Category Archives: Blood Pressure

Caffeine and Blood Pressure: Genetic Components

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Robert Barrington

Caffeine is though to produce a pharmacological action by antagonising adenosine receptors. In addition, caffeine can inhibit phosphodiesterase, which increases cellular cyclic AMP and causes a subsequent stimulation of the catecholamine hormonal system. The result of these interactions is a … Continue reading →

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Age and Homocysteine

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Robert Barrington

Despite mainstream medical ignorance of Kilmer McCully’s original homocysteine work four decades ago, homocysteine is now considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine is thought to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease via oxidative stress (although may also cause … Continue reading →

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More on the Benefits of Beans

Posted on December 19, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Frequent consumption of legumes has been reported to provide health benefits and reduce the risk of certain diseases. In particular, legume rich diets have been shown to reduce the blood pressure of subjects with hypertension and insulin resistance. Legumes may … Continue reading →

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Calcium and Blood Pressure

Posted on November 23, 2012 by Robert Barrington

The role of sodium in the development of hypertension has been overstated. While sodium does play a role in the regulation of blood pressure in some individuals, those not sensitive to its effects are not affected by dietary levels. Although … Continue reading →

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More on Coffee and Hypertension

Posted on October 12, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Coffee consumption amongst normotensive individuals has been shown to cause an acute increased in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, but does not result in long term changes in pressure. The acute effects are likely a result of caffeine causing … Continue reading →

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More on the Benefits of Fish

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Regular fish consumption may be beneficial to the health because of the high concentrations of long chain fatty acids, particularly docosahexanoic acid (DHA, C22:6 (n-3)) and eicosapentanoic acid (EPA, C20:5 (n-3)). Research suggests that fish consumption is protective of cardiovascular … Continue reading →

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Coffee and Hypertension

Posted on August 13, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Hypertension is a known risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney disease and also increases all cause mortality. Many lifestyle factors have been identified that are known to affect blood pressure, including stress, smoking and exercise. The link between coffee consumption … Continue reading →

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Calcium Blood Pressure

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and yet divisions and controversy still surround its causes. The role of sodium intake in the development of hypertension has been supported by the mainstream medical authorities in Western nations for … Continue reading →

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Lifestyle Factors and Cardiovascular Disease

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Robert Barrington

The causes of cardiovascular disease are not fully understood, but it is believed that both diet and lifestyle factors play an important role in the aetiology. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include hypertension, changes to blood lipid profiles, obesity, as … Continue reading →

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Nitric Oxide Synthase

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Nitric oxide (NO) is short-lived intracellular signal molecule in mammals, and its known physiological roles include the regulation of blood pressure via its vasodilatory action on the vasculature, the release of insulin, angiogenesis and peristalsis. In mammals, NO synthase is … Continue reading →

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