Research from Keck School of Medicine of USC researcher Alicia McDonough, Ph.D., could lead to a simple and tasty way to lower blood pressure. “Decreasing sodium intake is a well-established way to lower blood pressure, but evidence suggests that increasing dietary potassium may have an equally important effect on hypertension,” says McDonough. Examining the link … Continue reading Diet Rich in Potassium Linked to Lower Blood Pressure
Cocoa Flavanols Could Protect Kidney Patients’ Hearts
Cocoa flavanols, the plant-based nutrients found in cocoa beans, could be the key to protecting kidney patients’ hearts, according to a new study from Germany’s University Hospital Essen. Dialysis patients in the study drank beverages containing 900 mg of cocoa flavanols daily for 30 days. Researchers saw impressive results from the flavanol-filled drink, including better … Continue reading Cocoa Flavanols Could Protect Kidney Patients’ Hearts
Lower Blood Pressure Target May Save Lives
Initial results from the landmark NIH SPRINT study published in September of this year reveal that lowering systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) could reduce cardiovascular complications and save the lives of high-risk, older adults. Beginning in 2009, the trial tracked a diverse group of more than 9,300 hypertensive adults, … Continue reading Lower Blood Pressure Target May Save Lives
NSAIDs May Increase Kidney Disease Risk for Hypertensive Patients
A study from Taiwan warns that common pain medications known as NSAIDs may increase the risk of kidney disease in those with high blood pressure. NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and naproxen (Aleve). High blood pressure is already a risk factor for kidney disease. The NSAIDs themselves can cause an … Continue reading NSAIDs May Increase Kidney Disease Risk for Hypertensive Patients
Dr. Alicia McDonough Presentation on Salt Transporters During Hypertension
Dr. Alicia McDonough, Professor of Cell and Neurobiology at Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, recently delivered an invited lecture at the ISN Nexus Symposium in Brisbane, Australia. For an interesting look at the kidney and hypertension, watch her presentation, “Salt transporters in the kidney during hypertension: matching Na output to intake.”
USC Researchers Honored For Work on Hypertension and Novel Imaging of Podocytes
We are happy to announce that USC researchers and members of UKRO’s Medical Scientific Advisory Board, Alicia McDonough, Ph.D. and Janos Peti-Peterdi, M.D., Ph.D. were recently honored for their exciting investigative work. Earlier this month, Dr. McDonough delivered the Seldin Award Lecture on “Intrarenal Mechanisms Controlling Potassium and Blood Pressure Homeostasis.” The Seldin Award Lecture … Continue reading USC Researchers Honored For Work on Hypertension and Novel Imaging of Podocytes