Articles tagged with Blood Pressure
A pharmacist-led home blood pressure monitoring program supported by the American Heart Association's Heart 360 website improved blood pressure control for patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The program, which used online tools and clinical pharmacy specialists to adjust medications based on proven protocols, resulted in a signif...
A study by the University of Duisburg-Essen found that people living in polluted urban areas experience higher blood pressure due to exposure to fine and coarse particulate matter. This association remains even after accounting for other factors such as age, gender, smoking, and weight.
A study found that individuals with fluctuating blood pressure, in addition to high blood pressure, are at a higher risk of cerebrovascular disease. Fluctuations in blood pressure were associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, even among those with normal blood pressure.
Researchers predict a significant increase in cardiovascular disease events and deaths in China between 2010 and 2030, driven by demographic changes and rising risk factors. Dramatically reducing smoking and controlling elevated blood pressure could prevent up to 5.7 million deaths by 2030.
A study of 2,500 patient records found that medical staff fails to check a child's blood pressure nearly half the time and often misses elevated readings. The consequences are missed development of hypertension and its serious consequences.
A recent study reveals that laughter can optimize hormone levels, modulate immune activity, and lower blood pressure, similar to the effects of moderate physical exercise. Laughercise, a form of mirthful laughter, may provide an alternative treatment option for patients with wasting disease or depression-related appetite loss.
Researchers found that African American boys have higher levels of angiotensin II, a hormone that contributes to high blood pressure, while African American girls have lower levels of protective angiotensin (1-7). These findings suggest that changes in hormone metabolism may occur before blood pressure changes, potentially leading to p...
A Johns Hopkins study suggests that a commonly used bypass surgery technique may impair the brain's ability to regulate blood flow, increasing the risk of stroke. Researchers found that seven patients experienced strokes after cooling and rewarming, highlighting the need for improved monitoring to prevent such incidents.
A study led by Penn State researchers found that an educational intervention, combined with home blood pressure monitoring, significantly improved patient knowledge and has the potential to lower blood pressure. The project aims to empower patients with high blood pressure to take control of their health.
A UCLA study found that health fair referrals, especially those assisted by phone, significantly improved blood pressure in middle-aged low-income immigrants. This approach helped these individuals make timely appointments with doctors and adjust their medications, leading to a notable reduction in systolic blood pressure.
A large study found that walking at a brisk pace (3 miles per hour) or for two hours a week significantly lowers the risk of stroke in women. The study followed 39,315 female health professionals over 11.9 years and found lower risks for total, clot-related, and bleeding strokes.
Researchers found that eating dark chocolate daily can lower blood pressure and reduce heart disease risk by 39% compared to those who eat less. Flavanols in cocoa may be responsible for this effect, improving nitric oxide bioavailability and reducing inflammation.
A new study found a direct link between chronic loneliness and increased blood pressure over four years, independent of age and other factors. Even modest levels of loneliness can lead to significant increases in blood pressure.
LCZ696, a new dual-action drug, has been shown to provide significantly greater reductions in blood pressure than the established ARB valsartan. The drug's dual mechanism of action, blocking both angiotensin II and neprilysin, may offer superior benefits for treating hypertension and heart failure.
Researchers found that wearing a pedometer to inspire walking and spending minutes a day meditating can lower important numbers like blood pressure, heart rate, and even weight. A positive attitude and family environment increases the effectiveness of these interventions.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that female sex chromosomes, not just hormones, help regulate blood pressure. Male mice with female sex chromosomes experience hypertension seen in postmenopausal women.
Researchers found that lowering systolic blood pressure below 115 can increase cardiovascular risk for patients with diabetes and coronary artery disease. This new data challenges traditional guidelines recommending lower blood pressure levels as better.
The ACCORD trial showed that targeting normal systolic blood pressure levels did not significantly reduce the risk of fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular disease events. Treating multiple lipids with combination drug therapy also did not provide additional benefits over treatment with statin alone.
A research team at Oregon Health & Science University has discovered that nitric oxide is a powerful regulator of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule involved in the development and function of the nervous system. This finding could play a significant role in preventing and treating high blood pressure.
A study suggests that variability in blood pressure can be a strong predictor of stroke and other cardiovascular events, independent of mean blood pressure. The researchers found that patients with the most variation in systolic blood pressure were six times more likely to have a stroke.
A study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics reveals Pycnogenol lowers urinary proteins and improves blood flow to the kidneys. Pycnogenol also reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as inflammatory markers.
A modified version of cardiac rehabilitation showed promise in addressing some risk factors for stroke, including hypertension and physical inactivity, within six weeks. Participants experienced significant improvements in blood pressure and physical function, suggesting a possible post-TIA treatment to reduce stroke risk.
Researchers found that combining diet, exercise, and weight loss counseling can significantly reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. Additionally, low-carb diets may be as effective as medications in promoting weight loss and lowering blood pressure.
A year-long study found that a low-carbohydrate diet was more effective at lowering blood pressure than the weight-loss drug orlistat. Participants in the low-carbohydrate group experienced a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, with nearly half seeing their medication decreased or discontinued.
A systematic review found that combining beta-blockers with certain anti-hypertensive drugs significantly lowers blood pressure in patients. The combination therapy resulted in a 30% greater reduction in blood pressure compared to single drug therapy.
A Brigham Young University study found that parenthood is associated with lower blood pressure, especially among women. The research suggests that social factors, such as deriving meaning and purpose from life's stress, may also protect physical health.
A study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that childhood blood pressure, body mass index, and glucose levels can predict type 2 diabetes risk nine to 26 years later. Children with high systolic blood pressure, a high body mass index, or low HDL cholesterol are more likely to develop diabetes.
Researchers have identified a key protein channel that helps nerve sensors regulate blood pressure. The ASIC2 channel plays a crucial role in controlling electrical activity in blood vessels, and its absence leads to high blood pressure.
A study found that patients with kidney disease experienced disrupted sleep when using a widely used blood pressure monitor, leading to inaccurate results. The ambulatory blood pressure monitoring test, which measures blood pressure during sleep, can interfere with sleep patterns, causing an increase in nighttime blood pressure.
Researchers have identified a novel gene, phosducin, that modulates high blood pressure in response to stress. The studies found that mice lacking the gene developed high blood pressure under stress, while certain DNA variants serve as markers for increased blood pressure risk in humans.
Patients treated with team-based care involving pharmacists achieved lower blood pressure levels and were more likely to reach blood pressure control goals compared to those without this approach. The study found significant improvements in mean blood pressure and overall blood pressure control rates.
Researchers identify phosducin's role in modulating blood pressure in response to stress, finding increased baseline and stress-dependent blood pressure in mice and humans. The study suggests phosducin as a promising target for developing drugs to alleviate stress-induced hypertension.
A study found that the average BMI of adult Americans increased from 26.5 to 28.8 kg/m2, undermining progress in reducing blood pressure and fasting glucose risk factors. Despite public health efforts, there is no net improvement in the overall cardiovascular risk factor profile.
The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) aims to determine whether maintaining blood pressure levels below current recommendations reduces cardiovascular and kidney disease risk. The nine-year trial will enroll over 7,500 participants aged 55+ with high systolic blood pressure.
The study aims to determine if lowering systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular and kidney disease, as well as slow cognitive decline. The results will be used to reevaluate optimal blood pressure levels and establish new guidelines for healthcare providers.
A Canadian study reveals that the adoption of Western diets led to an increase in diastolic and systolic blood pressures among Inuit populations, with a significant drop in consumption of traditional nutrient-rich foods. The study emphasizes the importance of reducing sodium intake through dietary changes.
A large study found that obese patients with established cardiovascular disease are less likely to reach recommended targets for blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Obesity was also associated with poorer control of HDL levels, but not LDL-cholesterol targets.
A study by University of Rochester Medical Center evaluates the cost effectiveness of an experimental blood pressure device called Rheos. The research suggests that Rheos can be a cost-effective treatment for individuals with drug-resistant hypertension, especially those with extremely high blood pressure or diabetes.
A study found that trunk flexibility is associated with arterial stiffness in middle-aged and older adults, suggesting a potential indicator for cardiovascular risk. Regular stretching exercises may slow age-related arterial stiffening, according to the authors.
A high-fructose diet was found to raise blood pressure in men, while a gout drug helped protect against the increase. The study also showed that excessive fructose consumption is associated with metabolic syndrome and may contribute to obesity and diabetes.
A new study published in CMAJ found that 1 in 20 patients experience critical events such as death or major resuscitation during urgent air-medical transport. Factors associated with these events include female sex, traumatic injuries, and cardiovascular disease.
A new endothelin type A antagonist, darusentan, provides significant reduction in blood pressure for patients with treatment-resistant hypertension. The study shows that darusentan is generally well-tolerated, but fluid retention is a main adverse effect.
A new study by the University of Florida combines socio-cultural and genetic data to reveal health disparities between different groups. The research suggests that social classification is a better predictor of disease status than genetic ancestry.
Chronic insomnia increases nighttime blood pressure, leading to cardiovascular risks and heart damage. Researchers found heightened blood pressure in insomniacs, particularly those with overt cardiac disease.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia have found that deleting or mutating the gene PTP1B puts mice at risk for hypertension by interfering with an endogenous mechanism that should prevent it. The study suggests that PTP1B is a vulnerability gene, and its status could help identify individuals at risk for hypertension.
A study led by a University of North Carolina researcher found that black patients with high blood pressure experience poorer communication with their doctors compared to white patients. The results showed that black patients had shorter office visits, less biomedical and psychosocial exchange, and less rapport building with their doct...
Research published by the American Academy of Neurology links high blood pressure to cognitive impairment in people over 45. The study found that those with high diastolic blood pressure were more likely to experience memory and thinking problems.
Researchers found that ACE inhibitors and AT1R blockers suppressed immune cells promoting inflammation, while increasing anti-inflammatory immune cells, reversing neuroinflammation and paralysis in mice. Clinical trials are planned to investigate the efficacy of these medications in humans with multiple sclerosis.
Researchers identify a genetic mutation in the renin gene as a cause of inherited kidney disease, characterized by anemia and progressive kidney disease. The discovery provides insight into the role of renin in blood pressure regulation and offers potential treatment options.
A study found that miR-143 and miR-145 regulate the contractile nature of vascular smooth muscle cells, with their absence leading to increased tissue matrix production and signs of blood vessel disease. The findings suggest these microRNAs could serve as therapeutic targets for enhancing blood vessel repair.
A randomized trial found that targeting systolic blood pressure below 130 mmHg reduced left ventricular hypertrophy and clinical events, compared to a target of 140 mmHg. The study suggests that lowering systolic blood pressure in nondiabetic patients with hypertension may be beneficial.
A recent study found a strong association between sedentary behaviors like TV viewing and screen time, and elevated blood pressure in children. The researchers discovered that the risk was present even after adjusting for age, sex, height, and percentage of body fat.
A new general anesthetic called MOC-etomidate has been developed that maintains blood pressure stability while avoiding prolonged adrenal gland suppression. Animal studies verify its effectiveness in inducing anesthesia without adverse effects on blood pressure or adrenal activity.
Men who walk or bike to work are less likely to be overweight or obese and have healthier triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and insulin levels. Active commuting is also associated with improved fitness and reduced environmental impact.
Researchers found that treatment intensification can improve blood pressure control in patients with varying levels of adherence, challenging a widely held assumption. The study's lead author recommends further studies to determine the most effective management strategy for uncontrolled hypertension and suboptimal adherence.
Researchers discovered that music can induce moderate arousal with swelling crescendos and relaxation with decrescendos, modulating cardiovascular control. This study suggests a potential role for music in rehabilitative medicine, particularly for patients with heart and stroke conditions.
Researchers from Boston University compared three measures of treatment intensity in hypertension care and found that the standard-based method predicts blood pressure control most effectively. The norm-based method was not a valid predictor of blood pressure control due to its non-linear relationship with systolic blood pressure.
Middle-aged adults who sleep fewer hours are more likely to have high blood pressure and experience worsening blood pressure over time. The study, which included 578 adults, found that each hour of reduction in sleep duration was associated with a 37% increase in the odds of developing high blood pressure.
Over 30 years, middle-aged women's levels of perceived mental stress have increased significantly, while their blood pressure has decreased. This is according to a Swedish study that followed 1,462 women from the 1960s to the 2000s.
Researchers found elevated aldosterone levels in overweight male teens, associated with early signs of heart damage and thickened heart walls. Early intervention could prevent cardiovascular disease in these young people.