How long to lower blood pressure
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How Long to Lower Blood Pressure: Insights from Recent Research
Acupuncture for Blood Pressure Reduction
Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture
A study investigated the effects of traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture on blood pressure in patients with uncomplicated arterial hypertension. Participants underwent a 6-week course of active acupuncture or sham acupuncture. Results showed a significant reduction in mean 24-hour ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressures by 5.4 mm Hg and 3.0 mm Hg, respectively, in the active acupuncture group. However, these effects were not sustained, as blood pressure levels returned to pretreatment levels at 3 and 6 months post-treatment.
Lifestyle Interventions and Long-Term Effects
ENCORE Study on Lifestyle Modifications
The ENCORE study examined the long-term effects of lifestyle interventions, including the DASH diet and behavioral weight management, on blood pressure. Participants who followed these interventions for 16 weeks showed sustained blood pressure reductions even 36 weeks after the intervention ended. This suggests that lifestyle changes can have lasting effects on blood pressure.
Pharmacological Interventions
SGLT-2 Inhibitors in Diabetic Patients
The SACRA study evaluated the impact of the SGLT-2 inhibitor empagliflozin on blood pressure in patients with diabetes and uncontrolled nocturnal hypertension. Over a 12-week period, empagliflozin significantly reduced nighttime systolic blood pressure by 6.3 mm Hg and daytime systolic blood pressure by 9.5 mm Hg. These reductions were maintained throughout the study duration.
Exercise and Blood Pressure
Resistance Exercise
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that a single bout of resistance exercise can lower blood pressure for up to 24 hours. The reductions were more pronounced in hypertensive individuals and when larger muscle groups were used.
Duration of Aerobic Exercise
A study comparing short (15 minutes) and long (30 minutes) durations of aerobic exercise found that both durations significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure for up to 9 hours post-exercise. The effects were similar regardless of exercise intensity.
Moderate- and High-Intensity Exercise in Elderly
Research on elderly subjects aged 60 to 79 years showed that both moderate- and high-intensity walking exercises over a 6-month period significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by approximately 9 mm Hg.
Novel Approaches
Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMST)
A clinical trial protocol for inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) aims to assess its long-term efficacy in lowering blood pressure in middle-aged and older adults with obstructive sleep apnea. Preliminary findings suggest that IMST can reduce blood pressure when performed regularly over 24 weeks.
Heated Water-Based Exercise
The HEx trial demonstrated that heated water-based exercise significantly reduced 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure levels in resistant hypertensive patients after 12 weeks of training. This novel approach may offer a new therapeutic option for managing resistant hypertension.
Conclusion
The duration required to lower blood pressure varies depending on the intervention. Acupuncture can provide short-term benefits, while lifestyle modifications and pharmacological treatments can offer more sustained reductions. Exercise, whether resistance or aerobic, can lower blood pressure within hours and maintain these effects for up to 24 hours. Novel approaches like IMST and heated water-based exercise show promise for long-term blood pressure management. Each method's effectiveness and duration of impact highlight the importance of personalized treatment plans for hypertension.
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