As a way of background, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is nitric oxide’s (NO) arch enemy. NO is a small molecule that helps blood vessels relax, leading to a lower blood pressure. Just in case you think you’ve never heard of something like this concept before, Viagra works by affecting NO levels. So, higher levels of ADMA will […]
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine, Blood Pressure, and Renal Perfusion. ADMA is still a relatively new concept. Basically, it is the arch-villian to nitric oxide. Recall that nitric oxide is a potent vasodilator and helps to lower blood pressure. When ADMA levels are high, it overrides the vasodilator effects of NO and raises blood pressure. Here we see […]
Insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction and essential hypertension This study suggests a link between endothelial dysfunction (one of three layers of cells making up the arteries), essential hypertension and insulin resistance. Remember that most cases of high blood pressure are essential/idiopathic, meaning that the cause of the condition is unknown. This study may punch holes in […]
Beneficial effects of potassium This is a wonderful review article that highlights some of the known benefits of potassium, including blood pressure lowering, kidney protection including reduction in risk of kidney stones and cardiovascular benefits. All these benefits with very low cost and very low incidence of side effects. And the author concludes with the […]
Relation between sugar-sweetened drinks and childhood obesity Are these results such a big surprise? Not only to soft drinks add additional, empty calories, but they also replace needed drinks and calories such as water, fruits and vegetables. Couple this with a lack of physical activity and our “mysterious” obesity epidemic is not so hard to […]
