Lifestyle changes – like eating healthier and exercising – can reduce the need for antihypertensive medications, and they can do it pretty quickly, according to a study presented at the American Heart Association's Joint Hypertension 2018 Scientific Sessions. Study participants with high blood pressure saw significant improvement within 16 weeks after making lifestyle changes. Such changes are the first step in reducing blood pressure according to the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Hypertension Guideline.

Even as a young adult, being overweight may cause higher blood pressure and thicken heart muscle, setting the stage for heart disease later in life, according to new research in the American Heart Association’s (AHA) journal Circulation.

The Philadelphia City Council has passed a law requiring chain restaurants operating within the city to have sodium warning labels on its menu for high-sodium items – and the American Heart Association (AHA) couldn’t be happier about it.

A new study may take some of the pleasure out of those burgers you enjoy grilling in your backyard. Researchers found that people who regularly eat meat, chicken and fish grilled, broiled or roasted at high temperatures are more likely to develop high blood pressure – although they were careful to note that they identified a trend, not a cause-and effect.

Severe combat wounds and chronic PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) may put service men and women at risk of having high blood pressure later, according to new research in the American Heart Association’s journal Hypertension. PTSD, a mental health disorder that stems from a traumatic or life-threatening event, has been previously linked to risk of high blood pressure and other issues, including substance abuse, obesity, coronary artery disease, and suicide.

An international study suggests other aspects of the diet may not offset the harmful effect of sodium on blood pressure. The study, published in the American Heart Association’s (AHA) journal Hypertension, also reaffirms the need for widespread sodium reduction in the food supply. Researchers reviewed data on sodium intake and intake of 80 nutrients, such as proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, that may relate to blood pressure in 4,680 women and men (ages 40-59) in Japan, People’s Republic of China, the United Kingdom and the United States participating in the INTERMAP study.

Eating spicy foods can help people eat less salt and have lower blood pressure -- potentially reducing their risk of heart attack and stroke -- according to new research in the American Heart Association’s (AHA) journal Hypertension. “Previously, a pilot study found that trace amounts of capsaicin, the chemical that gives chili peppers their pungent smell, enhanced the perception of food being salty,” said senior study author Zhiming Zhu, M.D., professor and director of the Department of Hypertension and Endocrinology at the Third Military Medical University in Chongqing, China. “We wanted to test whether this effect would also reduce salt consumption.”

Young adults, particularly men, lag behind middle-aged and older adults in awareness and treatment of high blood pressure, putting this population at an increased risk for heart attack and stroke, according to new research in the American Heart Association’s (AHA) journal Hypertension.

About 40% of commercial drivers may have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), suggests a research review in the June Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Reducing the amount of sodium you put in home-cooked meals may not be sufficient to improve your health if you dine out regularly at restaurants, says a new study, because restaurant foods and commercially processed foods sold in stores contain so much of it.