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Hypertension And Asthma: What To Know
A person with asthma may have a higher risk of high blood pressure and vice versa. The links may associate with the genetic basis of both, certain medications, or the similar risk factors for developing the conditions.
Asthma may be a risk factor for having high blood pressure — hypertension — and, in turn, hypertension can aggravate asthma symptoms.
This article explores the link between hypertension and asthma, risk factors, and potential treatments and management.
People with asthma are more likely to have high blood pressure, and, in turn, the presence of hypertension may cause increased severity of asthma.
A 2022 study found that people with a history of allergic disorders may be at a higher risk of developing hypertension and heart disease.
Examples of allergic disorders include allergies such as:
GeneticsScientists have found that there is likely a genetic link between hypertension and asthma. A 2019 study associated 330 genes with both of these conditions.
The researchers behind this study discovered interconnections between these genes. The close link between these shared genes may be partly why people develop both conditions at once.
Another study from 2018 identified certain genes which had the highest priority in the development of comorbidity in both conditions.
Medications2019 research explored the links between certain medications for one condition which can aggravate the other.
Certain anti-asthmatic drugs may worsen hypertension. Meanwhile, antihypertensive drugs can complicate asthma.
Beta-blockers, such as propranolol and metoprolol, used to control blood pressure, can predispose people to asthma attacks. Beta-agonists to treat asthma may cause significant changes in blood pressure. Therefore, doctors use them with caution in people with hypertension.
ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril, to lower blood pressure, may induce cough-like symptoms that worsen asthma.
Doctors will work with a person to find the most suitable treatment plan to determine which medication will treat one or both conditions.
Some of the risk factors for hypertension and asthma may overlap. An elevated body mass index (BMI) is a common risk factor for developing both conditions. Likewise, individuals who smoke cigarettes and experience long-term stress have an increased risk.
Asthma risk factorsPeople are more likely to develop asthma if they have:
Individuals are at a higher risk for developing hypertension if they:
Researchers believe that the causes behind hypertension and asthma are a combination of environmental and genetic factors.
Current treatment recommendations for hypertension with asthma are limited. Most medical professionals tend to follow treatment protocols for both individual conditions.
Doctors treating people with both conditions may also recommend lifestyle modifications alongside prescribing medications. For example, lifestyle changes such as exercise and a balanced diet may help reduce the severity of both hypertension and asthma.
The management of hypertension and asthma varies from person to person. Doctors may recommend management strategies unique to each condition. They may examine how the strategies overlap and make adjustments as needed.
Asthma managementMost people with asthma can successfully manage their symptoms with medications and lifestyle changes.
MedicationsAsthma medications come in two forms: quick-relief (short-acting) and long-term control (long-acting).
Short-acting medications control the symptoms of an asthma attack. Inhaled albuterol is the usual treatment in acute asthma management. At the same time, long-acting bronchodilators help people have fewer and milder attacks.
Certain people with asthma also find relief from a nebulizer machine. This machine delivers asthma medication in the form of a mist. People with asthma can breathe in this mist through a mouthpiece or mask.
Anti-inflammatory medications, or corticosteroids, can also help manage asthma symptoms. People can take these medications in the following forms:
Lifestyle changesAsthma medication alone is sometimes not enough to treat the condition. Certain lifestyle changes may also be beneficial, including:
Avoiding the known allergen and environmental triggers can help reduce the number of asthma attacks, and maximizing air quality in the home or office can also help improve asthma symptoms.
Find out more about common asthma triggers.
Hypertension managementDoctors may prescribe medications to treat hypertension, such as beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors. Diuretics help the body get rid of extra salt and water to reduce blood pressure.
Other treatments for hypertension involve lifestyle modifications. Eating a balanced diet low in salt can help manage high blood pressure. Other changes include:
Read on for the best exercises for asthma.
People with hypertension and asthma should consult a doctor to determine the best treatment program. Treating both conditions at once may require regular treatment adjustments.
Both hypertension and asthma are relatively common conditions, and with suitable treatment and lifestyle modifications, most people can manage these conditions.
If they occur simultaneously, doctors may need to alter treatment plans. Certain hypertension medications can exacerbate asthma conditions. People with both conditions may need to explore alternative treatment options.
A clinical trial completed in 2019 examined the use of beta-blockers for the long-term management of asthma symptoms. Although these drugs usually help reduce blood pressure, the research suggested that long-term use could reduce airway inflammation and improve asthma symptoms.
Further research may lead to even more promising treatments that can manage both conditions together.
Hypertension and asthma are two conditions that can occur simultaneously. Certain blood pressure medications can worsen asthma symptoms, and in turn, asthma relievers may affect a person's blood pressure.
With the right combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments, people can manage both conditions.
Cardiovalve Reaches 2 Milestones For Its Tricuspid Valve Replacement System
Cardiovalve has a pair of milestones that could help catapult the company into the forefront of the tricuspid valve market. The Or Yehuda, Israel-based company received FDA approval for an early feasibility study of the transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement system and Breakthrough Device Designation for the technology.
The study's primary endpoint is the safety and feasibility of the Cardiovalve technology and procedure in reducing tricuspid regurgitation, with evaluations at 30 days and periodically up to five years. The study will be conducted in collaboration with five leading US hospitals.
In a release Cardiovalve's CEO Amir Gross, CEO said, "We are excited about the FDA's recognition of the potential clinical benefit of the Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement System. We now have clinical data two years out that our implant is functioning as expected and the patient is improved clinically. FDA's 'breakthrough' designation validates and reaffirms our commitment to improving and extending the lives of millions of patients suffering from heart valve disease across the world."
Cardiovalve isn't the only company that has made significant strides in the tricuspid valve space. In September of last year, Abbott Laboratories had a significant milestone in space by nabbing an IDE for the TriClip from FDA. Abbott's IDE study is set to enroll 700 patients in centers in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Patients in the trial will be randomized to receive either the TriClip device or medical therapy and followed for a total of five years. The study will also have a single arm for the treatment of subjects with more complex tricuspid valve disease.
Cardiovalve isn't just focused on the tricuspid valve. The firm is also working on solutions for the mitral valve. In 2018, the company initiated the AHEAD US Multicenter Study, which will test the safety and feasibility of the firm's device in reducing mitral regurgitation.
Cardiovalve was originally a part of Valtech Cardio, a company acquired by Edwards Lifesciences for $340 million and up to $350 million in milestone payments. Irvine, CA-based Edwards picked up the company to bolster its mitral and tricuspid valve offerings. The deal came about two years after a wave of acquisitions in the TMVR space by many of the larger medtech companies.
Venus Goes Big In Mitral & Tricuspid Valves With New M&A
Venus Medtech wants to strengthen its position in the mitral and tricuspid valve replacement space. To do this, the Hangzhou, China-based company said it was acquiring Cardiovalve, a firm that specializes in the mitral and tricuspid valve treatment. Venus Medtech will acquire 100% equity interest and corresponding equity at a consideration of $300 million and will pay the consideration conditionally in installments subject to the completion of certain milestone events as agreed.
Cardiovalve had a few milestones early last year. The company received FDA approval for an early feasibility study of its transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement system and Breakthrough Device Designation for the technology.
The company said compared with products of the same kind, its transfemoral approach significantly improves the safety of treatment and its 55mm annuli is suitable for about 95% of the patient population. Its unique short frame design lowers the risk of LVOT obstruction.
"The acquisition of Cardiovalve will create synergy with the company's existing product layout," Venus MedTech's CEO, Eric Zi, said in a release. "And will further consolidate the company's leading position in the field of structural heart disease in China and globally. This is in line with the long-term vision of Venus Medtech to innovate and commercialize globally. We believe that the Cardiovalve system will promote innovation in Venus and provide more innovative treatments for doctors and patients worldwide."
Cardiovalve has a rich history. The company was once called Mitraltech and was founded in 2010. Amir Gross, Cardiovalve's CEO, founded and led Valtech Cardio until its acquisition by Edwards Lifesciences for $700 million. It was around this time that many of the larger medtech companies involved in the cardiovascular space were in the middle of either making investments or acquisitions in mitral and tricuspid valves replacement.
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