine systems lead to more timely treatment decisions and medication adjustments for patients with high blood pressure. Patients who reported frequent blood pressure readings via a web-based portal received more appropriate pharmacotherapy and an overall reduction in cardiovascular risk.
A sharp rise in blood pressure in midlife can increase a person's risk of heart disease later in life. Early detection and treatment of rapidly rising blood pressure may be required to prevent long-term damage to the heart.
A systematic review found that a difference of more than 10mmHg or 15mmHg in systolic blood pressure between arms is associated with increased risk of vascular disease and mortality. The study supports the need for two-arm blood pressure checks to become the norm.
A two-year behavioral intervention program was associated with modest but sustained weight loss (-1.03 kg) and improved blood pressure control among obese, socioeconomically disadvantaged patients. The program included behavior change goals, self-monitoring, and community resources.
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.
Research suggests that T cells play a role in stress-dependent hypertension, and that medications targeting the immune system may also help control anxiety disorders. Mice studies found that T cell deficiency led to reduced blood pressure sensitivity to stress.
Higher amounts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were associated with lower waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, fasting insulin, and higher HDL cholesterol levels. Increasing daily MVPA by 20 minutes can improve cardiometabolic health in children.
A new study found that fructose intake over seven days does not increase blood pressure, but rather leads to a decrease in diastolic blood pressure in some individuals. Researchers aimed to determine whether fructose itself raises blood pressure or if the apparent harm is due to excessive calorie consumption.
Researchers developed a novel method to measure both blood pressure and arterial stiffness simultaneously using oscillometric measurements. The new index, API, accurately quantifies arterial stiffness and correlates with established methods, providing an early indicator of cardiovascular disease.
A study found that consuming 2-3 small purple potatoes per day reduces blood pressure by 4% without causing weight gain. This effect is attributed to the high levels of antioxidant compounds in these potatoes, which may have similar effects to ACE-inhibitor medications.
Researchers found that systolic blood pressure above 140/90 is associated with increased risk of end-stage renal disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. The study's findings challenge current guidelines, which recommend a systolic pressure of 130/80 or lower.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New research published in The FASEB Journal found that EPO increases blood pressure by constricting arteries, reducing blood flow to the brain. This contradicts earlier evidence suggesting EPO may be a viable early treatment for stroke victims.
Scientists from Max Planck Institute discover gene SLC4A5 responsible for sodium dysregulation and hypertension. The study found that a genetic defect in this gene can lead to excessive renal retention of sodium and water, resulting in abnormal blood pressure levels.
Research suggests that systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels within the normal range may not be protective against recurrent stroke in patients who have experienced an ischemic stroke. The study found that SBP levels below 120 mmHg or above 140 mmHg were associated with a higher risk of subsequent stroke. Lowering SBP levels to less tha...
A new international study found that patients with very low systolic blood pressure levels may actually increase their chances of experiencing a recurrent stroke. The research, led by Bruce Ovbiagele, suggests that the relationship between blood pressure and stroke risk is more complicated than previously thought, with timing also play...
Two studies found that pomegranate juice can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and the need for blood pressure medications in kidney disease patients. Meanwhile, over 15% of kidney disease patients take potentially harmful herbs or dietary supplements.
Research suggests a link between high blood pressure and reduced ability to recognize emotional faces and texts, potentially causing miscommunication and increased distress in social situations. This 'emotional dampening' can lead to distrust, risk-taking behavior, and worsened mental health conditions.
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.
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.
A study by Heart and Stroke Foundation researcher Dr. Robert Nolan found that e-counselling led to a twofold decrease in blood pressure levels compared to those who didn't participate, improving lifestyle and quality of life.
A commonly prescribed blood pressure-lowering medication appears to kick start recovery in the unaffected brain hemisphere after a stroke by boosting blood vessel growth. The study found that candesartan increased levels of growth factors and a 'pro-survival' protein, suggesting potential healing properties beyond the area of damage.
A new study from the University of California at Merced found that adolescent girls with obesity have a significantly higher risk of developing elevated systolic blood pressure than their non-obese peers. Obesity was not as strongly linked to high blood pressure in boys, who were still more likely to develop it but to a lesser extent.
Research from the University of California - San Diego School of Medicine found that people with prehypertension have a 55% higher risk of experiencing a future stroke than those without. The study analyzed 12 prospective cohort studies involving over 518,000 participants and found that even high-but-normal blood pressure elevates stro...
A review of studies published in Neurology found that people with prehypertension are 50% more likely to develop stroke compared to those with normal blood pressure levels. Young and middle-aged individuals with prehypertension are also at higher risk, with nearly 80% increased likelihood of developing a stroke.
Researchers found that patients who saw their doctors every two weeks had lower hemoglobin A1C levels, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol within a shorter timeframe compared to those who visited less frequently. This suggests that more frequent doctor-patient encounters can aid in achieving ideal treatment goals for diabetes.
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.
Blacks with prehypertension have a 35 percent greater risk of progressing to high blood pressure than whites. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss and physical activity can reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure for those with prehypertension.
An international study identifies 28 new gene regions associated with blood pressure, including a previously unknown physiologic pathway involved in blood pressure control. The findings suggest potential targets for new hypertension drugs and may lead to improved treatment options for cardiovascular complications.