Hypertension: Pins JJ

Keenan JM, Pins JJ, Frazel C, Moran A, Turnquist L. · No affiliation provided · J Fam Pract. · Pubmed #11978262 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: We assessed the short-term antihypertensive effects of soluble fiber-rich whole oat cereals when added to a standard American diet. In addition, multiple assessments of insulin sensitivity were conducted. STUDY DESIGN: This was a randomized, controlled, parallel-group pilot study designed to compare an oat cereal group (standardized to 5.52 g/day beta-glucan) to a low-fiber cereal control group (less than 1.0 g/day total fiber) over 6 weeks. POPULATION: A total of 18 hypertensive and hyperinsulinemic (= 10 U/mL or more) men and women completed the trial. OUTCOMES MEASURED: Primary study outcomes were changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Secondary outcomes included blood lipid, fasting glucose, and insulin levels and side effects related to elevated blood pressure and increased dietary fiber intake. RESULTS: The oat cereal group experienced a 7.5 mm Hg reduction in SBP (P &lt.01) and a 5.5 mm Hg reduction in DBP (P &lt.02), while there was virtually no change in either SBP or DBP in the control group. In the oat cereal group, a trend was observed for a lower total insulin response to a glucose load, suggesting improved insulin sensitivity. However, this could not be confirmed using estimates from the Bergman Minimal Model, perhaps because of our small sample size. The oats group experienced a significant reduction in both total cholesterol (9%) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (14%). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of oat cereals to the normal diet of patients with hypertension significantly reduces both SBP and DBP. Soluble fiber-rich whole oats may be an effective dietary therapy in the prevention and adjunct treatment of hypertension.

Pins JJ, Geleva D, Keenan JM, Frazel C, O'Connor PJ, Cherney LM. · University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0392, USA. · J Fam Pract. · Pubmed #11978259 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Our study compared 2 whole grain oat-based cereals with 2 refined grain wheat-based cereals to determine their effects on the need for antihypertensive medications in people with high blood pressure (BP). STUDY DESIGN: This 12-week, randomized controlled parallel-group trial with = 6 weeks of voluntary follow-up was designed to investigate the antihypertensive effects of oats. After 4 weeks of baseline feeding, medication dose was maintained or reduced by half or completely throughout the middle 4 weeks of the study. In the final 4 weeks, participants continued cereal consumption; medication was adjusted according to the protocol. POPULATION: Men and women (n = 88) being treated for hypertension with a mean baseline BP below 160/100. OUTCOMES MEASURED: Primary study outcomes included change in SBP and DBP as well as antihypertensive medication reduction. Secondary measures included blood lipid, fasting glucose, and insulin levels and side effects related to elevated BP and increased dietary fiber intake. RESULTS: Seventy-three percent of participants in the oats group versus 42% in the control group were able to stop or reduce their medication by half. Treatment group participants whose medication was not reduced had substantial decreases in BP. The oats group experienced a 24.2-mg/dL reduction in total cholesterol levels, a 16.2-mg/dL decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and a 15.03-mg/dL drop in plasma glucose levels vs controls. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that a diet containing soluble fiber-rich whole oats can significantly reduce the need for antihypertensive medication and improve BP control. Considering the lipid and glucose improvements as well, increased consumption of whole oats may significantly reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

Pins JJ, Keenan JM. · Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Hypertension and Cholesterol Research Center, Minneapolis, MN 5545, USA. · J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). · Pubmed #17086017 No free full text.

Abstract: Previous studies have shown that peptides derived from milk proteins can improve blood pressure. Therefore, the authors tested the blood pressure-lowering effects of a hydrolyzed whey protein supplement rich in bioactive peptides. In a 6-week controlled study, 30 prehypertensive or stage 1 hypertensive subjects (blood pressure >or=120/80 mm Hg and <or=155/95 mm Hg) were randomized to receive 20 g/d of either a hydrolyzed whey protein (active treatment) or an unmodified whey protein (control treatment). Blood pressure, blood lipids, safety measures, side effects, and diet were evaluated throughout the trial. After completion of treatment, a 4-week follow-up was conducted. There was a mean reduction of 8.0+/-3.2 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure (P<.05) and of 5.5+/-2.1 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure (P<.05) in the treatment group compared with the control group. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were significantly improved by treatment. Whey-derived peptides might be a viable treatment option for prehypertensive and/or stage 1 hypertensive populations.