Blood Pressure In Older Adults Research Articles

Post-exercise hypotension after different volumes of combined calisthenic and walking exercises in older adults with hypertension: a randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to analyze the acute effects of combined calisthenic and walking exercises using different volumes on blood pressure (BP) in aging adults with primary hypertension. A total of 48 participants with primary hypertension aged 50-80 years were randomly assigned into two groups that performed two experimental sessions each: a non-exercising CONTROL session and a LOW (group 1) or HIGH (group 2) volume exercise session. The order of these sessions was randomized. The exercise protocols lasted 30 min (LOW) or 60 min (HIGH) and consisted of calisthenic exercises combined with continuous walking or jogging. Exercise intensity was controlled using a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale. BP was measured at baseline and after each session for 60 min. Results showed that systolic BP was lower after the HIGH session at post 30' (p = 0.03), post 40' (p = 0.03), post 50' (p = 0.04), and post 60' (p < 0.02), and after the LOW session at post 30' (p = 0.02), post 40' (p < 0.01), post 50' (p < 0.01), and post 60' (p < 0.01) when compared to the corresponding CONTROL at the same time point. There were no significant differences in systolic and diastolic BP between the HIGH and LOW sessions. In conclusion, a pragmatic combined training session using different volumes acutely reduces BP in older adults with primary hypertension.

What is the role of leisure-time physical activity in the association between neighborhood environmental characteristics and hypertension in older adults? The EpiFloripa Aging Cohort study

BackgroundResearch suggests a link between the urban built environment and blood pressure, potentially mediated by physical activity. This study aims to investigate the relationship between perceived neighborhood characteristics and blood pressure in older adults, as well as the mediating role of walking in this relationship. MethodsData from the third wave of the EpiFloripa Aging Cohort Study in Florianopolis, Brazil (2017–2019; n = 1335) were used for this cross-sectional analysis. Blood pressure was measured using digital devices, and hypertension diagnosis relied on healthcare professionals’ information. The neighborhood environment was assessed with the Abbreviated Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale, while walking was evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Multilevel logistic regression analyzed the association between the neighborhood environment, blood pressure, and hypertension. Structural equation modeling assessed the mediation effect of walking. ResultsHypertension prevalence was 85.3 %, with 69.0 % having objectively measured elevated blood pressure. Results showed that older adults perceiving better infrastructure for physical activity (OR: 0.88; CI: 0.78–0.99), increased safety in their neighborhood (OR: 0.88; CI: 0.79–0.99), traffic security (OR: 0.88; CI: 0.78–0.99) and better overall perception of the environment (OR: 0.73; IC: 0.55–0.98) had a lower likelihood of self-reported hypertension. The association between self-reported hypertension and overall perception of the environment was partially explained by leisure-time walking (β = -0.01; p < 0.05). ConclusionOur findings suggest that public policies promoting the establishment of safe and supportive spaces for physical activity emerge as essential measures in the prevention and management of hypertension in older adults.

Effect of home-based isometric training on blood pressure in older adults with high normal BP or stage I hypertension: A randomized controlled trial.

This trial analyzes the effects of home-based isometric handgrip training (IHT) and aerobic exercise training (AET) on ambulatory and office blood pressure (BP) in older adults with high normal to established hypertension. This randomized controlled trial included 84 participants (46 women, 71.1 ± 3.6 years, systolic BP [SBP] 137.1 ± 13.8 mmHg, diastolic BP [DBP] 80.8 ± 8.3 mmHg). Participants were randomized into IHT (n = 28), AET (n = 28), or usual medical care plus lifestyle advice (UC, n = 28). Participants performed IHT or AET three times/week for 8 weeks. IHT consisted of 4 × 45 s bilateral contractions at 50% of maximum voluntary contraction with 1-min rest between sets. AET consisted of walking 30 min at 50%-70% of estimated maximum oxygen consumption. UC received standardized medical care including lifestyle advice. Seventy-six participants completed the intervention: 27 in IHT, 26 in AET, and 23 in UC. At baseline, BP values were similar among groups. No differences were observed in 24-h ambulatory, daytime, and nighttime SBP and DBP in any group (p > 0.05). IHT and AET reduced office SBP (-8.0 ± 13.4 mmHg; p = 0.004; -5.6 ± 12.2 mmHg; p = 0.027, respectively). IHT reduced office DBP (-3.3 ± 7.4 mmHg; p = 0.024), but AET did not. No differences occurred in office BP in UC. There was no difference in office BP among groups (p > 0.05). An 8-week home-based IHT and AET failed to reduce ambulatory SBP, while office SBP was reduced by 8/5 mmHg. Only IHT reduced office DBP by 3 mmHg. Thus, IHT and AET may be effective for lowering office BP in older adults with high normal to established hypertension.

Effects Of Home-based Isometric Handgrip On Blood Pressure In Older Adults With High Blood Pressure

Effects Of Home-based Isometric Handgrip On Blood Pressure In Older Adults With High Blood Pressure

An exploratory investigation of heart rate and heart rate variability responses to daylong heat exposure in young and older adults.

Heart rate variability (HRV) has shown potential as a tool for monitoring thermal strain, but there is limited data to support its efficacy in older adults during prolonged heat exposures. We compared HRV between young (19-31 years, n=20) and older (61-78 years, n=39) adults during 9 hours of heat exposure (40°C, 9% RH). We also explored whether heart rate (HR) and/or HRV could be used to distinguish older adults who achieved elevated thermal strain, defined as either 1) an increase in core temperature >1.0°C (occurring in 39% [15/39]) or 2) a reduction in systolic blood pressure >10 mm Hg (occurring in 67% [26/39]). Percentage of age-predicted maximal HR and percentage of heart rate reserve (HRR) were higher, whereas standard deviation of normal RR intervals (SDNN), the square root of the mean of squared differences between successive RR intervals (RMSSD), high frequency power (HF), and cardiac vagal index (CVI) were lower in older compared to young adults (P≤0.004) during heat exposure. In older adults, increases in core temperature were correlated with percentage of age-predicted maximal HR, percentage of HRR, RMSSD, and CVI (P≤0.031), whereas changes in systolic blood pressure were not significantly associated with HR or HRV indices (P≤0.327). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that HR and HRV indices had generally poor ability to identify older adults with elevated thermal strain (area under the curve ≤0.65). Age-related differences in HRV, consistent with vagal withdrawal among older adults, remained during daylong heat exposure, but marked heterogeneity of response likely contributed to HRV providing limited discriminatory value in identifying changes in core temperature or blood pressure in older adults.

Abstract P371: Prevalence, Timing, and Location of Falls in an Older Population with Treated Hypertension

Background: Falls are common among older adults and predict subsequent morbidity and mortality. There is a dearth of knowledge about the timing and location of falls in community-based populations of older adults. Methods: We identified members of Kaiser Permanente Southern California aged ≥65 years diagnosed with hypertension enrolled in the AMBulatoRy blOod preSsure In older Adults (AMBROSIA) study. Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained from electronic health records while self-administered surveys captured social history and presence of functional impairment. Participants submitted 12 monthly falls calendars recording the time and location of each fall, and whether the fall resulted in medical care. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare participant characteristics between those who reported a fall vs. no fall. Results: We included 632 participants (mean age 74.6 years [range 65-95]; 57% female; 44% non-Hispanic White, 23% non-Hispanic Black, 18% Hispanic, and 13% Asian/Pacific Islander). Overall, 240 participants (38%) reported 680 falls during follow-up with 9% of falls requiring medical care. Those who reported a fall were older, more likely to be White, have a history of self-reported falls, have consumed alcoholic beverages in the past year and have ≥1 functional impairment (all p-values &lt;.05) compared to those who reported no falls. Over a 24-hour period, 41%, 35%, and 24% of the falls occurred between 6am-12pm, 12pm-6pm, and 6pm-6am, respectively. Further, 59% of falls occurred at an indoor location. Conclusion: Falls among community-dwelling, older adults with hypertension were common with few requiring medical care. Although most falls occurred during daytime hours, approximately one fourth occurred during nighttime hours. Further, the majority of falls occurred at an indoor location. Providers should be informed that many falls occur among older adults without presentation to a healthcare facility, and strategies should include prevention of falls indoors and during the daytime.

Benson Relaxation Therapy: Impact on Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Older Adults – A Literature Review

Introduction: The high incidence of hypertension can have an impact on increasing death rates in the world because it can cause heart failure and coronary heart disease and increase the risk of stroke. A strong emphasis on managing essential HTN with non-pharmacological interventions involving multiple elements of lifestyle modification, focusing on more permanent measures to help improve the overall quality of life and decrease physician dependence and hospitalizations of severe complications. This study aimed to explore the effect of Benson relaxation therapy on blood pressure in older adults with hypertension. Method: The method used in this literature review was to examine the results of previous research in published articles. Article searches were carried out via PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar using the keywords "Benson Relaxation," "Blood Pressure," AND "Hypertensive Older adults," as well as combinations of these keywords such as "Benson relaxation on older adults hypertensive blood pressure." Fifteen articles were extracted based on the inclusion that Benson relaxation and other relaxation treatments significantly reduced blood pressure values in hypertension sufferers.Results: There were 15 articles focused on Benson therapy. Eleven studies were of pre-experimental study design. The remaining studies were case study groups (two) and one randomized control study. All of the articles combine deep breathing relaxation and religious relaxation. Conclusion: Benson relaxation has a significant effect on reducing blood pressure values in hypertension sufferers.

Remission to normal blood pressure in older adults with hypertension who did not receive antihypertensive medication: analysis of data from two longitudinal cohorts

How often hypertensive patients could achieve remission to normal blood pressure (BP) (i.e., <140/90mmHg) in the absence of antihypertensive drugs, which is important for the management of hypertension, remains largely unknown. This observational study aimed to investigate the change of BP in older adults with hypertension who did not take antihypertensive drugs and preliminarily examine whether the remission from hypertension to normal BP observed in this setting was associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). 2760 participants aged 33-99 years (median 60 years, interquartile 54-68 years) from the Health and Retirement Study (wave 2006 to wave 2018) and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (wave 1998 to wave 2016), who had no major CVD, were hypertensive, and were not on antihypertensive drugs at the time of baseline BP measurement, and had at least one follow-up BP measurement before which no antihypertensive drugs were taken, were included for analysis. The main outcome was the proportion of patients who achieved remission of hypertension at the last wave of measurement. During a median follow-up of six years, 52% of the participants showed a reduction of ≥6mmHg in systolic BP and 60% a reduction of ≥3mmHg in diastolic BP. 1171 participants (42%, 95% CI: 41-44%) achieved remission at the last measurement, and by that time 67%, 43%, and 29% of them had maintained the normotensive state for around 4, 8, and 12 years, respectively. Various supplementary analyses that aimed to examine the impact of chance and bias yielded similar results. Preliminary analyses showed that being non-smokers at baseline, achieving a normal body mass index during follow-up, and quitting alcohol drinking during follow-up, among others, were associated with the remission of hypertension. Compared with the participants who remained hypertensive, those who achieved remission had a lower CVD risk (adjusted hazard ratio 0.66, 95% CI: 0.47-0.92). In many of this study population, hypertension could be reversed without the intervention of drug treatment in the first few years after diagnosis. This finding may have implications for more individualized management of hypertension. Further studies to identify the factors or algorithms predictive of such hypertension remission are warranted. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (7106452; 7105959),Shenzhen Science and Technology Program (KQTD20190929172835662), Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDB 38040200), National Institute on Aging(R01AG017644; NIA U01AG009740).

Depression, Perfectionism, and Hypertension in the Elderly: A Path Analysis Examining Worry, Ambiguity Tolerance, and Problem-Solving

Introduction: Hypertension is a prevalent condition among the elderly, significantly contributing to the burden of cardiovascular disease and related complications. This study examined how depression and perfectionism influence hypertension in older adults. It also explored how worry, tolerance for ambiguity, and problem-solving skills might influence this relationship. Methods: Researchers recruited 192 participants with hypertension from a health center in Khoy city, Urmia, Iran. Participants completed questionnaires that assessed depression, perfectionism, worry, ambiguity tolerance, and problem-solving skills. Statistical methods were used to analyze the data and identify relationships between these factors and hypertension. Results: Depression, perfectionism, worry, and ambiguity tolerance were all significantly associated with hypertension. Interestingly, problem-solving skills were not linked to blood pressure. Further analysis revealed that worry played a reinforcing role in the link between depression/perfectionism and hypertension, while ambiguity tolerance had a protective effect. In other words, higher worry levels strengthened the association between depression/perfectionism and high blood pressure, while greater tolerance for ambiguity lessened this association. Conclusion: These findings suggest that emotional factors like worry and intolerance for ambiguity can significantly impact blood pressure in older adults. Therefore, managing these emotions alongside depression and perfectionistic tendencies may be crucial for controlling hypertension.

Clustering of 24H movement behaviors associated with clinic blood pressure in older adults: a cross-sectional study.

Physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep duration are known to have an individual effect on clinic blood pressure (BP) of older adults. However, whether different patterns of these so-called movement behaviors over the 24h-cycle on BP remains poorly investigated. The study aimed to identify movement behavior patterns associated with clinic BP among older adults with chronic diseases. Cross-sectional study with 238 older adults (80.3% female; mean age 68.8 ± 6.6) with at least one chronic disease. PA, SB, and sleep duration were measured by a triaxial accelerometer. Clinic systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were obtained through an automated method following standard procedures. Non-hierarchical K-means cluster and linear regression modeling were employed to identify the clusters of movement behaviors and to examine the associations. Two clusters were identified [active and non-sedentary, n = 103 (i.e., sufficient sleep duration, higher LPA and MVPA, and lower SB) and sedentary and inactive, n = 135 (i.e., sufficient sleep duration, lower LPA and MVPA, and higher SB). Active and non-sedentary older adults presented lower systolic BP compared to sedentary and inactive ones, even after adjustments for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics (β = 6.356; CI 95% from 0.932 to 11.779; P = 0.022). No associations were found for diastolic BP. In conclusion, higher PA and lower SB were associated with lower systolic BP in older adults with chronic diseases. However, sleep duration did not modify this association. Therefore, interventions focusing on concomitantly increasing PA levels and reducing SB should be the priority for controlling blood pressure.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Reduces Blood Pressure in Older Adults with Hypertension

Introduction: The physiological aging process in older adults may lead to various disturbances in the cardiovascular system, including hypertension. One approach to controlling blood pressure is through progressive muscle relaxation therapy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on blood pressure in older adults with hypertension at the Social Service Unit for Older Adults in Blitar and Nursing Home in Tulungagung in 2023. Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental method with a one-group pre-post test design. The population consisted of all older adults with hypertension at the research site in 2023, totaling 80 individuals. Purposive sampling was used to recruit the samples of 39 participants. Observation sheets and a sphygmomanometer were utilized for data collection. Result: The results showed that before receiving progressive muscle relaxation therapy, most participants had stage-1 hypertension, with 23 participants (59%), and stage-2 hypertension, with 16 participants (41%). After the therapy, the majority of participants were included in the stage-1 hypertension category, with 26 participants (67%), and prehypertension, with 5 participants (13%). The Wilcoxon test showed a significant value of ρ = 0.000 &lt; α = (0.05), indicating the effect of progressive muscle relaxation therapy on blood pressure. This means that regular therapy sessions may lead to better blood pressure control in hypertensive patients. Conclusion: Progressive muscle relaxation therapy can increase endorphin hormone production and reduce stress levels, thereby stabilizing blood pressure.

Health Impact of a Mobile-Delivered Diabetes Intervention to Control Blood Pressure in Older Adults

IntroductionPatient education is an effective modality to reinforce self-care practices for chronic disease management. The purpose of this study was two-fold: (1) to assess the health impact of a phone delivered diabetes intervention and (2) to identify predictors of telehealth message use among adults, aged 18-65 with diabetes in a primary care setting using the TAM theoretical framework. MethodsA pretest-posttest experimental study design was employed. Participants were randomized to received seven-weeks of telehealth self-care messages or to the routine care group. Outcome measures included a) telehealth use among patients who received weekly telehealth messages, b) self-care behavior management derived from the Behavior Score Instrument (BSI) and c) clinical outcomes measures. ResultsWe enrolled 150 patients, and of these, 138 (18-65 years) completed the study. Participants, aged 53 ± 9.6 (mean ± SD) years were mainly females (n = 93; 76%), and the majority received government sponsored health insurance (n=75; 54%). Age was a strong predictor of telehealth use, p<.001. Among patients who received telehealth messages, systolic and diastolic blood pressure measures (140/78 mmHg vs. 134/74 mmHg) were statistically significant at follow-up, p=.001 and p=.007, respectively. ConclusionsDigital support tools can play a valuable role in supporting lifestyle modification changes and reinforcing good diabetes self-care practices in older adults. Providing accessible tools and resources empowers adults to take an active role in their own health.

Sex-specific relationships of inflammatory biomarkers with blood pressure in older adults

Emerging evidence indicates an association between blood pressure and inflammation, yet this relationship remains unclear in older adults, despite the elevated prevalence of hypertension. We investigated the association between blood pressure, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and white blood cell (WBC) count in a cohort of 3571 older adults aged 65 and above, and 587 middle-aged participants (55–59 years old). In women aged 65 and above, the relationship between inflammatory markers and blood pressure was consistent, with hs-CRP and WBC emerging as predictors of high blood pressure. For hs-CRP, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 1.5 (95% CI, 1.07 to 2.10, P = 0.02), and for WBC, the adjusted OR was 1.41 (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.94, P = 0.04), comparing the highest to the lowest quartiles. In men, only the WBC count was significantly associated with an increased OR for high BP (adjusted OR 1.49, 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.02, P = 0.01) across quartiles. Across the entire study population, in a fully adjusted model, all inflammatory markers were modestly associated with blood pressure levels, while the effect of being over 65 years was the most significant predictor of high blood pressure (OR 1.84, 95% CI, 1.50 to 2.25, P < 0.001). The link between key inflammation markers and blood pressure in older adults varies by sex and biomarker type and may differ from the relationship observed in younger individuals. These relationships are likely to be affected by factors linked to age.

Effect of cocoa consumption on postprandial blood pressure in older adults with untreated hypertension: A randomized crossover clinical trial

AbstractCocoa powder is an important dietary source of flavanols that modulate elevated blood pressure (BP). This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of cocoa beverage co‐consumption with a high‐fat‐high‐salt meal (HFHSM) on postprandial systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate in older adults living with uncontrolled hypertension. The study was a randomized crossover trial and involved older adults (aged 52.50 ± 9.36 years) (n = 28) living with hypertension. Participants, following an overnight fast, consumed either an HFHSM and cocoa beverage comprising 15 g cocoa powder in 250 mL water (HFHSM + CB; intervention) or HFHSM and 250 mL water (HFHSM + W; control). Resting SBP, DBP, and the heart rate of participants were measured at baseline (−5 min and 0 min) and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min following the consumption of either HFHSM + CB or HFHSM + W using an automated BP monitor. Repeated measures linear mixed model was used to compare the effect of cocoa beverage and water on postprandial outcomes over a 2‐h period. A significant reduction (−3.8 ± 0.6 mmHg, p &lt; .05) in resting SBP was observed postprandially following the intake of the HFHSM + CB over the 120‐min period compared to the HFHSM + W. The effect was more prominent during the 90‐ and 120‐min time points of the trial duration. No significant change in the DBP and heart rate following the consumption of HFHSM + CB compared to the HFHSM + W was observed. Cocoa beverage co‐consumption with HFHSM improved postprandial SBP in older adults living with hypertension.

Sitting Time Reduction and Blood Pressure in Older Adults

Practical health promotion strategies for improving cardiometabolic health in older adults are needed. To examine the efficacy of a sedentary behavior reduction intervention for reducing sitting time and improving blood pressure in older adults. This parallel-group randomized clinical trial was conducted in adults aged 60 to 89 years with high sitting time and body mass index of 30 to 50 from January 1, 2019, to November 31, 2022, at a health care system in Washington State. Participants were randomized 1:1 to the sitting reduction intervention or a healthy living attention control condition for 6 months. Intervention participants received 10 health coaching contacts, sitting reduction goals, and a standing desk and fitness tracker to prompt sitting breaks. The attention control group received 10 health coaching contacts to set general healthy living goals, excluding physical activity or sedentary behavior. The primary outcome, measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, was sitting time assessed using accelerometers worn for 7 days at each time point. Coprimary outcomes were systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured at baseline and 6 months. A total of 283 participants (140 intervention and 143 control) were randomized (baseline mean [SD] age, 68.8 [6.2] years; 186 [65.7%] female; mean [SD] body mass index, 34.9 [4.7]). At baseline, 147 (51.9%) had a hypertension diagnosis and 97 (69.3%) took at least 1 antihypertensive medication. Sitting time was reduced, favoring the intervention arm, with a difference in the mean change of -31.44 min/d at 3 months (95% CI, -48.69 to -14.19 min/d; P < .001) and -31.85 min/d at 6 months (95% CI, -52.91 to -10.79 min/d; P = .003). Systolic blood pressure change was lower by 3.48 mm Hg, favoring the intervention arm at 6 months (95% CI, -6.68 to -0.28 mm Hg; P = .03). There were 6 serious adverse events in each arm and none were study related. In this study of a 6-month sitting reduction intervention, older adults in the intervention reduced sedentary time by more than 30 min/d and reduced systolic blood pressure. Sitting reduction could be a promising approach to improve health in older adults. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03739762.

The Hearing Function and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Older Adults.

To examine the association between hearing function, assessed with pure-tone average (PTA) of air conduction thresholds, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) in older adults. Cross-sectional study. A total of 1404 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥65 years from the Seniors-ENRICA cohort were examined. Hearing loss was defined as PTA > 40-AudCal hearing loss decibels (dB-aHL) in the better ear for standard frequency (0.5, 1, and 2 kHz), speech frequency (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz), and high frequency (3, 4, and 8 kHz). Circadian BP patterns were calculated as the percentage decline in systolic BP during the night, and participants were classified as dipper, nondipper, and riser. Ambulatory hypertension was defined as BP ≥ 130/80 mm Hg (24 hour), ≥135/85 (daytime), and ≥120/70 (nighttime) or on antihypertensive treatment. Analyses were performed with linear- and logistic-regression models adjusted for the main confounders. In multivariable analyses, the PTA was associated with higher nighttime systolic BP [β coefficient per 20 dB-aHL increment standard frequency (95% confidence interval, CI): 2.41 mm Hg (0.87, 3.95); β (95% CI) per 20 dB-aHL increment speech frequency 2.17 mm Hg (0.70, 3.64)]. Among hypertensive patients, hearing loss at standard and high-frequency PTA was associated with the riser BP pattern [odds ratio: 2.01 (95% CI, 1.03-3.93) and 1.45 (1.00-2.09), respectively]; also, hearing loss at standard PTA was linked to uncontrolled nighttime BP [1.81 (1.01-3.24)]. PTA was associated with higher nighttime BP, and hearing loss with a riser BP pattern and uncontrolled BP in older hypertensives.

The relationship between blood pressure and functional fitness of older adults in Korea.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure (BP), is a critical health issue that can cause cardiovascular disease. It is observed more frequently in older adults. Thus, this study aimed to identify the functional fitness and body composition factors that significantly influence both systolic and diastolic BPs in older adults. Data from 155,266 older adults (51,751 men [33.3%] and 103,505 women [66.7%]) who underwent functional fitness tests between 2013 and 2018 were analyzed. The following seven functional fitness tests were conducted: (a) aerobic endurance (2-min step), (b) upper body muscle strength (hand grip strength), (c) lower body muscle endurance (chair sit-and-stand), (d) flexibility (sit-and-reach), (e) agility (Timed Up and Go), and (f) body composition (body mass index [BMI] and body fat percentage). Systolic and diastolic BPs were used as outcome variables. In examining the proposed relationships, the regression analysis revealed that BMI, body fat percentage, sit-and-reach, 2-min step, hand grip, chair sit-and-stand, and Timed Up and Go were significantly associated with reduced systolic and diastolic body pressures.

The impact of dietary supplements on blood pressure in older adults: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PurposeThe prevalence of hypertension (HTN) increases with age and there is a need for effective, evidence-based treatments for HTN among older adults. The objective of this study was to perform a network meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of different forms of nutritional supplementation on reducing blood pressure in older adults. MethodsA systematic review using PubMed and Clinical Key was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of dietary supplements on blood pressure in adults older than 65 years of age. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was used to compare and rank the effects of different supplements on systolic (sBP), diastolic (dBP), and mean (mBP) blood pressure. Supplements were ranked according to P score. Meta-regressions were conducted to examine whether treatment effects were moderated by baseline BP and supplementation duration. FindingsWe identified 144 relevant studies in the literature, twelve of which met criteria for inclusion in NMA. The included studies were published between 2003 and 2022. In reducing sBP, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), inorganic nitrates, tart cherry juice, and vitamin D supplementation were more effective than placebo, and the effect of tart cherry juice outranked that of vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K2. In reducing dBP, inorganic nitrates, DHA and EPA, protein, resveratrol, and vitamin D supplementation were more effective than placebo, and the effect of resveratrol outranked that of tart cherry juice, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K2. However, the effects of tart cherry juice on sBP and resveratrol on dPB were smaller than the pooled effect of placebo, and none of the pairwise differences between the effects of examined supplements were statistically significant. Caution is needed when interpreting these results given concerns about the risk of bias assessed in seven of the twelve studies included in this analysis.

High Potassium Diet Rich in Spices and Herbs-Salt Substitution (HPSH-SS) for Blood Pressure Reduction in Older Adults: Protocol for Diet Concept and Randomized Controlled Trial.

Hypertension increases with age, often due to high sodium (Na) and low potassium (K) intake. Reducing salt and increasing K intake is challenging, especially for older adults due to taste preferences. Culinary herbs and spices, rich in K, offer a potential solution. The High Potassium Diet Rich in Spices and Herbs-Salt Substitution (HPSH-SS) diet has not yet been studied for its effectiveness in lowering blood pressure. This study aims to create an HPSH-SS diet, analyze its effects on blood pressure in older adults, and study the molecular mechanism occurring in the kidneys and blood vessels influenced by this diet. This study consists of 2 phases. The first phase involved formulating and assessing the HPSH-SS diet tailored for older adults. The intervention group (IG) received a diet of 1800 kcal/day, with 3500 mg K and 1500 mg Na, while the control group (CG) received 1500 mg K and 2000 mg Na. The diet was administered for 14 days and standardized using the NutriSurvey program and biochemistry analysis by atomic absorbance spectrophotometry (AAS). The second phase was a 14-day parallel randomized controlled trial (RCT) with the older adult participants divided into IG and CG. Primary outcomes included blood pressure; serum potassium; aldosterone; F2 isoprostane; nitric oxide plasma levels; and urine analysis of Na, K, and the Na/K ratio. Confounding variables were controlled through randomization and stratified analysis. The menu formulation and organoleptic assessment of the HPSH-SS diet began in mid-2022 and was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Public Health at Universitas Airlangga (78/EA/KEPK/2022) on May 11, 2022. The diet was standardized to achieve daily nutritional values of 1800 kcal energy, 3500 mg K, and 1500 mg Na. K and Na contents were analyzed using AAS from several participants' spice diet menus. Recruitment for the RCT started in March 2023, with approval from the Health Research Ethics Committee Universitas Airlangga School of Medicine, Surabaya (35/EC/KEPK/FKUA/2023). The study was registered from February 9, 2023, to February 9, 2024. Between March and June 2023, 64 participants were recruited, with 32 participants in the IG and CG. The intervention and data collection will take place over 1 year. Data management is in progress, and data analysis is yet to be performed. This RCT protocol hypothesizes that the diet will increase serum K, plasma aldosterone, and nitric oxide levels; decrease plasma F2 isoprostane; increase urinary Na and K levels; lower the urinary Na/K ratio; and reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure. If effective, it will offer valuable insights into dietary strategies for blood pressure regulation in older adults. DERR1-10.2196/56869.

Night-time hot spring bathing is associated with improved blood pressure control: A mobile application and paper questionnaire study.

Hot spring bathing practice helps to manage hypertension. However, the details of the relationship between hot spring bathing and hypertension remain unknown. Older people are thought to be less adept than younger people at using digital devices such as mobile applications. Whether mobile application questionnaires, which have been increasing in recent years, can be used by older people is unclear. To address the knowledge gap regarding the management of older patients with hypertension, we prospectively evaluated mobile application and paper questionnaires regarding night-time hot spring bathing in respondents who had a choice of which to use. Changes in blood pressure because of hot spring bathing were evaluated. To investigate the effects of night-time hot spring bathing on blood pressure in adults, 1116 volunteers at 14 institutions in Beppu completed the study, including 562 in the mobile application questionnaire group and 556 in the paper questionnaire group. A total of 474 of 477 (99.3%) respondents aged ≥65 years used paper questionnaires. There was a significantly lower drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure after using hot springs in respondents aged ≥65 years than in respondents aged <65 years (p<0.001). An age ≥65 years, hypertension with medication, arrhythmia, depression, and using a chloride hot spring were independently and significantly associated with a lower drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure after night-time hot spring bathing (p<0.001). Night-time hot spring bathing was significantly associated with reduced blood pressure in older adults (p<0.001). Extending this research by examining how psychosocial factors in respondents aged ≥65 years influence preferences for mobile and paper questionnaires may be beneficial, and further investigation is warranted.