For many people, high blood pressure can be controlled with medication. But for others, it remains high no matter how many drugs they take. This condition, known as resistant hypertension, has puzzled doctors for years. A new study called MOMENTUM may finally provide an answer.
Researchers found that 27 percent of patients with resistant hypertension have high levels of cortisol, a hormone that is normally released during stress. The study, conducted across the United States and involving more than 1,000 participants, was one of the largest efforts to explore this issue.
Cortisol plays an important role in the body. It helps regulate energy, blood sugar, and the body’s response to stress. However, when cortisol levels stay high over time, it can become harmful. It can lead to weight gain, muscle loss, and problems with blood sugar control. It can also increase blood pressure.
This discovery is important because it suggests that high cortisol may be one of the reasons why standard blood pressure treatments do not work for some people. If the root cause is not addressed, simply adding more medication may not solve the problem.
To identify patients with high cortisol, researchers used a test called the dexamethasone suppression test. Participants took a small dose of medication at night, which should normally reduce cortisol levels. Blood was then tested the next morning. If cortisol remained high, it indicated a problem.
The results showed that more than a quarter of patients had this condition. This is much higher than expected and suggests that many cases may have gone unnoticed in the past.
The study also found that some patients had another hormone condition called primary hyperaldosteronism. This occurs when the body produces too much aldosterone, which can also raise blood pressure. A small number of patients had both conditions, making their situation even more complex.
Another key finding was that people with kidney problems were more likely to have high cortisol levels. This may help doctors identify which patients should be tested first.
The study’s findings were not limited to diagnosis. They also point toward new treatment possibilities. If excess cortisol is contributing to high blood pressure, then therapies that lower cortisol levels may help control it more effectively.
However, it is important to interpret the results carefully. The study shows a strong connection but does not prove that cortisol directly causes resistant hypertension. Clinical trials will be needed to test whether treating cortisol levels improves outcomes.
When analyzing the study, it becomes clear that it challenges traditional thinking. Doctors have not routinely tested for cortisol in patients with resistant hypertension. This research suggests that they may need to change that approach.
The findings also highlight the importance of personalized medicine. Instead of treating all patients the same way, doctors may need to look at individual causes and tailor treatments accordingly.
In summary, the MOMENTUM study provides a new perspective on a difficult medical problem. It shows that hormone imbalances may be a key factor in resistant hypertension and offers new hope for better diagnosis and treatment. While more research is needed, this discovery could lead to more effective care for millions of patients.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about How to eat your way to healthy blood pressure and results showing that Modified traditional Chinese cuisine can lower blood pressure.
Source: Mount Sinai Health System.
