Haemostatics: Stephen Hales and the first direct measurement of blood pressure

Blood pressure lowering medications are among some of the most effective and useful medications currently used in medicine. In 2017 the ACC/AHA released new guidance for the evaluation and management of high blood pressure in adults.1 This guidance outlines what is considered normal, elevated, and hypertension in adults.1 We now understand the great importance of … Read more

Apple Watch, Fitbit or RESPeRATE – Can They Assist in Lowering Blood Pressure?

We see people walking around with the wearable devices everyday without regard to whether they really make a difference with metabolic parameters. These devices all have the capability of prompting wearers to take steps, stand up when sitting, but they can also alert wearer to slow breathing. A poster presented at Experimental Biology in Orlando … Read more

Joint Hypertension 2018 Scientific Sessions – You Should Have Been There

Just as promised, the Joint Hypertension 2018 Scientific Sessions (Hypertension18) was indeed among the most impactful meetings one could have attended. Council on Hypertension Scientific Sessions Planning Committee Vice Chair Dr. Karen Griffin, FAHA was accurate in her statement that it would be “the premier scientific meeting.” There were experts from all parts of the … Read more

Eat smarter- How to boost your cardiovascular health and lower your blood pressure with functional foods – Watermelon

It’s finally summer. Warmer temperatures and local Farmer’s markets motivate us to eat lots of fresh fruits and greens. A healthy summer diet maintains our health and can be even supportive in the management of various diseases. For example, some patients with treated blood pressure are able to taper off blood pressure medications by eating … Read more

Un-complementing The Immune System Improves Hypertension

Even though I have been studying immunology for 15 years, I am constantly fascinated by how elaborately involved the immune system is in different diseases and conditions. I have written previously about the intricate relationship between the immune system and heart disease. In this blog, I will be highlighting the role of the immune system … Read more

Hypertension In 2017— Individual VS Public Health Goals

Hypertension has obviously been one of the main stays of cardiovascular (CV) medicine for a long time and it is the single most modifiable CV risk factor in the world today. Hypertension had a great deal of evolution since publication of the landmark 1977 Joint National Committee report there has been progressive improvement in awareness, … Read more

Manual Versus Automated Office Blood Pressure Measurements

Although the awareness and treatment of hypertension has increased steadily over the past decade, it is estimated that approximately 50% of patients are still not adequately controlled. However, blood pressure measurement techniques vary widely and results from studies are difficult to compare. Further, office BP measurements depend on time, resources, and equipment. In our referral … Read more

Tardiness Of Science Leads To Public Skepticism

AHA17 introduced the new and controversial blood pressure measurement guidelines during its annual conference in Anaheim, CA, raising skepticism among the masses. However, before I get into what the new recommendations are, let’s review how blood pressure measurements were initially established. Historically, over the last century blood pressure was unstudied by the scientific and clinical … Read more

Back To Reality: Incorporating Scientific Sessions Into Everyday Life

Nearly 2 weeks after AHA Scientific Sessions 2017, I’m back at home, sipping coffee on a chilly Sunday morning and thinking about Anaheim. The larger-than-life convention center, the numerous and packed sessions, and the built-in-a-day pharma fueled exhibit halls. Working backwards, I remember fitting in a lunch sponsored by Amgen, given by Dr. Alan Brown, … Read more