Hypertension is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It is an easy pathology to diagnose, but there are not always symptoms that indicate its presence. Today we have the possibility to know it at home, thanks to portable and connected devices or for sure after a medical consultation. Today we have many treatments to help relieve the pressure and lower the numbers (systolic and diastolic).
Causes that could lead to hypertension:
- Immunity: plays an immense role in the development of hypertension.
- Microbiota: the change of microbiota can increase hypertension.
- Diet: a poor diet promotes hypertension.
What can we do to correct hypertension?
- Diet: eat well.
- Exercise: at least 30 minutes a day.
- Sleep: at least 7 hours of sleep daily.
Hypertension: a dysfunction of the immune system
The human immune system has been found to play a hitherto unknown role in regulating blood pressure. This was reported by researchers from the Karolinska Institute and the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research with collaborators from Canada.
The immune system is made up of immune cells called acetylcholine-producing lymphocytes. These lymphocytes produce acetylcholine that can be delivered to cells of interest that do not have direct contact with nerves. In fact, this was indicated by Peder Olofsson, lead author of the study. It seems then that they can transmit signals aimed at regulating not only the immune system, but also blood pressure. This is a new advance in our knowledge of blood circulation.
These new findings on the regulatory role of lymphocytes in arterial hypertension may lead to the development of new diagnostic and treatment methods.
How to evaluate your immune system?
There are circulating immune system cells in the blood. It is a bit of a reflection of those in the tissues. These cells are called lymphocytes. While most of the immune system is placed in the tissues, livers, lymph nodes, etc., we can collect some of your cells in the blood and get a glimpse of the overall situation. In this way, we can detect if some cell populations are missing or not and sometimes connect the ongoing pathology with the immune system.