Recent updates in blood pressure research for World Hypertension Day 2022

In recognition of World Hypertension Day, Healio and Cardiology Today have compiled a list of recent updates in hypertension research and management.

Recent updates include the negative impact of incorrect BP cuff size on BP measurement; conflicting hypertension advice circulating on TikTok; management of hypertension and preeclampsia in pregnant women; and more.

Wrong BP cuff size could cause inaccurate BP measurement

Using a regular-sized BP cuff for all adults regardless of mid-arm circumference can result in “striking” differences in systolic and diastolic BP, possibly leading to an incorrect hypertension diagnosis, researchers reported. Read more

Arterial stiffness better predicts diabetes risk vs. hypertension

Arterial stiffness better predicts type 2 diabetes risk than hypertension, with comorbid elevated BP and arterial stiffness more than doubling risk for the disease compared with those with ideal vascular function, researchers reported. Read more

TikTok videos offer conflicting advice on high blood pressure

Most hypertension-related information available on the social media platform TikTok is not presented by health care professionals and often contains recommendations not backed by scientific evidence. Read more

Varied sources of dietary protein tied to lower risk for new-onset hypertension

Among Chinese adults, more varied sources of dietary protein were associated with lower risk for new-onset hypertension, according to research published in Hypertension. Read more

Treating mild chronic hypertension in pregnancy appears beneficial, safe for mother and baby

Treating mild chronic hypertension during pregnancy to a BP goal of less than 140/90 mm Hg reduced adverse pregnancy outcomes and did not impair fetal growth, according to a new study. Read more

Sharp rise in BP upon standing tied to elevated risk for CV, renal events

Young and middle-aged adults whose systolic BP rose at least 6.5 mm Hg upon standing were more likely to have CV and renal events later in life compared with others, researchers reported in Hypertension. Read more

Certain oral bacteria linked to hypertension in postmenopausal women

Certain kinds of oral microbiota were associated with development of hypertension, researchers reported in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Read more

New KDIGO blood pressure targets affect more than 10% of patients with CKD

The expanded indication for BP-lowering treatment by the 2021 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guideline affects more than 10% of patients with chronic kidney disease, who are at higher CVD risk than those with well-controlled BP. Read more

Preeclampsia, gestational hypertension drive long-term maternal CVD risk

Women with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy are 63% more likely to experience a CVD event in the decades after delivery compared with normotensive women, independent of shared risk factors like prepregnancy BMI and parental CVD history. Read more

Radiofrequency renal denervation confers sustained BP reduction at 36 months

In patients with treatment-resistant hypertension, despite taking one to three BP-lowering medications, radiofrequency renal denervation conferred BP reduction out to 36 months, researchers reported. Read more