Research on blood pressure and its control. Covers intensive control and dementia, cardiovascular benefits, wearable ICU monitoring, and self-measurement.
A new poll found that more than half of older adults with high-risk health conditions don't check their blood pressure at home or are encouraged to do so. Regular home monitoring can help control blood pressure and reduce risk of death, strokes, and heart attacks.
A study found that chronic stress, measured by allostatic load, was associated with a lower likelihood of completing chemotherapy and lower overall survival rate in patients with lymph node-positive or high-risk lymph node-negative HER2-negative breast cancer. Allostatic load may be a better predictor than genetic ancestry for chemothe...
A study published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found a potential link between blood pressure medication use and the development of psoriasis. Data from 13 studies suggests that certain types of antihypertensive medications may increase the risk of skin conditions, warranting close monitoring.
A study of nearly 179,000 veterans aged 65+ found that maximizing the dosage of an existing medication can lead to better adherence and lower blood pressure. Adding a new medication shows a slim advantage in some cases, but with risks associated with polypharmacy.
Researchers found that individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure at ages 35-44 had smaller brain volumes and a higher risk of developing dementia compared to those with normal blood pressure. The study suggests that controlling or delaying the onset of hypertension in young adulthood may reduce the risk of dementia.
A 21-year study found that adults with diabetes who experienced nighttime blood pressure increases had double the risk of dying compared to those whose blood pressure 'dipped' during sleep. Non-dipping and reverse dipping are associated with increased cardiovascular complications and death.
Research suggests that adults with elevated blood pressure prefer monitoring their blood pressure at home, rather than in a clinical setting. This is because home blood pressure monitoring is convenient and easy to do, without disrupting daily activities.
Research presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2021 found that exposure to military sexual trauma significantly influences veterans' physical health. The study screened over 1.2 million veterans and reported nearly 33,900 cases of military sexual trauma, with 65% being women.
Researchers found that women over 70 and men under 50 with hypertension are at a higher risk of uncontrolled blood pressure. This study highlights the need for increased awareness about uncontrolled hypertension among these groups, and further research is needed to understand the underlying causes.
A new global study found that setting targets for treating diabetes patients with cholesterol or blood pressure medication can significantly improve cardiovascular outcomes. Achieving these targets could save up to 6% of healthy lifetime lost to diabetes over 10 years, mainly due to reduced cardiovascular conditions.
A study of 200 heart attack survivors who used a smartphone app showed that they had a 52% lower risk of hospital readmission within 30 days. The app, which tracked medication use and lifestyle changes, also motivated users to improve their quality of life.
A large-scale trial will assess the effects of cocoa supplements and multivitamins on aging, including inflammatory factors and genetic changes. Researchers aim to determine if cocoa consumption can reduce age-related health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Research published in Hypertension Journal Report found that adults with normal blood pressure but high stress hormone levels are more likely to develop hypertension and experience cardiovascular events. The study, led by Kosuke Inoue, analyzed the relationship between stress hormones and cardiovascular disease risk, revealing a key fa...
The study found large reductions in uninsurance and improvements in blood pressure and blood sugar control among Hispanic and Black patients after Medicaid expansion. The first five years of expansion were associated with significant benefits for these populations.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion is associated with reductions in uninsurance and improvements in blood pressure and glucose control measurements. The benefits were highest among Black and Hispanic patients. Longer-term investments into quality care and care management are necessary to realize these health outcomes.
The Salt Substitute and Stroke Study found that replacing regular salt with low-sodium alternatives lowers the risk of stroke, cardiovascular events, and mortality. The study also showed no increased risk of serious adverse events related to hyperkalaemia, providing clear evidence for an effective and affordable intervention.
A combination therapy of aspirin, statins, and at least two blood pressure medications cuts the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease by over half. The treatment strategy, known as a polypill, is consistent in benefits across different blood pressure levels, cholesterol levels, and diabetes status.
A review of scientific literature found pregnant women infected by SARS-CoV-2 have a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia due to reduced ACE2 availability. ACE2 plays a crucial role in placental development, blood pressure control, and fetal development, making its impairment more susceptible to serious complications.
The number of people living with hypertension has doubled from 331 million in 1990 to 626 million women and 652 million men in 2019. Despite being diagnosable and treatable, nearly half of those with hypertension remain unaware or untreated.
A new study published in Hypertension Journal Report found that flavonoid-rich foods, including berries and wine, can lower blood pressure by modulating the gut microbiome. The study of 904 adults suggested that increasing flavonoid intake may be a valuable strategy for preventing hypertension.
A new study reveals isometric resistance training (IRT) as a safe and effective method for reducing high blood pressure. IRT, which involves contracting muscles without changing length, can lower office blood pressure by almost as much as blood pressure-lowering medications.
Obstructive sleep apnea is common in kids and adolescents, affecting 1-6% of all children and 30-60% of obese adolescents. It can raise blood pressure and link to insulin resistance, abnormal lipids, and cardiovascular health issues. The American Heart Association calls for further studies on the topic.
A new study found that consuming millets can significantly lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, and BMI, as well as decrease blood pressure in people who were overweight or obese. The study used meta-analysis to analyze data from 19 studies with nearly 900 participants.
A new clinical trial will test a simple breathing exercise for adults with obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension. The study aims to reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health through inspiratory muscle training.
A new study by Staffordshire University found that users of the Heart Age Test (HAT) were more likely to make healthy lifestyle changes. The test aims to provide early warning signs of cardiovascular disease, encouraging users to reduce their heart age through diet and exercise.
Researchers have determined the location and function of natural blood-pressure barometers inside our bodies, which detect subtle changes in blood pressure and adjust hormone levels to maintain healthy blood pressure. The discovery has significant implications for developing new treatments for high blood pressure.
Researchers at Temple University are conducting a 5-year study to compare two approaches for reducing heart disease risk factors in Black birthing people. The study aims to eliminate disparities in heart disease among Black women and birthing people during and after pregnancy.
The American Heart Association has launched a $20 million research initiative, RESTORE Network, to address health equity in preventing hypertension. The project aims to test multiple strategies to overcome social determinants of health and provide better access to care for Black communities.
The study aims to compare two interventions: Intensive Tailored Telehealth Management (ITTM) and Intensive Clinic Management (ICM). Researchers hope to answer how to effectively manage blood pressure among stroke survivors and whether telehealth is the most effective strategy.
Research found that breastfeeding, even for a short period, is associated with lower blood pressure in toddlers. The study suggests that colostrum, rich in growth factors and immunologic components, plays a key role in shaping cardiovascular development during the newborn period.
Middle- to older-aged adults who eat at least three servings of whole grains daily have smaller increases in waist size, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels over time. Whole grains may protect against heart disease by reducing these risk factors.
A new study found that intensive blood pressure-lowering therapy may harm patients with decreased kidney function after a stroke, whereas those with normal kidney function showed similar outcomes. The study suggests considering renal function when deciding optimal blood pressure ranges for each patient.
A new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder found that a 5-minute daily workout can lower blood pressure and improve vascular health, comparable to traditional exercise or medication. The ultra-time-efficient maneuver, known as High-Resistance Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST), was developed for breathing muscles a...
A recent study published in Chinese Medical Journal found that maintaining normal blood pressure over a long period of time significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study analyzed data from a 26-year follow-up of participants and found that cumulative blood pressure levels were a reliable measure of the risk of CVD.
A study of 805,992 Japanese individuals found that systolic blood pressure (SBP) above 120 mmHg increases the rate of cardiovascular disease. SBP levels were also associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease, even in individuals with normal glucose status.
A study found that children exposed to higher levels of selenium and manganese during pregnancy had lower blood pressure in childhood. Manganese also protected against the hypertensive effect of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal.
Research reveals that lesbian, gay and bisexual people who encounter homophobic attitudes experience significant increases in heart rate, blood pressure and stress hormones. The study found that perceived homophobia had a direct impact on physiological stress among sexual minorities, increasing systolic blood pressure during interviews.
A new study found that incorporating baked potatoes into a typical American diet can help reduce sodium retention and blood pressure. The research, published in Nutrients, suggests that the ratio of potassium to sodium is crucial for cardiovascular health.
A new study provides the strongest evidence yet that discriminatory comments can cause physical responses in LGBTQ+ people, including increased blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels. Exposure to anti-gay prejudice triggers bodily changes that can contribute to health problems over time.
Researchers model the impact of implementing blood pressure control programs at barbershops nationwide, finding that such programs could reach one in three Black men with uncontrolled blood pressure. These community-based interventions would avert 8,600 major cardiovascular events annually, including 1,800 heart attacks and 5,500 strokes.
Researchers discovered a link between chronic high blood pressure and elevated intracranial pressure, validating a non-invasive monitoring method. The study proposes treating high blood pressure with losartan to prevent intracranial hypertension and its complications like stroke.
A global multicentre clinical trial found that a one-hour ultrasound-based procedure called 'renal denervation' significantly reduced blood pressure in resistant hypertension patients. The study, published in The Lancet, suggests this procedure could offer hope to patients who do not respond to recommended treatments.
A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that zinc plays a critical role in regulating blood pressure by triggering the relaxation of blood vessels. This discovery could lead to the development of new zinc-based blood pressure drugs, addressing the limitations of existing treatments for hypertension.
A West Virginia University study shows that faith communities have the potential to promote physical wellbeing along with emotional or spiritual health. A 12-week program led by faith-community nurses encouraged better time management, provided participants with more energy, and improved comfort with exercise on a regular basis.
Researchers found a connection between high inequality in subsistence societies and increased blood pressure, as well as respiratory diseases like pneumonia. However, chronic conditions like hypertension and cardiovascular disease were less prevalent in these communities.
A weight management program has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the need for anti-hypertensive medications in people with type 2 diabetes. The program, developed by researchers at Universities of Glasgow and Newcastle, induces substantial weight loss and leads to remission of type 2 diabetes in 8 out of 10 participants.
The SPRINT study found that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120 mm Hg significantly reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular disease. The study also showed a 25% decrease in all-cause mortality.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened disparities in blood pressure control, particularly among uninsured and under-resourced populations. Research shows a decline in healthy blood pressure levels before the pandemic, with limited access to healthcare and health insurance as key factors.
A study of over half a million people found that certain mid-life cardiovascular risk factors are associated with dementia in both men and women. However, the relationship between blood pressure and dementia risk varies by sex, with higher blood pressure linked to increased risk in women.
Patients who underwent renal denervation experienced a median reduction of 8 mmHg in daytime ambulatory systolic blood pressure. The procedure was shown to be effective regardless of sex, ethnicity, age, or waist size.
A new study found that ultrasound treatment, called renal denervation, significantly lowered blood pressure in patients with drug-resistant hypertension. The procedure, which uses brief pulses of ultrasound to disrupt nerve signals, resulted in a 8-point drop in daytime blood pressure and an average decrease of 8.3 points at night.
A new study reveals that nearly 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure are taking medications that could elevate their blood pressure. Researchers identified three common culprits: antidepressants, NSAIDs, and oral steroids, which were reported by 9%, 7%, and 2% of participants, respectively.
A study found that Black women as young as their 20s and 30s show high rates of lifestyle-linked risk factors, including obesity and elevated blood pressure. The researchers call for preventive care and lifestyle changes among Black women under age 40 to mitigate the burden of heart disease.
A meta-analysis of 14 air pollution studies found that short- and long-term exposure to certain environmental air pollutants is associated with elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels in children and adolescents. Regular blood pressure measurement can help identify individuals with elevated blood pressure early.
A study published in Chinese Medical Journal found that generic antihypertensive drugs are as effective as brand-name counterparts in controlling blood pressure over the long term. The results suggest significant cost savings for patients, with treatment using generic drugs being only half as expensive as brand-name treatments.
A large study of 345,000 people from 48 trials found that blood pressure-lowering medication lowers the risk of cardiovascular events by around 10% regardless of starting blood pressure level. The research calls for global guidelines to be changed so that anyone with increased risk of cardiovascular disease is considered for treatment.
Researchers found that intermittent fasting lowers blood pressure by altering the gut microbiota composition. The study suggests that gut dysbiosis contributes to hypertension by changing bile acid signaling.
A study of renal transplant biopsies found that blood pressure thresholds above 180/95/116 mmHg don't increase complication risk, but combined high pressures do
A new study found that gender-affirming hormone therapy was associated with changes in blood pressure among transgender men and women. Researchers monitored 470 patients who began hormone therapy between 2007 and 2015, and found that some experienced different blood pressure effects compared to their peers.
A new study by NUI Galway researchers found no evidence that diastolic blood pressure can be harmful when reduced to levels previously thought too low. The study suggests treating systolic values between 100-130mmHg is beneficial, freeing doctors from worrying about diastolic readings falling too low.