Articles tagged with Blood Pressure
A new study found that most Americans incorrectly believe they know what constitutes normal/healthy blood pressure, yet are overly confident in their understanding of blood pressure readings. This false confidence may undermine intentions to seek care for stage 1 hypertension.
Muscle mass and blood pressure are key factors in maintaining healthy arteries, with higher muscle mass and lower blood pressure linked to reduced arterial stiffness. The study found that these associations remain significant even after accounting for age.
A study by Columbia University exercise physiologists found that taking a five-minute walking break every 30 minutes can significantly lower blood sugar and blood pressure, while also reducing fatigue and improving mood. This regimen provided the most benefits, with only one minute of walking per hour providing modest benefits.
A new study found that teenagers who reported feeling optimistic, happy, and loved had better cardiometabolic health outcomes in adulthood. Despite this, racial disparities remained apparent, with Black teens facing increased health risks due to structural racism.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School conducted a large clinical trial comparing two commonly prescribed generic drugs, chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide. The study found that both medications were equally effective in preventing cardiovascular disease and non-cancer death, contradicting current clinical guidel...
A new study suggests that reformulating packaged foods in Australia to contain less sodium could save up to 1,700 lives per year. Implementing the World Health Organization's sodium targets may also reduce rates of cardiovascular disease and stomach cancer.
A quality improvement program implemented to reduce disparities in blood pressure control between Black and white patients resulted in improved outcomes. However, disparities were not eliminated, suggesting a need for further targeted interventions.
Researchers found that clonidine, a common blood pressure medication, can reduce the consolidation of traumatic memories in PTSD patients. By interacting with the adrenergic receptor axis, clonidine interferes with cofilin's ability to form mushroom-shaped dendritic spines, which are essential for memory formation. This suggests that c...
A new study found that drinking two or more cups of coffee daily may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality among people with severe hypertension. In contrast, moderate green tea consumption did not show a significant association with increased risk, suggesting potential benefits of polyphenols in reducing mortality.
Recent studies investigate heat waves and cold exposure on the cardiovascular system, revealing physiological responses that can lead to cardiovascular problems. Mild heat waves cause an increase in core temperature, skin blood flow, and vascular resistance, while mild cold exposure causes a similar rise in blood pressure.
The 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics guideline shows higher levels of proteinuria in children with hypertensive range blood pressure. Clinicians should re-calculate BP percentiles using the new guidelines to accurately diagnose and treat hypertension in pediatric chronic kidney disease.
A large VA clinical trial found that chlorthalidone (CTD) was not superior to hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) for preventing cardiovascular disease or non-cancer death. The study enrolled over 13,500 Veterans with high blood pressure and showed no difference between the two drugs in terms of effectiveness.
A pilot study found that incorporating yoga into a regular exercise routine reduces systolic blood pressure and resting heart rate, improving 10-year cardiovascular risk. Yoga was more effective than stretching exercises alone in reducing cardiovascular risk factors.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the potential benefits and risks of complementary and alternative therapies for heart failure. The statement advises healthcare professionals to discuss CAM use with patients, monitor medication interactions, and consider pharmacists' consultations.
A study published in the Hypertension journal suggests that bromocriptine, a Parkinson's disease medication, may help prevent heart disease in youth with Type 1 diabetes. The research found that teens with Type 1 diabetes who took bromocriptine had lower blood pressure and less stiff arteries after one month of treatment.
A new study found that 1 in 10 women without pre-existing hypertension may develop it up to a year after childbirth, highlighting the need for extended blood pressure monitoring. Mothers at highest risk include those over 35, current or former smokers, and C-section deliveries.
Research published in General Psychiatry finds a significant causal relationship between diastolic blood pressure and neuroticism, while systolic blood pressure has no association. Controlling high diastolic blood pressure may help reduce neurotic behaviors, anxiety, and cardiovascular diseases.
A study of 2,400 women found nearly a quarter developed high blood pressure more than six weeks after delivery. The research suggests monitoring during this period could mitigate severe cardiovascular complications.
The Mass General Brigham remote healthcare delivery program lowered blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol significantly in a study of over 10,000 participants. The program provided convenient care from home using digital solutions, improving health outcomes for traditionally underserved populations.
A Cedars-Sinai study found that a specific protein imbalance can predict the risk of developing severe preeclampsia. The blood test measures the ratio between two proteins involved in blood vessel development, which accurately predicted preterm preeclampsia with severe features over 90% of the time.
Researchers found that two common diuretics, chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide, had no difference in cardiovascular outcomes among study participants. However, those taking chlorthalidone showed a reduced risk of heart disease and death by an average of 27% among patients with a history of heart attack or stroke.
A customized mindfulness program that incorporates skills like attention control and self-awareness has been shown to lead to lower systolic blood pressure measures in participants. The intervention, which also focuses on health behavior change, is promising as a novel way to improve blood pressure control.
A new study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that telmisartan, a blood pressure medication, is associated with lower risk of Alzheimer's specifically in Black patients over 60. The study analyzed data from over 5 million patients and suggests that future clinical trials should prioritize minority populations to find or reinfor...
People with elevated blood pressure showed improvement after 12 weeks of a telehealth support program, with significant reductions in systolic blood pressure and increased self-reported physical activity. A dietitian-led intervention also showed greater reductions in systolic blood pressure while asleep and more weight loss.
Adults with hypertension experienced a small rise in blood pressure levels during the first eight months of the COVID-19 pandemic, while the number of measured readings decreased significantly. The study found that telemedicine and home monitoring may have contributed to better blood pressure control.
During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with hypertension took less frequent blood pressure measurements and reported higher readings. Blood pressure control worsened due to disruptions in healthcare access, including telemedicine and home monitoring.
A recent study published at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2022 found that pod-based e-cigarette users experienced changes in blood vessel health comparable to traditional cigarette smokers. The research, which included 106 young adults without cardiovascular disease, measured vascular function, blood pressure, an...
The $2.4 million grant will provide direct training for new community health workers in Lubbock and throughout the state through registered apprenticeship programs and job placements. The program aims to increase access to healthcare and address public health needs for underserved communities.
Researchers found that vaping and smoking e-cigarettes led to greater constriction of the brachial artery and worse heart rate variability, indicating activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Vaping was also associated with poorer performance on exercise stress testing compared to non-nicotine users.
Researchers found a significant increase in heart disease deaths among adults in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study attributed this rise to factors such as lockdowns, lack of physical activity, increased smoking and alcohol use.
A large stroke trial found that intensive blood pressure lowering after clot removal compromises the return of blood flow to the affected area, leading to more brain tissue deterioration and major disability. The study suggests that this increasingly common treatment strategy should be avoided in clinical practice.
A global study of over 28,000 people found that lowering blood pressure can significantly reduce the risk of dementia. The researchers analyzed five double-blind placebo-controlled trials and discovered a broad linear relationship between blood pressure reduction and lower dementia risk.
A novel algorithm uses near-infrared spectroscopy to estimate intracranial pressure (ICP) based on hemoglobin levels. The research validates the accuracy of this method using invasive ICP data.
A study published at the European Emergency Medicine Congress found that a digital technology platform called HealthCall can reduce emergency department attendances for residents in care homes. The system provides staff with easy access to clinical advice and has been shown to result in a 10% reduction in expected monthly attendances.
Researchers highlight the importance of sustained blood pressure control in reducing fatal cardiovascular events. The study found that intensive blood pressure management was beneficial during the SPRINT trial but lost its effects after two years without continued treatment.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science found that consuming potatoes has no increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders. In fact, those who ate more potatoes also consumed more fruits and vegetables, meeting dietary guidelines recommendations.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that a cellular channel outside the kidneys plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. The study found that subtle mutations in this channel can influence blood pressure, providing a potential new target for existing medications.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm to assess retinal vasculature, predicting cardiovascular disease and death. The model captured half to two-thirds of circulatory disease deaths in those most at risk, outperforming traditional risk frameworks.
A clinical trial conducted by Salk Institute and UC San Diego Health found that time-restricted eating improved measures of health and wellbeing in firefighters. The study showed that a 10-hour eating window reduced VLDL cholesterol, improved mental health, and decreased alcohol intake.
Women with severe preeclampsia treated with extended-release nifedipine during labor and delivery had lower rates of dangerously high blood pressure, reducing the need for IV treatment. This study contributes to optimal management of hypertension during pregnancy and delivery.
A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found a strong association between prenatal phthalate exposure and reduced lung function in children. The researchers analyzed data from 641 mother-child pairs and discovered that gestational phthalate exposure was associated with decreases in forced vital capacity and forced expirat...
A new study finds that high blood pressure speeds up cognitive decline in both Hispanic and non-Hispanic white adults. However, differences in blood pressure control do not fully explain the higher risk of dementia in Hispanic adults.
A new study found that only around half of older adults with hypertension regularly check their blood pressure at home. Those who received a healthcare provider's recommendation to do so were three and a half times more likely to monitor their blood pressure regularly.
Researchers suggest special blood vessels called 'retia mirabilia' reduce brain pressure pulses, preventing damage. Computer modeling supports theory, which could be applied to other animals and humans.
Scientists have successfully delivered a common blood pressure medication directly to the inner membrane of mitochondria, targeting energy-producing parts of cells. The new method uses the body's natural transport system to deliver drugs more precisely, potentially improving therapy efficacy and reducing negative side effects.
Researchers are developing wearable tonometric sensors that can collect blood pressure data without disrupting patients' sleep. The new cuffless monitoring system uses gecko-inspired adhesion technology to provide accurate readings.
A study suggests that adopting the DASH diet may have the greatest impact on reducing cardiovascular disease among people with stage 1 hypertension. The research estimates that this lifestyle change could prevent 15,000 heart disease events among men and 11,000 among women.
Researchers found that high blood pressure induced in young mice led to significant bone loss and osteoporosis-related damage comparable to older mice. The study suggests a possible link between inflammation, high blood pressure, and accelerated bone aging in humans.
Research suggests that arterial stiffness increases blood pressure in adolescents due to insulin resistance, not body fat. Healthy lifestyle choices like exercise and a balanced diet may help lower blood pressure in this age group.
A UBC Okanagan study found that commercial weight management programs are more effective than DIY approaches in helping people lose weight. Participants who used a commercially available program lost over twice as much weight and had better success rates, including improved blood pressure and waist circumference.
The SECURE trial found that the polypill, containing aspirin, ramipril, and atorvastatin, achieves clinically relevant reductions in recurrent cardiovascular events among patients recovering from a heart attack. This simplified approach improves treatment adherence, leading to a 33% reduction in cardiovascular mortality.
African American adults with higher levels of religiosity and spirituality may be more likely to meet key cardiovascular health metrics. The study found associations between religious behavior, spirituality, and improved health outcomes in terms of diet, physical activity, and smoking.
A recent study published in JAMA found that despite overall improvements in cholesterol levels since 2008, sex, racial, and ethnic disparities persist in lipid control. The research team analyzed data from over 33,000 US adults and discovered significant variations in trends by race and ethnicity.
A study of 350 older adults found that those with multiple chronic health conditions, especially women, are more prone to large blood pressure drops and lower brain oxygenation after standing up. This increases their risk of dizziness, faints, and falls, highlighting the importance of detecting and managing multi-morbidity.
A 1g reduction in daily salt intake could prevent nearly 9 million cases of heart disease and stroke in China by 2030, saving 4 million lives. This is based on a modelling study that estimates the impact of reducing salt intake across the nation.
A West Virginia University study explores the link between pregnancy, sedentary behavior, and cardiovascular disease risk in women. The research aims to investigate whether physical activity can reduce or eliminate this accelerated risk development in women.
A national study by UC San Francisco found that basic home blood pressure cuffs and smartphone-connected devices have no significant difference in improving blood pressure control. After six months, patients who used basic cuffs had a lower blood pressure reduction compared to those using Bluetooth-enabled devices.
A pooled data analysis of 21 international clinical trials involving nearly 30,000 people found that salt substitutes lowered blood pressure and reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, and early death. The benefits were consistent across different geography, age, sex, and health conditions.
Higher aldosterone concentrations are associated with lower eGFR, lower potassium levels in blood, and higher potassium and protein concentrations in urine. The risk of CKD worsening was independent of diabetes status. Finerenone may help prevent CKD progression by targeting aldosterone's action.
Combining sauna and exercise for eight weeks improves cardiorespiratory fitness, lowers systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol levels compared to regular exercise alone. The study found the sauna-exercise combination to be superior in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.