Half of victims to workplace discrimination develop hypertension: Blood Pressure Digest #21

This issues covers a wide range of blood pressure related areas, from research to innovation, from lifestyle to nutrition. Read about the latest studies, available treatments and medications, follow the leading scientists, healthcare professionals and industry leaders.

Discrimination at work substantially increases the risk of hypertension

New research shows that workplace discrimination substantially increases the risk of developing high blood pressure. The study, published in the JAHA — Journal of the American Heart Association Association, found that participants experiencing high levels of discrimination were 54% more likely to develop hypertension. The lead author of the study, Professor Jian Li of the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health , emphasized the importance of recognizing work as a social determinant of health and addressing discrimination as an emerging risk factor for high blood pressure. The findings highlight the need for stronger anti-discrimination policies to protect workers' health, as hypertension affects nearly half of US adults and contributes to cardiovascular disease, according to the AHA News.

Professor Jian Li writes: “The adverse impacts of discrimination on cardiovascular disease have major implications for workers' health and indicate a need for government and employer policy interventions addressing discrimination.”

Consistently lower blood pressure benefits brain health

A study from the UNTHSC College of Public Health reveals that intensive blood pressure treatment significantly lowers the risk of adverse cerebrovascular events, such as stroke, and promotes brain health, News Medical reports. The research, published in JAMA Network Open , analyzed the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT). Results showed that patients receiving intensive blood pressure treatment had reduced white matter lesions and improved blood flow, suggesting better brain health. Intensive blood pressure treatment may slow vascular brain injury and help preserve cognitive function in older adults, although further research is needed to determine optimal treatment strategies and assess potential side effects.

Dr Tanweer Rashid of the Biggs Institute 's Neuroimage Analytics Laboratory: "Our study shows that specific areas have greater benefit, representing sensitive regions to track in future trials evaluating small-vessel disease".

Hypertension and high cholesterol linked

Medical News reports on a study that highlights the coexistence of hypertension and high cholesterol, both of which contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. The two conditions have a synergistic effect on the risk of ischemic stroke. Lifestyle interventions, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and moderate alcohol intake, can help manage both conditions. Substances like berberine, coenzyme Q10, and green tea may lower blood pressure and blood fat levels. As high cholesterol does not cause symptoms, experts recommend regular cholesterol level checks. Treating both conditions effectively can significantly reduce the risk of CVD.

INNOVATIONS

Apple has won a patent for a low profile blood pressure measuring

Apple has been granted a patent for a low-profile blood pressure measurement system, methods, and cuff design, which could potentially be incorporated into portable multi-function devices, Patently Apple reports. The system includes an expandable structure mounted on a rigid surface and is designed for wrist wear. With a controller configuration and multiple expandable cells, the system could communicate with other devices, such as smartphones. Apple's innovative expandable member design suggests the company is working towards integrating health monitoring solutions into their product line, possibly paving the way for more comprehensive health tracking in future wearables.

FDA approves an innovative blood pressure monitor

The FDA has granted 510(K) clearance to Cardiex 's CONNEQT Pulse arterial health monitor, an innovative blood pressure monitor designed for home, clinician, and clinical trial use, Stockhead reports. The device provides medical-grade measurements of both brachial blood pressure (pressure at the arm) and central blood pressure (pressure at the aorta/heart), in addition to multiple other vascular health biomarkers. The FDA clearance allows for the expansion of CardieX's patented SphygmoCor technology in decentralized clinical trials, remote patient monitoring, and self-monitoring at home. The CONNEQT Pulse offers precise and personalized insights into blood pressure and vascular health, empowering patients and clinicians to make better-informed treatment decisions.

Dr Craig Cooper, CardieX Group CEO, said: “This technology has the potential to truly revolutionize the way hypertension and vascular disease is diagnosed and managed in the future.”

LIFESTYLE

Sauna can reduce blood pressure in middle aged hypertensive patients

Researchers at Brigham Young University have found that sauna heat therapy can reduce blood pressure in middle-aged individuals, contributing to improved cardiovascular health, News Medical reports. The study, presented at the American Physiology Summit, utilized a specific sauna method that lowered body core temperature more effectively than previous heat studies. This research builds on earlier findings from Finland, which demonstrated a lower risk of cardiovascular disease in frequent sauna users. The latest study, involving 18 participants aged 18-64, showed that a single sauna session had identical physiological responses for both young and middle-aged adults, with no adverse effects observed.

Many young Brits live with undiagnosed hypertension

The UK Office for National Statistics reveals that a significant number of young people in England are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, The Independent reports. More young go undiagnosed than any other age group. Overall, the study concluded that an estimated 32 per cent of adults in England have high blood pressure, and that 29 per cent - or three in 10 - of those who have the condition are unaware of it, translating to an estimated 4.2 million adults. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is responsible for approximately half of all heart attacks and strokes. Factors increasing the risk include obesity, insufficient exercise, excessive alcohol or coffee consumption, smoking, and stress.

No or low activity doubles risk of death from cardiovascular events

According to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, low fitness levels in hypertension patients can double the risk of death from cardiovascular events, Express reports. The study assessed 2,000 middle-aged men for nearly three decades, starting in 1989, and analyzed their blood pressure and cardiorespiratory fitness. The researchers found that hypertension patients with low fitness levels were more than double at risk of death from cardiovascular events than healthy patients with high fitness levels. However, hypertension patients who had high fitness levels were less likely to suffer fatal cardiovascular events compared to those who did not have high fitness. Increasing physical activity can play a protective role in the heart and lower blood pressure. Aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming, and dancing can be especially helpful.

Dr. Jari Laukkanen of the Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland , writes: “Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), a measure of aerobic exercise capacity, is one of the strongest predictors of all-cause and CVD mortality.”

NUTRITION

Choose purple potatoes, hypertension sufferers

According to registered dietitian Sheri Gaw, RDN, CDCES , purple potatoes can help lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels in addition to other benefits, SheFinds Media reports. Compared to other types of potatoes, purple potatoes are considered healthier because of their high levels of antioxidants called anthocyanins. These pigments are what give the potato its distinctive purple color and have been linked to several health benefits, including reduction in artery stiffness, which in turn lowers blood pressure. Purple potatoes are also high in potassium, a key mineral for lowering blood pressure. Purple potatoes can be added to your diet in a variety of ways, such as roasting them or adding them to soups and stews to provide fiber, making the dish filling and satisfying.