Blood pressure Archives

Obesity may lead to impaired brain function

Obesity and metabolic syndrome associated with impaired brain function in adolescents – Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with cognitive and brain impairments in adolescents and calls for pediatricians to take this into account when considering the early treatment of childhood obesity. As childhood obesity has increased in the U.S., so has the prevalence of metabolic syndrome ? a constellation of three or more of five defined health problems, including abdominal obesity, low HDL (good cholesterol), high triglycerides, high blood pressure and pre-diabetic insulin resistance.

Chronic stress raises stroke risk

Chronic stress linked to high risk of stroke — ‘Type A’ personality and life stressors boost risk independently of lifestyle factors – Chronic stress, prompted by major life stressors and type A personality traits, is linked to a high risk of stroke. Chronic stress, manifested as physical and/or mental symptoms in response to stressors lasting longer than 6 months has been linked to a heightened risk of heart disease. But its impact on the risk of stroke has not been clear.

Stenting early better than medical therapy alone

Early use of stents better than medical therapy alone for certain patients – For patients with stable coronary artery disease who have at least one narrowed blood vessel that compromises flow to the heart, medical therapy alone leads to a significantly higher risk of hospitalization and the urgent need for a coronary stent when compared with therapy that also includes initial placement of artery-opening stents.

Zaltrap for metastatic colorectal cancer approved by FDA

FDA approves Zaltrap for metastatic colorectal cancer – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Zaltrap (ziv-aflibercept) for use in combination with a FOLFIRI (folinic acid, fluorouracil and irinotecan) chemotherapy regimen to treat adults with colorectal cancer.

Polypill reduces heart attack and stroke risks

First Polypill trial in people selected on age alone (50 and over) shows substantial health benefit – Results of a randomised trial carried out by academics at Queen Mary, University of London show that a four-component Polypill given to people aged 50 and over to reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke, the most common causes of death worldwide, achieved large reductions in blood cholesterol and blood pressure, the main causes of these two diseases.

Qsymia approved for chronic weight management

U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release) as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise for chronic weight management – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release) as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise for chronic weight management.

Belviq lorcaserin approved to treat overweight or obese adults

FDA approves Belviq to treat some overweight or obese adults – Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride) is approved as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, for chronic weight management. This obesity drug is approved by US FDA for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) and who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol (dyslipidemia).

Regular moderate coffee drinking may reduce heart failure risk

Regular, moderate, coffee drinking may reduce heart failure risk — Yes, moderate coffee consumption offers protection against heart failure – If you drink coffee regularly in moderation, you could reduce your risk of heart failure. Researchers, analyzing previous studies on the link between coffee consumption and heart failure, found that moderate coffee drinking as part of a daily routine may be linked with a significantly lower risk of heart failure. In contrast, indulging excessively may be linked with an increased chance of developing serious heart problems.

Obesity screening recommended for all adults

Task Force Recommends Obesity Screening for All Adults — Docs Should Screen for Obesity and Direct Obese Patients to Intensive, Multicomponent Behavioral Interventions – In an update to its 2003 recommendation statement on screening for obesity in adults, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening all adult patients for obesity. Screening includes measurement of height and weight to ascertain BMI, although measuring waist circumference also is an accepted method.

Food allergies rate higher in young children

Severe reactions to food more common than thought in young children — Study identifies causes for high rates of allergic reactions in children with food allergies – Young children with allergies to milk and egg experience reactions to these and other foods more often than researchers had expected. A new study found that severe and potentially life-threatening reactions in a significant number of these children occur and that some caregivers are hesitant to give such children epinephrine, a medication that reverses the symptoms of such reactions and can save lives.

High blood pressure risk rising in US kids

More hospitalizations, higher charges, for kids with high blood pressure – Hospitalizations for children with high blood pressure and related charges dramatically increased during 10 years ending in 2006, according to a study published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension. This nationally-based study is the first in which researchers examined hypertension hospitalizations in children.

Sleep apnea treatment reduces hypertension and heart disease risk

Studies examine CPAP treatment and cardiovascular outcomes in adults with obstructive sleep apnea — Treatment of Obstructed Sleep Apnea With CPAP Therapy Associated With A Lower Risk Of Hypertension – Two studies that included adults with obstructive sleep apnea examined the effectiveness of reducing the risk of cardiovascular outcomes, including high blood pressure, by treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).