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Time of India
19-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Drinking more water may lower risk of high blood pressure, heart failure, study finds
Tel Aviv: People with higher sodium levels -- still within the normal range -- are more likely to develop high blood pressure and heart failure , but staying well-hydrated can help prevent these problems, Israeli scientists said on Sunday. A team of researchers from Bar-Ilan University examined 20 years of electronic health records from more than 407,000 healthy adults enrolled in Leumit Healthcare Services , one of Israel's largest health providers. Their findings, published in the peer-reviewed European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, suggest that individuals with sodium levels at the higher end of the normal range face significantly elevated risks for high blood pressure and heart failure. Till now, the 135-146 mmol/L sodium range was broadly accepted as "normal," with little clinical concern unless levels were outside this band. But the Bar-Ilan study found that otherwise healthy individuals with sodium levels between 140-146 mmol/L still face measurably higher risks of developing chronic cardiovascular conditions . For those with levels above 143 mmol/L, the risk jumped to 29 per cent for hypertension and 20 per cent for heart failure. "Our findings point to hydration as a critical and overlooked part of chronic disease prevention ," said Prof. Jonathan Rabinowitz of the Weisfeld School of Social Work at Bar-Ilan University, who led the study. "A simple blood test might flag people who could benefit from basic lifestyle adjustments--like drinking more water, which reduces sodium levels." The researchers tied in hydration by using blood sodium levels as an indirect marker of a person's hydration status. Sodium concentration in the blood rises when the body is underhydrated because there's not enough water to dilute the sodium. Nearly 60 per cent of participants had sodium levels falling within the risk-associated range, underscoring how widespread the issue may be even among healthy populations. The associations held firm even after accounting for variables such as age, sex, body mass index, smoking, potassium levels, and blood pressure. To ensure the data accurately reflected hydration-related risks, individuals with conditions affecting water balance were excluded from the analysis. "Hydration is often overlooked in chronic disease prevention," Rabinowitz added. "This study adds compelling evidence that staying well-hydrated may help reduce the long-term risk of serious conditions like hypertension and heart failure." The US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends a daily fluid intake of approximately 3.7 liters for adult men and 2.7 liters for adult women. However, individual hydration needs can vary based on factors such as age, activity level, climate, and health status.
Hindustan Times
18-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Doctor shares top 5 foods that lower blood pressure and support heart health: Dark chocolate to bananas
Dr Saurabh Sethi, MD, a gastroenterologist and interventional endoscopist based in Silicon Valley, often shares health tips on social media to educate his followers about the human body and preventive steps they can take to minimise the risk of certain diseases. In an Instagram post, he talked about the top 5 foods that can lower blood pressure and support heart health. Also Read | Doctor shares essential checklist to tackle rising summer temperatures if you work outdoors Dr Sethi shared the top 5 foods that can help lower blood pressure, supported by scientific evidence, and also mentioned the nutritional value each item has that makes this possible. A post shared by Saurabh Sethi (@ Let's find out the top 5 foods Dr Sethi suggested: According to Dr Sethi, bananas are high in potassium, which aids in reducing blood pressure by helping the kidneys eliminate excess sodium. Dark chocolate is packed with magnesium and flavanols. According to the doctor, this lowers blood pressure by boosting the production of nitrous oxide. Meanwhile, a recent study suggested that drinking tea with dark chocolate can also help bring down high blood pressure. The finding was surprising, as the results were almost similar to prescription medications. The March 2025 study was published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. To know how to drink your tea with dark chocolate, click here. 'Beetroot can improve blood pressure due to its organic nitrates, which the body converts into nitrous oxide,' Dr Sethi said. Pomegranates are also great for lowering blood pressure. It has been shown in studies to reduce blood pressure by lowering the levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme, Dr Sethi stated. Lastly, ginger can act as a natural calcium channel blocker, which makes it a useful tool for managing blood pressure. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
17-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Study reveals tea with dark chocolate naturally lowers high blood pressure like medicine
On World Hypertension Day, which is observed annually on May 17, let's take a look at some of the foods that help reduce the risk. Consistent high blood pressure leads to hypertension, and when it is left unmanaged, it can lead to life-threatening conditions such as stroke or heart attack. That's why the scientific community is constantly researching to better understand the risk factors, as well as the everyday habits and foods that can lower those risks without relying solely on medication. A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology revealed that everyday foods like dark chocolate, tea, apples and grapes may help bring down high blood pressure. The finding was surprising, as the results were almost similar to prescription medications ALSO READ: World Hypertension Day 2025: Doctor shares 7 lifestyle tips to manage high blood pressure The researchers examined over 5,000 people through 145 clinical trials. These foods contain flavan-3-ol. When participants consumed flavan-3-ol-rich foods, like dark chocolate, black or green tea, apples, and grapes, it led to a reduction in blood pressure. As per the study, in people with high blood pressure, an average drop was around 6 points in systolic pressure (the top number) and 3 points in diastolic pressure (the bottom number). Moreover, the foods also help improve how arteries expand and contract. This is an essential parameter of blood vessel function. This showed that flavan-3-ol-rich foods' benefits extend beyond just lowering high blood pressure. They also provide broader heart protection. The study showed that the benefits of eating flavan-3-ol-rich foods were strongest in people with existing health issues like high blood pressure or other heart diseases. As per the researchers, the amounts which elicited positive results were: ALSO READ: World Hypertension Day 2025: Can PCOS increase hypertension risk? Gynaecologist explains causes and how to manage Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Lacking key vitamin in childhood could raise risk of deadly heart disease in later life, scientists warn
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHILDREN lacking a key vitamin may be at higher risk of heart disease later in life, scientists say. It's been estimated that almost 20 per cent of children in the UK and one in six adults don't have enough vitamin D in their body. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Being low in vitamin D as a child could increase the risk of heart disease later in life Credit: Alamy The nutrient - which can be derived through sun exposure and diet - is one of many vitamins the body needs to stay healthy, as it helps maintain bones, teeth and muscles. Severe vitamin D deficiency in children could lead to bone deformities called rickets. As for adults, they can be struck with bone pain and muscle weakness, as well as fatigue and mood changes. Now a new study published to the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that low vitamin D levels in children could be linked to the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in adulthood. Atherosclerosis is when the arteries get clogged up and narrowed due to a buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries. It's a potentially serious condition as it's the cause of most heart attacks and strokes, according to the British Heart Foundation. Researchers suggested their findings may pave the way for identifying early risk factors for heart disease. Previous studies on adults have shown that low vitamin D levels could be linked to an increased risk of heart disease. The new study was conducted by scientists at Turku University Hospital and the University of Turku in Finland, who'd previously found that low vitamin D levels in childhood was linked to signs of atherosclerosis adulthood. Due to this, vitamin D deficiencies could increase the risk of heart disease, the researchers said. Emma Willis, 48, reveals she underwent secret surgery on her HEART after shock diagnosis But they set out to examine whether low vitamin D levels during childhood could predict someone's likelihood of suffering a heart attack or stroke in later life. Researchers used data from from 3,516 who participated in the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns study. Using frozen samples collected in 1980, when participants were between three and 18 years old, they measured levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. This is the primary circulating form of vitamin D and considered to be the most reliable measure of overall vitamin D levels. On average, children had a vitamin D level of 51.3 nmol/L. Researchers also had access to data on participants' body mass index (BMI), levels of fat in the blood, blood pressure, dietary habits, socioeconomic status, physical activity levels and smoking habits. They were able to identify whether the children eventually suffered a cardiovascular events by going through national health registries. A total of 95 participants - just under 3 per cent - experienced at least one atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event, usually around the age of 47. Sources of vitamin D It's recommended that young children and babies be given a vitamin D supplement year-round, while older children and adults take one in the autumn and winter months when there' s less sunlight. Babies up to the age of one need 8.5 to 10 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D a day. Meanwhile, children and adults need 10 mcg of vitamin D a day. Vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods. Sources include: oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel red meat liver (avoid liver if you are pregnant) egg yolks fortified foods – such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals Source: NHS Researchers also sought to find out if certain vitamin D concentrations — 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, and 43 nmol/L — were more strongly linked to heart disease. Researchers found that low levels of vitamin D during childhood were linked to a higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events in adulthood. This was especially the case for children who with vitamin D levels lower than 37 nmol/L. For example, children with vitamin D levels below 35 nmol/L had more than double the risk of heart disease compared to those with higher levels. Researchers noted that - as their study was observational - they couldn't show that low vitamin D levels directly cause cardiovascular events in later life, only that the two are linked. But they said their findings support current recommendations for maintaining vitamin D levels in children. The NHS recommends that babies and children between the ages of one and four should take a daily vitamin D supplement throughout the year. It's also advised that older children and adults take supplements during the autumn and winter, when we can't make enough vitamin D from sunlight.
The Sun
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Lacking key vitamin in childhood could raise risk of deadly heart disease in later life, scientists warn
CHILDREN lacking a key vitamin may be at higher risk of heart disease later in life, scientists say. It's been estimated that almost 20 per cent of children in the UK and one in six adults don't have enough vitamin D in their body. 1 The nutrient - which can be derived through sun exposure and diet - is one of many vitamins the body needs to stay healthy, as it helps maintain bones, teeth and muscles. Severe vitamin D deficiency in children could lead to bone deformities called rickets. fatigue and mood changes. Now a new study published to the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that low vitamin D levels in children could be linked to the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in adulthood. Atherosclerosis is when the arteries get clogged up and narrowed due to a buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries. It's a potentially serious condition as it's the cause of most heart attacks and strokes, according to the British Heart Foundation. Researchers suggested their findings may pave the way for identifying early risk factors for heart disease. Previous studies on adults have shown that low vitamin D levels could be linked to an increased risk of heart disease. The new study was conducted by scientists at Turku University Hospital and the University of Turku in Finland, who'd previously found that low vitamin D levels in childhood was linked to signs of atherosclerosis adulthood. Due to this, vitamin D deficiencies could increase the risk of heart disease, the researchers said. But they set out to examine whether low vitamin D levels during childhood could predict someone's likelihood of suffering a heart attack or stroke in later life. Researchers used data from from 3,516 who participated in the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns study. Using frozen samples collected in 1980, when participants were between three and 18 years old, they measured levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. This is the primary circulating form of vitamin D and considered to be the most reliable measure of overall vitamin D levels. On average, children had a vitamin D level of 51.3 nmol/L. Researchers also had access to data on participants' body mass index (BMI), levels of fat in the blood, blood pressure, dietary habits, socioeconomic status, physical activity levels and smoking habits. They were able to identify whether the children eventually suffered a cardiovascular events by going through national health registries. A total of 95 participants - just under 3 per cent - experienced at least one atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event, usually around the age of 47. Sources of vitamin D It's recommended that young children and babies be given a vitamin D supplement year-round, while older children and adults take one in the autumn and winter months when there' s less sunlight. Babies up to the age of one need 8.5 to 10 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D a day. Meanwhile, children and adults need 10 mcg of vitamin D a day. Vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods. Sources include: oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel red meat liver (avoid liver if you are pregnant) egg yolks fortified foods – such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals Source: NHS Researchers also sought to find out if certain vitamin D concentrations — 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, and 43 nmol/L — were more strongly linked to heart disease. Researchers found that low levels of vitamin D during childhood were linked to a higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events in adulthood. This was especially the case for children who with vitamin D levels lower than 37 nmol/L. For example, children with vitamin D levels below 35 nmol/L had more than double the risk of heart disease compared to those with higher levels. Researchers noted that - as their study was observational - they couldn't show that low vitamin D levels directly cause cardiovascular events in later life, only that the two are linked. But they said their findings support current recommendations for maintaining vitamin D levels in children. The NHS recommends that babies and children between the ages of one and four should take a daily vitamin D supplement throughout the year. It's also advised that older children and adults take supplements during the autumn and winter, when we can't make enough vitamin D from sunlight.
