New Atlas

Medical Audio available

Common blood pressure medication may be repurposed to treat dementia and Parkinson’s

Rich Haridy April 29, 2019

A new study has discovered a drug used to treat high blood pressure may also be beneficial for a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s and dementia. The research has only been verified in animals so far but the scientists are cautiously optimistic it will translate to humans.

Felodipine, a hypertension medicine, has been found to reduce signs of neurodegenerative disease in several animal ...

Medical Audio available

Positive trial results show ultrasound energy can treat high blood pressure

Rich Haridy March 18, 2019

A promising new study is documenting the long-term effects of a novel surgical procedure using ultrasound to reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension. The one-off procedure, called renal denervation, is hoped to offer patients an alternative option to taking hypertension drugs.

A procedure called renal denervation resulted in medication-free blood pressure control in over a third of ...

Wearables

Samsung takes aim at blood pressure monitoring with the Galaxy Watch Active

Nick Lavars February 24, 2019

Samsung has launched a new smartwatch that might just take the health and wellness capabilities of the common wearable into new territory. In addition to standard features like sleep and heart rate tracking, the company claims its new Galaxy Watch Active will be able to keep tabs on blood pressure.

Samsung's new Galaxy Watch Active will be available from March 8

Science Audio available

Mexican drug cartels hinder "wonder drug” research into vampire bat venom

Rich Haridy January 20, 2019

New research has described a novel peptide found in the venom of vampire bats could pave the way for an entirely new class of blood-pressure “wonder drugs”. However, the study is being stifled by drug cartels taking over the research site in Mexico.

A peptide found in the venom of vampire bats may translate into a new class of ...

Health & Wellbeing Audio available

Isolated Amazon tribes reveal clue to source of high blood pressure in the West

Rich Haridy November 14, 2018

A study of two isolated South American tribes has shed light on the influence of diet in the onset of hypertension, upending the common consensus that higher blood pressure is a direct, and inevitable, consequence of aging.

The isolated tribe showed no increase in blood pressure as they age, compared to a nearby ...

Health & Wellbeing

Study suggests that blue light reduces blood pressure

Ben Coxworth November 8, 2018

If you have high blood pressure, then you likely already know that it's the leading cause of stroke, and a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. So, besides things like medication, diet changes and exercise, what can be done to reduce it? Well, exposure to blue light may help.

According to the study, exposure to blue light causes a significant reduction in blood pressure

Medical

Ultrasound patch goes deep to better-monitor blood pressure

Ben Coxworth September 13, 2018

Earlier this year, we heard how scientists from UC San Diego had developed a flexible ultrasound patch that allows users to see the inner structure of irregular-shaped objects. Well, now they've made one that measures a patient's blood pressure from deep within the body.

The ultrasound patch's island-bridge structure allows it to be deformed without damage to the electronics

Health & Wellbeing

Experimental app lets iPhones monitor blood pressure

Ben Coxworth September 10, 2018

It was just last year that we heard about how scientists from Michigan State University had developed a smartphone case/app combo that could measure users' blood pressure. Now, they've created an app that does the job using nothing but an unadorned iPhone.

The blood pressure-reading app, as demonstrated on an iPhone X

Health & Wellbeing Audio available

Three drugs prove significantly better than one in lowering blood pressure

Rich Haridy August 14, 2018

A new study reports successful results from a blood pressure treatment that combines low doses of three different currently available hypertension drugs into a single pill. The new research is hoped to change worldwide guidelines for the optimal way treat people suffering from high blood pressure.

A new combination blood pressure treatment could change worldwide guidelines for treating hypertension

Health & Wellbeing

Prototype phone case checks your blood pressure

Ben Coxworth March 9, 2018

Getting your blood pressure checked typically involves going to a clinic, and having a cuff applied to your arm. Thanks to technology being developed at Michigan State University, however, the process may soon be as simple as putting your finger on your smartphone case.

An easier way to monitor your blood pressure?