Sudden falls explained: Blood Pressure Digest #16

RESEARCH

Immune cells in human blood found to regulate blood pressure and inflammation

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have discovered that certain T cells in human blood can produce acetylcholine, which regulates blood flow and may help regulate blood pressure and inflammation, News Medical reports. The study also demonstrates a possible association between these immune cells in seriously ill patients and the risk of death. The researchers studied blood from healthy blood donors and found that acetylcholine in the blood can be secreted by immune cells, which can regulate inflammation in the blood vessels. This finding could contribute to new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities for seriously ill patients with excessive inflammation, according to the principal investigator.

Children with high blood pressure often become adults with high blood pressure

A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association has revealed that high blood pressure in children is not uncommon and could lead to health problems in adulthood. The statement highlights that an estimated 2-5% of children have hypertension, with primary hypertension being the most common type, especially in adolescents. The study shows that high blood pressure in childhood may lead to problems with the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys in adulthood. The statement also recommends that healthcare professionals be trained in specific techniques to measure pediatric blood pressure more accurately and that regular blood pressure monitoring is essential for early detection and treatment. The report emphasizes the need for future research to improve diagnosis and treatment for high blood pressure in children.

Bonita Falkner , M.D., FAHA, chair of the scientific statement writing committee and an Emeritus Professor of medicine and pediatrics at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia: “Since kids with high blood pressure levels tend to maintain high blood pressure into adulthood, diagnosing and appropriately addressing high blood pressure in youth is imperative to ensure improved lifetime health as early as possible.”

MEDICATIONS

10-20% hypertension sufferers are resistant to medications

Between 10 and 20 percent of people living with hypertension are resistant to medication, which means their high blood pressure isn't responding to treatment. This puts them at risk of long-term complications like stroke or heart issues, Hartford HealthCare reports. Dr. Suhash Patel , a cardiologist at St. Vincent's Medical Center , explains that most patients with resistant hypertension have underlying conditions that cause secondary hypertension. However, 50 percent have "pseudo-resistance" from outside factors like stress or not taking medication as directed. Resistant hypertension can be treated and reversed with a doctor's guidance, through medication adjustment, lifestyle changes, and addressing secondary causes. A specialized resistant hypertension clinic may be recommended.

“Resistant hypertension is when a patient has uncontrolled blood pressure despite taking three medications… or when their blood pressure is under control while on four medications,” says Suhash Patel, DO, a cardiologist with the Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Vincent’s Medical Center.

Blood pressure drug shows promise as treatment for blinding childhood disease

Researchers at The National Institutes of Health have discovered that a blood pressure medication called Reserpine could be a potential treatment for a genetic disease called Leber congenital amaurosis type 10 (LCA 10), Technology Networks reports. LCA 10 can cause severe vision loss or blindness in early childhood, and it is caused by a gene mutation. Reserpine promotes the survival of photoreceptors, the types of cells that die in LCA and lead to vision loss. This drug appears to help by improving the function of a cellular process called autophagy, which can result in improved vision for those with LCA 10.

LIFESTYLE

Why do I keep getting different blood pressure readings?

Blood pressure is an important indicator of health, but readings can fluctuate due to various factors such as physical activity, diet, stress, and time of day, Health eNews reports. According to nurse practitioner Marjorie Willett , it is normal to have variations in blood pressure readings, even within a few minutes. Blood pressure has a daily pattern, typically peaking in midday and dropping in the late afternoon and evening. Equipment being used can also impact readings, including home blood pressure cuffs or drugstore equipment. Despite the fluctuations, it is important to keep an eye on blood pressure as prolonged hypertension can lead to serious health problems. Seeking medical attention is recommended if blood pressure varies between arms or if a hypertensive crisis occurs.

“It’s actually quite normal to have variation in blood pressure readings, even within a few minutes,” says Marjorie Willett, nurse practitioner at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center .

Symptom-free dips in blood pressure may precede unexplained falls

Older people with orthostatic hypotension, a condition in which blood pressure drops sharply when standing, are more likely to experience unexplained falls if they don't have symptoms, according to a study published in Age and Ageing journal . The research, which included 934 people aged 70 and over, found that almost 11% had orthostatic hypotension, but two-thirds of these people had no dizziness or related symptoms, Harvard Health Publishing reports. However, during the follow-up period of an average of 6.3 years, they had a higher risk of unexplained falls than those who reported symptoms. Doctors recommend sitting up slowly and waiting a minute or two before standing to avoid falls.

Spending time in nature is now prescribed to lower blood pressure

A new analysis of 92 studies has found that prescriptions to spend time in nature can lead to lower blood pressure and improved anxiety and depression symptoms, The Guardian reports. Nature-based social prescription programs are sometimes referred to as “green prescriptions” or “blue prescriptions”. Australian academics reviewed existing research into the impacts and effectiveness of nature prescribing in different countries. The most frequently recommended activities were walking in nature (46% of all programs), farming or gardening (29%) and mindfulness exercises (29%). The study was published in The Lancet Group Planetary Health.

Prof Thomas Astell-Burt , a population health expert at the 澳大利亚卧龙岗大学 in Australia, who co-led the research, said: “You go out for a walk out in a green space which helps with fitness – that also helps to improve your mental health, reduces loneliness, improves sleep, and can also help to reduce one’s blood pressure.”

Walking 20+ minutes per day can significantly lower blood pressure

Walking can significantly lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack, heart failure, or stroke, EatingWell reports. According to a study in the journal Hypertension, aerobic workouts like walking increase endurance and physical fitness, both beneficial for heart health. Walking also strengthens the heart muscle, making it more efficient at pushing blood throughout the body with less effort. A study in the journal PeerJ found that six months of consistent walking "elicited a marked reduction" in blood pressure. Starting with a 20-minute walk five days a week, gradually increasing duration and adding intervals can be a useful guide for a walking plan to improve blood pressure.

"Walking is an aerobic activity, so it increases endurance and physical fitness, which are both benefits for heart health," says Natalie Rizzo, M.S., RD, plant-based sports dietitian.

NUTRITION

Too much salt is harmful even for people with normal blood pressure

Consuming too much salt is harmful, even for individuals with normal blood pressure, according to a recent study published in the European Heart Journal . The study found that excessive salt consumption is associated with the clogging of heart and neck arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, which narrows the arteries and forms plaque, the European Society of Cardiology reports. As a result, blood flow to the heart and brain is compromised, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke. The study also discovered that each incremental increase in salt intake corresponded with a higher burden of atherosclerotic plaques in the heart and neck arteries, emphasizing the importance of limiting salt intake.

Dr. Jonas Wuopio of the Karolinska Institutet says: “The findings applied even at normal blood pressure levels, suggesting that salt could be damaging even before the development of hypertension.”

A handful of blueberries may lower blood pressure

New research from 英国伦敦大学 - 伦敦国王学院 , Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine reveals that eating a handful of wild blueberries daily can have health benefits, including lowered blood pressure, improved memory, faster reaction time, and improved brain cognition. The study, published in the American Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research , involved a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 61 healthy men and women aged 65 to 80. Over twelve weeks, researchers found that volunteers who consumed 26 grams of freeze-dried wild blueberry powder daily in drinks experienced better memory, improved accuracy on attention tasks, lower blood pressure, and an increased flow mediated dilation, which lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, Medical Express reports. The study highlights the potential advantages of consuming blueberries for cognitive and cardiovascular health.

Garlic relaxes blood vessels, but can interact with some medications

Dr. Zeeshan Afzal, MD, of healthcare platform Welzo , has highlighted the benefits of consuming garlic for blood pressure management to the report in SheFinds Media . Eating garlic daily can help lower blood pressure, boost metabolism, and improve digestion and gut health. The compounds in garlic are responsible for increasing thermogenesis, relaxing blood vessels, enhancing blood flow, and nourishing beneficial gut bacteria. However, overconsumption of garlic may cause digestive discomfort and interact with certain medications, so it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

“For most people, incorporating garlic into their diet can be a healthy choice due to its potential benefits for metabolism, blood pressure, and gut health”, says Dr Zeeshan Afzal

Mediterranean and low-fat diets reduce blood pressure

A recent study published in the Journals from BMJ indicates that Mediterranean and low-fat diets can effectively reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart-related issues in individuals with cardiovascular problems. The research, which analyzed data from 40 previous studies involving 35,548 participants, revealed that these two diets were more beneficial than five other eating plans in lowering blood pressure, WebMD Health Services reports. People at higher risk experienced the most significant improvements. The study's robust findings, based on randomized controlled trials, underscore the importance of adopting a Mediterranean or low-fat diet for managing blood pressure and promoting heart health.