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...
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A 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...
Read MoreDoes cannabis use lower blood pressure in older adults?
In a nutshell This study compared blood pressure (BP) in older adults, before and after using medicinal cannabis for three months. It found that using medical cannabis resulted in a reduction of BP. Some background Medicinal cannabis such as cannabidiol use is increasing, particularly amongst older adults. It is often prescribed for...
Read MoreIs renal artery denervation surgery a good option for patients with resistant hypertension?
In a nutshell This study looked at the use of renal denervation surgery (RDS) in patients with resistant hypertension. They found that after 12 months RDS led to a significant drop in blood pressure in these patients. Some background Resistant hypertension is high blood pressure that is not controlled despite using at least 3 different blood pressure...
Read MoreWhich blood pressure medication is best for patients with high blood pressure but no heart disease?
In a nutshell This study compared calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) as the first type of medications for hypertension (high blood pressure; BP). They found that patients treated with ARBs were less likely to suffer from heart attacks, stroke, or death than patients treated with CCBs. Some background...
Read MoreEvaluating esaxerenone for treating night-time hypertension
In a nutshell This study compared the effect of esaxerenone (Minnebro) to eplerenone (Inspra) on night-time blood pressure (BP). It found that esaxerenone had a greater effect on night-time BP than eplerenone. Some background Normally, BP is 10-20% lower during the night compared to day-time BP. Night-time...
Read MoreCan high blood pressure be treated with a plant-based diet?
In a nutshell This study looked at the effect of a plant-based diet on blood pressure (BP). It found that plant-based diets resulted in lower BP. Two types of diet, the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the lacto-ovo vegetarian diet, were most effective at lowering BP. Some background High BP is a common problem worldwide...
Read MoreEvaluating barberry supplements for hypertension
In a nutshell This clinical trial looked at the effect of barberry on patients with high blood pressure. It found that barberry increased arteries’ flexibility and reduced inflammation. Some background As the heart pumps blood, the arteries expand and contract to accommodate the changing volume of blood and maintain a steady blood pressure. When...
Read MoreLifestyle counseling improves heart health
In a nutshell This review offers recommendations for adults with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other risks for heart attack or stroke. Some background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) puts people at risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Risk factors for CVD include high blood pressure, being overweight, and unhealthy blood...
Read MoreRenin inhibitors versus angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: what is the effect on reducing blood pressure?
In a nutshell This study investigated renin inhibitors (RI) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) in hypertension. They found that RI may reduce blood pressure (BP) more than ACEI, but mortality and heart attack risk was similar for both drug types. Some background Hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) is a common condition....
Read MoreCan allisartan isoproxil improve blood vessel function in patients with high blood pressure?
In a nutshell This study looked at the effects of allisartan isoproxil (Xin Li Tan) on blood vessel function in patients with hypertension (high blood pressure). They found that this medication improves blood vessel function in these patients. Some background Allisartan isoproxil (Alli) is a medication used to lower blood pressure (BP)....
Read MoreComparison of benidipine and amlodipine in the management of patients with high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease
In a nutshell This study compared two treatments for lowering blood pressure (BP) in patients with high BP and chronic kidney disease (CKD). They found that there was no difference in the BP-lowering effect between the two drugs. Some background The kidneys are responsible for filtering water out of the blood and producing urine. The...
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