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Month: April 2024

Getting too little sleep is linked to high blood pressure

Getting too little sleep is linked to high blood pressure

A recent study found that sleeping less than 7 hours a night is linked, over time, to an increased risk of high blood pressure. The results are being presented at the Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology; they have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. The study’s authors accepted that no scientific proof links sleep patterns to hypertension or elevated blood pressure. They did, however, note that prior evidence of the connection has been erratic.

Data from sixteen studies conducted between January 2000 and May 2023 were examined by the researchers. The data included incidences of hypertension over follow-up periods ranging from 2 to 18 years (with a median of 5 years) in 1,044,035 individuals in six countries who did not have a history of high blood pressure. The researchers found that even after controlling for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, blood pressure, body mass, education, gender, and age, those who slept for shorter durations of time had a notably higher chance of developing hypertension. For individuals who slept for less than five hours, the correlation was even more pronounced.

According to the most recent data, the likelihood of developing high blood pressure in the future increases with less sleep that is, fewer than seven hours per day. Longer sleep times were associated with a higher incidence of high blood pressure, although this association was not statistically significant. According to sleep specialists, obtaining seven to eight hours of sleep per night may also be the best for your heart.

Less than seven hours of sleep was linked to a 7% higher risk of high blood pressure, according to the research team. The percentage rose to 11% when the amount of sleep was less than five hours. According to Hosseini, the team made a comparison between that and the effects of smoking and diabetes, both of which are known to raise a person’s risk of hypertension by at least 20%. Hosseini stated that although the researchers did not look into specific causes, disturbed sleep might be the cause. He said that additional variables might include alcohol consumption, night shift work, depression, anxiety, certain medication use, overeating, sleep apnea, and other lifestyle choices.

The age range of the study participants was 35–61 years old. The majority, or 61%, were women. Women who reported sleeping for less than seven hours were seven percent more likely to develop high blood pressure. Given that sleep patterns typically change as people age, the researchers were surprised that they were unable to find age-based differences in the association between sleep duration and hypertension. According to Hosseini, getting too little sleep seems to be more dangerous for women. Although we are unsure if the difference is clinically significant, it is statistically significant and merits more research. We do know that poor sleep hygiene may raise the risk of hypertension, which is known to pave the way for heart disease and stroke.

The study’s limitations, according to the team, include the fact that changes in sleep duration during the follow-up period were not evaluated because the data was self-reported. The definitions of short sleep duration (less than five or six hours) varied amongst the studies as well. According to Hosseini, more investigation is necessary to assess the relationship between prolonged sleep and elevated blood pressure through the use of more precise techniques like polysomnography, which is a means of assessing sleep quality. Additionally, the differences in reference sleep duration highlight the necessity of a standardized definition in sleep research to improve the generalizability and comparability of results across various studies.

More research is required to ascertain the reason behind women’s higher risk, according to Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, who was not involved in the study, speculated that women may have a higher stress response to sleep disruption because inadequate sleep is thought to raise stress hormones that can raise blood pressure. Susan Miller is the lead researcher and certified sleep expert, a website devoted to assisting users in achieving better sleep. Miller, who was not involved in the study, told Medical News Today that hormonal factors, especially fluctuations in estrogen levels, may be to blame for women’s higher risk. These factors may have different effects on cardiovascular health and sleep patterns.

According to her, women are more likely than men to experience sleep disturbances during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause due to hormonal changes. Women’s sleep patterns are influenced by a variety of factors, including work-related stress and caregiving responsibilities, in addition to social and environmental factors. Each of these raises the chance of developing hypertension. Chen noted that as more studies examine the consequences of poor sleep, the significance of sleep for general health is becoming more evident. He added, though, that there is still a lot we don’t know about the processes by which getting too little sleep affects our health. Maintaining a cool, dark, and quiet bedroom; abstaining from caffeine and alcohol; sleeping at roughly the same time every day; engaging in regular daytime exercise; and avoiding afternoon naps are some healthy sleep practices.

Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar, that getting enough sleep enables the body to recuperate and mend itself. According to Tadwalkar, who was not involved in the study, It also regulates hormones that influence blood pressure, inflammation, and blood sugar levels, all of which are critically important for heart health. He offered several recommendations on how people could get better sleep. Tadwalkar suggested keeping a regular sleep schedule. Observe a consistent sleep schedule to ensure a more restful night. Reliability is essential. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule that includes weekends as well as bedtimes helps to balance your internal clock and improves the quality of your sleep. He also advised avoiding the urge to oversleep by more than an hour past your usual waking time if necessary because doing so helps to maintain the stability of your sleep patterns.

Establishing a calming nighttime routine is crucial, according to Tadwalkar. Examine your pre-bedtime routines. He advised against engaging in stimulating activities like screen time right before bed. Rather, adopt soothing routines like reading a book or doing relaxation exercises to let your body know when it’s time to shut down. Optimizing your sleeping environment is also beneficial, according to Tadwalkar. To improve the sleeping environment, he suggested keeping the room cold, dark, and quiet. He also suggested adjusting the temperature and eliminating as much light and noise as you could to create the perfect atmosphere for a restful night’s sleep. Furthermore, Tadwalkar advised speaking with a healthcare provider for a more thorough assessment and tailored guidance if problems continue.

They can help determine the best course of action for treating sleep issues and help uncover any underlying causes. In particular, Tadwalkar advised consulting a physician who specializes in treating sleep disorders, or sleep medicine. Physicians who specialize in sleep medicine are qualified to perform specialized testing, create customized treatment programs, and offer advice on long-term sleep health.

REFERENCES:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/getting-too-little-sleep-linked-to-high-blood-pressure
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/sleep-deprivation/faq-20057959

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Managing chronic inflammation with psoriasis

Managing chronic inflammation with psoriasis

Despite not knowing the precise cause, medical professionals believe psoriasis to be an inflammatory immune-mediated condition. This indicates that the underlying cause of this illness is inflammation. In the US, up to 3% of adults suffer from psoriasis. In addition to affecting the eyes and joints, it can also cause symptoms on the skin, such as discoloration and elevated plaques. According to experts, the common factor that can impact these various areas is inflammation.

The dermis, or middle layer of skin, becomes thicker with inflammatory cells in psoriasis sufferers due to immune system malfunction. Additionally, the disorder accelerates the growth of skin cells in the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin. Skin cells develop and shed over the course of a month. For those who have psoriasis, this process accelerates to a matter of days. Skin cell accumulation on the skin’s surface occurs when skin cells accumulate rather than shed, causing uncomfortable symptoms like raised plaques, scaling, swelling, redness, or discoloration. Psoriasis is a skin condition, but it affects the entire body because of the inflammation it causes. It may raise the chance of developing psoriatic arthritis, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and heart disease.

While inflammation in psoriasis is caused by immune system dysregulation, research indicates that individuals can potentially decrease this inflammation by making lifestyle and dietary adjustments. By doing so, symptoms may lessen and overall quality of life may improve. Many individuals with psoriasis have been able to achieve remission, where they do not experience symptoms for an extended period, through these methods. Furthermore, there are medications available that target inflammation in psoriasis, such as topical corticosteroids, injectable biologics, and oral medications. Treatment for psoriasis varies for each person, with some requiring more intensive care than others.

Although there isn’t a cure for psoriasis at this time, adopting these behaviors may help lower inflammation brought on by the condition and raise the likelihood of a remission. Food has a big influence on systemic inflammation. Research indicates that specific inflammatory eating habits may heighten the likelihood of developing psoriasis and exacerbate its symptoms. A healthy diet varies depending on the individual. Nonetheless, someone can establish one by taking the subsequent actions:

Steer clear of inflammatory foods: Some foods and drinks have ingredients that promote inflammation, which can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. Soda and highly processed foods like candy, processed meat products, and salty snacks are two examples. Taking into account an anti-inflammatory diet: Psoriasis symptoms are regularly reduced by diets high in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods. For instance, a 2018 study of 35,735 individuals, 3,557 of whom had psoriasis, revealed that those who ate a Mediterranean-style diet had psoriasis that was less severe than that of those who did not.

One risk factor for the development of psoriasis is obesity. In addition to having more severe symptoms than those with a moderate weight, psoriasis sufferers who are overweight or obese may also have the condition. For those who are overweight, losing weight may help lower inflammatory markers and alleviate psoriasis symptoms. According to a 2020 study, individuals with psoriasis who were also overweight or obese and who lost 12 percent of their body weight over the course of a 10-week program saw a 50–75 percent reduction in the severity of their psoriasis. On average, participants lost twenty-three pounds

Avoiding or giving up smoking: Smoking seriously compromises one’s health and exacerbates inflammatory illnesses, such as psoriasis. These are just a few habits that can help lower inflammation and improve the symptoms of psoriasis. Cutting back on alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms and cause inflammation. Remaining active: Limiting extended sitting times may help lessen the symptoms of psoriasis. According to a review of the literature, psoriasis sufferers who lead sedentary lifestyles experience more severe symptoms than those who engage in regular exercise.

Getting enough sleep: Sleep deprivation can cause the body to go into a pro-inflammatory state. Research indicates that irregular and inadequate sleep patterns may elevate inflammatory markers in the bloodstream. For optimum health, experts advise adults to get 7–9 hours of sleep every night. Controlling stress: Extended periods of stress cause the immune system to become hyperactive and lead to a state that is pro-inflammatory. Stress is cited by up to 88% of psoriasis sufferers as a trigger for their symptoms. It could be beneficial to practice stress-reduction methods like yoga and meditation

Anyone who is interested in learning how to lessen inflammation and symptoms associated with psoriasis and is going through a flare-up should think about talking to their dermatologist and other members of their healthcare team. They can offer advice on diet and lifestyle modifications that may help reduce inflammation and lessen the symptoms of psoriasis, as well as treatment options based on the severity of the symptoms. They might also advise taking supplements or vitamins.

10 myths about depression

10 myths about depression

There are many misconceptions regarding depression, such as the idea that it only affects specific individuals or that it is not a real illness. These misconceptions not only deter people from getting treatment but also add to the stigma associated with the illness. In the year 2020, approximately 8 percent of adult Americans had at least one major depressive episode. It is therefore among the most prevalent mental health issues in the U.S. S. Even so, there are still a lot of misconceptions about depression. The main causes of this are misconceptions in society and culture regarding the illness, as well as out-of-date science. This article breaks down popular misconceptions about depression, explains why they are untrue, and distinguishes fact from fiction.

Some attempt to discredit depression by asserting that it is a choice made by the individual or the outcome of a personality trait, and thus not a legitimate medical condition. Additionally, depression used to be seen by some as a form of self-pity or sadness rather than as a diagnosable and treatable mental illness. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) lists depression as a mental illness. There are symptoms that are both physical and emotional. To be diagnosed with depression, an individual must meet the requirements listed in the handbook. These include experiencing symptoms that can drastically alter a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior and last for at least two weeks. As a result, depression is not the same as being depressed or self-pitying. Medical professionals have connected a number of biological, environmental, and psychological variables to depression. Over 8 out of 100 adults in the U.S. S. suffered from at least one major depressive episode in 2020 that left them seriously handicapped.

Antidepressants are frequently prescribed by doctors to help treat depression because they can enhance how the brain uses chemicals that regulate mood and stress. Antidepressant medication is thought by some to be the best or most efficient way to treat depression. It’s also a widely held misconception that a person cannot avoid depressive symptoms if they take antidepressants for the rest of their lives. Antidepressants do not always work for everyone or in all circumstances, nor are they a panacea for depression. Actually, antidepressants are typically prescribed by doctors in addition to psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications.

Furthermore, although it is true that some depressed individuals will use antidepressants for years to help them manage their symptoms, doctors hardly ever recommend antidepressants for life. Antidepressants usually take a few weeks to start working. It is important to note that it is not safe for people taking antidepressants to suddenly stop taking them. This is because stopping some medications suddenly can have negative effects. Most people schedule a gradual reduction in their dosage with their physician or mental health specialist. It is standard procedure to gradually reduce the dosage once the patient’s symptoms have subsided. This usually happens after taking the drug for a minimum of six months.

Some people think that a traumatic event is always the cause of depression. Trauma may contribute to depression or act as a trigger for it. Depression does not have a single cause; rather, it frequently results from a confluence of various factors. Furthermore, not every person who goes through a traumatic event will become depressed. The illness can also appear in people whose lives appear to be going well.

Adolescence can be a challenging time physiologically, socially, and emotionally. Adolescent effects and depression symptoms can sometimes be confused. These include Anxiety, pessimism, irritability, and oversleeping. This could lead some individuals to conclude that depression is merely a natural part of growing up. There is a high prevalence of depression among adolescents. An approximate of 17% of U. S. In 2020, 12 to 17-year-olds went through at least one major depressive episode.

But typical teenage sadness is not the same as depression, as is the case in adulthood. A doctor may suspect that a teen is depressed if they experience sadness, annoyance, and a lack of enjoyment in activities they used to enjoy for an extended period of time. This implies that not all moody teenagers experience depression, and that depression is neither a biological event or a rite of passage that a person must go through in order to reach adulthood. Teens who do exhibit symptoms, such as a persistently low mood and difficulty managing the rigors of school, should, nevertheless, seek assistance as soon as possible by speaking with a doctor or other trusted adult.

Stereotypes rooted in culture and society have perpetuated the idea that men shouldn’t or shouldn’t experience depression. Because of this, a lot of people have long ignored male depression. Depression can strike anyone at any time. However, the symptoms of depression can differ in men and women, and different variables can make depressive episodes more likely in each sex.


Depression in males:
According to some research, men who are depressed may show signs of anger and substance abuse disorders more frequently than women. They might also be less willing to ask for assistance since they are less willing to discuss their emotions. The stigma that society places on masculinity and masculine behavior may be the cause of this. In order to avoid major complications, males who exhibit symptoms of depression should consult a physician or Mental health professional as soon as possible. This is significant because, when depression is present, research indicates that men are more likely than women to commit suicide.

Depression in females:
However, depression is more prevalent in women. After giving birth, women may also suffer from a form of depression known as postpartum depression. This typically has the following effects: weariness, anxiety, and a lingeringly depressed mood. Researchers think that abrupt changes in hormone levels are one of the many reasons why postpartum depression arises. It can be difficult for people suffering from postpartum depression to take care of both themselves and their infants due to their extreme sadness and exhaustion. A specialist in this kind of depression should provide professional assistance to those who display these symptoms.

Heart conditions may cause brain changes that increase the risk of stroke, dementia

Heart conditions may cause brain changes that increase the risk of stroke, dementia

Subtle changes to blood vessels in the brain, common among people with certain heart conditions, can increase the risk of stroke and dementia, a new study reports. The review of more than 220 previously published studies found that changes to blood vessels known as silent brain infarction (SBI) and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) both detectable only via brain imaging are more common among people with atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, heart failure or cardiomyopathy, heart valve disease, and patent foramen ovale (a hole in the heart).

When the tiny blood vessels in your brain become narrow and blocked, it can prevent blood from reaching certain areas of your brain, Dr. Michael Ross MacDonald, said this damage can accumulate and result in symptoms of vascular cognitive impairment, eventually progressing to vascular dementia, said MacDonald, who was not involved in the study.

The meta-analysis, published in the journal Neurology, concluded that SBI was detectable in about one in three people with heart disease. Two-thirds of the people studied had white matter lesions (damage to the protective coating around nerve fibers), a quarter had evidence of asymptomatic microbleeds in the brain, and more than half had brain atrophy, defined as a shrinkage due to loss of neurons or connections between neurons.

Generally speaking, what is bad for the heart is bad for the brain, so various cardiac conditions [like SBI and CSVD] contributing to cerebrovascular injury… makes complete sense, said Dr. Gregory Bix, SBI and CSVD are overlooked cardiovascular health conditions, to some degree, as they are chronic conditions with insidious onset of cognitive symptoms that are often missed in early stages, Bix, who was not involved in the study, told Medical News Today. However, CSVD is a major cause of vascular dementia, the second leading cause of dementia behind Alzheimer’s disease.

The prevalence of these changes in the brain’s vascular system, which usually don’t cause obvious neurological symptoms, was elevated regardless of whether the people studied had previously had a stroke, researchers reported. Although people with heart disease are two to three times more likely than the general population to have changes in their brain’s vascular system, they’re often overlooked, because these patients don’t routinely undergo brain imaging unless they have suffered a stroke, said Dr. Zien Zhou, in a press statement. However, it can make them more susceptible to the risk of brain bleeds from medications commonly used to treat or prevent blood clots intracranial hemorrhage is a life-threatening complication with no proven treatment and a survival rate of less than 50 percent.

Zhou said that aging, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking are among the likely causes of these hidden changes to blood vessels in the brain. A gradual decline in cardiac output in some patients with heart disease might affect how much blood reaches the brain tissue, contributing to vascular changes and cognitive dysfunction in these patients, he said. It’s also possible that hidden brain changes and cognitive dysfunction result from tiny blood clots traveling to the brain through the arterial circulation after forming in the heart.

Zhou said that further study is needed to determine whether routine brain imaging for patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy (which includes most people with heart disease) could reduce risks such as bleeding in the brain. These findings suggest that all individuals with atrial defibrillation, coronary artery disease, heart failure or cardiomyopathy, and heart valve disease should have brain scanning, said Bix. This study shows a clear correlation between heart disease and SBI and CSVD, he added. However, whether one causes the other remains to be determined.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/heart-conditions-may-cause-brain-changes-that-increase-the-risk-of-stroke-dementia
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240326170112.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3641811/

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