Shape-shifting implants to prevent hypertension: Blood Pressure Digest #6
FUTURE
‘Shape-shifting’ implanted medical device to provide continuous blood pressure monitoring
Researchers from the SMARTSHAPE-project blood pressure monitoring, Hospimedica reports were awarded €4.4 million by the European Union for the development of a disruptive technology sensor. Hypertension is responsible for more than nine million deaths annually worldwide, and long-term monitoring is crucial for high-risk patients. However, there is currently no clinically accepted method for continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure monitoring outside of the hospital setting. The new device aims to offer a medical-grade, user-friendly, and minimally invasive solution for continuous blood pressure monitoring.
“Blood pressure monitoring will represent the first SMARTSHAPE application. However, the potential of this sensing solution goes significantly beyond BP monitoring,” said Dr. Sandra Ganly , Senior Research Fellow in Cardiovascular Risk Factor Research at the 爱尔兰国立高威大学 .
Blood pressure management via a video selfie
NuraLogix Corporation , a pioneer of contactless health monitoring, is showcasing its Anura? platform's latest capabilities at MWC 2023 in Barcelona, including the ability to measure cuffless blood pressure using mobile and desktop devices. Anura? is the only video-based contactless health monitoring technology that can provide health risk assessments using a video selfie. It uses NuraLogix's patented Transdermal Optical Imaging (TOI?) technology, which extracts blood flow information from key regions of interest on a person's face and combines it with AI data models developed from tens of thousands of patients with multiple health conditions. The platform delivers results for dozens of health parameters, including heart rate, breathing rate, and cuffless blood pressure, making it a game-changer for managing chronic conditions such as hypertension.
Dr Keith Thompson, Chief Medical Officer at NuraLogix says: "Platforms such as Anura allow handset manufacturers and carriers to create or work with additional third parties to deploy digital health solutions that can make a meaningful difference to society."
Huawei Watch D shortlisted for best connected health device for its blood pressure measuring function
The HUAWEI WATCH D has been shortlisted for the Best Mobile Innovation for Connected Health and Wellbeing award at the Mobile World Congress 2023. This smartwatch is the first CE-certified blood pressure monitoring watch launched by Huawei. The HUAWEI WATCH D's innovative micro-pump and HUAWEI blood pressure algorithm technology miniaturizes the blood pressure measurement function into the smartwatch, making it possible to measure blood pressure anywhere and continuously monitor blood pressure trends. With a weight of only 40.9g and a size that is 1/25 of a traditional blood pressure monitor, the watch also supports other health-related features such as ECG analysis, daily health check-ins, and over 70 workout modes. Also, it provides data on your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep quality, stress levels, and more. Its blood pressure measurement capabilities make it a valuable tool for those with blood pressure monitoring needs or habits, and a milestone in the exploration of smart wearable devices in healthcare.
US hospital conducts trial on a minimally invasive procedure to treat hypertension
Saint Luke's Community Hospital in Kansas City is conducting a trial for a minimally invasive procedure called Renal Denervation (RDN), which interrupts the nerves in the arteries to decrease blood pressure, KCTV5 reports. According to Dr Steven B. Laster, a cardiologist at the hospital, the procedure is expected to benefit patients who have trouble taking multiple medications, as it can reduce the number of medications needed to manage blood pressure. In addition, the trial results have shown no adverse effects, with a 5-10 millimeter drop in systolic blood pressure, resulting in long-term benefits. Cardiologists are hopeful that the FDA will approve it for use by the end of this year.
“I think the larger group will be patients who are having trouble taking numerous medications,” says Saint Luke’s Hospital cardiologist Dr. Steven B. Laster. “This will allow them to maybe be on fewer medications, in addition to having had this treatment and then having their blood pressure under good control.”
RESEARCH
Immune cells can cause harm in hypertension
A new study by researchers at the Max Delbrück Center found that the immune system plays a significant role in this process, Technology Networks reports. Using zebrafish, the study found that inflammation causes immune cells called macrophages to damage blood vessels instead of protecting them. Researchers also discovered that blocking signaling molecules like interferon gamma can prevent common side effects of hypertension, such as damage to the blood-brain barrier and cognitive deficits. The study provides a new perspective on the role of inflammatory processes in the progression of hypertension and could lead to new therapeutic targets for the condition.
“The interesting thing is that when blood pressure levels are healthy, macrophages and microglia normally help protect the vessels,” says Dr Suphansa Sawamiphak, who heads the Cardiovascular-Hematopoietic Interaction Lab at the Max Delbrück Center, "Our findings suggest that macrophages and microglia undergo extensive reprogramming during hypertension.”
领英推荐
MEDICATION
Half a million Brits were unable to get blood pressure medications during COVID
Around 500,000 people in the UK were unable to initiate treatment with blood pressure-lowering medication during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a study published in Nature Medicine and supported by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Data Science Centre. Researchers found that 491,306 fewer people than expected started taking blood pressure-lowering medication between March 2020 and the end of July 2021. The delay in starting these vital medications could result in thousands of preventable heart attacks or strokes, warn the researchers. They are calling for a sustained focus on identifying and treating people with high blood pressure to prevent any increase in heart attacks and strokes.
Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan , Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation and consultant cardiologist, said: “These findings demonstrate how getting heart healthcare back on track can curb the additional strain that untreated risk factors such as high blood pressure would otherwise place on the NHS”.
TREATMENT
American Heart Association issues a statement on hypertension in anticancer therapy
The Aerican Heart Association (AHA) has called for a collaborative effort among healthcare professionals to manage hypertension, a common cardiovascular-related side effect of anticancer therapy. In a statement released by the AHA, the AHA experts emphasized the need for multidisciplinary care among oncologists, cardiologists, hypertension specialists, primary care physicians, and pharmacists. The statement provides guidelines for the diagnosis and management of hypertension in patients receiving cancer treatment. The AHA also highlighted that some anticancer therapies can induce hypertension, and controlling it is crucial before, during, and after cancer treatment. The AHA recommended that patients' blood pressure be monitored regularly, both at the clinic and at home, to prevent hypertension-associated complications.
“Future directions for research on hypertension in cancer include epidemiological topics on common risk factors and mechanisms of hypertension and cancer, optimal strategies for BP monitoring during and after anticancer therapy, and the diagnosis and management of anticancer drug–induced hypertension,” the authors wrote.
NUTRITION
Forbes recommends 10 foods to lower blood pressure
Forbes experts have recommended a list of 10 foods that can lower blood pressure. These foods include blueberries, which contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, and beets, which are rich in nitrate, a compound that helps the body form nitric oxide, which widens arteries and lowers blood pressure, according to Mascha Davis MPH, RDN , a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Broccoli, tomatoes and passion fruit also contain antioxidants and potassium that help manage blood pressure, according to Melissa Mitri, MS RD , also a Registered Dietitian. Dark chocolate, pistachios and salmon are other foods that lower blood pressure, according to the experts. Oatmeal is another recommended food, as it is low in sodium and high in potassium, magnesium and fiber, explains Dr Joshua Weisbrot, a cardiologist at Morristown Medical Center Family Medicine .
LIFESTYLE
Study says playing an instrument lowers blood pressure
According to a study published in the Netherlands Heart Journal (NHJ) , playing a musical instrument or singing can benefit your cardiovascular health. The researchers found that those who regularly played instruments or sang had lower blood pressure and reduced heart rates, Men's Health magazine UK reports. Playing music can activate the sensory nervous system, similar to physical exercise, which can have cardiovascular effects. Even singing along to your favorite songs at home can benefit your health by increasing blood oxygen levels and exercising major upper-body muscles. The study suggests that playing music or singing can be a simple way to boost heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Dr Louise Burggraaf, the study’s lead author: “The results of our study suggest that active music making has training effects resembling those of physical exercise training. Our study opens a new perspective, in which active music making, additionally to being an artistic activity, renders concrete health benefits for the musician.”
Insomnia increases the risk of heart attack by 69%
A new study published in Clinical Cardiology has found that insomnia increases the risk of a heart attack by 69%, Healthline Media reports. The study gathered data from 1.18 million adults, of which 13% had been diagnosed with insomnia. The research found that those who slept for five hours or less had the greatest chance of experiencing a heart attack. Furthermore, the risk of heart attack doubled for those who suffered from insomnia and diabetes. Lack of sleep can lead to chronic health issues such as obesity, stroke, high blood pressure, and depression. Experts suggest that insomnia be incorporated into primary preventive guidelines for cardiovascular disease.
Yomna Nour El-Dean , University of Alexandria, Egypt, study’s lead author: “Insomnia puts us at risk of developing heart attacks; subsequently, patients should be educated about the importance of sleep in maintaining a healthy heart”.