Research on blood pressure and its control. Covers intensive control and dementia, cardiovascular benefits, wearable ICU monitoring, and self-measurement.
A multi-center randomized controlled study found that 45 minutes of weekly self-treatment with RESPeRATE significantly reduces systolic blood pressure, with greater reductions in medicated and non-medicated patients. The device's effectiveness was correlated with slow breathing time, making it easy to use at home.
A study of 162 Japanese patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and high blood pressure found that brain-penetrating ACE inhibitors slowed cognitive decline. The medications declined thinking and memory skills by only 0.6 points, compared to 4.9 points for calcium channel blockers.
African-American communities benefit from education programs that lower blood pressure readings. Researchers also found that changing sleeping positions can alter blood pressure, with stomach-lying positions leading to a significant drop in systolic blood pressure. Furthermore, impaired kidney function significantly increases the risk ...
Researchers warn of potential cardiovascular risks associated with the use of modafinil, a new alertness medication. A low-salt diet has also been shown to protect arteries in people with resistant hypertension, according to the study.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that pyridostigmine improved patients' standing blood pressure and reduced symptoms without elevating blood pressure while lying down. The study showed significant results in reducing the need for other medications, particularly in those over age 70 with common causes like diabetes and Parkinson's disease.
A 20-year study found that high blood pressure is associated with a decline in cognitive function in both younger and older adults. The research emphasizes the importance of reducing blood pressure levels in younger individuals to prevent cognitive decline.
A study led by Mount Sinai School of Medicine researchers found that imidazole-4-acetic acid-ribotide may be a primary cause of high blood pressure and a molecular link to diabetes. The molecule binds to receptors in the brain, leading to elevated blood pressure, which can also impair insulin release.
A recent study published in the Journal of Dental Education found that nearly half of patients with high blood pressure at a dental clinic had never been diagnosed. The researchers advocate for regular blood pressure screening in dental offices, which could help identify hypertension early and prevent related health issues.
Yale researchers found strong clinical evidence to support treating systolic blood pressure of at least 160 mm Hg in older adults. Treatment decisions should prioritize patient preferences and tolerance of therapy due to limited evidence on benefits.
Researchers found that angiotensin-(1-7) significantly slows the growth of three human lung cancer cells in laboratory tests. The hormone is thought to regulate cell growth by reducing rapid proliferation and increasing cancer cell death, offering a potential new treatment approach for lung cancer.
A study of 676 individuals with PAD found that those with lower ABI levels had greater declines in walking endurance and speed. Leg symptoms, particularly pain on exertion, also predicted rates of functional decline.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that chronic high-dose consumption of Vioxx raises blood pressure and increases the risk of serious heart problems. A substantial number of patients continue to receive high doses of the drug, despite evidence suggesting its potential harm.
A study of 5,115 young adults found that those who react to psychological stress with spikes in blood pressure are more likely to develop high blood pressure in their 40s. The research suggests that assessing blood pressure changes in response to stress may be a useful tool for determining future risk.
The VALUE trial found no difference in cardiac disease between valsartan and amlodipine, but patients on valsartan had lower rates of hospitalization for heart failure and type 2 diabetes. Early blood pressure control was associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes.
The study found that BENICAR and Benicar HCT helped patients reach aggressive blood pressure goals, with nearly 69.3% achieving less than or equal to 130/85 mmHg after 16 weeks. Additionally, BENICAR was found to be more effective in reaching blood pressure goals compared to other ARBs like Cozaar and Diovan.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against routine ovarian cancer screening due to no evidence that it reduces mortality. In contrast, they support regular eye exams for children under 5 to detect amblyopia and other causes of visual impairment. Early detection can improve visual acuity and prevent long-term harm.
New guidelines from Thomas Jefferson University offer more precise classification of blood pressure in children and adolescents based on gender, age, and height. Pediatricians are encouraged to recommend diet, exercise, and weight control counseling for children with prehypertension.
A recent study found that average blood pressure levels among American children and teenagers have increased over the past two decades. The new clinical practice guidelines will provide updated recommendations for lifestyle and drug therapies to address this trend.
A study found significant increases in blood pressure levels among children and adolescents between 1988-1994 and 1999-2000, with systolic levels increasing by 1.4mmHg and diastolic levels by 3.3mmHg. The researchers suggest that effective primary and secondary hypertension prevention programs are needed to address this trend.
A new study has found a significant link between caffeine consumption and increased blood pressure in black adolescents. Adolescents who drank the most caffeinated beverages had higher systolic pressures, with black adolescents showing a greater impact. The researchers suggest that further research is needed to explore this relationship.
Researchers found that a blood pressure-lowering regimen in stroke patients can stop or delay further ischemic brain damage. The study showed that patients who received the medication had significantly fewer new white matter lesions compared to those who took placebo.
Researchers investigate protein regulators of inflammation and hypertension, aiming to find direct cause-and-effect relationship between the two. The study could lead to new targets for treating high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.
A new study published in the American Journal of Hypertension demonstrates that 15 minutes of daily RESPeRATE treatment significantly reduces home blood pressure in both medicated and non-medicated patients. The study also shows high patient compliance, with many patients continuing treatment after the trial ended.
Researchers found that repeated pregnancies in rats increased blood pressure response to stress and phenylephrine infusion, due to enhanced total peripheral resistance. Vascular sensitivity was also altered, with reduced compliance and sensitivity to phenylephrine.
Researchers found that radiation damages key receptors impacting blood pressure, leading to faulty repair of DNA breaks and cell death. A new study examines three cases where symptomatic baroreflex failure occurred as a late consequence of neck irradiation.
Researchers found that exercise-induced high blood pressure may be caused by cells failing to relax and expand blood vessels. This impairment can be a common factor among various risk factors for heart disease, including aging, menopause, and diabetes.
The UPMC Community Medicine initiative improved HbA1c levels by 0.83 percent and reduced blood pressure and cholesterol below target ranges in a large proportion of patients. Physician compliance with evidence-based guidelines was significantly increased through data tracking and education.
A study found that 156 inner-city black adolescents who practiced transcendental meditation twice daily for four months lowered their daytime blood pressures, with an average drop of 3.5 millimeters in systolic pressure and 3.4 millimeters in diastolic pressure.
A gain-of-function mutation in the KCNMB1 potassium channel subunit is associated with a lower prevalence of diastolic hypertension. The beta1 subunit of the Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel protects against hypertension, as outlined in an accompanying commentary.
A study of 4,939 elderly patients with hypertension found that home blood pressure testing was more accurate than office tests in predicting cardiovascular events. Home blood pressure testing showed a 17.2% increased risk of cardiovascular events for each 10-mm Hg increase in systolic 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.