Obesity treatment for socioeconomically disadvantaged patients in primary care practice

Source: Archives of Internal Medicine, 2012, 172 (7) p. 565-574

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Date of publication: April 2012

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: 365 obese patients receiving treatment for hypertension took part in a trial to measure the effectiveness of a behavioural intervention. The ‘Be Fit, Be Well’ intervention promoted weight loss and hypertension self-management. This included tailored goals for behaviour-change, self-monitoring and skills training, which were available online, by telephone, through group support sessions and other methods. After two years, the intervention provided modest weight loss and improved blood pressure control among this high-risk, disadvantaged group of patients.

Length of publication: 10 pages

Some important notes: You will need an NHS Athens username and password to access this article. Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Diesel exhaust fumes cause blood pressure rise

Source: Medwire News 30th March 2012

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Date of publication: March 2012

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: A study of 45 healthy non-smokers exposed to 120 minutes of diesel exhaust fumes found that they experienced a significant rise in systolic blood pressure, but that their diastolic blood pressure was not affected. The researchers argue that an acute rise in blood pressure has the potential to induce atherosclerotic plaque disruption, myocardial ischemia and other precursors to myocardial infarction, especially in susceptible populations.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement: Hypertension, 2012 ; Online First

Drinking black tea may lower blood pressure

Source: National Heart Forum

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Date of publication: January 2012

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: A randomised controlled trial has assessed the effects of regular consumption of black tea (three cups a day) on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP). After six months, the participants had significantly lower systolic BP and diastolic BP. The authors give some possible causes for long-term black tea consumption lowering blood pressure.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement: Archives of Internal Medicine

Calls for 24-hour blood pressure monitoring

Source: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence

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Date of publication: August 2011

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: NICE is now recommending that hypertension should be diagnosed using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) over a 24 hour period. ABPM involves a mobile blood pressure monitor that straps around the patient’s waist and measures blood pressure numerous times over 24 hours. This is a change to the existing guidelines.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

2009 Canadian Hypertension Education Program recommendations: the scientific summary

Source: Canadian Journal of Cardiology 2009, 25 (5) p. 271-277

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Date of publication: May 2009

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: This report outlines the recommendations of the Canadian Hypertension Education Program for the management of hypertension. Emphasis is placed on promoting lifestyle changes, encouraging home measurement of blood pressure, screening for cardiovascular risks and antihypertensive drug therapy.

Length of publication: 7 pages

Some important notes: You will need an NHS Athens username and password to access this article. Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

A cardiovascular risk clinic using home BP monitoring

Source: Australian Family Physician 2009, 38 (3) p. 163-166

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Date of publication: March 2009

Publication type: Research

In a nutshell: This study involved a nurse-GP protocol driven cardiovascular risk review clinic in an Australian city. Patients with hypertension were invited to the clinic for two appointments, and then continued to measure their blood pressure from home. They were reviewed monthly until their blood pressure was within National Heart Foundation guidelines.

Length of publication: 4 pages

Some important notes: You will need an NHS Athens username and password to access this article. Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Skimmed milk cuts blood pressure, research suggests

Source: Daily Telegraph

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Date of publication: June, 2009

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: A study in the Netherlands has found that middle-aged participants who consumed healthy dairy products, such as skimmed milk and low-fat yogurt, were less likely to have high blood pressure later in life. It is thought that the minerals found in milk may play an important role in protecting against hypertension.

Length of publication: 1 page

Acknowledgement: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition