Hypertension

It is well established that among patients with the clinical syndrome of heart failure, approximately half have preserved systolic function, known commonly as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Although originally considered to be a syndrome that pathophysiologically involves diastolic dysfunction, ongoing investigation suggests that although diastolic abnormalities may be present in many patients, other aspects of pathophysiology likely also contribute to symptoms. This study examined the association of beta-blockers with mortality in patients with HFpEF.

People with healthy blood pressure levels tend to have higher levels of vitamin D than those with high blood pressure. But a new review of studies on vitamin D supplementation showed taking it did not lower high blood pressure.

Previous studies have revealed Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) retards multiple cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol, platelet aggregation, and adhesion, while triggering nitric oxide generation within endothelial cells.

Time is important in getting patients with advanced heart failure (HF) to appropriate care. In a new study, a Utah research team reports on a new electronic approach.

Amgen's monoclonal antibody evolocumab (formerly called AMG 145) did well at inhibiting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) and reducing LDL cholesterol in a group of older patients, researchers report.

In patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) pulmonary artery hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction are common and associated with mortality. A Duke team looked at ways to improve pulmonary vascular tone.

With a steady rise in energy drink consumption, especially among young adults, several medical studies have connected it to accentuated blood pressure response among caffeine-naïve adults, compared to regular caffeine users.

Korean researchers reported on work showing the role a small heat-shock protein, alpha B-crystallin, could play in suppressing arrhythmia.

The American College of Cardiology 2015 Annual Scientific Session and Expo is set to begin March 14 in San Diego, CA. MD Magazine's editorial and video team will be there to provide breaking news, physician interviews, and analysis of the 3-day event. Some of the studies presented will likely change the practice of cardiology. Here's a preview.

The National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention is rolling out a free 24/7 information hotline called Stronger Hearts where callers can get referrals to care and information about heart failure. The program, which has funding from Novartis, began in February, 2015 as a pilot in San Bernardino County, CA. Its backers hope to expand the concept to other markets where demographics indicate a high prevalence of heart failure patients.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) has tracked changes in dyslipidemia and blood pressure in children since 1988. A new report in JAMA Pediatrics indicated that serum lipid concentrations improved in American children and adolescents since 1988.

Lowering the blood pressure (BP) of patients with type 2 diabetes was found to improve mortality results and lowered the probability of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and heart disease events.

Elderly and frail patients whose blood pressure is also being treated need to be carefully treated, suggest findings published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Statins may be a wonder drug for lowering cholesterol and preventing heart and cardiovascular disease, leading some physicians and patients to think they’re a cure-all.

Several trials have been conducted, and many more are yet to be completed, that have the goal of addressing whether intensive blood glucose control and intensive blood pressure (BP) control have any long-term benefit on all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular events. Contradictory data have been published with respect to the short- and long-term benefits of aggressive BP and blood glucose control versus conventional treatments for BP and glucose control. This review presents the main points of some of the important trials to date on this subject.

Air pollution should be viewed as one of several major modifiable risk factors in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.