Blood Pressure News and Research

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Blood Pressure is the force of circulating blood on the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is taken using two measurements: systolic (measured when the heart beats, when blood pressure is at its highest) and diastolic (measured between heart beats, when blood pressure is at its lowest). Blood pressure is written with the systolic blood pressure first, followed by the diastolic blood pressure (for example 120/80).

Nearly half of adults now live with heart disease as obesity and diabetes surge

The 2026 American Heart Association Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics report shows that nearly half of adults are living with cardiovascular disease, with cardiometabolic risk factors projected to rise substantially by 2050. Despite progress in smoking reduction and cholesterol control, worsening obesity, diabetes, hypertension, sleep health, and persistent inequities threaten future cardiovascular health.

22 Jan 2026

When you eat matters: early time-restricted eating improves metabolic health

Time-restricted eating improves several metabolic outcomes compared with usual diets, with benefits observed for body weight, adiposity, blood pressure, insulin, glucose, and triglycerides. Early eating windows consistently outperform late eating, while the optimal duration of food intake remains uncertain.

22 Jan 2026

See through the skin: New technology spots early heart disease warning signs

Researchers from Helmholtz Munich and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have developed "fast-RSOM", a new imaging technology that can capture detailed images of the smallest blood vessels directly through the skin – without the need for invasive procedures.

22 Jan 2026

High BMI linked to vascular dementia risk

High body mass index (BMI) could cause a higher risk of vascular-related dementia (a combination of vascular + unspecified dementia), according to new research from the University of Bristol and University Hospital of Copenhagen (Rigshospitalet and Herlev-Gentofte hospital).

22 Jan 2026

Regular aerobic exercise slows a key marker of brain aging in midlife

Regular aerobic activity significantly reduces brain-PAD, indicating that exercise is crucial for maintaining brain health and reducing dementia risk.

22 Jan 2026

Natural ovulation matches hormone therapy success in frozen embryo transfer

Natural ovulation before frozen embryo transfer is as effective as hormone treatment for achieving a healthy baby by vitro fertilization (IVF), finds a clinical trial from China published by The BMJ today.

21 Jan 2026

Shingles vaccination is linked to slower biological aging in older adults

This population-based study of U.S. adults aged 70 and older found that shingles vaccination was associated with slower epigenetic and transcriptomic aging, as well as lower systemic inflammation. No significant associations were observed for neurodegeneration or cardiovascular biomarkers, highlighting domain-specific molecular effects rather than broad clinical changes.

21 Jan 2026

Low patient engagement hinders at-home blood pressure management

Despite guideline recommendations and improved access to care, individuals with hypertension are unlikely to measure their blood pressure at home as often as recommended, according to data from researchers at Mass General Brigham.

21 Jan 2026

Nutrition experts call for dietary fiber recognition as an essential nutrient

Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka nutrition experts are calling for dietary fiber to be officially recognized internationally as an essential nutrient - the first 'new' essential nutrient in more than 50 years.

21 Jan 2026

Tracing the decline in American heart disease mortality

Following a five-year upward trend likely impacted by the COVID pandemic, the number of heart disease and stroke deaths has declined, yet, heart disease and stroke still kill more people in the U.S. each year than any other cause, according to data reported in the 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of U.S. and Global Data From the American Heart Association.

21 Jan 2026

Study examines cannabis use among street-identified Black Americans facing gun violence

Yasser Payne grew up in Harlem, New York, where violence was all around him. A number of his family members and friends were shot. He himself was subject to gun violence and witnessed fights.

20 Jan 2026

Diverse exercise routines associated with reduced risk of death

Regularly doing a mix of different types of physical activity may be best for prolonging the lifespan, but the associations aren't linear, pointing to a possible optimal threshold effect, suggests research published in the open access journal BMJ Medicine.

20 Jan 2026

Scientists discover why patients with chronic kidney disease die of heart problems

Scientists have discovered an answer to the longstanding mystery of why more than half of patients with chronic kidney disease ultimately die of cardiovascular problems: Their kidneys produce a substance that poisons the heart.

20 Jan 2026

Blood metabolites reveal who will develop type 2 diabetes years before diagnosis

This large prospective study integrated blood metabolomics, genetics, and lifestyle data to identify hundreds of metabolites associated with long-term risk of type 2 diabetes in initially healthy adults. A validated 44-metabolite signature improved risk prediction beyond conventional factors, offering insights into biological pathways and opportunities for earlier, more precise prevention.

18 Jan 2026

Majority of older adults in Ireland have poorly controlled high blood pressure

High blood pressure becomes more common after age 40years yet new research from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin shows that many people in Ireland with hypertension are still not optimally diagnosed or treated based on European Gudelines.

16 Jan 2026

Experts issue strong call for overhaul of UK dementia prevention strategy

A national panel of experts has issued the strongest call yet for the Department of Health and Social Care to overhaul how it approaches dementia prevention, pointing to vital evidence that dementia risk can be reduced and providing a framework for the development of new government policy that could improve brain health for millions.

16 Jan 2026