Newsletter Issue: 7 --- Date: 28th November 2005 --- Web Site: http://www.my-blood-pressure.com
Welcome to the My Blood Pressure Newsletter. In this issue we announce a new minor version of My Blood Pressure (v2.1), and have a story by Tom Dent (thanks Tom!).
A couple of months ago we started creating and posting CDs ourselves (for those who chose the CD purchase option). We are now including some optional bonus content on the CD, including:
If you have purchased My Blood Pressure in the past, you can order the new version (v2.1) on CD along with this bonus content for US$10 (includes postage). For more information see http://www.my-blood-pressure.com/cd.html
Version 2.1 was publically released a couple of days ago. Like all new versions, this is a free downloadable upgrade for all users. Thank you to everyone who tested the new version and made suggestions.
For step by step upgrade instructions, along with a full list of the changes in v2.1, please see http://www.my-blood-pressure.com/what-is-new.html
The main changes are:
Thank you to everyone who has made suggestions for new features and enhancements. I will begin working on the next major version (v3.0) next year. I already have many suggestions and ideas for v3.0, that I was not able to implement in v2.1 ... please don't hesitate to email me if you want to see something added or changed!
Contributed by: Steve Alan
A selection of breaking news stories relating to blood pressure. Clicking on the links will take you to a page on our website which contains a summary of the story, and links to other sources.
Risk of hypertension in women increased by drinking cola
A 12 year US government-funded study into the effects of caffeine on blood pressure in women was released in the Journal of American Medical Association this week. Researchers were surprised by the findings that revealed drinking coffee had no long term effect on blood pressure, however drinking cola drinks increased the risk of hypertension substantially. (Full story)
High blood pressure is a family concern
A study released at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress (CCC) 2005 showed that adopting a family-orientated approach to hypertension management improved awareness and detection rates of high blood pressure. Family and household members will often share similar risk factors for hypertension due to a similar lifestyle, diet and level of exercise. (Full story)
Excess abdominal fat increases risk of high blood pressure
At the 4th International Symposium on Obesity and Hypertension in Berlin the importance of distribution of body fat and its affect on health was highlighted. The key factor was not the Body Mass Index (BMI) but where on the body the excess fat was distributed. Those with excess fat on the abdominal area are at the highest risk of developing high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. (Full story)
3D medical imaging technology visualizes high blood pressure effects
Unique 3D images have been created from the inside of actual patients that show the damaging effects of high blood pressure, including heart attack. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation have released the amazing images online at www.SeeYourBP.com in order to highlight the destructive affects of hypertension (Full story)
Brain implants could decrease blood pressure
Researchers in the UK have shown that stimulating parts of the brain with surgically implanted electrodes can control blood pressure. The study, published in Neuroreport has highlighted to researchers the exact location in the brain where blood pressure is controlled. This information may assist with future investigations into the brains connection with hypertension. (Full story)
Contributed by: Kellie Helen
Daniel Eaton, from last month's newsletter, is due to go to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, as a research patient, from 28th November to the 10th December. Daniel suffers from POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) which in layman's terms is an abnormal increase in heart rate when standing up.
Myself and Kellie have sent him a card wishing him the best. If anyone else wishes to, his address will be:
Daniel Eaton
c/o Autonomic Dysfunction Center
General Clinical Research Center
Medical Center North - Third Floor
Vanderbilt University Medical Center,
Nashville, TN 37232-2195,
U.S.A
Daniel, best wishes, and I hope they can find the problem and fix you up!
Contributed by: Steve Alan
This section contains stories and articles contributed by our users and subscribers. If you have something to contribute, we would love to hear from you. Email Kellie or Steve at support@my-blood-pressure.com with your idea or story!
In this issue, we publish a story by Tom Dent.
Moved to: People who Monitor their Blood Pressure
This newsletter is put together by a brother and sister team.
Steven Alan is 36 and is the programmer of the My Blood Pressure software. Steve was diagnosed with high blood pressure in February 2004. Steve needs to monitor his blood pressure regularly, and will probably need to do so for the rest of his life. Steve's systolic blood pressure was over 200 at one point, but recently he has got his blood pressure under control, and most readings are below 120/80.
Steve is responsible for contributing news about the software as well as tips and tricks for using the software.
Kellie Helen (Steve's sister) is 34 and a full time mother to a 5 and 3 year old. In her spare time!, she has started working with Steve on the website and newsletter. Kellie grew up in a household which had its fair share of blood pressure problems! Their father has always had high blood pressure, but somehow Steve got all the high blood pressure genes, while in her teens, Kellie used to suffer from her blood pressure being too low. Kellie worked in the medical and surgical industry before becoming a full time mum, and is looking forward to spending more time on this project as her kids get older.
Kellie is responsible for scouring the net for news stories of interest to people who monitor their blood pressure, and collecting and organizing stories contributed by subscribers.
My Health Software
PO Box 1468
Rozelle 2039
Australia
Kellie: kellieh@my-blood-pressure.com
Steve: steve@my-blood-pressure.com
Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this newsletter is intended to be instructional for medical diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your health care provider.
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Copyright 2005 My Health Software, My Blood Pressure