Blood pressure related papers

BPA in Canned Beverages Linked to Increases in Blood Pressure

By Amy Orciari Herman

Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) through consumption of canned beverages is associated with increases in systolic blood pressure, according to a randomized crossover trial in Hypertension. BPA is a chemical found in many plastic bottles, food containers, and the linings of cans.

Sixty older adults (mostly women) had three study visits, during which they consumed two servings of soy milk provided one of three ways: in two glass bottles (least amount of BPA exposure), two cans (most BPA), or one glass bottle and one can. The sequence of serving containers was randomized.

Urinary BPA concentrations were significantly higher 2 hours after participants drank from two cans versus two glass bottles. Furthermore, systolic BP was roughly 4.5 mm Hg higher after two cans versus two glass bottles.

The authors write that the observed increase in systolic BP "may cause a clinically significant increase of risk of cardiovascular disorders, such as heart diseases and peripheral arterial diseases."

Hypertension article (Free)

Background: Physician's First Watch coverage of BPA and prostate cancer (Free)

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Intensifying Treatment in Patients with Stage 1 Hypertension

Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP Reviewing  Xu W et al., BMJ 2015 Feb 5; 350:h158

In an observational study, intensifying treatment at systolic blood pressure >150 mm Hg was associated with better outcomes.