(ATHVisions/E+ via Getty Images) Several years ago, researchers published in JAMA a promising discovery: intensively lowering blood pressure appeared to reduce the risk for cognitive decline in people 50 and older with high blood pressure. But questions remained about whether the strategy was safe or effective in people whose diastolic blood pressure – the bottom…
(Christoph Burgstedt/Science Photo Library via Getty Images) A type of “bad” cholesterol could raise the risk for first heart attacks, strokes and death from heart disease, new research suggests. But the increased risk only appears in people who already have high blood pressure. Lipoprotein(a), like low-density cholesterol (LDL), is a subtype of lipoprotein that can…
(zeljkosantrac/E+ via Getty Images) Lea en español No matter what winter holiday traditions you celebrate, you probably won’t find “think about blood pressure” on your to-do list, even after checking it twice. But that would be a nice idea for your heart’s sake, experts say. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart…
(LvNL/iStock via Getty Images) Lea en español The longer a person’s blood pressure levels remain under control, the lower their risk may be for dementia, new research shows. The findings add to evidence suggesting that good heart and brain health is best achieved by keeping systolic blood pressure (the upper number) consistently under control, compared…
(eclipse_images/E+ via Getty Images) Fewer than 30% of older adults who need more intensive treatment for high blood pressure actually get it, new research shows. And the problem may be worsening. Nearly half of U.S. adults – about 116 million people – have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. When not properly controlled, it…
(SDI Productions/E+ via Getty Images) Lifestyle changes are known to reduce the risk for heart attacks and strokes. A new study that simulated the effect of lifestyle change on future cardiovascular risks for people with high blood pressure suggests one change – adopting a heart-healthy diet – may do more than others. The findings predict…
(RainStar/iStock via Getty Images) Gay and bisexual men and women appear less likely to take prescribed medications for high blood pressure than their straight peers, and the gap has been widening in recent years, according to preliminary new research. “We expected the gap to be narrowing,” said lead study author Syed Hyder, a fourth-year medical…
(kali9/E+ via Getty Images) People with high blood pressure may be at higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes if they work frequent night shifts, new research suggests. The higher risk was more pronounced among people who also slept too much or too little when they weren’t working, according to the findings published Monday…
(Zbynek Pospisil/iStock via Getty Images) Taking blood pressure readings from both arms and using the higher reading would more accurately capture who has high blood pressure – and is at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and death – than relying on readings from a single arm, new research suggests. While current recommendations call for using…
(mixetto/E+ via Getty Images) Lea en español Knowing your blood pressure is a basic part of good health. But monitoring it at home can get complicated. “It sounds easy – you buy a device, smack the cuff on your upper arm and push a button, right? It’s not so easy,” said Dr. Daichi Shimbo, co-director…