Hypertension

High blood pressure increases a patient's risk of heart attack, stroke and other diseases. Most people with hypertension have no symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says nearly half of U.S. adults have hypertension, or high blood pressure, and only about 1 in 4 of those individuals has their hypertension under control. The World Health Organization (WHO) expects the epidemic of hypertension world-wide will exceed 1.56 billion people by 2025. Major efforts are underway to better control this primary risk factor through screenings, medication and invasive procedures such as renal denervation in severely uncontrolled patients.

Early pregnancy blood pressure patterns tied to hypertension risk years later
Researchers show certain blood pressure patterns during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy were more likely to develop into hypertension later in life.
ASE updates recommendations for assessing right heart function in patients with pulmonary hypertension
The new guidelines were designed to ensure sonographers and other members of the heart team have the information they need to screen patients when appropriate and identify early warnings signs of PH.
Boston Scientific enters renal denervation market with acquisition worth up to $540M
Boston Scientific has announced another significant M&A deal, scooping up an Israeli medtech company focused on RDN technology.
Cardiovascular societies support Medicare coverage for renal denervation
CMS is expected to release a proposed national coverage determination decision memo by July.
Momentum continues for renal denervation as CMS considers national Medicare coverage
CMS is accepting public comments on the topic for a period of 30 days. Recor Medical and Medtronic have both shared statements in support of the potential policy shift.

Hospira, an Illinois-based pharmaceutical and medical device company owned by Pfizer, has issued a voluntary recall of two different drugs due to ongoing safety issues. The recall includes specific lots of labetalol hydrochloride injections and buprenorphine hydrochloride injections. Labetalol hydrochloride injections are used to control blood pressure in patients with severe hypertension.

Pfizer recalls 2 drugs, including 1 for hypertension, over safety concerns

The recall was put in place due to a leak risk that could make the therapies less effective and potentially lead to an infection.

World Health Organization urges countries to limit salt intake to reduce risk of CVD, hypertension

The group wants countries to implement population-wide changes that can keep salt intake to a minimum. It estimates that such policies could save up to 900,000 lives in just a few years.

Mammogram findings linked to heightened risk of CVD, type 2 diabetes and hypertension

The new research, presented during ARRS 2024 in Boston, suggests CVD risk models may need to include certain findings identified in routine mammograms.

FDA approves new drugs for pulmonary arterial hypertension from Johnson & Johnson, Merck

Cardiologists now have two more tools to help them combat PAH, a rare vascular condition that often leads to heart failure.

FDA approves new hypertension drug months after Idorsia reacquired rights for $343M

Aprocitentan, sold under the brand name Tryvio, is approved for patients with high blood pressure who are already taking other antihypertensive drugs.

Gen 2 Aria CV Pulmonary Hypertension System implanted in patient for first time.

World’s first patient treated with new implantable device for pulmonary hypertension

The procedure, performed on Feb. 14, was part of an early feasibility trial developed with help from the FDA.

what is a flexitarian diet? plant-based but limited meats

Flexitarian diet, a plant-based option that includes small amounts of meat, linked to key cardiovascular benefits

The study, designed to compare flexitarians with vegans and omnivores, focused on young and middle-aged adults in good health who had been following the same diet for at least one full year.

Salt substitutes reduce hypertension risk by up to 40%

Many patients do not want to limit their salt intake, even when a doctor tells them the numerous health benefits. Salt substitutes may represent another way forward.

Hypertension

Early pregnancy blood pressure patterns tied to hypertension risk years later

ASE updates recommendations for assessing right heart function in patients with pulmonary hypertension

Boston Scientific enters renal denervation market with acquisition worth up to $540M

Cardiovascular societies support Medicare coverage for renal denervation

Momentum continues for renal denervation as CMS considers national Medicare coverage