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.

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Heart-healthy diets may help women limit signs of cognitive decline later in life

More than 5,000 women were interviewed about their eating habits from 1985 to 1991, and then researchers followed up with them 30 years later. The full study was published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

No, a popular blood pressure medication does not increase heart failure risk, new research confirms

Dihydropyridines such as amlodipine have been the topic of some debate in recent months due to fears they lead to significant side effects. 

Merck is seeking FDA approval for sotatercept to be used as a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension

FDA grants speedy review to Merck's new drug for pulmonary arterial hypertension

The FDA is expected to base its decision in part on the STELLAR clinical trial, which included 163 adult patients treated with subcutaneous sotatercept and 160 patients treated with a placebo.

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Low-cost generic programs offer CVD medications at affordable prices—but availability changes from one to the next

Programs managed by H-E-B, Kroger, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company and Walmart appear to offer the most options for CVD patients. When it comes to AFib and heart failure, however, researchers believe the choices could be improved. 

The Medtronic Symplicity Spyral Renal Denervation system uses a catheter that curls in the renal artery to place radiofrequency electrodes against the vessel wall to ablate the nerves that control vasodilation, so the artery can be propped in the fully open position.

FDA panel votes not to endorse Medtronic renal denervation system

The vote was close, initially ending with a tie, but the panel ultimately decided there were too many questions related to the device's long-term benefits for patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

Recor Medical's Paradise Ultrasound Renal Denervation System

FDA panel votes in favor of Recor Medical renal denervation system

A few members of the panel did question the device's efficacy and long-term durability. The FDA will now use these findings to make its final decision related to the system's approval. 

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Cardiologists applaud WHO’s endorsement of polypills for CVD prevention

Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, one of the world’s most prominent cardiologists, said "it is now our responsibility to ensure these treatments are widely available and used by the medical community.”

The ReCor (left) and Medtronic Symplicity Spyral renal denervation systems.

FDA panel to review renal denervation system PMA submissions

The FDA Circulatory System Devices Panel is set to review the PMA submissions for the ReCor and Medtronic renal denervation systems to treat patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

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