Non-Dipping Blood Pressure or Nocturnal Hypertension: Does One Matter More?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewNocturnal hypertension and non-dipping are both associated with increased cardiovascular risk; however, debate remains over which is a better prognosticator of cardiovascular outcomes. This review explores current literature on nocturnal hypertension and non-dipping to assess their relationship to cardiovascular disease and implications for clinical practice.Recent FindingsWhile current data remain inconclusive, some suggest that nocturnal hypertension is a more reliable and clinically significant marker of cardiovascular risk than non-dipping status. Importantly, reducing nocturnal HTN and non-dip...
Source: Current Hypertension Reports - November 13, 2023 Category: Primary Care Source Type: research

Effects of the Timing of Intense Physical Activity on Hypertension Risk in a General Population: A UK-Biobank Study
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIt has recently been suggested that the timing of exercise is important in the subsequent development of hypertension. We used the UK Biobank database which prospectively collates data in over 500,000 people aged between 40 and 69  years to determine the relationship between the chronoactivity pattern of exercise and the risk of incident hypertension.Recent FindingsWe analyzed data from 70,617 participants with 7-day Axivity AX3 triaxial accelerometry information available. Comparisons were made by aK-means  clustering analysis separating groups according to the daily timing of physical activity ...
Source: Current Hypertension Reports - November 10, 2023 Category: Primary Care Source Type: research

Blood Pressure Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors: Mechanisms and Clinical Evidence in Different Populations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSodium glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors) are increasingly prescribed due to their considerable benefits on clinical outcomes in people with diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hypertension is a common comorbidity in each of these disease states, increasing risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We herein review the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on blood pressure in different populations, proposed mechanisms of action, and the contribution of blood pressure lowering to end-organ protection.Recent FindingsA recognised effect of SGLT2 inhibitors in recen...
Source: Current Hypertension Reports - November 10, 2023 Category: Primary Care Source Type: research

A Narrative Review of the Effects of Mindfulness on Sleep and Hypertension
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe prevalence of both insomnia and hypertension in the general population is vast and the health implications to individuals and society are costly. The current pharmacological treatment options for insomnia and hypertension are limited and patients are becoming increasingly interested in non-pharmacological treatment options. Mindfulness, a disciplined mental training practice rooted in Eastern traditions, has become a widely popular treatment method for multiple chronic health problems. The aim of this paper was to review research on mindfulness-based intervention effects on sleep, insomnia, and...
Source: Current Hypertension Reports - November 3, 2023 Category: Primary Care Source Type: research

Clinical Significance of Nocturnal Hypertension and Nighttime Blood Pressure Dipping in Hypertension
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis narrative review article aims to discuss more recent evidence, current challenges, and future perspectives regarding the clinical importance of nocturnal hypertension and nighttime blood pressure dipping, with particular reference to diagnosis, prognostic value, and therapeutic approach.Recent FindingsThe importance of nighttime blood pressure and nighttime blood pressure dipping has been demonstrated in decades. Increased nighttime blood pressure has been acknowledged as an unfavorable clinical trait. However, more recent evidence suggests that the abolishment of normal circadian blood pressu...
Source: Current Hypertension Reports - October 31, 2023 Category: Primary Care Source Type: research

Salty Subjects: Unpacking Racial Differences in Salt-Sensitive Hypertension
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review underlying mechanisms and environmental factors that may influence racial disparities in the development of salt-sensitive blood pressure.Recent FindingsOur group and others have observed racial differences in diet and hydration, which may influence salt sensitivity. Dietary salt elicits negative alterations to the gut microbiota and immune system, which may increase hypertension risk, but little is known regarding potential racial differences in these physiological responses. Antioxidant supplementation and exercise offset vascular dysfunction following dietary salt, including in Black a...
Source: Current Hypertension Reports - October 25, 2023 Category: Primary Care Source Type: research

Pressure Building Against the Clock: The Impact of Circadian Misalignment on Blood Pressure
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMisalignment between the endogenous biological timing system and behavioral activities (i.e., sleep/wake, eating, activity) contributes to adverse cardiovascular health. In this review, we discuss the effects of recurring circadian misalignment on blood pressure regulation and the implications for hypertension development. Additionally, we highlight emerging therapeutic approaches designed to mitigate the negative cardiovascular consequences elicited by circadian disruption.Recent FindingsCircadian misalignment elicited by work schedules that require individuals to be awake during the biological ni...
Source: Current Hypertension Reports - October 14, 2023 Category: Primary Care Source Type: research

Microvascular Dysfunction in Obesity-Hypertension
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aims to explore the role of microvascular dysfunction in obesity-hypertension, discuss the effects obesity has on renal microvasculature,  review the current methods for assessing microvascular dysfunction and available therapeutic options, and identify critical areas for further research.Recent FindingsThere is a strong association between obesity and hypertension. However, the pathophysiology of obesity-hypertension is not clear. Microvascular dysfunction has been linked to hypertension and obesity and could be an important mediator of obesity-related hypertension. Newer therapies ...
Source: Current Hypertension Reports - October 14, 2023 Category: Primary Care Source Type: research

Pressure Building Against the Clock: The Impact of Circadian Misalignment on Blood Pressure
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMisalignment between the endogenous biological timing system and behavioral activities (i.e., sleep/wake, eating, activity) contributes to adverse cardiovascular health. In this review, we discuss the effects of recurring circadian misalignment on blood pressure regulation and the implications for hypertension development. Additionally, we highlight emerging therapeutic approaches designed to mitigate the negative cardiovascular consequences elicited by circadian disruption.Recent FindingsCircadian misalignment elicited by work schedules that require individuals to be awake during the biological ni...
Source: Current Hypertension Reports - October 14, 2023 Category: Primary Care Source Type: research

Microvascular Dysfunction in Obesity-Hypertension
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aims to explore the role of microvascular dysfunction in obesity-hypertension, discuss the effects obesity has on renal microvasculature,  review the current methods for assessing microvascular dysfunction and available therapeutic options, and identify critical areas for further research.Recent FindingsThere is a strong association between obesity and hypertension. However, the pathophysiology of obesity-hypertension is not clear. Microvascular dysfunction has been linked to hypertension and obesity and could be an important mediator of obesity-related hypertension. Newer therapies ...
Source: Current Hypertension Reports - October 14, 2023 Category: Primary Care Source Type: research