June 15, 2020

AHA News: Both Blood Pressure Numbers Key to Pinpointing Heart Attack, Stroke Risk in Young Adults

MONDAY, June 1, 2020 (American Heart Association News) -- High blood pressure of any kind in young adults increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular events, according to new findings that shed light on an issue experts say has been understudied.

Blood pressure readings have two measurements. Systolic is the top number and indicates how much pressure the blood exerts against artery walls while the heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number that gauges the pressure between beats. High blood pressure is defined as a systolic reading of 130 or higher or a diastolic reading of 80 or higher, according to guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association.

May 28, 2020

AHA News: How to Accurately Measure Blood Pressure at Home

FRIDAY, May 22, 2020 (American Heart Association News) -- High blood pressure is one of the top risk factors for heart attack and stroke. It's also common among people who develop severe symptoms of COVID-19.

So, with more people at home practicing social distancing and with fewer chances to check blood pressure at public pharmacy machines or doctor visits, it's more important than ever to know how to do it at home.

May 28, 2020

Could a Hormone Help Spur High Blood Pressure?

TUESDAY, May 26, 2020 -- Many people with high blood pressure may have an unrecognized hormonal condition driving their numbers up, a new study suggests.

The condition, called primary aldosteronism, arises when the adrenal glands overproduce the hormone aldosterone. That causes the body to retain sodium and lose potassium, spurring a spike in blood pressure.

May 19, 2020

Positive Attitude Tied to Lower Blood Pressure After Stroke

MONDAY, May 18, 2020 -- Believing that you won't have a second stroke may help you control your blood pressure, a new study suggests.

A positive attitude about your health can go a long way in maintaining cardiovascular health, especially for women, researchers say.

May 19, 2020

Intensive Blood Pressure Control Reduces A-Fib Risk: Study

MONDAY, May 18, 2020 -- Intensive high blood pressure treatment may protect against a-fib, a heart rhythm disorder that can lead to stroke, heart attack and heart failure, researchers say.

They analyzed data from more than 8,000 high blood pressure patients who were at increased risk of heart disease and enrolled in a U.S. National Institutes of Health trial known as SPRINT.

May 19, 2020

AHA News: Is High Blood Pressure Inevitable?

MONDAY, May 18, 2020 (American Heart Association News) -- Almost every adult will face this health problem as they get older. But knowing how blood pressure might change over a lifetime can give people a better appreciation of why it's important to keep it in check at any age.

When left uncontrolled or if undetected, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease or other major health problems.