Research on blood pressure and its control. Covers intensive control and dementia, cardiovascular benefits, wearable ICU monitoring, and self-measurement.
A small study found that energy drink consumption increased systolic blood pressure by 7.9% within four hours and heart rate by 11% on the seventh day. The increases could be clinically significant in patients with heart disease or those who consume energy drinks frequently.
A new vaccine targeting angiotensin II has shown promising results in reducing blood pressure in a small study. The vaccine produced strong antibody responses and significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressures in patients with mild-to-moderate high blood pressure.
A five-year study of electronic health records from 15 VA hospitals found significant variations in high blood pressure return-to-normal rates between winter and summer. The average difference was 7.76 percent, suggesting that seasonal factors such as weight gain and exercise may influence blood pressure.
A simplified step-care protocol for treating high blood pressure was more effective than guidelines-based practice in helping people reduce their blood pressure. The Simplified Treatment Intervention to Control Hypertension (STITCH) trial found that 65% of patients reached the target blood pressure level with STITCH-care, compared to 5...
Kenneth E. Bernstein identified key components of blood pressure control and was awarded the American Heart Association's Basic Research Prize for his work. His discoveries have led to a major approach in treating hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy.
A USC Davis School of Gerontology study found that caregivers showed few negative mental or physical health effects, contrary to myths about caregiving. The research analyzed ethnic differences among caregivers tending to people with dementia and found unique health risks for African-American caregivers.
Researchers found a significant drop in blood pressure during the sleep trial, but not during resting or standing trials. This reduction occurred mostly after lights out, just before falling asleep, and may explain the lower cardiovascular mortality associated with siesta-taking.
A study of 38,000 female health professionals found that women with hypertension have a three-fold risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with optimal blood pressure levels. Obesity is also a strong and independent risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes.
A study published in The Lancet found that daytime and nighttime blood pressure are both predictive of cardiovascular events, with nighttime blood pressure predicting mortality. The study suggests recording ambulatory blood pressure during the whole day for accurate prognosis.
Research suggests that frequent nocturnal hemodialysis can reduce the need for blood pressure medications and improve quality of life measures. However, it did not show benefits in anemia management. The study found reduced left ventricular hypertrophy and improved mineral metabolism.
Studies have shown that hypertension awareness, treatment, and control are lower among Hispanics compared to non-Hispanics. However, a recent study found that Hispanic men and women responded as well or better than non-Hispanics when treated aggressively with medication. At four years, blood pressure was controlled in 72% of Hispanic w...
The ADVANCE trial found that a fixed combination of perindopril and indapamide reduced the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 18% and major macrovascular or microvascular events by 9%. The results suggest that this treatment could be considered routinely for patients with type 2 diabetes to prevent complications.
Researchers developed a blood-flow detector software to track changes in brain blood flow in real-time, showing promise in preventing brain damage and death. The system is designed for children with head injuries, offering potential lifesaving benefits.
A study by the University of Copenhagen found that soccer players experienced greater improvements in fitness ratings and muscle mass compared to joggers. The researchers attribute this to the shifts between walking, running, and sprinting in soccer, which engages multiple muscle fibers.
A study found that only about one in four children with hypertension had been previously diagnosed, highlighting the need for improved diagnosis and treatment strategies
A randomized controlled trial found that even low levels of weekly exercise can significantly lower systolic blood pressure and reduce waist and hip girth in sedentary adults. The study also showed an increase in overall fitness among participants who engaged in moderate-intensity physical activity below the recommended levels.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new treatment that effectively counters the cardiovascular effects of cocaine. The treatment successfully lowers both heart rate and blood pressure, alleviating symptoms commonly experienced by cocaine users.
A study by Danish researchers found that acute sleep deprivation leads to increased urinary output and more salt in urine, particularly in men. The findings also showed a reduced nighttime dip in blood pressure, lower levels of sodium-regulating hormones, and excessive excretion of osmoles.
Researchers identified distinct genetic factors for blood pressure regulation in males and females, shedding light on gender-based disparities in cardiovascular health. The study's findings suggest that genetic diagnostic and therapeutic indices for hypertension must consider gender differences.
Infants born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy had substantially higher systolic blood pressures compared to those whose mothers didn't smoke and weren't exposed to smoke. The study, which controlled for various factors, found a direct association between maternal smoking and newborn systolic blood pressure.
The combination of aliskiren and valsartan significantly lowers blood pressure in patients with hypertension, with a mean drop of 12.2mm Hg compared to 9.0mm Hg for monotherapy. However, the treatment is limited by potential life-threatening side effects, including hyperkalemia.
A study found that consuming small amounts of dark chocolate daily reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure without adverse effects. The findings suggest that adopting flavanol-rich cocoa into one's diet may be a promising approach to lower blood pressure in individuals with above-optimal blood pressure levels.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that more women than men experience a mid-life stroke between the ages of 45-54. The researchers identified increased waist size and coronary artery disease as predictors of stroke among women in this age group, with no sex differences observed in other age groups.
Patients who experience a significant drop in blood pressure during bypass surgery may be at risk for early difficulties in thinking, learning, and memory. Those with higher pre-surgery blood pressure levels were more likely to have decreased cognitive scores after the procedure.
Substituting soy nuts for protein sources improves blood pressure and cholesterol levels in postmenopausal women. The study found significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as decreased 'bad' cholesterol levels, in women with high blood pressure.
A new international study involving over 10,700 people with high blood pressure found that single-tablet combinations of drugs can bring blood pressure under control for up to 80% of US patients. The six-month treatment period saw a near-doubling of the proportion of patients achieving controlled blood pressure.
A study found that even low levels of physical activity, such as 75 minutes a week, can significantly improve fitness levels and reduce cardiovascular disease risks in postmenopausal women. The research suggests that sedentary adults who struggle to find time for exercise may benefit from even small amounts of physical activity.
Research suggests that chunky adolescents are headed in the wrong direction regarding cardiovascular health, with increased blood pressure and sodium intake found across all weight categories.
Researchers found that employees who participated in a workplace health program improved their blood pressure control and diabetes management, with significant reductions in absenteeism and workplace accidents. The program's comprehensive wellness system, which included coaching, incentives, and health screenings, was key to its success.
The review of six large-scale clinical trials found that aliskiren was not more effective than existing antihypertensive drugs in controlling blood pressure. The drug's inability to effectively lower blood pressure was attributed to its stimulation of kidney renin secretion, which can counteract its antihypertensive capabilities.
A Penn State study found that eating pistachios reduced the body's response to stress in individuals with high cholesterol but normal blood pressure. The 3-ounce pistachio diet was most effective in reducing systolic blood pressure and improving vascular relaxation.
A University of Georgia study found that giving commonly prescribed blood pressure medications within 24 hours of a stroke can significantly reduce brain damage. The finding may revolutionize emergency stroke care by adding these medications to clot-busting and blood thinners as front-line treatments.
A study published in Neurology found that blood pressure rates during periodic leg movements rose significantly in people with untreated RLS, increasing cardiovascular risk. The study also showed that age and disease history are key factors contributing to these increased blood pressure changes.
A meta-analysis of 10 previous studies found that consuming cocoa products reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure, comparable to the effects of blood pressure-lowering medications. However, drinking tea was not associated with a reduction in blood pressure in any of the trials.
The program, which teaches healthy habits and offers hope for a healthier future, has been successful in lowering diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels among participants. With a significant drop in systolic blood pressures and blood glucose levels, the program aims to fight childhood obesity.
Researchers found clevidipine to be more effective in controlling blood pressure compared to nitroglycerin and nicardipine. Measuring pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels can help diagnose cardiac versus pulmonary dyspnea.
Researchers have identified promising new drug combinations that can improve survival rates among patients with severe heart disease. Studies show that using imaging technologies like PET-guided therapy can also help doctors make more accurate decisions about therapies for these high-risk patients.
A combination of aliskiren and valsartan showed improved blood pressure control compared to individual treatments or placebo. The dual renin system blocking drug combo reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, achieving a goal blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg in 49.3% of patients.
New implantable device stimulates body's regulatory systems to control high blood pressure; computerized angioplasty protocol reduces risk of renarrowing and complications after coronary stenting.
A study by the University of Chicago Medical Center found that a specialized chiropractic adjustment can lower blood pressure significantly in individuals with a misaligned Atlas vertebra and high blood pressure. The results showed a decrease equal to taking two blood-pressure drugs at once, with no change in heart rate.
Researchers found that a core clock gene regulates stress response and blood pressure, providing a novel link to the diurnal variation in heart attack risk. The study suggests modifying the molecular clock using drugs could be a treatment for people with high blood pressure.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that C-Reactive Protein (CRP) directly induces hypertension in mice. The study, which manipulated CRP levels in mice with an engineered gene, showed a direct correlation between CRP and blood pressure elevation.
Adolescents with parents in the military experience increased stress and physiological changes during wartime, including higher blood pressure and heart rates. Researchers found that these effects were particularly pronounced in children of deployed parents.
Researchers found a strong association between high blood pressure during pregnancy and increased coronary calcification later in life. Women who developed hypertension during pregnancy were at a 57% higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including type-2 diabetes and heart disease.
A recent study of 4,500 American adolescents found that sedentary activities and higher body mass index (BMI) are associated with higher systolic blood pressure. Encouraging adolescents to reduce their sedentary activity may improve their blood pressure and lower their later risk of cardiovascular disease.
Individuals with diagnosed hypertension in the US have lower blood pressure readings and better control compared to those in five Western European countries. The study found that treatment thresholds are more aggressive in the US, resulting in higher rates of hypertension control.
US physicians tend to start treatment sooner and are more aggressive in controlling blood pressure, with 63% of patients having their blood pressure under control. However, vast room for improvement exists, with less than two-thirds of patients reaching guideline-set goals.
A new study finds that tanshinone IIA, an active ingredient in the Chinese herb danshen, significantly reduces blood pressure in hamsters. The treatment also enhances expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and increases production of nitric oxide.
A study found that switching patients to more affordable cholesterol and blood pressure medications saved the UK's National Health Service £26,000 annually. The switch was made without adverse events and was successful for the majority of patients.
Research suggests that inflammatory genes may play a key role in salt-sensitive hypertension, which affects nearly one-third of Americans. The study investigates the connection between stress, inflammation, and sodium handling, with potential therapeutic implications for high blood pressure management.
A $1.7 billion North American study aims to answer whether reopening narrowed kidney arteries benefits patients. Researchers will compare medical management with medicines coupled with stents, stainless steel scaffolds inserted into blood vessels.
Researchers found that genetic variations impact blood pressure differently in men and women, suggesting a need to consider gender when diagnosing and treating hypertension. The study identified six genes with varying frequency of variation between sexes and extreme blood pressure levels.
A device implanted in US patients with severe hypertension shows significant reduction in blood pressure, averaging 22mmHg systolic and 18mmHg diastolic. The Rheos System activates the body's baroreflex system to lower blood pressure through electrical stimulation.
Researchers found that pioglitazone reduced carotid artery intima-media thickness by .001 millimeters and improved blood glucose control, while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. These findings suggest pioglitazone may be a new approach to further reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes.
A study found that heart failure patients with higher systolic blood pressures had lower death rates compared to those with lower pressures. Lower systolic pressures may indicate more advanced disease and a poorer prognosis.
Researchers highlight the importance of understanding risk factors for heel ulcers, which are often linked to peripheral neuropathy and diminished vascular function. Additionally, studies demonstrate the effectiveness of lateral-wedge insoles in relieving pain and stiffness in people with knee osteoarthritis. The study also explores th...
Hydrogen sulfide gas induces a state of suspended animation in mice, maintaining normal blood pressure, which may help treat critically ill patients. The gas reduces metabolic rate and body temperature, but surprisingly does not decrease blood pressure.
A new multicenter research consortium, called Protocolized Care for Early Septic Shock (ProCESS), is beginning a large-scale study to determine whether specific interventions can halt the progression to severe sepsis and septic shock. The project aims to establish standard procedures to diagnose and treat sepsis in emergency departments.
A University of Alberta study found that walking alone is unlikely to produce marked health benefits compared to more intense exercise programs. Regular moderate activity and occasional vigorous periods are crucial for optimal health outcomes.
A recent study reveals that older women have as many risk factors for heart disease as men in their 60s and more by their 70s. The research, led by USC demographers, shows a shift from previous decades where older men were at greater risk.