Screening blood donations for Zika virus is costly, low yield

(HealthDay)—Screening blood donations for Zika virus (ZIKV) in the United States is costly with low yield, according to a study published in the May 10 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Paula Saá, Ph.D. from the American Red Cross in Gaithersburg, Md., and colleagues implemented investigational screening of donated blood for ZIKV RNA with transcription-mediated amplification (TMA). Repeat […]

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How low is too low? Experts debate blood pressure targets in post-SPRINT era

Following the landmark SPRINT trial, there is a growing body of evidence for reducing systolic blood pressure targets, resulting in the development of new US guidelines. However, this has led to many questions about the impact of such fundamental changes in blood pressure management, and whether they should be implemented in other constituencies. Two new studies published in the Canadian […]

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Knowledge gaps in getting accurate blood pressure reading

Crossing your legs or even talking can have a significant impact on your blood pressure reading according to the American Heart Association, which identifies seven common errors that can lead to inaccurate blood pressure readings. May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month and the American Heart Association, the nation’s largest volunteer health organization, is bringing to light these measurement […]

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Controlling diabetes apart from blood sugar levels

When you have diabetes, there’s a lot of emphasis on controlling your blood sugar levels. And just as important, you and the health-care team caring for you should pay attention to cardiovascular, kidney and visual health. Dr. William Curry, vice chair for population health in Penn State Health’s Department of Family and Community Medicine, said he may do more good […]

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Drinking kefir may prompt brain-gut communication to lower blood pressure

Drinking kefir may have a positive effect on blood pressure by promoting communication between the gut and brain. Kefir is a fermented probiotic milk beverage known to help maintain the balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. Researchers will present their findings today at the American Physiological Society (APS) annual meeting at Experimental Biology 2018 in San Diego. Previous […]

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Novel antioxidant makes old blood vessels seem young again

Older adults who take a novel antioxidant that specifically targets cellular powerhouses, or mitochondria, see age-related vascular changes reverse by the equivalent of 15 to 20 years within six weeks, according to new University of Colorado Boulder research. The study, published this week in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension, adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting pharmaceutical-grade nutritional […]

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Molecule that dilates blood vessels hints at new way to treat heart disease

Americans die of heart or cardiovascular disease at an alarming rate. In fact, heart attacks, strokes and related diseases will kill an estimated 610,000 Americans this year alone. Some medications help, but to better tackle this problem, researchers need to know exactly how the heart and blood vessels stay healthy in the first place. Now, scientists at The Scripps Research […]

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Gene twist can make your blood pressure spike from salt

(HealthDay)—New research sheds light on why some people’s blood pressure is especially sensitive to salt. The research team previously discovered that a natural gene variation that occurs in 48 percent of people increases a person’s chances of having blood pressure that’s sensitive to salt. Their new study revealed how this gene variant prevents the body from eliminating excess salt. The […]

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Controlling blood pressure even when older can prevent dementia in African Americans

Controlling blood pressure with any of the commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications can prevent dementia in older African-Americans with hypertension according to a new study from Regenstrief Institute researchers. African Americans are especially at risk of both hypertension and dementia. The new study provides substantial evidence of significant reduction of risk of onset of dementia for African American men and women […]

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Young black men more susceptible to blood pressure spikes even at rest

Young, healthy black men exhibit greater increases in blood pressure than white males following spontaneous changes in nervous system activity when at rest, according to a study by researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation. The study investigated the part of the nervous system called the sympathetic nervous system, which helps regulate the […]

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