Among post-menopausal women, drinking multiple diet drinks daily was associated with an increase in the risk of having a stroke caused by a blocked artery, especially small arteries, according to research published in Stroke, a journal of the American Heart Association (AHA). According to a news release from the AHA, this is one of the… Continue reading Diet Soda Linked to Strokes and Heart Attacks
Tag: high blood pressure
Diagnosing and Treating Resistant Hypertension
Resistant hypertension affects 12 percent to15 percent of patients treated for high blood pressure according to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA). The statement, published in the Association’s journal Hypertension, provides a comprehensive overview of how to diagnose and treat the condition based on a review of available scientific information. A… Continue reading Diagnosing and Treating Resistant Hypertension
Dangerous High Blood Pressure Spikes among Blacks Happen Five Times More than Average
Black adults experience dangerous spikes in high blood pressure, called a hypertensive crisis, at a rate that is five times the national average, according to a study presented at the American Heart Association’s Joint Hypertension 2018 Scientific Sessions, an annual conference focused on recent advances in hypertension research. Hypertensive crisis is a complication of high… Continue reading Dangerous High Blood Pressure Spikes among Blacks Happen Five Times More than Average
Heart Health Glossary
Here, from the National Institute on Aging, are the crucial terms you need to know about heart disease: Angina Angina (an-JI-nuh or AN-juh-nuh) is chest pain or discomfort that occurs if an area of your heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. It may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest. The pain also… Continue reading Heart Health Glossary
A Crisis Can Derail Efforts to Reach Health-Related Goals
Setbacks are to be expected when pursuing a goal, whether you are trying to lose weight or save money. The challenge is getting back on track and not giving up after a difficulty or crisis, says a marketing professor in Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business. He was part of a multi-university team of… Continue reading A Crisis Can Derail Efforts to Reach Health-Related Goals
How Low Is Too Low? Experts Debate Blood Pressure Targets in the Post-SPRINT Era
Following the landmark SPRINT trial, there is a growing body of evidence for reducing systolic blood pressure targets, resulting in the development of new US guidelines. However, this has led to many questions about the impact of such fundamental changes in blood pressure management, and whether they should be implemented in other constituencies. Two studies… Continue reading How Low Is Too Low? Experts Debate Blood Pressure Targets in the Post-SPRINT Era
You Need An Eye Exam Now. Here’s Why.
With all our other health concerns, we may be inclined to skip getting an annual eye exam, but in fact it’s crucial, according to the Lighthouse Guild, a nonprofit organization that provides vision and health services. “Early detection and treatment of low vision are the key to better eye health,” says Dr. Andrea Zimmerman, a… Continue reading You Need An Eye Exam Now. Here’s Why.
Music Intensifies the Effects of Anti-Hypertensive Medication
In addition to remembering to take the medication prescribed by their cardiologists at the right times and going to the trouble of making healthy lifestyle changes, patients with high blood pressure (hypertension) can include a pleasing beneficial activity in routine treatment of the disease thanks to the discovery that listening to music significantly enhances the… Continue reading Music Intensifies the Effects of Anti-Hypertensive Medication
To Battle High Blood Pressure, Most People Prefer Taking a Pill Over Exercising
In a survey to assess treatment preferences for high blood pressure, respondents were more likely to choose a daily cup of tea or a pill over exercise, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Quality of Care and Outcomes Research Scientific Sessions 2018, a premier global exchange of the latest advances in… Continue reading To Battle High Blood Pressure, Most People Prefer Taking a Pill Over Exercising
Top Cardiologist Disagrees with New Hypertension Guidelines
Last November, a panel of medical professionals issued guideline that redefine blood pressure readings. Now, one of the nation’s leading cardiologists is challenging them, saying that the lowered numbers may lead to unnecessarily aggressive blood pressure treatments. Robert A. Phillips, M.D., Ph.D., Houston Methodist Hospital’s chief medical officer, said that while patients at higher risk… Continue reading Top Cardiologist Disagrees with New Hypertension Guidelines
New Blood Pressure App and Hardware Rivals Arm Cuff Accuracy
Cuff devices for blood pressure measurement are inconvenient, and mobile device apps for blood pressure measurement that are now being introduced may lack accuracy. To solve this problem, a team of Michigan State University scientists has created a new app and hardware for smartphones to measure blood pressure with accuracy that may rival arm-cuff devices.… Continue reading New Blood Pressure App and Hardware Rivals Arm Cuff Accuracy
Controlling Hypertension: A Multi-Level Approach Gets Best Results
Patients with high blood pressure can best achieve control of the condition via both physician and non-physician treatment approaches, according to a review published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Despite strong evidence that antihypertensive medications and lifestyle modifications reduce blood… Continue reading Controlling Hypertension: A Multi-Level Approach Gets Best Results
New Guidelines Expand Definition of High Blood Pressure
Experts are resetting the numbers indicating high blood pressure, and that means that 46 percent of U.S. adults now are identified as having the condition, compared with 32 percent under the previous definition. Those guidelines, released Monday, Nov. 14, by the American Heart Association (AHA), also redefine the condition and provide tactics for doctors to… Continue reading New Guidelines Expand Definition of High Blood Pressure
Grapefruit + Some Medicines Don’t Mix: Is Your Rx on the List?
From the experts at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a comprehensive explanation of why grapefruit isn’t right for you if you’re taking certain medicines Grapefruit juice and the actual grapefruit can be part of a healthy diet. Grapefruit has vitamin C and potassium—nutrients your body needs to work properly. But it isn’t good for… Continue reading Grapefruit + Some Medicines Don’t Mix: Is Your Rx on the List?
Ginger May Help Fight Obesity and Related Disorders
If you are overweight or obese, you’ve probably already heard about metabolic syndrome, a set of symptoms that ups your risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases. Paring off pounds can improve your health, and now a team of researchers in China has shown that adding ginger to your diet may help you.… Continue reading Ginger May Help Fight Obesity and Related Disorders
Potassium May Help Reduce Hypertension
Eating potassium-rich foods like avocados, sweet potatoes, spinach, beans, bananas — and even coffee — could be key to lowering blood pressure, according to new research. “Decreasing sodium intake is a well-established way to lower blood pressure,” said Alicia McDonough, PhD, professor of cell and neurobiology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. “But… Continue reading Potassium May Help Reduce Hypertension
New Guideline for Treatment of Hypertension in Older Adults
The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) have published an evidence-based clinical practice guideline on the appropriate systolic blood pressure target for adults 60 years old and older with hypertension. The joint guideline was published in January 17th 2017 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine and a summary… Continue reading New Guideline for Treatment of Hypertension in Older Adults
Study: Red Meat Doesn’t Influence Short-Term Cardiovascular Risks
Some good news for meat lovers: Consuming red meat in higher-than-recommended amounts does not affect short-term cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as blood pressure and blood cholesterol, according to a new review of clinical trials from Purdue University. “During the last 20 years, there have been recommendations to eat less red meat as part of… Continue reading Study: Red Meat Doesn’t Influence Short-Term Cardiovascular Risks