American journal of hypertension
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The independent prognostic value of prehypertension for incident coronary heart disease (CHD) remains unsettled. We examined associations between prehypertension (systolic blood pressure of 130-139.9 and/or diastolic blood pressure of 80-89mm Hg) and incident acute CHD and cardiovascular disease (CVD) death. ⋯ In this sample, prehypertension was not associated with incident acute CHD.
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Characterization of health conditions in recent immigrant subgroups, including foreign-born whites and Asians, is limited but important for identifying emerging health disparities. Hypertension, a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, has been shown to be associated with acculturation, but the acculturative experience varies for different racial/ethnic groups. Assessing the impact of race/ethnicity on the relationship between acculturation-related factors and hypertension is therefore of interest. ⋯ Race/ethnicity modifies the relationship between acculturation-related factors and hypertension. Consideration of disease prevalence in origin countries is critical to understanding health patterns in immigrant populations. Validation of self-reported hypertension in Hispanic populations is indicated.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Favorable effects of concord grape juice on endothelial function and arterial stiffness in healthy smokers.
Smoking is associated with impaired vascular function. Concord grape juice (CGJ), a rich source of flavonoids, can modify cardiovascular risk factors. Endothelial function and arterial stiffness are surrogate markers of arterial health. We examined the impact of CGJ on arterial wall properties in healthy smokers. ⋯ CGJ consumption improved endothelial function and vascular elastic properties of the arterial tree in healthy smokers and attenuated acute smoking-induced impairment of arterial wall properties.
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Longitudinal associations between depressive symptoms and blood pressure have been inconsistent. Most studies have examined incident hypertension as an outcome, and few have examined effect modification. ⋯ Results demonstrate sex and age differences in the relation between depressive symptoms and blood pressure. Findings suggest the potential importance of preventing, detecting, and lowering depressive symptoms to prevent hypertension among women and older adults.
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Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, has gained attention in recent years because of its connection with the health benefits of red wine and its anticancer activity in vitro. Studies in animal models have demonstrated beneficial effects on glucose metabolism, vascular function and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Human studies designed to understand the role of resveratrol in the prevention and treatment of age-related conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer have recently been undertaken. ⋯ Despite the strong preclinical evidence of positive cardiometabolic effects, studies to date have not confirmed resveratrol's benefit in humans. Study variability and methodological issues limit interpretation of available results. Additional research, focusing on subjects with defined metabolic defects and using a range of doses, is needed to advance the field.