The enzyme that could help 700 million people worldwide
University of South Australia researchers have identified an enzyme that may help to curb chronic kidney disease, which affects approximately 700 million people worldwide.
Hypertension
Lifetime Monitoring Following Infant Cardiac Surgery May Reduce Future Hypertension Risk
In a medical records study covering thousands of children, a U.S.-Canadian team led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine concludes that while surgery to correct congenital heart disease (CHD) within 10 years after birth may restore young hearts to healthy function, it also may be associated with an increased risk of hypertension — high blood pressure — within a few months or years after surgery.
Association between Hypertension and Gut Microbiome Imbalance during Pregnancy May Lead to New Preeclampsia Treatments
Article title: Gestational gut microbial remodeling is impaired in a rat model of preeclampsia superimposed…
During pandemic, potentially avoidable hospitalizations for non-COVID conditions fell more among whites
New research suggests that the COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated existing racial health care disparities and that during the pandemic, African Americans may have had worse access than whites to outpatient care that could have helped prevent deterioration of their non–COVID-19 health conditions
Lower Enzyme Expression Prevents Elastin Insufficiency-induced Hypertension
New research published ahead of print in the journal Function suggests that blocking the expression…
New discovery explains antihypertensive properties of green and black tea
A new study from the University of California, Irvine shows that compounds in both green and black tea relax blood vessels by activating ion channel proteins in the blood vessel wall. The discovery helps explain the antihypertensive properties of tea and could lead to the design of new blood pressure-lowering medications.
Alcohol Plus Cadmium (via Smoking) Can Amplify Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Risk
Heavy drinking combined with cadmium exposure — most commonly via smoking — escalates the risk of hypertension, according to a new study. Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects 26 percent of the global population and is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Alcohol consumption and cadmium exposure are known risk factors for hypertension. Exposure to cadmium, a metal that accumulates in body organs, occurs mainly through smoking, which often accompanies heavy drinking. Other cadmium sources include certain foods, air pollution, and wine and beer. Alcohol increases the absorption of cadmium in the body, and evidence suggests that the two substances contribute to hypertension via shared physiological pathways. The new study, in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, is the first known epidemiological investigation of the combined effects of alcohol and cadmium on blood pressure.
Study Estimates Two-Thirds of COVID-19 Hospitalizations Due to Four Conditions
A new study estimates 64% of adult COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S. may have been prevented if there were less obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure. The model suggests notable differences by age and race/ethnicity in COVID-19 hospitalizations related to these conditions.
A New Beat Offers Free Online Seminar Examining Disparities in Cardiovascular Care During Heart Month
The Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. (ABC) and the Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) is offering a complimentary online seminar, “Tackling Disparities in CV Care: A Closer Look at Hypertension and Heart Failure” on Friday February 26, 2021. The program is part of a joint initiative called A New Beat which advocates for women and minorities rising as leaders in cardiology. It aims to foster careers of female and minority cardiologists, who can be poised to improve access to quality care for underserved populations.
Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Associated with Risks of Structural Heart Changes a Decade After Delivery
The changes, which mainly affect the left ventricle of the heart, may predispose some women to ischemic heart disease and heart failure later in life.
Women Have a Lower Range of ‘Normal’ Blood Pressure Than Men
A new study from the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai shows that women have a lower “normal” blood pressure range compared to men. The findings were published today in the peer-reviewed journal Circulation.
Low-Income Middle-Aged African-American Women with Hypertension Are Likely to Suffer from Depression
Low-income middle-aged African-American women with high blood pressure very commonly suffer from depression and should be better screened for this serious mental health condition.
CRF Offers Free Online Seminar to Help People Jump-Start their Heart Health During Heart Month
The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) will hold a free online seminar, The Big Three: High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, and Diabetes, at 12:00 PM ET on February 22, 2021 hosted by Drs. Nisha Jhalani and Sonia Tolani, cardiologists from NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The seminar is part of a series of “Mini Med Schools” conducted by the CRF Women’s Heart Health Initiative (WHHI), which empowers women with everyday tools they can use to defy heart disease.
Sleep Apnea Does Not Raise Blood Pressure in Young Women
Article title: Sex differences in integrated neuro-cardiovascular control of blood pressure following acute intermittent hypercapnic-hypoxia…
Surgeon General expects COVID-19 vaccine to be available by year’s end
In a wide-ranging talk with UCLA Health physicians, Wednesday, Oct. 28, United States Surgeon General Jerome Adams, MD, MPH, addressed the politicization of the pandemic and the means of containing the spread of COVID-19. He also offered hope that a vaccine for the virus will be available by year’s end.
‘Heat-not-burn’ Alternative to E-cigarettes May Harm Heart
A new review suggests “heat-not-burn” tobacco devices may threaten cardiovascular health. The review is published ahead of print in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology.
Prevent Severe COVID Symptoms With Lifestyle Changes
Obesity is contributing to worse outcomes in people with COVID-19. Dr. Naomi Parrella, medical director of the Rush Center for Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery, explains how managing your weight can lower your risk for severe COVID symptoms and help you prevent other chronic diseases.
Study shows high blood pressure awareness and control are declining in America
After nearly 15 years on an upward trend, awareness among Americans about their high blood pressure and rates of blood pressure control are now on the decline. many groups, including older adults and Black adults, are less likely than they were in earlier years to control their blood pressure.
American Heart Association Honors UVA Endocrinologist for Life’s Work on High Blood Pressure
Robert M. Carey, MD, has been named a Distinguished Scientist of the American Heart Association for his “extraordinary contributions” to cardiovascular research.
Mount Sinai Study Finds COVID Patients Were Most Commonly Readmitted to Hospital for Respiratory Complications
Study describes characteristics of patients with COVID-19 who returned to the ER or required readmission to the hospital within 14 days of being discharged
Sacubitril and Valsartan Combination Treatment May Reduce Hypertensive Kidney Disease
Article title: Differential effects of low-dose sacubitril and/or valsartan on renal disease in salt-sensitive hypertension…
In Firefighter Trainees, ‘Mediterranean Lifestyle’ Linked to Lower Health Risks
Young firefighter recruits who follow a ‘Mediterranean lifestyle’ are less likely to have hypertension (high blood pressure) and more likely to have good aerobic fitness, reports a study in the July Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Cutting Down But Not Out: Very-Heavy Drinkers Needn’t Quit Completely for Cardiovascular Benefit
High-risk drinkers who substantially reduce their alcohol use can lower their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) despite not completely abstaining, according to study findings published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. CVD encompasses a range of conditions involving the heart or blood vessels, and is the leading cause of death in the US. It is also one of many negative health outcomes associated with heavy drinking and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Reductions in drinking can be defined using World Health Organization (WHO) ‘risk drinking levels’, which classify drinkers into ‘very high’, ‘high’, ‘moderate’ and ‘low’ risk categories based on their average daily alcohol consumption. Previous research has shown that a reduction of two or more levels (for example, from ‘very high’ to ‘moderate’) can lower the risk of multiple health issues, but did not assess the impact on CVD specifically. The latest study has examined associations between reductions in WHO risk drinking
Transgenic rice lowers blood pressure of hypertensive rats
Researchers reporting in ACS’ Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry have made transgenic rice that contains several anti-hypertensive peptides. When given to hypertensive rats, the rice lowered their blood pressure.
Clinical Trial to Investigate Whether Hypertension Drug Ameliorates COVID-19 Severity
UC San Diego scientists have launched a clinical trial to investigate whether a drug approved for treating high blood pressure might also reduce the severity of COVID-19 infections, lowering rates for intensive care unit admissions, the use of mechanical ventilators and all-cause mortality.
10-20-30 Interval Training Improves Blood Vessel Function in Men with High Blood Pressure
New research suggests that men with high blood pressure may have reduced blood vessel dilation in the legs and that a form of high-intensity interval exercise training improves blood vessel function in this population.
High-altitude adaptations connected with lower risk for chronic diseases
High-altitude adaptations in the Himalayas may lower risk for some chronic diseases, according to a research team including faculty from Binghamton University, State University of New York, the University of New Mexico, and the Fudan University School of Life Sciences.
How Do Commonly Used Blood Pressure Medications Affect Outcomes Among Patients with COVID-19?
A new international trial will evaluate whether the use of medications to treat high blood pressure affect outcomes among patients who are prescribed the medication and hospitalized with COVID-19. Investigators will examine whether ACEI or ARBs help to mitigate complications or lead to worse outcomes.
Chemicals used to replace BPA may lead to increased blood pressure
Common bisphenol A (BPA) substitutes can affect the developing fetus and cause hypertension in later life, suggests a rodent study accepted for presentation at ENDO 2020, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting. The research will be published in a special supplemental section of the Journal of the Endocrine Society.
Diagnosing Hypertension in Children
• Study results call into question the utility of testing blood pressure load—the proportion of elevated blood pressure readings detected over 24 hours—for diagnosing hypertension in children.
Discovered: Why obesity causes high blood pressure — and potential ways to fix it
The researchers have already confirmed their discovery in human tissue samples and used it to reverse high blood pressure in lab mice.
Spinal Fluid Sodium May Play Role in Blood Pressure Management
Article title: Elevated cerebrospinal fluid sodium in hypertensive human subjects with a family history of Alzheimer’s…
Barbershops Targeted to Improve Health of Black Men
Black men with high blood pressure could benefit from a research study beginning this month to check their vitals while they are getting a haircut at a barbershop.
Researchers Challenge New Guidelines on Aspirin in Primary Prevention
New guidelines recommend aspirin use in primary prevention for people ages 40 to 70 years old who are at higher risk of a first cardiovascular event, but not for those over 70. Yet, people over 70 are at higher risks of cardiovascular events than those under 70. As a result, health care providers are understandably confused about whether or not to prescribe aspirin for primary prevention of heart attacks or strokes, and if so, to whom.
Demystifying heart failure: A Q&A with Sara Kalantari, MD
University of Chicago Medicine cardiologist and heart failure expert Sara Kalantari, MD, explains heart failure, including symptoms, diagnoses, treatments and common misconceptions.
Drug to Improve Fetal Growth May Impair Baby’s Postnatal Blood Pressure, Sugar Levels
Research suggests that a drug recently assessed as a potential treatment for fetal growth restriction may cause high blood pressure and raise blood sugar levels in offspring. The study urges practitioners to consider both short- and long-term effects when treating people with this pregnancy complication.
Proximity to Green Spaces Impacts Health
A University at Albany team worked with colleagues around the globe on two separate studies to determine the effects that greenery has on our health – finding that the greener our surroundings, the better.
Drug to Improve Fetal Growth May Impair Baby’s Postnatal Blood Pressure, Sugar Levels
Article title: Antenatal sildenafil citrate treatment increases offspring blood pressure in the placental-specific Igf2 knockout mouse…
Changes in Muscle Nerve Activity in Type 2 Diabetes May Increase Heart Disease Risk
Article title: Augmented pressor and sympathoexcitatory responses to the onset of isometric handgrip in patients…
Blood pressure drug linked to lower risk of gout
A new study led by physician-researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) reports that the antihypertensive drug amlodipine lowered long-term gout risk compared to two other drugs commonly prescribed to lower blood pressure. The findings are published in the Journal of Hypertension.
New study debunks notion that salt consumption contributes to weight loss
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that reducing sodium intake in adults with elevated blood pressure or hypertension decreased thirst, urine volume and blood pressure, but did not affect metabolic energy needs. These results support the traditional notion that decreasing sodium intake is critical to managing hypertension – disputing recent studies.
Participants Sought for National Trial to Test Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle
The Enhanced Lifestyles for Metabolic Syndrome (ELM) Trial, a multisite test of two lifestyle treatments for a dangerous cluster of sub-disease indicators called the metabolic syndrome, is now accepting applicants at five medical centers around the country.
Pairing New Medications Could Offer Hope to Heart Disease Patients
Cardiologist Bertram Pitt, MD, sees promise in combining two new classes of medication into a treatment regimen for patients with cardiovascular disease. Pitt will discuss the advantages of this treatment plan in his plenary lecture at an American Physiological Society Conference in Estes Park, Colo.
Researchers Discover New, Treatable Pathway Known to Cause Hypertension in Obese People
There’s no question that as body weight increases, so too does blood pressure. Now, in a study of mice, Johns Hopkins researchers have revealed exactly which molecules are likely responsible for the link between obesity and blood pressure. Blocking one of these molecules — a signaling channel that’s found in a tiny organ on the side of your neck — effectively lowers blood pressure in obese mice, the researchers reported recently in the journal Circulation Research.
Abnormal Blood Pressure in Middle And Late Life Influences Dementia Risk
In a study that spanned two and a half decades and looked at data from more than 4,700 participants, Johns Hopkins researchers have added to evidence that abnormal blood pressure in midlife persisting into late life increases the likelihood of developing dementia. Although not designed to show cause and effect, the study suggests that maintaining a healthy blood pressure throughout life may be one way to help decrease one’s risk of losing brain function.
Announcing the TCT 2019 Late-Breaking Trials and Science
The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) has announced the 12 late-breaking trials and 16 late-breaking science presentations that will be reported at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) 2019 scientific symposium. TCT, the world’s premier educational meeting specializing in interventional cardiovascular medicine, will take place September 25 – 29, 2019 at The Moscone Center in San Francisco, California.
Third Annual Translational Hypertension Symposium and Early-Stage Investigator Workshop
The 2019 translational hypertension symposium features nationally renowned experts addressing topics related to diagnosing hypertension, more effective and durable blood pressure control and cardiovascular disease risk reduction for all communities.
Does Hypertension Pose a Health Risk to Older Adults Who Wish to Donate a Kidney?
Study finds higher rates of kidney failure in donors with high blood pressure. Highlights Among…