Research on blood pressure and its control. Covers intensive control and dementia, cardiovascular benefits, wearable ICU monitoring, and self-measurement.
Scientists have discovered a mechanism that raises blood pressure in pre-eclampsia, a potentially deadly condition during pregnancy. Researchers found that the protein angiotensinogen is oxidised and changes shape to release the hormone angiotensin, which then raises blood pressure.
A national study found that keeping blood pressure at 130/80 mm Hg reduced the risk of disease progression by 27 percent for patients with proteinuria. However, intensive lowering of blood pressure in all African-Americans did not slow disease progression.
A diet rich in walnuts and walnut oil may improve blood pressure responses to stress by lowering resting blood pressure and inflammation. The study found that adding flaxseed oil did not further lower blood pressure.
A study found that short and long sleep duration in early pregnancy are associated with increased mean third trimester systolic and diastolic blood pressure values. About 20.5% of women reported a normal sleep duration, while 13.7% slept six hours or less and 10.6% slept more than 10 hours per night.
Researchers have identified a protein called P450 that metabolizes arachidonic acid in blood vessel walls to create EETs, which relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. This discovery may lead to the development of new blood pressure-lowering agents and treatments for high blood pressure.
A 12-week randomized clinical trial found that pine bark extract did not improve risk factors for heart disease, despite its potential biological benefits. The study included 130 participants at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, who took either pine bark extract or a placebo once daily.
A new Stanford study examining pine-bark extract's effects on blood pressure found no significant benefit in lowering blood pressure or reducing other risk factors for heart disease. The study, which recruited 130 overweight individuals, used a Japanese-produced pine-bark extract and confirmed its safety but found no health benefits.
A study by the Congenital Cardiovascular Interventional Study Consortium found that stent implantation for aortic coarctation had an 86% intermediate success rate and 77% long-term success rate. The procedure was associated with a need for antihypertensive medication in 32% of patients.
A recent study suggests that aggressively treating hypertension in African Americans with kidney disease can significantly decrease the number of patients who lose kidney function and require dialysis. The study found a 25% reduction in end-stage kidney disease among those with protein in their urine.
A recent study has found that hardening of the arteries significantly increases the risk of mortality, with asymptomatic cases doubling the risk. The researchers recommend a simple ankle-brachial index test as a standard diagnostic tool for elderly patients.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified a biochemical pathway regulating blood pressure, involving nitric oxide signaling and proteins thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) and CD47. Blocking this pathway could lead to novel blood pressure-regulating drugs.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered that water increases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, raising alertness, blood pressure, and energy expenditure. Drinking water may also reduce fainting responses in blood donors by 20 percent, according to the study.
Researchers found that consuming dark chocolate can significantly reduce systolic blood pressure by 5mmHg, comparable to 30 minutes of moderate exercise. This effect is most pronounced in individuals with high blood pressure, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular events by 20% over five years.
A mathematical model suggests that aggressively treating low blood pressure and cholesterol levels may harm some patients with diabetes. The study found that only a small proportion of patients at average risk received significant benefits from intensive treatment.
Recent guidelines call for lower target blood pressure levels in CKD patients, but a critical review finds the data is not definitively supported by scientific evidence. The author suggests that doctors should make individualized decisions about blood pressure control for their patients with kidney disease.
A recent NIH-supported study has discovered a novel pathway that may lead to the development of new treatments for high blood pressure. By increasing certain proteins in mouse blood vessels, researchers were able to relax the vessels and lower blood pressure, reducing damage to the kidneys compared to normal mice.
Researchers found that lowering salt intake is more effective than antihypertensive medications in controlling blood pressure for kidney patients. Achieving dry-weight through diet and dialysis prescription can also provide benefits to the heart.
A large study found that frequent doctor visits can help diabetes patients lower their high blood pressure to normal levels more quickly. Patients who visited their primary care physicians at intervals of one month or less saw a faster decline in blood pressure, with an average time to reach normal levels of just 0.7 months.
A study published in Circulation found an association between sugary drink consumption and elevated blood pressure. Reducing sugar-sweetened beverage intake by just one serving per day was linked to a drop of 1.8 mm Hg in systolic pressure and 1.1 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure over 18 months.
A study published in the American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report found that reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption by one serving per day is associated with a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure over 18 months. The researchers suggest that this reduction can lead to substantial health ben...
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.