Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) News and Research

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Hypertension (or high blood pressure) is a condition where the pressure of the blood flowing through the arteries of the body is higher than it should be. Much like the pressure of the air in a tire, if the pressure of the blood is too high it can damage the arteries and organs of the body. Just like the tire, if the pressure suddenly becomes very high, catastrophic events can happen. Similarly, if the pressure remains somewhat elevated for a long enough period of time, premature wear and failure can occur.

Hypertension has its worst effects on the heart, kidneys, eyes, and brain. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, hemorrhages of the retina of the eye, and generalized atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries all over the body).

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

Study warns women with type 2 diabetes against using oral estrogen therapy

In women with type 2 diabetes (T2D), use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) skin patches is not associated with a higher risk of blood clots or stroke.

15 Sep 2025

New 2025 guidelines focus on early intervention and lifestyle to manage high blood pressure

Preventing and managing high blood pressure with healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as following a heart-healthy diet including reducing salt intake, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress—combined with early treatment with medication to lower blood pressure if necessary—are recommended to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, cognitive decline and dementia, according to a new clinical guideline published today in the American Heart Association's peer-reviewed journals Circulation and Hypertension, and in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology.

14 Aug 2025

Insecticide exposure could impair mental function in older adults

The study investigates the link between pesticide exposure and cognitive impairment in older adults, suggesting a need for improved prevention strategies.

11 Jul 2025

Can salt substitutes lower blood pressure in diabetes? A new Cochrane review aims to find out

Researchers will systematically review whether replacing regular sodium salt with alternatives like potassium or magnesium salts helps lower blood pressure in adults with diabetes. The protocol outlines a rigorous plan to evaluate blood pressure effects, safety, and adherence using data from RCTs and quasi-RCTs.

18 Jun 2025

New protein target offers hope for treating high blood pressure and aortic aneurysms

Oxidative stress can occur when our cells are exposed to harmful molecules called "reactive oxygen species" over time. These reactive oxygen species can damage cells and are found in important disease states, such as high blood pressure and aortic aneurysms.

30 Apr 2025

Simple intervention during ER visits lowers blood pressure long term

A simple consultation during unrelated visits to the emergency room can help patients with high blood pressure - "the silent killer" - manage the condition, even before they experience symptoms, according to new research from the University of Illinois Chicago.

24 Apr 2025

Want lower blood pressure? Pass the bananas, not the salt

Research shows that dietary potassium plays a vital role in blood pressure regulation, emphasizing the need for a balanced intake of sodium and potassium.

15 Apr 2025

Five lifestyle changes by 50 can add a decade to your life, global study finds

Study estimates the global lifetime risk and benefits of modifying cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension, smoking, and obesity by age 50, showing significant improvements in both life expectancy and quality of life. It highlights the importance of early intervention and midlife changes in preventing cardiovascular disease and mortality.

31 Mar 2025

Simultaneous screening for hypertension and arrhythmia could prevent strokes

A group of 29 international experts says that simultaneous screening for hypertension and heart arrhythmia could prevent thousands of strokes.

27 Mar 2025

Study shows how exercise counteracts stress-induced high blood pressure

Chronic stress raises blood pressure. New research from Juntendo University, Japan, reveals that voluntary exercise prevents hypertension (high blood pressure) by restoring STAT3 levels in the amygdala.

20 Feb 2025

Salt substitutes may lower stroke recurrence and death risk

Research indicates that salt substitutes reduce stroke recurrence and death risk, offering a safe dietary intervention for improving stroke patient outcomes.

7 Feb 2025

Many Americans unaware of heart disease risks during pregnancy

Pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. have risen 140% over the past three decades with heart disease a major cause, according to the American Heart Association.

6 Feb 2025

UVA researchers discover how blood pressure medications affect kidneys

University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have discovered how long-term treatment of high blood pressure with commonly prescribed drugs can destroy the kidney's ability to filter and purify blood.

21 Nov 2024

Hypertension drug may reduce heart failure risk in people recovering from heart attack

New research found that the medication spironolactone, often prescribed for hypertension (high blood pressure), may reduce the risk of heart failure in people recovering from a heart attack.

18 Nov 2024

Epigenetic switch controls renin production in unexpected cell type

University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have discovered how certain cells have the amazing ability to transform their function to help our bodies control our blood pressure.

26 Sep 2024

Reduced heart rate variability linked to higher mortality in people with diabetes

Disruption to normal variations in daily heart rate (HR) is associated with a much higher risk of dying in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes over 21 years, according to new research to be presented at this year's Annual Meeting of The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), Madrid (9-13 Sept).

9 Sep 2024

Study reveals £4bn savings potential from dementia risk reduction interventions

Public health interventions that tackle dementia risk factors could yield as much as £4bn in savings in England by reducing dementia rates and helping people to live longer and healthier, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.

31 Jul 2024

Rising obesity blamed for increased pregnancy hypertension in Canada

In Canada, rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) have increased, but the good news is there has been a decline in some related health conditions, according to new research published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) https://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.231547.

29 Jul 2024