Jordan Cardiac Society Joins Global Efforts in Hypertension Care:
Jordan Cardiac Society Joins Global Efforts in Hypertension Care:
In May 2025, the Jordan Cardiac Society (JCS) became a National Member of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH), marking a significant step in its global collaboration on hypertension care. In alignment with this commitment, the following is a summary of five recent highlights from the July 2025 issue of Hypertension News, the official publication of the International Society of Hypertension (ISH):
1. High Blood Pressure: The Biggest Risk We Can Control
High blood pressure (BP) remains the leading modifiable risk factor for heart disease. Two major global studies (NEJM 2023, 2025) showed that:
• Over 50% of heart disease can be prevented by controlling 5 factors: high BP, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, and unhealthy weight.
• At age 50, people without these risks live 10–14 years longer, with delayed onset of heart disease.
• Target BP: <130/80 mmHg.
• Key lifestyle changes include exercise (≥150 min/week), healthy weight, and avoiding smoking/alcohol.
🔗 https://ish-world.com/ish-hypertension-news
2. New Tool to Predict Heart Risk from Home BP (J-HOP Study)
A new scoring method—the Home Blood Pressure Stability Score (HBPS)—uses 14 days of home BP readings to predict heart risk more accurately than clinic BP.
• The score (0–10) evaluates average BP, day-to-day changes, peaks, and time in target range.
• In the J-HOP study (4,070 patients), those with unstable BP had 4x higher risk of heart events.
• Only 27% achieved BP <125 mmHg, and BP variability strongly predicted stroke, MI, and heart failure.
• This tool may improve remote and older adult care and could be enhanced using AI and smartphone apps.
🔗 https://ish-world.com/news/a/July-2025-Hypertension-News
3. Why 24-Hour BP Monitoring Gives a Clearer Picture
Automated office BP reduces white coat effect but still misses major issues such as:
• Masked hypertension (normal at clinic, high at home)
• Non-dipping BP at night
• BP variability
A Canadian study showed that nearly 50% of patients were misclassified using office readings alone.
24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring provides the most accurate data and helps avoid under- or overtreatment.
🔗 http://www.ish-world.com
4. Can Your Skin Affect Your Blood Pressure?
New research highlights the skin as an active player in BP regulation:
• It produces hormones (e.g., angiotensin II) that tighten blood vessels.
• It can store and reabsorb salt, acting like a second kidney.
• It helps regulate fluid loss and water retention via sweat and skin nerves.
• Salt-sensitive hypertension may be linked to sweat sodium levels.
This adds to why salt restriction and hydration are key in BP control, especially in hot climates.
🔗 http://ish-world.com/Hypertension-News-July-2025/Skin-and-Blood-Pressure
5. New Insights on Hidden Hypertension: What We’re Missing
To fully understand hypertension, clinicians must go beyond standard seated office BP:
• Supine BP (lying down) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events. In the ARIC study, it increased risk of:
• Heart failure by 83%
• Stroke by 86%
• Coronary disease and death—even when seated BP was normal
• Skin and inflammation are new frontiers:
• The skin regulates BP via salt storage and hormones
• Chronic inflammation from arthritis or periodontitis damages vessels, boosts sodium retention, and drives high BP
• Future therapies may include anti-inflammatory drugs or nerve stimulation
🔗 http://ish-world.com/Hypertension-News-July-2025/Inflammation-in-Hypertension
6. Can We Measure Blood Pressure in Public Spaces? Yes, We Can
A Johns Hopkins study tested BP readings in three environments: a quiet office, a noisy public space, and the same space with earplugs.
• Results showed no significant difference in systolic BP and only a small rise in diastolic BP (1.5 mmHg) in public areas.
• Correct technique (e.g., proper cuff size and arm position) matters more than noise.
• Public BP screening is accurate and important for reaching underserved populations.
🔗 https://ish-world.com/news/a/Hypertension-News-July-2025
7. Salt Sensitivity: A Hidden Risk for High Blood Pressure
Salt sensitivity means blood pressure rises after salt intake — affecting:
• 50% of people with high BP
• 25% of people with normal BP
Key findings:
• Men and women show different BP responses and cell damage patterns.
• Red blood cells (via the glycocalyx layer) help absorb salt; damage increases BP risk.
• A single salty meal can spike BP by ≥10 mmHg in many healthy people.
• New tests (IPROS and eGCSS) may help identify salt-sensitive individuals for targeted prevention.
