WEDNESDAY, Aug. 27 (HealthDay News) -- The blood pressure drug telmisartan does not lower the rate of stroke, cardiovascular events or diabetes better than a placebo in patients who have had a stroke, a new study finds.

Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker, which works by blocking the action of chemicals that constrict the blood vessels enabling the blood to flow more smoothly, thus lowering blood pressure.

TUESDAY, Aug. 26 (HealthDay News) -- The drug allopurinol -- a drug used to lower uric acid levels -- may lower blood pressure in adolescents with high blood pressure, a new study shows.

Because high blood pressure is commonly associated with high uric acid levels, some studies suggest that elevated uric acid may be one cause of high blood pressure. But since elevated uric acid levels in high blood pressure could be the result of several factors, high uric acid levels are not currently considered a true risk factor for hypertension.

Did you know that laughter sends a tidal wave effect that engulfs our cerebral cortex?

Laughter directly stimulates endorphins which is our body's pain killer.

After we laugh, the body's blood pressure actually decreases dramatically where we
can actually feel more relaxed.

So if you are depressed, in pain or just in need of a good laugh, do it! It is actually a great stimulant for our brains and causes a relaxing sensation throughout our bodies.

THURSDAY, Aug. 14 (HealthDay News) -- For people with high blood pressure, exercise can be the most important lifestyle change they can make, researchers say.

Yet two-thirds of doctors don't take the time to tell their patients with high blood pressure about the importance of exercise and physical activity, a new study finds.

TUESDAY, Aug. 12 (HealthDay News) -- Newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics who lose weight soon after their diagnosis gain better control of their blood pressure and blood sugar, a benefit that lasts even if they regain that weight.

"If you lose weight after diagnosis, you can achieve some long-term benefits in terms of blood pressure and glycemic control that extend even beyond the point at which you regain weight," said Gregory A. Nichols, co-author of new research published online Aug. 12 in the journal Diabetes Care.

MONDAY, Aug. 11 (HealthDay News) -- A Swiss study of 50 children found that almost half of those who were small at birth -- about 5.5 pounds or less -- had a significant increase in blood pressure when they ate a high-salt diet, a condition known as salt sensitivity.

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The blood pressure, nerve, and hormonal changes wrought by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may increase the risk of heart attack during the night, new research suggests.

OSA is a common problem in which tissues in the back of the throat temporarily collapse during sleep causing numerous, brief episodes of interrupted breathing. The condition, which can cause extreme daytime sleepiness, can be effectively treated with a special breathing device that alleviates the blockage by pushing air into throat.

THURSDAY, July 17 (HealthDay News) -- Eating more fiber during the first trimester of pregnancy seems to reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia, a potentially fatal condition characterized by elevated blood pressure.

The finding appears to be another good reason for pregnant women to maintain good fiber intake, one expert said.

By Ed Edelson
EmpowHer's HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, July 8 (HealthDay News) -- A seldom-used test that measures blood pressure in the ankle and the arm can help improve assessment of the risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular problems, an international research group reports.

SATURDAY, July 5 (HealthDay News) -- A few simple safety precautions can help ensure your summer fun doesn't lead to the hospital emergency department, says Dr. Jeff Kalina, associate director of emergency medicine at the Methodist Hospital in Houston.