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Self-reported hypertension prevalence, risk factors, and knowledge among South Africans aged 24 to 40 years old
Although hypertension is a significant public health burden in South Africa (SA), less is known about its prevalence, risk factors, and possible preventative strategies among young adults. We assessed the prevalence, possible risk factors, and knowledge associated with self-reported hypertension among young adults from SA. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 1000 young South African adults (24–40 years; 51.0% women). We administered a socio-demographic questionnaire and collected information on measures of socio-economic status (SES) (e.g. asset wealth index), self-reported medical history, and lifestyle risk factors. Furthermore, a modified version of the hypertension evaluation of lifestyle and management questionnaire was used to assess participants’ hypertension knowledge. The overall prevalence of self-reported hypertension was 24.0%, with significant differences between women and men (27.5% and 20.4% respectively, p = 0.033). Only 16.8% of the respondents had good hypertension knowledge. There was a positive association between good knowledge of hypertension and being hypertensive (OR = 1.43 CI:1.23–3.12), monthly blood pressure check-ups (OR = 2.03 CI:1.78–3.23), knowing the side effects of uncontrolled blood pressure (OR = 1.28 CI:1.07–1.89) and having a biological mother with hypertension (OR = 1.79 CI:1.53–2.21). Being employed full-time (OR = 0.74 CI:0.69–0.80), having a higher SES (wealth index 4 (OR = 0.70 CI:0.59–0.97) and 5 (OR = 0.65 CI:0.48–0.81)), exercising 6 to 7 days per week (OR = 0.83 CI:0.71–0.94), and not consuming alcohol at all (OR = 0.73 CI:0.67–0.89), were all found to be protective against hypertension. The high hypertension prevalence, lack of hypertension knowledge, and reported risk factors among this group highlight the need for early robust preventative strategies to mitigate hypertension risk among this population.
Moderate-to-vigorous and light-intensity aerobic exercise yield similar effects on food reward, appetitive responses, and energy intake in physically inactive adults
To examine the effect of acute aerobic exercise at moderate-to-vigorous and light intensity on food reward, appetite sensation, and energy intake (EI) in physically inactive adults.
Epigenomics and transcriptomics association study of blood pressure and incident diagnosis of hypertension in twins
Hypertension is the most frequent health-related condition worldwide and is a primary risk factor for renal and cardiovascular diseases. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. To uncover these mechanisms, multi-omics studies have significant potential, but such studies are challenged by genetic and environmental confounding – an issue that can be effectively reduced by studying intra-pair differences in twins. Here, we coupled data on hypertension diagnoses from the nationwide Danish Patient Registry to a study population of 740 twins for whom genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression data were available together with measurements of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. We investigated five phenotypes: incident hypertension cases, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, hypertension (140/90 mmHg), and hypertension (130/80 mmHg). Statistical analyses were performed using Cox (incident cases) or linear (remaining) regression analyses at both the individual-level and twin pair-level. Significant genes (p < 0.05) at both levels and in both types of biological data were investigated by bioinformatic analyses, including gene set enrichment analysis and interaction network analysis. Overall, most of the identified pathways related to the immune system, particularly inflammation, and biology of vascular smooth muscle cell. Of specific genes, lysine methyltransferase 2 A (KMT2A) was found to be central for incident hypertension, ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) for systolic blood pressure, and beta-actin (ACTB) for diastolic blood pressure. Noteworthy, lysine methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A) was also identified in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure analyses. Here, we present novel biomarkers for hypertension. This study design is surprisingly rare in the field of hypertension.
Human neural dynamics of real-world and imagined navigation
The ability to form episodic memories and later imagine them is integral to the human experience, influencing our recollection of the past and envisioning of the future. While rodent studies suggest the medial temporal lobe, especially the hippocampus, is involved in these functions, its role in human imagination remains uncertain. In human participants, imaginations can be explicitly instructed and reported. Here we investigate hippocampal theta oscillations during real-world and imagined navigation using motion capture and intracranial electroencephalographic recordings from individuals with chronically implanted medial temporal lobe electrodes. Our results revealed intermittent theta dynamics, particularly within the hippocampus, encoding spatial information and partitioning navigational routes into linear segments during real-world navigation. During imagined navigation, theta dynamics exhibited similar patterns despite the absence of external cues. A statistical model successfully reconstructed real-world and imagined positions, providing insights into the neural mechanisms underlying human navigation and imagination, with implications for understanding memory in real-world settings.
Investigation and management of resistant hypertension: British and Irish Hypertension Society position statement
People living with resistant hypertension (RH) are at high risk of adverse cardiovascular events. The British and Irish Hypertension Society has identified suspected RH as a condition for which specialist guidance may improve rates of blood pressure control and help clinicians identify those individuals who may benefit from specialist review. In this position statement we provide a practical approach for the investigation and management of adults with RH. We highlight gaps in the current evidence and identify important future research questions. Our aim is to support the delivery of high-quality and consistent care to people living with RH across the UK and Ireland.
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