Articles tagged with Blood Pressure
Researchers found a strong relationship between increasing blood pressure and CVD risk in women, with even borderline elevations associated with an increased risk. The study of 5,218 female health professionals showed that for each 10 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure, CVD risk rose by 9 percent.
A study analyzing physician office data and pharmacy surveys found that the cost of high blood pressure therapy increased by $12 billion between 1990 and 2002. The primary contributors to this increase were higher prices for expensive ACE-inhibitors and ARBs, as well as a decline in diuretic prescriptions.
A study of 9,307 white subjects and 2,902 black subjects found that whites and blacks responded similarly about 90% of the time to common antihypertensive drugs. This challenges traditional racial treatment differences and suggests that physicians should base drug choices on individual patient factors rather than race.
The study found that patients who used home blood pressure monitoring were more likely to stop taking antihypertensive drugs and had lower costs, but also had less BP control. Self-measurement helped identify white-coat hypertension, supporting a step-wise strategy for evaluating blood pressure.
The study found that lifetime stroke risk is 21% in women at age 55, while men have a 17% risk. Blood pressure significantly increases the risk of stroke across all ages. Lifestyle changes to control blood pressure can reduce stroke risk.
A recent study found that only 37% of adults with diagnosed diabetes are achieving the American Diabetes Association's goal for blood glucose control, while nearly half have high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The lack of lifestyle changes, such as exercise and weight loss, is a major contributor to this issue.
A randomized, double-blind study found that dietary supplements containing ephedra and caffeine increased the QTc interval duration and systolic blood pressure in healthy volunteers. The authors recommend patients avoid these supplements until more information is known about their safety.
Researchers at UCSD found that blood pressure measurements vary significantly depending on the arm position used. The study measured blood pressure in 100 emergency room patients and found systolic and diastolic pressures to be lower with arms perpendicular to the body than parallel to it, affecting hypertension classifications.
A large study found a positive association between increasing levels of C-reactive protein and risk of developing hypertension. Women with higher levels of this inflammatory marker were about twice as likely to develop high blood pressure over a median follow-up period of 7.8 years.
The International Verapamil-Trandolapril Study (INVEST) found that older hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease treated with a calcium antagonist strategy or a beta-blocker had similar outcomes. The study included over 22,500 patients and followed them for an average of 2.7 years.
The SCOPE study found a significant 42% relative risk reduction in fatal/non-fatal strokes in the Atacand group compared to the control group. The study showed that Atacand offers important clinical benefits by reducing the risk of stroke in elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension.
A genome-wide analysis of 1,875 people found a significant link between a region on chromosome 1 and blood pressure regulation. The study identified 24 genes that may play a role in hypertension, with three genes showing specific genetic changes associated with the condition.
Researchers found that overweight boys experience greater increases in blood pressure during stress, but their ability to restore normal pressures is impaired. In contrast, overweight girls have a more effective natural mechanism for reducing blood pressure, which may be attributed to the effects of estrogen.
A new study highlights the need for improved care of vulnerable older adults with conditions such as bedsores and incontinence. Leech therapy shows promise in relieving pain from osteoarthritis, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that systolic blood pressure is the strongest indicator of increased mortality risk. Systolic pressure was more closely associated with an increased risk of death compared to diastolic and pulse pressure, especially among older adults.
A team-based intervention program improved blood pressure control rates among hypertensive African-American men, with 44% of participants achieving control compared to 17% at baseline. The study dispels the myth that underserved African-Americans are hard to include in clinical trials.
A study of 115 stroke patients found that lowering blood pressure within the first 24 hours can lead to poorer outcomes. Blood pressure drops significantly in this period, reducing brain tissue flow and causing more damage.
A recent NHLBI study found that hostility and impatience are associated with a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. The study, which followed over 3,000 young adults for 15 years, found that those who exhibited higher levels of time urgency and hostility had an increased risk of developing hypertension.
A large cohort study found that individuals with low birthweight had higher systolic blood pressure at 36 years of age, which was sustained by age 53. People from manual social classes also showed increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure over time. The findings highlight the importance of weight control throughout life to preven...
A new study finds that forgiveness is associated with lower resting diastolic blood pressure, especially among low-income black individuals. The research, conducted on a diverse sample of community residents, suggests that forgiving oneself and others may help mitigate cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers found that middle-aged individuals with high blood pressure perform slower in certain tasks compared to older adults with similar blood pressure levels. Age-related decline in cognitive performance was not accelerated by high blood pressure, but rather associated with overall difficulty of the task.
Studies found that people with high-normal blood pressure already have signs of target organ damage and are at increased risk for cardiovascular death. Potassium intake was also shown to reduce the size of a stroke in an animal study.
Researchers found genetic associations with blood pressure, including a SNP in adducin 2 that lowered systolic blood pressure in hypertensive individuals treated with beta-blockers. These findings may enable personalized treatment approaches to manage high blood pressure.
A study by Penn State researchers found that melatonin supplements can hinder nervous system responses that enable the body to compensate for blood pressure drops when standing. This may exacerbate orthostatic intolerance in individuals with cardiovascular challenges, including astronauts who experience it after space travel.
A new set of guidelines aims to standardize reporting of medical guidelines, reducing misunderstandings among clinicians, patients, and reporters. Blood pressure pills have been found to lower hip fracture risk in older adults, but the protective effect disappears after four months without treatment.
A new study is investigating the role of genetics in exercise response, seeking to identify genes that influence body composition and fitness. The project aims to develop personalized exercise programs tailored to individual needs, which could lead to improved weight loss and reduced obesity-related risks.
A Johns Hopkins study found that home visits from community health workers led to a 4.5 mmHg systolic and 4 mmHg diastolic blood pressure reduction, with the percentage of participants controlling their blood pressure doubling over three years.
A randomized pilot study found that alternating two triple-drug regimens every three months significantly reduced drug failure and kept the viral load suppressed. However, a cost-effectiveness study identified four strategies to determine if a sore throat is caused by bacterial infection, reducing inappropriate antibiotic use.
A study by Andrew Steptoe and colleagues found that lower-level civil servants showed higher biological stress responses, including heart rate and cortisol levels, compared to their high-status counterparts. The study suggests that the experience of lower social status may trigger these responses.
Researchers tested 'reverse CPR' on critically ill patients in intensive care units, improving average systolic and arterial blood pressure. The new approach could lead to better treatment outcomes in the community setting.
The new guidelines introduce a 'prehypertension' category to alert individuals to their risk, recommend lifestyle changes, and streamline diagnosis and treatment. They also emphasize the importance of lowering blood pressure through medication and healthy habits.
The RESPeRATE TM device is gaining acceptance for its non-drug treatment of hypertension, with a new chapter in the American Heart Association's textbook supporting its therapeutic effect. The device works by reducing sympathetic outflow and peripheral resistance, leading to blood pressure reductions.
Researchers found that consuming sesame oil as the sole cooking oil for 60 days lowered patients' blood pressure levels from 166/101 mm Hg to 134/84.6 mm Hg, with a reduced dose of nifedipine from 22.7 mg/day to 7.45 mg/day. The effect may be attributed to polyunsaturated fatty acids and sesamin in sesame oil.
Researchers linked poorly controlled hypertension with a higher risk of depression in patients. The study highlights the importance of treating depression to prevent poor blood pressure control and related health risks.
A study of over 800 adults found that combining weight loss, improved exercise, and a low-salt diet significantly lowers blood pressure. The participants who received comprehensive lifestyle modification had the best results, with an average reduction of 11mmHg in systolic and 6.4mmHg in diastolic blood pressure.
A study by Laura Svetkey and colleagues found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, combined with regular exercise, can effectively lower blood pressure. The DASH diet was paired with traditional dietary and exercise guidance for the best results.
The PREMIER study found that an all-in-one approach to lifestyle changes, including diet and physical activity, significantly lowered blood pressure in participants. The study showed that those who made the greatest lifestyle changes had the best results, with significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
A 12-week study found that drinking Concord grape juice daily reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive men by nearly six points. The results, presented at the FASEB annual meeting, suggest a possible mechanism of action involving improved arterial wall flexibility.
A new study reveals that consuming caffeine and ephedra prior to exercise alters the cardiovascular system by increasing blood pressure and hypersensitive response. The combination also heightens systolic blood pressure before exercise, indicating greater demands on the heart.
A study of 81 undergraduates found that males exhibit higher pain thresholds and tolerances than females. The researchers also discovered that psychological factors can influence the association between physiological responses and pain responses, and additional research is needed to replicate these findings.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive imaging method that predicts abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture risk better than traditional methods. The method, which analyzes aneurysm wall stress, was found to be 25 times more accurate in predicting rupture risk than maximum diameter.
The American College of Physicians recommends aiming for blood pressure levels less than 135/80 mm Hg in patients with type 2 diabetes. Thiazide diuretics and ACE inhibitors can be used as first-line agents to control blood pressure, but patients may need multiple medications.
Research shows a decrease in antibiotic prescriptions in the US, but an increase in broad-spectrum antibiotic use, which can lead to antibiotic resistance. This shift poses significant global public health concerns, particularly for treating infections like HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Researchers found a significant association between drops in blood pressure and mortality in patients who received protamine after bypass surgery. The study, conducted at Duke University Medical Center, suggests that even small blood pressure changes may be associated with increased risk of complications.
Research finds that lower socioeconomic status groups take longer to recover from stress-induced blood pressure increases, leading to heightened disease risk. The study suggests that adapting quickly to stress is crucial in reducing biological damage.
A study of 4,500 youth ages 9, 13, and 16 found higher systolic blood pressures than expected, with more significant increases in obese children. The research suggests a strong correlation between childhood obesity and elevated blood pressure.
Scientists have identified a key protein involved in regulating blood pressure, RGS2, which works by stopping the action of angiotensin II and enabling arterioles to relax. This discovery may lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating high blood pressure in individuals with underlying genetic defects or differences.
Researchers found that intensive blood pressure control reduces cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes and PAD. The study suggests aggressive blood pressure management is particularly beneficial for the diabetic population, even among those with low ankle-brachial index.
A meta-analysis of over 1 million participants from 61 studies found that lower blood pressure is strongly linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular causes, including stroke and ischemic heart disease. The study suggests that even small reductions in average blood pressure can lead to significant improvements in health outcomes.
A new study published in Obesity Research reveals that shedding excess pounds decreases activity of the ACE enzyme, a key player in high blood pressure regulation. By losing weight, individuals can lower their risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease, as well as experience significant improvements in blood pressure.
The new recommendations aim to lower average systolic blood pressure among Americans by 5 mmHg, resulting in a 14% drop in stroke deaths and 7% overall mortality. Proven behavioral changes such as regular physical activity, weight loss, and dietary potassium intake can also significantly lower blood pressure.
Research found that reducing blood pressure to less than the standard goal also lowered artery stiffness in patients with high blood pressure. The study involved 142 nondiabetic patients who received antihypertensive drugs, resulting in a significant decrease in artery stiffness for those with lower target pressures.
A large study found that non-dippers have higher levels of fibrinogen, a clotting factor, which could account for increased risk. Fibrinogen levels vary over the year, peaking in winter months, and a 75 mg/dL increase translates to an 85% increased risk for coronary events.
The tolerance-hyperbaric test (THT) can identify pregnant women at high risk for gestational high blood pressure and preeclampsia up to 23 weeks before clinical confirmation. The test's sensitivity reaches 99% by the third trimester, providing early prevention opportunities.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that patients taking losartan had a significantly lower combined rate of cardiovascular death, stroke, and heart attack compared to those taking atenolol. The results showed a 40% reduction in stroke risk and a lower overall mortality rate.
Researchers found that recalling stressful events can lead to delayed blood pressure recovery and increased cardiovascular disease risk. Chronic stress is also associated with an elevated risk of later heart disease, likely due to prolonged strain on the cardiovascular system.
A recent study by UC Irvine researchers suggests that dwelling on emotionally charged events, such as arguments, can lead to higher blood pressure and increased risk of later health problems. The study found that ruminating over past stresses can cause longer recovery times in the body than non-emotional yet stressful events like running.
Drs. Gerald DiBona and John Hall have overturned the medical community's long-held understanding of kidney function, revealing that increased nerve activity leads to high blood pressure. Their research shows that abnormal kidney function causes salt and water excretion to decrease, resulting in hypertension.
Researchers found that increased nighttime systolic blood pressure is predictive of microalbuminuria and kidney disease in type 1 diabetes patients. The study suggests that this early warning sign may help prevent unnecessary therapies.
Researchers found that women with higher fitness levels showed a blunted systolic blood pressure response during the hand/ice water test, which could help predict future hypertension risk. Fitness levels did not affect blood pressure changes during other tests, but increased heart rates in fitter participants.