In a nutshell This study investigated if a salt substitute could reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with hypertension (high blood pressure). The data showed that the salt substitute reduced the risks of stroke, major CV events, and death from any cause compared to regular salt in patients with hypertension. Some...
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How high should blood pressure be to reduce cardiovascular risks?
In a nutshell This study evaluated the optimal targets of blood pressure (BP) in older patients. It found that lowering systolic BP (SBP; BP when the heart beats) to 110-130 mmHg resulted in a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or death compared to maintaining an SBP of 130-150 mmHg. Some background High blood pressure is a...
Read MoreIs fimasartan a safe and effective blood-pressure lowering treatment for older patients?
In a nutshell This study compared the safety and effectiveness of fimasartan (Kanarb) and perindopril (Coversyl Arginine) for the treatment of high blood pressure (BP) in older patients. It found that fimasartan was associated with better BP control compared to perindopril. Some background There are many different...
Read MoreDo blood pressure medications help to improve signs of brain small vessel disease?
In a nutshell This study looked at the effect of blood pressure (BP)-lowering medications on cerebral small vessel disease (CVSD). It found that maintaining systolic blood pressure (SBP; BP when the heart beats) between 110-129 mmHg reduced the progression of white matter hyperdensities, one of the signs of CVSD on brain scans. Some background...
Read MoreDo more calories consumed relate to a higher salt intake in people with high blood pressure?
In a nutshell This study looked at the association between the number of calories a person eats and the amount of salt consumed in people with high blood pressure. They found that people with increased weight and high blood pressure had a higher level of salt consumption. Some background High salt consumption is known to be linked to...
Read MoreCan blood pressure lowering medications reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events?
In a nutshell This study looked at the use of blood pressure (BP)-lowering medications in patients with normal to high blood pressure and its effect in preventing major cardiovascular events (MACE). It found that lowering BP led to a reduction in the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in all patients, regardless of their pre-treatment...
Read MoreIs renal denervation effective for patients with hypertension resistant to a triple pill therapy?
In a nutshell This study looked at the use of renal denervation in patients with true resistant hypertension. It found that this procedure reduced blood pressure compared to medicine alone. Some background High blood pressure (BP) which is not controlled on three blood pressure-lowering medications including a diuretic (water pill) is...
Read MoreCan 5 minutes of inspiratory exercise per day lower blood pressure?
In a nutshell This study looked at a form of breathing exercise called inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) and its role in reducing blood pressure (BP). It found IMST resulted in a reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP). Some background Hypertension or high BP is very common in older adults. It is associated with stiffer blood...
Read MoreAre combination pills better for blood pressure control?
In a nutshell This study looked at patients on triple therapy for blood pressure control. It found that taking fewer separate pills was associated with better blood pressure control. Some background Blood pressure (BP) can be difficult to manage in some patients. There are three main types of treatment that act on the body in...
Read MoreDoes consistently controlling blood pressure impact the risk of heart attack or stroke?
In a nutshell This study evaluated the association between the time patients stayed within their target blood pressure range and the occurrence of major cardiovascular events (MACE) such as heart attack, stroke, or death. They found that patients whose blood pressure stayed longer at the target level were less likely to have MACE. Some...
Read MoreCould changing regular salt with potassium substitutes improve blood pressure?
In a nutshell This study looked at the acceptability and effect on blood pressure of replacing normal salt with a salt substitute. It found that the salt substitute resulted in a drop in blood pressure compared to normal salt. Some background High salt intake is a risk factor for high blood pressure. Replacing salt with salt substitutes...
Read MoreA Silent Condition: Chronic Kidney Disease
March is National Kidney Month. People don’t think about their kidneys until something goes wrong with them. Several Medivizor blog posts have described the structures in the kidney, the connection between kidneys and blood pressure, and kidney stones and the risk of heart attack or stroke. Chronic Kidney Disease is another kidney problem but it is...
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