High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a health condition where the pressure in your blood vessels is too high.
Over time, this can lead to serious problems like heart disease and stroke. A lot of people have high blood pressure, but many don’t know it because it often doesn’t have any symptoms.
Little Nodules, Big Problems
Scientists from Queen Mary University of London made a groundbreaking discovery.
They found that tiny nodules, or little lumps, in a hormone gland can cause high blood pressure. These nodules are found in about 1 in 20 people with high blood pressure.
The nodules cause the gland to produce too much of a hormone called aldosterone. This hormone can increase blood pressure.
A 60-Year-Old Problem Solved
For 60 years, doctors have struggled to find these nodules without using a difficult test. This test, called a catheter study, is not widely available and often doesn’t work.
Now, the scientists have found a new type of CT scan that can find the nodules easily. This scan uses a special dye that sticks only to the nodules. This makes the nodules glow and easy to spot.
A Painless, Effective Scan
The new CT scan is as accurate as the old catheter test. But it’s much quicker and easier for patients because it’s painless. What’s even better is that it worked in every patient the scientists tested.
Combining the Scan with a Urine Test
The researchers also found that combining the scan with a urine test can find patients who can be cured of their high blood pressure. These are patients whose high blood pressure is caused by the nodules.
Once the nodule is found, it can be safely removed. In the study, the researchers found that 18 out of 24 patients who had a “hot nodule” on the scan and a positive urine test were completely cured of high blood pressure after the nodule was removed.
A Big Step Forward
This is a major step forward in treating high blood pressure. Until now, most of these nodules were never found because the tests were too difficult or not available. But with this new CT scan, things might change.
If you’re concerned about high blood pressure, there are other things you can do as well. Some studies suggest that drinking tea could help lower your blood pressure. Eating your meals earlier in the day might also help.
The work of Professor Morris Brown and his team gives hope to those struggling with high blood pressure. It’s a testament to how scientific research can lead to new and better ways to improve people’s health.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about a common and unrecognized cause of high blood pressure, and this small habit can greatly benefit people with high blood pressure, cholesterol.
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about more efficient way to treat high blood pressure, and unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
