Sound wave torpedoes to hypertension sufferers: Blood Pressure Digest #24

This issue of Blood Pressure Digest has extended sections on lifestyle and nutrition. Saunas have been recently identified as an unexpected solution to hypertension. On the contrary, we have long known that gardening lowers blood pressure, now researchers identified how to use it against hypertension. In Nutrition, read about flaxseeds, the tiny superfood to tackle high blood pressure, about beetroot juice, the bold red elixir to lower your bp readings, and about mushrooms, revealed as potential key player in the fight against hypertension.

INNOVATION

Sound wave torpedo: a beacon of hope for hypertension sufferers

Researchers at UCL have developed a torpedo-like device that uses ultrasound waves to lower high blood pressure, according to The Daily Mail International . The diminutive device, when placed in the renal artery, zaps nerves in the artery walls, resulting in a significant drop in blood pressure. High blood pressure, affecting one in three adults in the UK, often leads to severe health consequences, including heart failure, stroke, and irreversible kidney damage. The current treatments, lifestyle changes and medication, often prove insufficient. This new approach could provide an effective alternative for hypertension management, targeting the misfiring nerves in the kidneys.

Professor Bryan Williams, a specialist in hypertension at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and President of the International Society of Hypertension , said: "It's good to see this collation of data from these well-conducted studies of ultrasound-based renal denervation. It confirms what individual studies have shown, that this technique lowers blood pressure, on average, by the amount of blood pressure lowering we would expect to see with a blood-pressure lowering drug.”

TREATMENT

Chinese medical giants rise to challenge US dominance in blood pressure control

According to the report by MedTech Dive , Chinese companies Symap Medical and Shanghai Golden Leaf Medtech Co., Ltd. have made a significant leap in the field of hypertension treatment. Clinical trials of their renal denervation systems - a technique for blood pressure control - have met primary endpoints, suggesting both safety and effectiveness. The SyMapCath I catheter by SyMap Medical demonstrated a reduced need for additional medications or higher doses. The Netrod system by Shanghai Golden Leaf significantly outperformed the placebo control, reducing blood pressure by 25mmHg compared to 6mmHg in the control arm. These developments may bring competition for U.S. companies Medtronic and Recor Medical , who have been rehabilitating the reputation of renal denervation in the western market .

Home blood pressure devices may mislead

Hypertension Canada has expressed concerns about the reliability of certain home blood pressure devices, VOCM reports. The organization enlisted 30 pharmacies to provide blood pressure checks and guidance on home measurement. A recent comparison of devices sold in local pharmacies and online retailers revealed a disparity in quality. Hypertension Canada 's president, Dr. Ross Tsuyuki , noted that while almost all devices sold in pharmacies were recommended by Hypertension Canada, less than half of those available online received the same endorsement. This initiative, part of the May Measurement Month global screening project, targets areas with high blood pressure prevalence, like Newfoundland and Labrador where nearly one in three individuals suffer from hypertension .

Dr. Ross Tsuyuki , President of Hypertension Canada , said: "What we found was, in some cases 100 per cent, or nine out of 10 blood pressure machines sold in pharmacies are recommended by Hypertension Canada. On the other side of things, if you were to go with an online retailer and purchase it, which might be a little cheaper, less than half of them are actually recommended. And we’re kind of worried about those devices that haven’t been properly tested because you could get results that are quite far off."

RESEARCH

Strokes beyond the brain: unseen risks lurking in the eyes and spine

Strokes, typically associated with the brain, can also occur in the eyes and spine, warns the American Heart Association . Such strokes present unique challenges due to their less recognized nature but are treatable. Dr. Lucia Sobrin , a professor of ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School , underscores that blood supply obstruction, a common cause of strokes, can occur almost anywhere in the body. Immediate medical attention is crucial upon the onset of symptoms, such as sudden vision loss or back pain. High blood pressure, among other risk factors, necessitates regular monitoring to prevent these conditions .

Dr. Matthew Schrag , an assistant professor of neurology and vascular neurologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center , writes in the same statement by American Heart Association : “CRAO is a strong predictor of future heart attacks, strokes or death”.

Critical Hypotension: A Silent Killer Unveiled by Cardiologist

Dr. Ramon Moronkola , a cardiologist, warns of the grave dangers of untreated critical low blood pressure, or hypotension, in an interview with Punch Newspapers . Hypotension may not always present symptoms, but if left untreated, it can lead to severe complications, including kidney failure, coma, and even death. Causes range from pregnancy and gender to dehydration and severe infections. He emphasizes the importance of regular blood pressure checks, especially for patients on hypertension medications. Depending on the cause, treatments vary from increased fluid intake to adjusting medication or treating heart and nervous system diseases.

Dr. Ramon Moronkola : "If it goes very low, it can lead to poor perfusion of vital organs, what we call ‘shock’. Once it gets to the level of shock, then, the whole scenario changes because, in such a situation, the patient is at high risk of dying."

LIFESTYLE

Five myths about high blood pressure busted

In light of May's National Blood Pressure Education Month, Nurse Practitioner Kellsey Thole from the Prairie Heart Cardiovascular Institute at HSHS Holy Family Hospital , highlights in the column at Wgel Radio , the persistent myths around high blood pressure and its dangers. High blood pressure, a potential cause of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure, is still largely misunderstood. Thole dismantles five common misconceptions, among them the fallacy that familial predisposition to high blood pressure is inescapable, and the dangerous assumption that physical symptoms will manifest to warn of high blood pressure. Regular health checks and a balanced lifestyle remain crucial in managing blood pressure, the article emphasizes.

Nurse Practitioner Kellsey Thole writes, "Making positive lifestyle changes, such as adjusting your eating or exercise habits, can help lower your blood pressure. However, sometimes these changes are not sufficient to control your blood pressure."

Saunas: the unexpected solution to hypertension?

Sauna use may offer promising health benefits, especially for those battling high blood pressure, HealthNews reports . Regular Finnish sauna bathing, according to a 2018 review, is associated with decreased mortality and lower rates of cardiovascular issues. The body's response to sauna use parallels exercise, increasing cardiac output and circulating more oxygen-rich blood through the muscles and to the skin. Sauna use may decrease blood pressure by reducing arterial stiffness, dilating blood vessels, and lessening the heart's overall workload. However, the exact cellular, molecular, and genetic interactions during regular sauna use that lead to these potential benefits remain unidentified.

Gardening unearthed as secret weapon against high blood pressure

Gardening, once seen as a mere hobby, might now be the secret to a healthy heart and optimal blood pressure levels. A recent study featured in Good Housekeeping Inc. looked at data from over 146,000 American adults aged 65 and above, revealing that gardeners had significantly lower odds of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases compared to their non-gardening counterparts. The research, published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics , found that gardening, with its combination of physical activity and exposure to nature, coupled with a healthy dose of vitamin D - the "sunshine vitamin" - plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. These findings support earlier research indicating that gardening can also reduce risk of depression and anxiety, and promote healthy sleep. Gardening, it seems, offers a heart-healthy way to meet daily activity needs while reaping the fruits, both literal and figurative, of one's labor.

NUTRITION

Flaxseeds: The Tiny Superfood Tackling High Blood Pressure

In a ground-breaking revelation, incorporating flaxseeds into one's daily diet could significantly lower blood pressure levels within just 12 weeks, according to a report by Express.co.uk. Dr. Michele Porter, lead nutritionist at healthy meal delivery service Foodhak , states that consuming merely 30 grams of this superfood can lead to a 13 percent unit decrease in systolic blood pressure and a 5 percent unit decrease in diastolic blood pressure . Rich in potassium, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds help counterbalance the negative effects of sodium, protecting the lining of blood vessels and decreasing hypertension risk .

Michele Porter, Lead Nutritionist at Foodhak said, "Firstly, flaxseed is high in potassium, which helps cancel out the negative effects of sodium (or salt) in the diet. Eating flaxseed in its full form contains healthy amounts of fibre, which is believed to protect the layer of cells lining the blood vessels, again preventing your blood pressure levels from surging."

Beetroot juice: the bold red elixir tackling global hypertension crisis

In the quest for effective natural solutions to hypertension, beetroot juice emerges as a potent ally. As reported by Health Shots, this vibrant red beverage has been recognized for its health benefits, particularly for those combating high blood pressure. Hypertension, affecting an estimated 1.3 billion adults globally, with nearly half unaware of their condition, is a pressing health concern. Nutrient-rich beetroot, packed with dietary nitrate, can help manage this condition. As Dr. Nisha Mandal, the Clinical Dietitian of Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital, Chandigarh , explains, dietary nitrate boosts nitric oxide levels which aid in reducing high blood pressure. According to a 2015 British Heart Foundation study, drinking a 250ml cup of beetroot juice daily could significantly lower blood pressure levels, with similar findings reported in a 2008 study. For optimal results, Mandal recommends consuming 180ml to 250ml of unsweetened, salt-free beetroot juice daily for two weeks. However, those with hypotension, kidney stones or irritable bowel syndrome are urged to consult a doctor before incorporating beetroot into their diet.

Professor Amrita Ahluwalia , the lead author of the BHF study, said, "When you plan to use beetroot for high blood pressure, avoid boiling it as dietary nitrate is water soluble. However, you could steam, roast or drink it in the form of juice."

Spicy food's surprising link to lower blood pressure for women discovered

Spicy food may actually help control hypertension, according to an article published on EatingWell . A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that Chinese women who frequently consumed spicy food had a 26% lower chance of suffering from high blood pressure compared to those who avoided spicy dishes. This association did not hold for men. Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their fiery taste, may counteract hypertension caused by a high-salt diet. However, it's not about going overboard with heat – moderately spicy food was found to be the most blood pressure-friendly.

Alice Figueroa, M.P.H, RDN, CDN, Founder of Alice in Foodieland said, "Although more conclusive studies are needed, eating spicy chiles rich in capsaicin is linked to increased levels of HDL cholesterol, which is protective against heart disease, and decreased LDL (the type of cholesterol responsible for heart disease)."

Mushrooms revealed as potential key player in the fight against hypertension

According to a recent Phytotherapy Research study, edible mushrooms, enriched with an array of nutritional bioactive compounds, are being studied for their potential in reducing hypertension. The study focuses on the relationship between these fungi and their impact on this widespread cardiovascular condition, News Medical reports. Mushrooms, packed with beneficial compounds like polyphenols, terpenes, ergosterols, and terpenoids, as well as essential vitamins and minerals, have become a focal point of dietary interventions for chronic ailments, including hypertension. This study could broaden our understanding of dietary contributions to cardiovascular health and potentially reshape dietary recommendations globally.

Dr. Priyom Bose , the author of the study, wrote, "The role of mushrooms as a dietary intervention to alleviate cardiovascular events and hypertension is not clear. Thus, it is imperative to understand the underlying mechanism of action of bioactive constituents of mushrooms on heart and allergenicity."