High Blood Pressure


SBP <130 mmHg Beneficial for Young-Older Patients

The secondary analysis of a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial in China suggested that maintaining systolic blood pressure (SBP) at <130 mmHg offers additional cardiovascular benefits among young-older patients with high blood pressure. The trial enrolled 8511 young-older (60–80 years) hypertensive patients without prior stroke to compare the intensive treatment (SBP […]


Heterogeneity in BP-Lowering Effects of 4 Drugs

A Swedish randomized, double-blind, repeated crossover trial revealed substantial heterogeneity in blood pressure (BP) response to drug therapy for high BP. There were 280 participants with grade 1 high BP at low risk for cardiovascular events (54% men; mean age, 64 years). Each participant was randomized to treatment with 4 […]


Troponin and Natriuretic Peptide Change with Intensive BP Control

A US study showed that intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) lowering increased hs-cTnT (high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T), mediated by reduced kidney filtration; and decreased NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), mediated by the drop in SBP. The observed changes in hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP levels with intensive SBP lowering were associated with […]


Salt Substitutes Beneficial and Generalizable

A meta-analyses and metaregressions concluded that the beneficial effects of salt substitutes on blood pressure and clinical outcomes were consistent and might be generalizable across diverse population subgroups worldwide. The study included 21 trials and 31 949 participants, with 19 reporting effects on blood pressure and 5 reporting effects on […]


Dose‐Response of Omega‐3 Fatty Acids for Lowering BP

A dose‐response meta‐analysis suggested that the optimal combined intake of omega‐3 fatty acids for blood pressure (BP) lowering is likely between 2 g/d and 3 g/d. Doses above 3 g/d may be associated with additional benefits in lowering BP among high risk groups for cardiovascular diseases. The analysis included 71 randomized controlled trials […]


Acetaminophen Increases BP

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial concluded that regular daily intake of 4 g acetaminophen increases systolic blood pressure (BP) in individuals with hypertension by ≈5 mm Hg when compared with placebo. The trial randomized 110 patients of high BP to receive 1 g acetaminophen 4× daily or matched placebo for 2 […]