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Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
American Heart Association releases new guidelines for blood pressure management
If you've ever been puzzled by blood pressure numbers or wondered what's really changed in the guidelines, you're in the right place. On August 14, 2025, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), along with a slew of trusted partners, dropped their 2025 guideline for preventing, detecting, evaluating, and managing high blood pressure in adults. In the US, nearly half of adults (46.7%) have high blood pressure, and it's still the single most modifiable risk for death worldwide. This new guideline doesn't just outline targets, it puts you at the center, blending lifestyle, science, and real-world tools. Whether you're looking after your own health or supporting a loved one, it's about feeling empowered, not overwhelmed. Prevention first, but be ready to act fast Still the star of the show: lifestyle. Think heart-healthy diet, less salt, exercise, stress management, you know the drill. But the new guidance encourages early treatment, when needed, to help ward off not just heart attacks and strokes, but also kidney issues, type-2 diabetes, and even memory decline and dementia. Yes, your brain, too, is in the game. A smarter risk calculator: PREVENT Meet PREVENT, the brand new risk calculator debuting in 2023, now officially part of the guideline lineup. It estimates your 10- and 30-year risk of heart trouble by weighing age, blood pressure, cholesterol, and even zip code, as a nod to social determinants of health Sharper lab tests Kidneys and hormones get a closer look: the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio test is now routine for all hypertensive patients, not optional anymore. . On top of that, the aldosterone-to-renin ratio test, used to detect a specific hormone-driven type of high blood pressure (primary aldosteronism), now applies to more people, especially if you also have sleep apnea or stage 2 hypertension. Brain health gets a spotlight Turns out, your blood pressure isn't just a heart and kidney issue, it's a brain issue, too. Even slight increases can chip away at memory and cognition. That's why the guideline now targets a systolic (upper number) goal of under 130 mm Hg, especially to protect your brain. Medication gets personalized For many adults, especially those juggling type-2 diabetes, obesity, or kidney disease, one pill might not do it. The updates encourage starting with drug classes like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium-channel blockers, or thiazide diuretics. If stage 2 hypertension (140/90 mm Hg or up), a combo pill, two drugs in one, is often the way to go. And for some individuals struggling with obesity, adding newer options like GLP-1 medications (yes, the ones often in the headlines) may make sense. Pregnancy gets a careful tune-up Hypertension during pregnancy is no joke, with risks like preeclampsia or even preterm delivery. The guideline steps up: recommending low-dose aspirin (81 mg/day) for some, tighter blood pressure control during pregnancy (140/90 mm Hg threshold), and continued monitoring postpartum, because high blood pressure can hang around after childbirth. The lifestyle hot sheet: Real, doable, effective Here's your personal game plan: Salt: Keep it under 2,300 mg/day, ideally closer to 1,500 mg. Hint: packaged and restaurant foods are the main culprits, not the salt shaker. Alcohol: Skip it if you can. If not, aim for no more than two drinks/day for men, one for women. Stress: Not evict it, just manage it. Exercise, meditation, breathing checks, yoga, pick your calm. Weight: A modest 5% reduction can go a long way. Diet: Go for DASH, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Think fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and healthy oils. Exercise: At least 75–150 minutes per week of cardio and/or strength training. You got this. Home Monitoring: Don't just trust clinic readings—track your numbers at home too. It helps you, and it helps your doctor personalize treatment. 'High blood pressure is the most common and most modifiable risk factor for heart disease,' said Chair of the guideline writing committee Daniel W. Jones, M.D., FAHA, dean and professor emeritus of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson, Mississippi, and was a member of the writing committee for the 2017 high blood pressure guideline. 'By addressing individual risks earlier and offering more tailored strategies across the lifespan, the 2025 guideline aims to aid clinicians in helping more people manage their blood pressure and reduce the toll of heart disease, kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes and dementia,' he told Eurekalert. The guideline, led by the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines, has been developed in collaboration with other health care organizations: the American Academy of Physician Associates; the American Association of Nurse Practitioners; the American College of Clinical Pharmacy; the American College of Preventive Medicine; the American Geriatrics Society; the American Medical Association; the American Society of Preventive Cardiology; the Association of Black Cardiologists; the National Medical Association; the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association; and the Society of General Internal Medicine. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes, messages , and quotes !
GMA Network
17-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Empowering agri value chains: LANDBANK rolls out AGRISENSO plus in Western Visayas
LANDBANK empowered over 1,500 farmers from across Iloilo with the launch of the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program in Western Visayas on 11 July 2025 at the Pototan Coliseum in Pototan. POTOTAN, Iloilo – In its continued push to strengthen agri-based communities and ensure food security, LANDBANK launched the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program in Western Visayas, bringing accessible financing and other support to small farmers, fishers, and agri-enterprises in the region. The launch event on 11 July 2025 at the Pototan Coliseum in this municipality, dubbed as the 'rice granary of Panay,' marked the sixth rollout of the Program nationwide and the first in Western Visayas. Over 1,500 farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) attended the event, underscoring the growing demand for affordable financing and holistic support across the agriculture value chain. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the event, as joined by Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Asis G. Perez, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) President Atty. Jovy C. Bernabe, Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) OIC-Executive Director Ma. Cristina G. Lopez, Pototan Mayor Rafael Enrique P. Lazaro, and LANDBANK Executive Vice Presidents Leila C. Martin and Allan V. Bornas, and Senior Vice President Atty. Roderick P. Sacro. 'With AGRISENSO Plus, LANDBANK is bringing more than just credit, we are building linkages, capacity, and opportunities to transform agri-livelihoods into viable enterprises that can compete and grow. This is especially crucial in Western Visayas which is as a key pillar of our national food supply,' said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. Inclusive financing and more The AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program is LANDBANK's comprehensive value chain-based financing initiative, developed in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), and various private sector partners. The Program offers a fixed interest rate of 4.0% per annum for small farmers, fishers, and ARBs, with competitive rates for their associations and organizations, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), large enterprises, anchor firms, and agriculture graduates. Under the AGRISENSO Plus Program, eligible borrowers benefit from simplified documentation requirements, free life and credit life insurance, and expanded access to financing and technical support across a wide range of agricultural activities. The Program also connects borrowers to market opportunities through partnerships with anchor firms, namely Kita Agritech Corporation, Sarisuki Stores, Inc., TAO Foods Company, Inc., Yovel East Research and Development, Inc., and Unified Tillers Agriculture Cooperative (UTAC). AGRISENSO Plus is reinforced by the LANDBANK ASCEND (Agri-Fishery Support through Capability Enhancement for Nationwide Development) Program, a capacity-building component that provides farmers and fishers with training on digital financial literacy, sustainable agriculture, and enterprise development. AGRISENSO Plus Card As part of the holistic approach of the AGRISENSO Plus Program, LANDBANK also introduced the AGRISENSO Plus Card, a specially designed savings account for farmers, fishers, and ARBs. The account can be opened easily through the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App, with no initial deposit or maintaining balance required. Cardholders can conveniently pay bills, shop online, make cardless withdrawals, enjoy free fund transfers to other LANDBANK accounts, and receive remittances from abroad. Expanding reach and deepening impact As of May 2025, LANDBANK has extended a total of ?1.16 billion in loans through AGRISENSO Plus, directly benefiting 6,853 borrowers and advancing growth across the agriculture sector. The rollout of the LANDBANK AGRISENSO Plus in Iloilo follows successful launches in Pampanga, Cagayan, Isabela, Batanes, and Bukidnon that engaged more than 5,000 farmers across Luzon and Mindanao. LANDBANK remains steadfast in its mandate to advance countryside development by scaling up inclusive and sustainable financing for the agri value chain — empowering small producers, driving productivity, and helping lay the groundwork for a more food-secure Philippines. The article above is a paid press release from LANDBANK.
GMA Network
24-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Empowering farmers and fishers nationwide: LANDBANK accelerates agri financing rollout in Mindanao
LANDBANK empowered over 1,200 farmers from across Bukidnon with the launch of the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program in Mindanao on 20 June 2025 at the Kaamulan Grounds in Malaybalay City. MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – As part of its nationwide thrust to strengthen food security and drive rural development, LANDBANK launched its flagship AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program in this City, the initiative's first major rollout in Mindanao. The event gathered over 1,200 small farmers, fishers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from across the province, reinforcing the Bank's commitment to expanding financial access and support for agri-based communities. Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Ralph G. Recto commended the initiative, which is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s goal to boost the agriculture sector, accelerate rural development, and strengthen the country's food security. 'Ang programang ito ng LANDBANK at ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, Jr. ay isang konkreto at inklusibong sagot sa matagal niyo nang panawagan na tulong pinansyal. Ito ay programang may malasakit—at may malinaw na pangarap na gawing abot-kamay ang pag-asenso ng bawat magsasaka at mangingisda,' Secretary Recto said in a message during the launch event on 20 June 2025 at the Kaamulan Theater, Kaamulan Grounds, Malaybalay City. The AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program launch in Bukidnon is the fifth in a series of nationwide rollouts, following successful launches in Pampanga, Cagayan, Isabela, and Batanes, which collectively engaged more than 3,800 farmers from Northern and Central Luzon. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the program launch, together with Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque and Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro. Also present were Philippine Guarantee Corporation President and CEO Albert E. Pascual, Malaybalay Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran, LANDBANK Executive Vice Presidents Ma. Celeste A. Burgos and Leila C. Martin, and farmer leader Bambi A. Lagata from Jasaan, Cabansalan. 'Bukidnon plays a vital role in ensuring food security for Mindanao and the rest of the country. With its rich soil and favorable climate, the Province continues to lead in the production of rice, corn, sugarcane, pineapple, coffee, and many other high-value crops. Our efforts through AGRISENSO Plus are also in step with the Provincial Government's agenda of building a stronger economy and increasing agricultural productivity,' said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. Strengthening agri financing and building capacity The AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program is LANDBANK's comprehensive value chain-based financing initiative, developed in partnership with the DA, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), and various private sector stakeholders. The Program offers a fixed interest rate of 4.0% per annum for small farmers, fishers, and ARBs, with competitive rates for their associations and organizations, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), large enterprises, anchor firms, and agriculture graduates. Under the AGRISENSO Plus Program, eligible borrowers benefit from simplified documentation requirements, free life and credit life insurance, and expanded access to financing and technical support across a wide range of agricultural activities. The Program also connects borrowers to market opportunities through partnerships with anchor firms, namely Kita Agritech Corporation, Sarisuki Stores, Inc., TAO Foods Company, Inc., Yovel East Research and Development, Inc., and Unified Tillers Agriculture Cooperative (UTAC). AGRISENSO Plus is reinforced by the LANDBANK ASCEND (Agri-Fishery Support through Capability Enhancement for Nationwide Development) Program, a capacity-building component that provides farmers and fishers with training on digital financial literacy, sustainable agriculture, and enterprise development. As of May 2025, LANDBANK has extended a total of P1.16 billion in loans through AGRISENSO Plus, directly benefiting 6,853 borrowers and advancing growth across the agriculture sector. LANDBANK remains steadfast in its mandate to advance countryside development by scaling up inclusive and sustainable financing for the agri value chain — empowering small producers, driving productivity, and helping lay the groundwork for a more food-secure Philippines. The article above is a sponsored press release from LANDBANK.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Evolution of kidney care: Past lessons, present innovation towards a hopeful future
Evolution of kidney care Past lessons, present innovation towards a hopeful future Kidney disease has long stood as a silent threat—one that quietly erodes health until its effects are irreversible. Among its many forms, chronic kidney failure remains particularly severe. It's important to reflect on how far we've come, the challenges that remain, and the promise the future holds. The past: From hopelessness to hope A century ago, the diagnosis of chronic kidney failure was tantamount to a death sentence. There were no effective treatments, no dialysis, and little understanding of disease progression. Early attempts at dialysis in the 1920s were primitive—massive and complex machines with limited impact and frequent complications. Most patients slipped away quietly, undiagnosed and untreated. The 1950s brought a glimmer of hope. The first kidney transplants—fraught with the dangers of immune rejection—eventually gave way to success, beginning with a landmark 1954 transplant between identical twins. Over time, medical science developed ways to tame the immune system with anti-rejection medications, transforming kidney transplantation from an experimental procedure into a viable, lifesaving therapy. India reached its own milestone in 1971, with the first successful transplant performed at Christian Medical College, Vellore, ushering in a new era of domestic nephrology care. The present: Precision, progress, and accessibility Today, the field of nephrology is a testament to scientific progress. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) no longer hides in the shadows; awareness is growing, diagnostics are improving, and treatments are more accessible than ever. In India alone, an estimated 10–12% of the population lives with some form of kidney disease. The root cause of this- Diabetes—a condition affecting over 77 million Indians, with nearly half already showing signs of kidney damage. Advancements in diagnostic tools—from routine ultrasounds to precise kidney biopsies—allow for earlier detection and intervention. Pharmaceutical breakthroughs, including SGLT2 inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and newer agents like finerenone, are helping clinicians slow the progression of disease and safeguard kidney function. When kidney failure becomes advanced, life does not have to stop. Innovations in dialysis—whether hospital-based or increasingly at home—offer patients a chance at stability and quality of life. Transplantation, once considered a last resort, now stands as a symbol of medical triumph. With decades of research yielding better immunosuppressive drugs and surgical precision, transplant survival rates have improved significantly. From laparoscopic procedures to more refined HLA-matching protocols, the outcomes today are better than ever. Even procedures once thought impossible—transplants across incompatible blood types, combined liver-kidney operations, and pancreas-kidney transplants for diabetic patients—are becoming increasingly common. The future: Toward artificial organs and regenerative breakthroughs Looking forward, the horizon of kidney care is expanding with promise. Scientists are pushing boundaries with novel therapeutics aimed at halting kidney decline earlier and more effectively than ever before. Recently, Zydus Lifesciences also conducted a campaign #LifeKaFilter that revolves around the importance of kidney health. The campaign highlighted various issues including how dialysis and transplants are lifesavers, but prevention is always better. Also, highlighted the government schemes that can ease the burden of kidney treatment costs. Researchers are exploring portable and wearable dialysis devices, which may soon enable patients to achieve even greater independence, offering freedom from the rigid schedules and physical toll of traditional dialysis. Perhaps the most revolutionary prospect lies in xenotransplantation—transplanting genetically engineered animal kidneys, typically from pigs, into humans. Though still in the realm of clinical trials, these experiments hint at a future where organ shortages may no longer be the bottleneck they are today. We are entering a golden era in nephrology, where technology, science, and access are converging to make what was once a life-threatening disease highly manageable, even curable. Author: Dr. Siddharth Mavani, Director, Nephrology and Kidney Transplant, Marengo CIMS Hospital, Ahmedabad The above is non-editorial content and TIL does not guarantee, vouch or endorse any of it. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
How can people with diabetes effectively prevent kidney disease?
Kidney disease affects more than one third of people with diabetes and is the most common cause of renal failure on a global scale. People with diabetes can get kidney disease as result of poor control of glucose levels or other secondary causes like infections, autoimmune diseases, harmful medications etc. Preventing diabetic kidney disease needs a proactive approach with optimal management of lifestyle, medications to control the risk factors, and regular screening. Lifestyle changes are key in control of the metabolic risk factors for the kidney disease. Portion control of carbohydrates with increasing the vegetables, and lean proteins is important for good glycemic control. Eliminate simple carbs and processed sugars. Salt restriction is necessary for control of hypertension. A physical activity schedule involving aerobic and resistance training with at least 150 minutes of moderate activity is necessary. Weight loss of even 5% can improve the insulin sensitivity and reduce the blood pressure. Adequate hydration is important for renal health. People with diabetes are at a higher risk for urinary infections. It is important to screen and treat the urinary infections promptly as ascending infections often cause renal dysfunction. Especially people with additional risk factors like urinary stones, phimosis, and urethral strictures etc. need to be extra cautious. Medications such as NSAIDs, antifungals, and antibiotics which can potentially lead to renal injury should be used cautiously under medical supervision. When choosing the medications in patients with diabetes, the risk for kidney disease needs to be considered. We have medications like SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP1 receptor agonists which can reduce the progression of kidney damage independent of the glucose control they provide. For patients with early signs of renal damage like proteinuria, these medications can delay and potentially prevent the onset of kidney disease. In addition, we need to control the cholesterol levels to optimal targets for reduction of cardiovascular events in addition to renal protection. Medications used for control of blood pressure like ACE inhibitors and ARBs also reduce the proteinuria and help in prevention of progression of the kidney disease. We have a new class of medications called non-steroidal MR blockers e.g. Finerenone which also reduce the proteinuria and prevent kidney disease progression. With the help of lifestyle measures and appropriate medications, we should target optimal glucose levels with Hba1c <7% for most adults and to keep the blood pressure < 130/80 mm Hg. Regular screening for kidney disease helps in early detection. Annual screening for proteinuria (using urine albumin to creatinine ratio) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (calculated based on serum creatinine level) is imperative for people with type 2 diabetes. Timing of the intervention plays an important role in prevention of kidney damage. Educating the patients about complication screening during clinic visits for diabetes helps a lot. At a community level educating the public with collaboration of dieticians, primary care physicians, endocrinologists, and nephrologists is imperative in spreading the awareness. Promoting widespread access to screening tests boosts efforts in early diagnosis and prevention. We need to think of primordial prevention. Identifying the people with metabolic risk factors, and preventing diabetes, and hypertension through lifestyle measures will have a greater impact than interventions at a later stage. To summarize, prevention diabetic kidney disease revolves around improvement of lifestyle, optimization of the metabolic risk factors through medications, and regular screening to diagnosed the kidney disease in a very early stage. With early diagnosis and optimal management, we can preserve the renal health and improve the quality of life for people with diabetes. Dr. Varun Suryadevara, Endocrinologist, MBBS MD Internal Medicine DM Endocrinology, Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
