Research on blood pressure and its control. Covers intensive control and dementia, cardiovascular benefits, wearable ICU monitoring, and self-measurement.
A new study published in the Lancet found that aggressive treatment to lower blood pressure significantly reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack. The research, which involved over 160,000 individuals in 50 countries, highlights the importance of driving blood pressure down to very low levels rather than choosing specific medications.
A study published in the Journal of Gerontology found that higher blood pressure is associated with a decline in walking ability in older persons. The research, led by Dr. Raj Shah, suggests that controlling blood pressure may help prevent gait difficulties in older adults.
A study compares kidney transplant outcomes in the US and Spain, finding similar one-year and five-year graft survival rates for heart-beating and non-heart-beating donors. Living kidney donors also experience higher blood pressure years after donation, highlighting implications for informed consent and follow-up care.
A study found that increased nighttime blood pressure may be associated with a higher risk of developing congestive heart failure. Analyzing data from 951 elderly men, researchers discovered that a 9–mm Hg increase in nighttime ambulatory diastolic blood pressure and non-dipping blood pressure patterns were significant predictors of CHF.
A Mayo Clinic study found that patients with widely fluctuating blood pressure during the first three hours in the emergency room were much less likely to survive more than 90 days after a stroke. The study suggests that managing blood pressure acutely after ischemic stroke is crucial to improve survival rates.
Researchers found that healthy black girls experience a significant drop in estrogen levels during stress, leading to increased blood pressure and elevated risk of heart disease. In contrast, white teens maintain consistent estrogen levels, reducing their blood pressure response to stress.
Researchers investigate sodium channel genes to identify genetic predictors of hypertension and develop screening methods for high blood pressure in the general population. A study involving 300 healthy youth will measure sodium handling after environmental stress and analyze their genes to correlate with impaired natriuresis.
Researchers found that a combination of beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, and ACE inhibitors effectively lowers blood pressure in Hispanic patients while reducing their risk of developing diabetes. The study showed a 19% increased risk of diabetes in Hispanic patients but a 15% decreased risk with the verapamil-trandolapril strategy.
A new study found that a nighttime breathing mask can significantly reduce blood pressure in individuals with moderate to severe sleep apnea. The researchers also discovered that correcting oxygen levels alone may not be enough to lower blood pressure.
A study using RESPeRATE, a device-guided paced breathing system, found significant reductions in blood pressure and peripheral resistance in hypertensive patients. The treatment group showed a greater systolic BP reduction correlated with the total time spent in slow breathing.
The World Hypertension League is calling for better awareness of high blood pressure patients reaching the internationally-recognised goal of 140/90mmHg or lower. Despite this, around 50-70% of people with high blood pressure worldwide remain above this goal, leaving them at significant risk of cardiovascular disease.
Scientists used RNA interference to block a mineralocorticoid receptor, which signals the body to absorb sodium and water into the bloodstream. The treatment kept blood pressure from worsening but did not eliminate it, and significantly reduced kidney damage in rats.
A University of Chicago study found that lonely individuals have significantly higher blood pressures than non-lonely people, even after accounting for other factors. The researchers discovered a strong link between loneliness and increased blood pressure in aging adults, with the greatest differences observed among older participants.
A recent study by UC Davis researchers found that grape seed extract can significantly reduce blood pressure in individuals with metabolic syndrome. The one-month study involved 24 patients, who experienced an average drop of 12 millimeters in systolic and 8 millimeters in diastolic blood pressure.
A study of 347 patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 1992 and 2001 found a significant reduction in blood pressure 18 months post-surgery. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased, with those without hypertension or taking antihypertensive medications experiencing smaller drops.
The study found that patients with extreme obesity who underwent gastric bypass surgery experienced significant reductions in blood pressure. The majority of these patients were able to reduce or eliminate their blood pressure medications after surgery, while those with normal blood pressure showed no significant changes.
A four-year study of 772 people with pre-hypertension found that early blood pressure treatment can postpone true hypertension by 15.6%. The study suggests that drug treatment interrupted blood-vessel processes that raise blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Researchers found that a low-sodium, high-potassium salt substitute significantly lowered blood pressure in rural China residents at risk of heart complications. The study suggests this simple approach could cut stroke and cardiovascular disease risks.
A study of 72 children in Ecuador found that prenatal pesticide exposure was associated with higher systolic blood pressure and decreased ability to copy shapes. The effects of prenatal exposure may last into childhood, with stunting also linked to impaired cognitive function.
Researchers found that four major parameters return to normal after one day, and all changes recover within three days. Blood pressure variability is a key predictor of competition time, with low frequency variability being the most significant factor.
Researchers studied over 500 pairs of twins, finding that changes in gene expression between ages 14 and 18 accounted for up to one-third of the blood pressure variation by age 18. Novel genetic influences emerged during this period, suggesting new genes play a role in regulating blood pressure.
A community-wide health program in Limburg, Netherlands, reduced the worsening of health status among residents aged 25-70, particularly for BMI and waist circumference. The study found significant differences in systolic blood pressure between the intervention group and a control group.
A study of 470 Dutch men aged 65-84 found that regular cocoa consumption was associated with lower blood pressure and a significantly reduced risk of death from all causes, including cardiovascular disease. The benefits were not attributed to lowering blood pressure alone but may be related to flavan-3-ols and antioxidants in cocoa.
A new genetic test has been developed with a 78% accuracy in predicting individuals with low renin levels and salt sensitivity. The test is based on the number of variations found in salt-regulating genes, with more gene variants associated with bigger health problems.
Researchers examined treatment to maintain blood pressure in patients with orthostatic hypotension (OH) caused by a neurological disease. Pyridostigmine bromide, approved for other uses, showed promise in improving symptoms and reducing standing blood pressure. The medication was found to be beneficial with minimal side effects.
A new study published in Psychophysiology found that mental stress increases blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease. The research used fMRI to correlate changes in brain activity with blood pressure during stress, providing new insights into the physiological effects of mental stress.
A study analyzing data from the INTERMAP study found a significant association between higher vegetable protein intake and lower blood pressure levels. The researchers suggest that amino acids in vegetable proteins may play a role in this effect, and other dietary components like magnesium may also contribute.
A study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that men with high blood pressure after undergoing a facelift had a significantly lower incidence of hematoma. To minimize this risk, patients should have their blood pressure controlled before surgery and manage it with their primary care physician.
A randomized feeding study found that diets partially replacing carbohydrates with protein or monounsaturated fat lowered blood pressure and improved serum lipid levels. These findings suggest that macronutrient substitution can further reduce cardiovascular disease risk in the general population.
Researchers found two biomarkers, sVCAM-1 and NT-proBNP, significantly predict recurrent ischemic stroke risk in patients. High levels of these markers are associated with a 3.6 times increased risk, indicating potential new therapeutic targets for blood pressure-lowering therapies.
Scientists at University of Cincinnati discover a hormone that regulates blood pressure and is linked to preeclampsia, a leading cause of fetal complications. By understanding how this hormone interacts with the sodium pump, researchers aim to develop a treatment for preeclampsia.
Researchers discovered a significant link between a genetic variation in the DRD4 gene and high blood pressure, which could help explain individual risk factors. The study also sheds light on how this gene affects kidney function and blood pressure regulation.
Researchers have discovered that two low-cost diuretics, amiloride and spironolactone, can significantly lower blood pressure in African-American patients. The study's findings suggest that these alternative drugs may be a more effective treatment option for patients who have not responded well to standard therapy.
Researchers develop gene therapy that increases atrial natriuretic peptide production to control blood pressure without severely reducing it. The therapy successfully maintained healthy blood pressure levels for 125 days in mice.
A Canadian study found that job strain increases systolic blood pressure by 2.8 mmHg, while high marital cohesion in the presence of job strain decreases it by 2.5 mmHg over a year. The study suggests people with high job strain and low marital cohesion should see their doctor for a blood pressure check.
African-Americans experience more pronounced cognitive decline with higher blood pressure compared to whites, even among non-demented individuals. The study found significant associations between blood pressure and cognitive performance in African-American subjects, particularly in abstract reasoning and visual organization skills.
Researchers found that estrogen depletion exacerbates diastolic dysfunction and increases blood pressure in rats fed a high salt diet. The study suggests that estrogen may protect against hypertension and renal damage caused by excess salt intake.
Two 'ephedra-free' supplements, Advantra Z and Xenadrine EFX, increased heart rate by an average of 11-16 beats per minute and blood pressure by 7-12 percent. The study calls for further research on the safety and effectiveness of bitter orange-containing supplements.
A study by the Framingham Heart Study found that despite increasing rates of high blood pressure with age, treatment rates for older adults remain low. Seventy-four percent of people aged 80 and older have high blood pressure, but only a minority receive treatment.
A study found that inhaling salt particles causes significant increases in blood pressure, putting factory workers at risk. Wearing protective gear can mitigate this effect.
Researchers found that cobblestone walking improved balance, mobility, and reduced blood pressure in older adults. The activity, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to be therapeutic and can be done at home with manufactured mats.
A new scoring system, ABCD, predicts the risk of stroke within 7 days of a 'mini-stroke'. The system helps identify high-risk individuals who require emergency investigation and treatment. Most strokes in the UK occur in patients who have been referred to hospital clinics but not seen.
African-American patients have a higher rate of increased heart weight, or left-ventricular hypertrophy, than whites regardless of their differences in body fat and overall body composition. Elevated blood pressure is the best indicator of why African-Americans in the study had a higher rate of left-ventricular hypertrophy.
Benicar-based treatment algorithms significantly reduced mean systolic blood pressure in Stage 2 hypertensive populations. In Stage 1 patients, 89% reached the aggressive blood pressure goal of less than 130/85 mmHg.
A new combination of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 21.5 points in 77% of patients, with 83% achieving acceptable diastolic blood pressure levels. The study included diverse patient groups and showed significant results.
A new analysis found that a non-drug device-guided slow breathing treatment reduced the white-coat effect by ~80% in patients, compared to ~40% for controls. The treatment was also effective across different patient groups, including pre-hypertensives and resistant hypertensive patients.
Researchers found that non-dippers had higher fasting glucose levels and were more likely to develop diabetes. Monitoring glucose levels is crucial for these patients to prevent cardiovascular problems.
Older adults with mild hypertension did not experience significant reductions in blood pressure through exercise alone, according to a new study. However, those who lost fat and gained muscle showed more substantial benefits.
Researchers at Yale University identified a novel human kidney protein called renalase that regulates both heart contraction and blood pressure. The protein is a strong candidate for easily administered treatment of advanced kidney and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers identified a new protein called renalase, which regulates heart rate and blood pressure. Reduced levels of renalase have been linked to increased cardiovascular risk in patients with end-stage kidney disease.
Researchers found no causative MEF2A mutations in patients with premature coronary heart disease, contradicting previous findings. The study suggests that another gene may be responsible for the heart disease, casting doubt on the role of MEF2A in CAD.
Research reveals kidneys and other systemic tissues have distinct roles in controlling blood pressure, challenging the dominant view that kidneys play a central role. The findings suggest that maximal efficacy of hypertension drugs requires complete blockade of receptors in both kidney and outside of kidney.
The Rheos System uses low-level electrical stimulation to activate the brain's control mechanisms, promoting fluid excretion and reducing blood pressure. The device has shown promise in lowering blood pressure in patients who have not responded to medications.
Researchers are investigating early changes in the heart's function that may lead to congestive heart failure. Studying 15-18-year-olds on video games and measuring blood pressure, they hope to identify factors triggering diastolic dysfunction.
Research reveals employees with diabetes can be valuable workers in a favorable environment. The burden of fatigue is largely determined by the individual's self-management capabilities and outlook on their disease and work situation.
A Mayo Clinic study found that spit tobacco use can cause dramatic increases in heart rate and blood pressure, blunting the body's natural protective mechanisms. This raises concerns for both short-term users and individuals with established heart disease, suggesting a link to long-term cardiovascular risks.
A 15-year study in rural Greece found that living in a mountainous area was associated with lower death rates and healthier heart profiles compared to lowland areas. Higher blood lipids and blood pressure were linked to increased risk, but other protective factors may be at play.
A Medical College of Georgia study found that individuals with higher lean body mass can better regulate their blood pressure in response to stress. This is because fitness allows the body to efficiently excrete sodium, which helps lower blood pressure back to normal.
A study found that the renin-angiotensin system may be associated with physical function in older adults, and that ACE gene variants can affect exercise response. Additionally, researchers discovered a potential link between this system and cognitive impairment, suggesting new avenues for intervention.
The study found that amlodipine reduced the risk of cardiovascular events by 31% compared to placebo, while enalapril showed no significant reduction. A subset of patients also showed slowing of progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis with amlodipine.