Focus on Nutrition: Blood Pressure Digest #30

Welcome to the newest edition of Blood Pressure Digest, your most trusted source for all things related to hypertension. Join our 1,200+ subscribers and dive into a world of life-changing insights tailored for those who suffer from hypertension and for healthcare professionals seeking the latest updates in the field.

In this edition, we shine a spotlight on a series of remarkable innovations, including the ground-breaking 'Doori', a game-changer in blood pressure management, and an FDA-approved blood test to predict preeclampsia. We explore the potential of AI in personalizing hypertension treatment and dissect Novartis' strategic acquisition of Chinook Therapeutics.

Our focus on monitoring delves into the importance of night-time blood pressure measurements in predicting fatal heart attacks. We also share insights from AHA on knowing your blood pressure numbers to save your life.

On the nutrition front, find out the benefits of magnesium, black tea, and omega-3 supplements for managing blood pressure. Discover the link between ultra-processed foods and blood pressure deviations, and explore kitchen remedies like beetroot. Learn how to reduce sugar and salt for better blood pressure control, and why avocado is a superfood for blood pressure stabilization and more.

In our lifestyle section, we delve into the potential of CBD gummies as an aid for high blood pressure and provide health tips for men this summer.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to stay at the forefront of hypertension management. Click above to subscribe now and join our growing community. Remember, managing blood pressure effectively can start today.

INNOVATIONS

FDA approves first blood test to predict preeclampsia?

According to U.S. News, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) has approved a new blood test that can predict imminent preeclampsia, a severe and sometimes fatal form of high blood pressure in pregnant women. The test, created by 赛默飞世尔科技 , can identify with 96% accuracy which women will develop preeclampsia within the following two weeks. The test measures the ratio of two proteins produced by the placenta, which were found to be highly unbalanced in women who later developed severe preeclampsia. This groundbreaking test is a significant step forward in preeclampsia diagnostics and can help manage the condition more effectively.

Dr. Douglas Woelkers, Professor of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the 美国加州大学伯克利分校 , said: 'It’s groundbreaking. It’s revolutionary. It’s the first step forward in preeclampsia diagnostics since 1900, when the condition was first defined.'

AI developed to personalize hypertension treatment

Futurity reports on a new artificial intelligence software that can assist doctors in prescribing the most effective medication for individuals with high blood pressure. The AI model, developed by researchers at 美国波士顿大学 , generates real-time hypertension treatment recommendations based on patient-specific characteristics. It aims to reduce systolic blood pressure more effectively than the current standard of care. The model was developed using data from 42,752 hypertensive patients and was found to achieve a 70.3% larger reduction in systolic blood pressure than standard care. This innovative approach could revolutionize hypertension treatment, providing personalized care based on machine learning algorithms.

Professor Ioannis Paschalidis, Director of the Rafik B. Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering at 美国波士顿大学 , said 'Our data-driven model is not just predicting an outcome, it is suggesting the most appropriate medication to use for each patient.'

Doori: a game-changer in blood pressure management"

According to the article by Inventiva , Doori, a new wearable technology, is revolutionizing blood pressure management. This device produced by Doori (Sensorize Solution Pvt. Ltd.) offers continuous blood pressure monitoring, providing patients with a deeper understanding of their blood pressure trends and enabling them to adjust their lifestyles accordingly. Doori also analyzes stress and sleep patterns, helping patients identify the causes of their blood pressure irregularities. With its medical-grade accuracy and seamless integration with healthcare providers, Doori is empowering patients to take control of their cardiovascular health.

Inventiva : "By offering medical-grade accuracy, customization, and seamless integration with healthcare providers, Doori sets itself apart from other wearables and measuring devices."

MEDICATIONS

Novartis acquires Chinook Therapeutics: a strategic move in hypertension treatment

Investor's Business Daily reports on the acquisition of Chinook Therapeutics Therapeutics by 诺华 , a move that could significantly impact the treatment of high blood pressure. Chinook, a biotech company focusing on rare kidney diseases, has two drugs in testing for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), a kidney disorder that can lead to high blood pressure and other kidney problems. One of these drugs, atrasentan, blocks endothelin, a peptide that helps regulate blood pressure by tightening blood vessels. The drug is currently undergoing tests on top of blood pressure medications. The acquisition by Novartis could provide the resources needed to further develop and expand these promising programs.

Dr Eric Dobmeier , Chief Executive Officer of Chinook Therapeutics, said: 'We think this deal will be great for patients because Novartis can apply its resources to our programs and expand them into other indications.'

MONITORING

Measuring blood pressure at night helps predict fatal heart attacks

A study published in The Lancet , involving 59,124 patients across 223 medical care centers found that checking blood pressure several times during the day and night was six times more effective in predicting death from heart attacks than just taking patients’ blood pressure in the doctor’s office, according to the article in Villages-News.com . The study agrees with previous findings that blood pressure tends to rise at night and that nighttime high blood pressure is a better predictor for heart attacks and premature death than daytime blood pressure.

Dr. Gabe Mirkin said: "If you are having difficulty controlling your high blood pressure, ask your doctor if it would be alright to try taking your blood pressure medications at night."

Uncontrolled hypertension: a prevalent issue among Afghan hypertensives

A recent study published in Dove Medical Press reveals a high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension among Afghan hypertensive patients. The study, conducted on 400 hypertensive patients, found that 67.5% of them had uncontrolled hypertension. The research also identified several factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and the number of antihypertensive drugs used. The study emphasizes the need for better hypertension management strategies in Afghanistan, considering the high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and its associated risk factors.

Dr. Mohammad Hossain Kabir, the corresponding author of the study, said: "The prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension was high among hypertensive patients. Age, gender, BMI, and the number of antihypertensive drugs were significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension."

AHA: Know your blood pressure numbers, it can save your life

KBTX reports on the recent statement by the American Heart Association that emphasizes the importance of knowing your blood pressure numbers to manage your health effectively. In this release, nurse practitioner Ladoris Bowers from St. Joseph Health states that half of Americans have high blood pressure and are unaware of it. She stresses the importance of regular blood pressure checks and understanding the two key numbers: systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Lifestyle and eating habits can significantly influence these numbers, and incorporating fruits, vegetables, fiber, and whole grains into your diet can be beneficial.

"Nurse Practitioner LaDoris Bowers , St. Joseph's Health , said: 'Half of Americans have high blood pressure and don’t even know it. The best way to know if you have high blood pressure it is to have your blood pressure checked.'

NUTRITION

Magnesium: a mineral with multiple benefits for blood pressure and beyond

Forbes highlights the numerous health benefits of magnesium, a mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. Among these benefits, magnesium's potential to support heart health stands out. It may help protect heart health by reducing inflammation and maintaining the function of cell membranes. Furthermore, magnesium might improve heart health by reducing certain risk factors for heart disease, including blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Studies have associated increased intake of magnesium with a reduced risk of several risk factors for heart disease, and higher levels of magnesium in the blood have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. , Integrative Medicine Physician and Author, said: 'Magnesium deficiency markedly increases diabetes risk. Research shows that for every 100 milligram per day decrease in magnesium intake, there is a 15% increased risk of diabetes.'

Black tea can help manage blood pressure

Dr. Tim Bond from the Tea Advisory Panel suggests that certain hot drinks could help manage high blood pressure, according to the article in The Express.

Black tea, a beloved British staple, contains plant compounds such as thearubigins and theaflavins, which have been shown to lower blood pressure.

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are precursors to major health risks like heart attacks and strokes, so it's crucial to keep them under control.

Dr. Tim Bond from the Tea Advisory Panel said: "Black tea contains plant compounds, including thearubigins and theaflavins, which have been shown to lower blood pressure."

Ultra-processed foods linked to deviations in blood pressure

According to Yahoo News, a new study in Brazil has found that a diet high in ultra-processed foods can lead to significant fluctuations in blood pressure between day and night. The research used ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) to assess blood pressure 'dipping' at night and surging in the morning, both of which are predictors of cardiovascular risk. The study, which involved 815 patients aged between 35 and 70, found that high consumption of processed foods was associated with greater variability in systolic blood pressure during sleep and a higher likelihood of extreme nocturnal 'dipping'.

Beetroot: a kitchen remedy for high blood pressure

News9Live reports that UK-based author Dr. Michael Mosley suggests a simple, pocket-friendly solution for managing high blood pressure - beetroot. This deep-red vegetable is a rich source of nitrates, which lead to the release of nitric oxide, a component that expands blood vessels throughout the body. Numerous studies back its benefits in blood pressure reduction and management. According to Dr. Mosley, beetroot works by lowering systolic blood pressure, with noticeable differences within just one week of consumption. This makes it a more pleasant and effective method of managing hypertension than giving up salt.

Dr. Michael Mosley said: 'Beetroot is one of the best sources of nitrates which results in the release of nitric oxide, a component that expands blood vessels all over the body.'

How to reduce sugar and salt intake

Reducing the intake of common ingredients like sugar and salt can help manage blood pressure, according to Consumer Reports. The article suggests reading labels, cooking more at home, gradually reducing intake, finding sweet alternatives, exploring spices, and not aiming for perfection as practical steps towards a healthier diet. Most of the sodium in our diet comes from processed foods and restaurant meals, so home cooking can significantly reduce sodium intake.

Dr Maya Vadiveloo , an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences at the University of Rhode Island, said: "Making changes can be challenging. Every day and every meal are a new opportunity to cut back. You’ll get better over time. It’s a lifelong process."

Omega-3 supplements: a potential ally in lowering blood pressure

mindbodygreen.com discusses the potential benefits of omega-3 supplements in managing blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), have been found to have cardioprotective properties. They can improve blood flow through arteries by promoting the release of nitric oxide, a compound that widens blood vessels, thereby reducing pressure on blood vessel walls. A 2022 review published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that adults who took between 2 and 3 grams of combined DHA and EPA per day experienced an average blood pressure reduction of 2 mmHg. This suggests that omega-3 supplements could be a valuable addition to a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Registered Dietitian Jillian Kubala , M.S, said: 'Consuming 3 grams a day seemed to offer the greatest benefits, decreasing blood pressure by an average of 4.5 mmHg and 2 mmHg for people with hypertension and people with already healthy blood pressure levels.'

Avocado: a superfood for blood pressure stabilization and more

Newsable - Asianet News highlights the numerous health benefits of avocados, particularly their potential to stabilize blood pressure. Avocados are rich in potassium and sodium, minerals that help maintain stable blood pressure levels, reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Besides their blood pressure benefits, avocados are also packed with fiber, which aids in weight loss by curbing cravings and reducing calorie intake. Moreover, they contain beta-sitosterol, a plant sterol that helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and antioxidants beneficial for eye health. With their digestive fibers, avocados also contribute to a healthy gut system.

LIFESTYLE

CBD gummies: a potential aid for high blood pressure

In the realm of alternative medicine, CBD gummies are gaining attention as a potential aid in managing high blood pressure, according to Discover Magazine. CBD is believed to have vasodilatory effects, anti-inflammatory properties, and stress and anxiety reduction capabilities, all of which may contribute to blood pressure regulation. However, while CBD gummies show promise, they should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or prescribed hypertension medications. Always consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating CBD gummies or making any changes to your treatment plan.

Tips for men to prioritize health this summer

The summer months offer an opportune time for men to focus on their health, especially as they face higher rates of conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, according to an article by UnitedHealthcare Global . The article suggests three tips for men to improve their well-being: staying active, knowing when to rest and recover, and not forgetting about preventive care. Regular check-ups can help manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure and detect potential health issues earlier.