ScienceDaily: Hypertension News

Phthalates -- chemicals widely found in plastics and processed food -- linked to elevated blood pressure in children and teens

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:50:50 EDT

Plastic additives known as phthalates are odorless, colorless and just about everywhere: They turn up in flooring, plastic cups, beach balls, plastic wrap, intravenous tubing and the bodies of most Americans. Once perceived as harmless, phthalates have come under increasing scrutiny. A growing collection of evidence suggests dietary exposure to phthalates (which can leech from packaging and mix with food) may cause significant metabolic and hormonal abnormalities, especially during early development. Now, new research suggests that certain types of phthalates could pose another risk to children: compromised heart health.

Newer diabetes medications may have additional cardiovascular benefits

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:50:50 EDT

A newer class of medications used to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics may also improve cardiovascular health.

New research shows what raises and lowers blood pressure: Cell phones, salt and saying om

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:49:49 EDT

Considered the "silent killer," high blood pressure affects approximately one billion people worldwide, including one in three adults in the United States.

Studies support population-based efforts to lower excessive dietary sodium intakes

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:27:27 EDT

Recent studies that examine links between sodium consumption and health outcomes support recommendations to lower sodium intake from the very high levels some Americans consume now, but evidence from these studies does not support reduction in sodium intake to below 2,300 mg per day, says a new report.

Mechanism for how grapes reduce heart failure associated with hypertension identified

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:02:02 EDT

Grapes are able to reduce heart failure associated with hypertension by increasing the activity of several genes responsible for antioxidant defense in the heart tissue, new research shows.

New study confirms link between weight loss and blood pressure for individuals with specific genetic polymorphisms

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:44:44 EDT

Your genetic makeup can help determine how well your body will respond to weight loss efforts aimed at controlling high blood pressure, a new study confirms.

New advances in the management of patients with cirrhosis

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:16:16 EDT

New data from clinical studies provide new rationale for an old and established treatment option for portal hypertension. Additionally, spleen stiffness predicts the occurrence of clinical complications, which is of paramount importance in clinical practice.

Alternative therapies may help lower blood pressure

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:57:57 EDT

Alternative therapies such as aerobic exercise, resistance or strength training and isometric hand grip exercises could help people reduce blood pressure. Biofeedback and device-guided slow breathing reduced blood pressure a small amount. Due to their modest effects, alternative therapies can be used with -- not as a replacement for -- standard treatment.

Common pregnancy conditions risk future diabetes

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EDT

Two common conditions in pregnancy may be risk factors for future diabetes according to a Canadian study of over one million women.

Drinking cup of beetroot juice daily may help lower blood pressure

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:22:22 EDT

A cup of beetroot juice a day may help reduce your blood pressure, according to a small study.

Molecular hub links obesity, heart disease to high blood pressure

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:49:49 EDT

A new study identifies a brain protein that acts as a communications hub for blood pressure control, and links cardiovascular disease and obesity to hypertension.

Why do people with apple-shaped bodies have an increased risk of kidney disease?

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:40:40 EDT

People with apple-shaped bodies tend to have lower kidney function, lower kidney blood flow, and higher blood pressure within the kidneys than people with pear-shaped bodies. The findings may help explain why people with apple-shaped bodies are more likely than those with pear-shaped bodies to develop kidney disease.

New evidence that egg white protein may help high blood pressure

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:58:58 EDT

Scientists reported new evidence today that a component of egg whites -- already popular as a substitute for whole eggs among health-conscious consumers concerned about cholesterol in the yolk -- may have another beneficial effect in reducing blood pressure.

Huge disparities in hypertension seen across U.S. counties

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:46:46 EDT

In the first ever analysis of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension for every county, researchers revealed significant differences across the United States.

Reducing salt and increasing potassium will have major global health benefits

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 06:44:44 EDT

Cutting down on salt and, at the same time, increasing levels of potassium in our diet will have major health and cost benefits across the world, according to new studies.

Walking can lower risk of heart-related conditions as much as running

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:02:02 EDT

Walking can lower the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes as much as running. The more people walked or ran each week, the more their health benefits increased.

America: Time to shake the salt habit?

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:17:17 EDT

Medical researchers have written a review paper summarizing data linking excessive sodium intake to increased rates of hypertension, stroke and cardiovascular disease. Is it time for national policy?

Uncontrolled hypertension could bring increased risk for Alzheimer's disease

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:04:04 EDT

A new study suggests that controlling or preventing risk factors such as hypertension earlier in life may limit or delay the brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease and other age-related neurological deterioration.

Prenatal exposure to pesticide DDT linked to adult high blood pressure

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:26:26 EDT

Infant girls exposed to high levels of the pesticide DDT while still inside the womb are three times more likely to develop hypertension when they become adults, according to a new study.

Combination therapy for heart failure does not reduce risk of CV death or rehospitalization

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:08:08 EDT

Among patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; a measure of how well the left ventricle of the heart pumps with each contraction), initiation of the medication aliskiren in addition to standard therapy did not reduce cardiovascular death or HF rehospitalization at 6 or 12 months after discharge, according to a new study.

Combination therapy of CPAP and weight loss for obstructive sleep apnea is effective for lowering blood pressure in obese patients

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:07:07 EDT

New research has shown that the combination of CPAP and weight loss for patients with OSA can help lower blood pressure better than either therapy alone.

Pregnant mother's blood pressure may affect future health of children

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:19:19 EST

Up to 10 percent of all women experience some form of elevated blood pressure during pregnancy. Researchers now show that mild maternal hypertension early in pregnancy actually benefits the fetus, but that late pregnancy hypertension has negative health consequences for the child.

Lack of iron regulating protein contributes to high blood pressure of the lungs

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 16:54:54 EST

A protein known to regulate iron levels in the body has an unexpectedly important role in preventing a form of high blood pressure that affects the lungs, and in stabilizing the concentration of red cells in blood, according to a study in mice.

Childhood cancer survivors who received chest irradiation at risk for pulmonary hypertension in middle age

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:45:45 EST

Researchers have found evidence that chest irradiation may leave some adult survivors of childhood cancer in danger of developing pulmonary hypertension in middle age.

Birth order linked to increased risk of diabetes, metabolic disorders

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 07:51:51 EST

Long a source of sibling rivalry, birth order may raise the risk of first-born children developing diabetes or high blood pressure, according to a recent study.

Reducing sodium in U.S. may save hundreds of thousands of lives over 10 years

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:07:07 EST

Less sodium in the U.S. diet could save 280,000 to 500,000 lives over 10 years, according to new research in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension.

High blood pressure during pregnancy may signal later heart disease risk

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 09:09:09 EST

High blood pressure during pregnancy — even once or twice during routine medical care — can signal substantially higher risks of heart and kidney disease and diabetes, according to new research.

Traumatic brain injury complications common among U.S. combat soldiers

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:10:10 EST

U.S. soldiers in combat often suffer constricted blood vessels and increased pressure in the brain -- significant complications of traumatic brain injuries, according to new research.

Black patients with hypertension not prescribed diuretics enough, study suggests

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:24:24 EST

A research study of more than 600 black patients with uncontrolled hypertension found that less than half were prescribed a diuretic drug with proven benefit that costs just pennies a day, report researchers. The researchers say these new findings should be taken as a serious wake-up call for physicians who treat black patients with hypertension.

Hypertension during pregnancy increases risk of end-stage renal disease

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:21:21 EST

Women with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are at higher risk of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease compared with women without the disorders, according to a new study.

Women with pre-eclampsia are at higher risk of complications following childbirth

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 21:23:23 EST

Women with pre-eclampsia are at a higher risk of complications following delivery and should continue to be monitored for up to 72 hours, suggests a new review.

Triple mix of blood pressure drugs and painkillers linked to kidney problems

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 20:16:16 EST

Patients who take a triple combination of blood pressure drugs and common painkillers are at an increased risk of serious kidney problems, especially at the start of treatment, finds a new study.

Can blood pressure drugs reduce the risk of dementia?

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:13:13 EST

People taking the blood pressure drugs called beta blockers may be less likely to have changes in the brain that can be signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, according to a new study.

Young scientist helps identify cause of widespread eye disease

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 08:17:17 EST

Branch retinal vein occlusion -- blockage of the blood vessels that channel blood from the retina -- is a common eye disease. A type of blood clot in the eye, the disease causes reduced vision, and people with the disease also typically have an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes and other serious conditions. A young scientist has made a significant contribution to finding the cause of the disease.

New study better explains racial disparities in strokes

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:39:39 EST

Researchers say a 10-millimeter difference in blood pressure is associated with an 8 percent increase in stroke risk for white people, but a 24 percent increase in stroke risk for black people.

Hypertension traced to source in brain, triggering new paradigm for hypertension treatment

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:09:09 EST

A new study traces hypertension to a newfound cellular source in the brain and shows that treatments targeting this area can reverse the disease.

Radio waves to kidneys lower persistent high blood pressure

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 15:25:25 EST

A minimally invasive procedure lowered blood pressure in patients whose condition failed to respond to medication. Catheter-based renal denervation was found to be safe and effective in lowering blood pressure up to one year after starting treatment, and did not show any lasting harm to the kidneys or heart. The procedure ultimately may offer a new treatment alternative for reducing high blood pressure, a global public health epidemic.

Gazpacho consumption associated with lower blood pressure, study finds

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 09:10:10 EST

A regular consumption of gazpacho can contribute to reduce hypertension, according to a new study by researchers in Spain.

High hormone levels put young black males at risk for cardiovascular disease

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 13:32:32 EST

Increased levels of the hormone aldosterone in young black males correlate with an unhealthy chain of events that starts with retaining too much salt and results in an enlarged heart muscle, researchers say. The findings indicate physicians may want to reach for aldosterone inhibitors early in their effort to control blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk in young black males.

Molecule critical to nerve cells increases drammatically during hypertension

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 09:47:47 EST

Researchers have made an important connection between a molecule critical to nerve cells and high blood pressure. Production of the molecule Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor appears to increase dramatically in blood pressure-sensing nerve cells during hypertension. The study may someday have implications for the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure, which affects about one in three adults in the United States.

Common heart failure drugs could benefit more patients, study suggests

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 09:36:36 EST

A novel study suggests that commonly used drugs to treat heart failure and high blood pressure may have a wider range of application than earlier known, and also can be used against so called HFPEF – a type of heart failure that until now has been impossible to treat. The study shows that the mortality rate in a group of HFPEF patients who used these medications decreased.

Studies examine whether therapies for heart failure are associated with improved survival

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST

An analysis of two heart failure therapies finds differing outcomes regarding improvement in survival.

Exercise benefits found for pregnancies with high blood pressure, researchers say

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 16:10:10 EST

Contrary to popular thought, regular exercise before and during pregnancy could have beneficial effects for women that develop high blood pressure during gestation, a human physiology professor said.

Antioxidants may ease peripheral arterial disease (PAD) blood pressure increase, study suggests

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 18:19:19 EST

Low antioxidant levels contribute to increased blood pressure during exercise for people with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), according to researchers. Their study shows that blood pressure increases more with exercise in more severe PAD cases. By infusing the antioxidant vitamin C into the blood, the researchers were able to lessen the increase in blood pressure during exercise.

High blood pressure in young adults likely to go undiagnosed

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 11:42:42 EST

Most young adults with high blood pressure remain undiagnosed after four years of regular doctor's care. Young adults who actively smoked were less likely to receive a diagnosis. Family practice doctors were less likely to diagnose high blood pressure in young adults than internal medicine providers. Female doctors were more likely to diagnose high blood pressure in this group than other doctors.

Recreational cocaine use linked to conditions that cause heart attack

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:02:02 EST

Recreational cocaine users may have higher blood pressure, stiffer arteries and thicker heart muscle walls than non-users -- all of which can cause a heart attack. The Australian study is the first to document some of these cardiovascular abnormalities in seemingly healthy cocaine users long after the immediate effects of cocaine have worn off.

Home blood pressure monitoring may not benefit patients with stroke and hypertension

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 13:03:03 EST

Home blood pressure monitoring may help patients with hypertension and stroke but did not improve blood pressure control for patients who had normal blood pressure at the start or those with disabilities, according to a randomized controlled trial.

Advancing understanding of treatment through clinical trials

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 08:22:22 EST

Medical researchers have new information on drugs being tested in patients with diabetes or kidney disease.

High blood pressure damages the brain in early middle age

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:42:42 EDT

Uncontrolled high blood pressure damages the brain's structure and function as early as young middle-age, and even the brains of middle-aged people who clinically would not be considered to have hypertension have evidence of silent structural brain damage, a study has found.

Automated calls help patients in under-developed countries manage blood pressure, study finds

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 13:27:27 EDT

For patients struggling with high blood pressure in countries with limited access to health care, the key to improving health may be as simple as a phone call.

Easing high blood pressure without medication?

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 08:12:12 EDT

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. Researchers are studying a new approach that could help normalize blood pressure -- without medication.

Research findings breathe new life into lung disease

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 14:16:16 EDT

New research shows that while muscle cells are responsible for constricting or dilating the blood vessels, they are not responsible for sensing the amount of oxygen that gets to the lungs.

Nearly half of U.S. adults with high blood pressure have it under control

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:25:25 EDT

Nearly half of US adults with high blood pressure reported theirs was under control by 2010. The increase in blood pressure control may be due to more use of multiple drug combinations. Older people, blacks and people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease have higher rates of high blood pressure and Mexican-Americans are least likely to take blood pressure medications.

Metabolic factors may increase men's risk of dying from prostate cancer

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 08:06:06 EDT

High blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, and body mass index-characteristics that are often lumped together as the metabolic syndrome-are jointly linked with an increased risk of dying from prostate cancer, according to a new study. The study's results suggest that public health recommendations regarding diet and lifestyle to prevent heart disease and diabetes may also decrease a man's likelihood of dying from prostate cancer.

Football (soccer) scores a health hat trick for hypertensive men

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:27:27 EDT

Playing football (soccer) could be the best way for people with high blood pressure (hypertension) to improve their fitness and normalize their blood pressure, according to new research.

Breakthrough could help sufferers of fatal lung disease

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EDT

Pioneering research is paving the way for new treatments which could benefit patients suffering from the fatal lung disease pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Building a better drug to treat type 2 diabetes

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:21:21 EDT

Scientists have discovered a new biological pathway in blood vessel cells, which may contribute to the blood pressure-lowering effects of TZD drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes. This finding may help to develop new therapies that retain the beneficial effect of TZDs but eliminate the adverse side effects.

Know your risk factors to help prevent dementia

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 13:46:46 EDT

Research shows that managing and treating vascular disease risk factors are not only beneficial to preventing heart disease and stroke, but also common forms of dementia.

Poor sleep in adolescents may increase risk of heart disease

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:47:47 EDT

Adolescents who sleep poorly may be at risk of cardiovascular disease in later life, according to a new study.

Making headway on beta-blockers and sleep

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 08:56:56 EDT

Researchers have found that melatonin supplementation significantly improved sleep in hypertensive patients taking beta-blockers.