Research

        Spike: A deficiency of nitric oxide may explain why patients' high blood pressure keeps spiraling out of control, according to a new California study.

        Researchers at the University of California-Irvine College of Medicine found that high blood pressure causes nitric oxide, which helps regulate blood pressure by causing blood vessels to dilate — to become inactive.

        As pressure increases, molecules called free radicals and reactive oxygen species cause cell damage and further inactivate nitric oxide in the body, causing blood pressure to continue rising.

        “While the initial causes of high blood pressure are diverse and in many cases unclear, this study shows the importance of making sure high blood pressure is always controlled and may provide greater understanding of how to better do so,” says lead researcher Dr. Nick Vaziri, professor of medicine and chief of nephrology at UC Irvine.

        The study appears in the September issue of Kidney International.

        Previous studies have shown that increased levels of free radicals by themselves can increase blood pressure, and that some antioxidants, including vitamin E and other chemicals found in food, can help reduce harmful levels of free radicals.

        The study, performed on rats, looked at whether hypertension itself can increase free radical production.

Calendar

        Mind/body: The city of Montgomery is offering Hatha yoga classes Tuesdays, beginning Tuesday at Swaim Lodge. Cost: $40 for five classes, or $75 for 10 classes. Registration deadline is Friday. Information: 891-2424.

        For caregivers: The Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is offering a four-week class for caregivers called “When the Diagnosis is Alzheimer's Disease,” beginning at 10 a.m. Oct. 13. Information: Barb Helm, 721-4284. Registration: Marlene Scholl, 721-4284.

        Seminar: The Alliance Institute for Integrative Medicine presents “Managing Your Headaches: an Integrative Approach” at 7 p.m. Oct. 1. Topics include conventional and alternative headache remedies. Cost: $10. Registration: 791-5521.

        Chef Tell: Former syndicated cooking show host Chef Tell conducts a healthy food demonstration at “Healthy Journeys: Show and Tell,” 7-9 p.m. next Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency, downtown. The program, which includes free health screenings, focuses on women's heart health. Registration: $20. To register or for more information: www.cincinow.com or call 475-4500.

Shelf help

        Sleuthing: After Any Diagnosis by Carol Svec (Three Rivers Press/Random House; $15) offers solid advice for patients and their families on how to gather, understand and use medical information. The book covers resources available on the Web and in the media that are available and explains how to evaluate and use those resources.

Siting

        More saltines: Suffering from severe morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum or HG)? Check out www.HGSurvivor.org, a Web site that offers tips, support, resources, links and coping advice for moms-to-be suffering from the dreaded ailment. Need a laugh? Click on the “dumbest things said to HG survivors” link.

        Contact Peggy O'Farrell by phone: 768-8510; fax, 768-8330; email, pofarrell@enquirer.com.

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