Multiple blood pressure readings taken outside the doctor's office or clinic are effective in diagnosing "masked hypertension," according to a new study.

People with masked hypertension have normal blood pressure in the doctor's office but high blood pressure at other times. The phenomenon is the opposite of white-coat hypertension, in which patients have a high BP in the office but maintain normal levels at home, work and during sleep.

In the study, using a home BP monitor on six workdays during a two-week period detected masked hypertension in about 12 percent of patients. A one-time 24-hour measurement identified the condition in about 14 percent of patients.

Home monitors make it easy to track your own blood pressure--and are important tools in protecting cardiovascular health. Ask your heart physician to recommend the best monitor for your budget.

Lower Your BP, Protect Your Heart

New research from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston helps confirm that people with blood pressure readings on the high end of normal--a condition called pre-hypertension--are at increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

In the study, data from nearly 9,000 Americans show that having a systolic blood pressure (the top number) of 130 to 139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure (the lower number) of 85 to 89 mm Hg increased cardiovascular risk by 42 percent compared with those normal blood pressure levels.

Those with BPs over 140/90 had more than double the risk of having a major cardiovascular event compared to those with normal blood pressure, the investigators point out.

Doctors define pre-hypertension as having a systolic pressure between 120 and 139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure between 80 and 90 mm Hg.

Genetics Of Aortic Aneurysm

Texas scientists have identified the first genetic mutations that cause the aorta--the body's main artery--to widen, tear and rupture. The new findings could help researchers design therapies and identify people at high risk for the life-threatening condition.

Finding biological markers that flag aneurysm, a bulging of the aorta, is critically important for early diagnosis.

Aortic aneurysms can be managed with medication and be surgically repaired to prevent catastrophic dissection and rupture, according to Dr. Dianna Milewicz, director of the University of Texas Medical School Division of Medical Genetics and senior author of the paper, published in Circulation.

Many patients, however, never have a chance at treatment because they are undiagnosed--even when they go to emergency rooms with severe chest pain--because tests for heart attack do not uncover aortic defects.



Skip the cream soups, sauces and fried foods. Here are some delicious menu ideas for a holiday meal that is good for you and your heart.

Appetizers: enjoy low-fat crackers and cheese, and fresh vegetables with a healthy yogurt dip mixed with dill, basil, or pre-mixed low-sodium seasonings.

Side dishes: soups prepared with fresh herbs and plenty of vegetables please the palate and fill the stomach.

Main dishes: turkey, chicken, fish, or lean roast beef are good alternatives to ham. Sprinkle with low-sodium herbs and seasonings.