Posts Tagged ‘high blood pressure’

This week the British Medical Journal is warning physicians regarding high blood pressure (hypertension) treatment in people over 80 years of age. Despite limited evidence about treatment of hypertension in this age group, UK and US guidelines continue to recommend applying the same target blood pressures to people over 80 as to any other age group (the current target blood pressure for uncomplicated hypertension is 140/90). However, based on some new reviews of up-to-date data, there is evidence that mortality may likely be decreased by being more conservative with the number of drugs and the dosages of medications used in this group, in addition to allowing a higher target systolic blood pressure of 150. Trials are now needed to compare this conservative approach with the more aggressive treatment strategies currently in use. [via Medical News Today]

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The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, a monthly review of pharmacotherapeutics in medicine published by the British Medical Journal, is recommending that physicians take a second look before prescribing daily low-dose aspirin to patients. A recent review of European data questions whether there is any benefit at all for those without a history of cardiovascular disease to be taking a daily aspirin, especially since long-term low-dose aspirin therapy almost doubles the likelihood of gastrointestinal bleeding (a potentially serious side effect). The journal authors support continued use of aspirin in those with known cardiovascular disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart attacks. But, in light of current evidence, is not recommending daily low-dose aspirin for prevention of cardiovascular disease. [via Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin]

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New findings published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week points to a gene that may be present in 20% of caucasians with high blood pressure. The STK39 gene directs the production of a protein that controls how kidneys process salt – a key factor in blood pressure fluctuation. When the body retains too much salt it also retains water, which is why those with hypertension are always advised to eat a low salt diet. Although this discovery will likely lead to new treatments, hypertension is a complex disease that can have many contributing factors – family history, diabetes, poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, just to name a few. So as you can see, even if you don’t have the STK39 gene there are plenty of ways to get hypertension. And if you do have the gene there are likely other risk factors which you can do something about.

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The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPTF) is an independent panel of experts that constantly review the latest research evidence and develop recommendations for clinical preventive services. The latest recommendation from the USPTF is regarding diabetes screening. The task force now suggests screening for type 2 diabetes in all adults with blood pressure of 135/80 mm Hg or higher, even if they do not have symptoms of diabetes. If you have high blood pressure, please speak your physician regarding your risks for diabetes and diabetes screening. Full story.