PRE-HYPERTENSION

This study is being done to evaluate the effect on cardiovascular biomarkers and anthocyanin-derived plasma metabolites of Peruvian native purple-fleshed potato consumed over a 4-week period by prehypertensive men ages 18-40 years old. Subjects will undergo blood pressure monitoring, anthropometric measurements, laboratory analysis, plasma metabolic profile assessments and microbiome metagenomic analysis before and after finishing the potato consumption period. Hypertension is a chronic disease that affects over 20% of Peruvians aged 15+, with higher prevalence in men. Previous studies on purple flesh varieties have shown reductions in blood pressure and improvements in vascular function. Potatoes are a major dietary staple and a source of many compounds beyond carbohydrates, including vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols. Anthocyanins are polyphenol compounds that give purple potatoes their color, and are known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory properties. Hence, this work aims to generate novel evidence on the cardiovascular benefits of Peruvian purple flesh potatoes that could lead to its inclusion on preventive dietary strategies and enhance the value of local agriculture. Moreover, as purple flesh potatoes have unique anthocyanins such as petunidin and peonidin whose metabolization has not yet been studied, understanding their metabolization and bioavailability will aid in a better understanding of their observed impact on health. The study is designed as a randomized, controlled, crossover nutritional intervention involving 30 male prehypertensive participants aged 18-40 (BMI \< 30 kg/m2, 120-139 mmHg SBP and/or 80-89 mmHg DBP), with an expected final sample of 21. Each participant will consume a daily portion over a four-week period of potato purée of either purple- or white-fleshed varieties according to the corresponding treatment, with a one-week washout period between treatments. The portion will consist of a rehydrated purée derived from freeze-dried steamed tubers equivalent to 400 grams of fresh weight. All measurements will be taken before each treatment period beginning and after its ending. Anthropometry measurements will include waist circumference, height and weight to calculate BMI. Blood pressure will be measured at fasting and postprandial state. Blood samples will be taken at fasten state for measuring biochemical markers glucose, lipid profile, creatinine, C-reactive protein, and antioxidant capacity. Saliva samples will be taken at fasten state for microbiome analysis. Blood samples for plasma metabolomic analysis will be taken at fasten state before the intervention as a basal measurement and after potato consumption (1 postprandial hour) on the treatment last day. Dietary intake and physical activity will be monitored using 24-hour recall and IPAQ short form questionnaires.

High blood pressure is a common medical condition that affects the body's arteries. It's also called hypertension. Untreated hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious health problems. Exercise is a promising tool in hypertension management. Regular participation in exercise improves vascular health, heart and lung function, and multisystem health. However, the direct evidence of the treatment effects of a brief period of exercise on blood pressure in individuals with hypertension is limited. A brief period of exercise refers to an exercise protocol that only lasts for a very short period of time, such as 5-10 minutes.

Pre-hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure between 120-139mmHg or diastolic blood pressure between 80-89mmHg and is considered a risk factor for developing hypertension. Early lifestyle interventions such as aerobic exercise and breathing techniques may help prevent progression to hypertension. This randomised controlled trial aims to determine the additional effects of pilates breathing and diaphragmatic breathing combined with moderate-intensity continuous treadmill training on blood pressure, chest expansion, pulmonary function and quality of life in pre-hypertensive patients. A total of 45 participants will be randomly allocated into three groups: treadmill training with pilates breathing, tredmill training with diaphragmtic brething and treadmill training alone. The intervention will be conducted for 6 weeks. Outcome measures including blood pressure, pulmonary function, chest expansion and quality of life will be assesed before and after the intervention.

Hypertension is one of the greatest public health challenges, affecting more than one billion people worldwide and representing a significant financial and public health burden. It is responsible for a high number of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. Although pharmacological treatment is effective, non-pharmacological interventions are essential for the sustainable management of blood pressure, especially in its early stages. Respiratory exercises have shown potential in reducing blood pressure and improving cardiac vagal modulation, promoting cardiovascular health benefits. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of guided respiratory exercises using the CardioBreath app in improving vagal modulation and reducing arterial stiffness in adults with prehypertension or hypertension over six weeks. This is a randomized clinical trial involving adults with prehypertension or hypertension, divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group will use CardioBreath to perform daily breathing exercises, with weekly remote monitoring. Assessments will include heart rate variability parameters, baroreflex sensitivity, pulse wave velocity, and quality of life. It is expected that the use of the app will significantly improve vagal modulation and arterial stiffness, demonstrating the potential of this intervention for the non-pharmacological management of hypertension. The use of CardioBreath may offer an accessible and effective alternative for blood pressure control, with the potential to be integrated into public health programs focused on low-cost, highly accessible interventions for the prevention and management of hypertension.

The investigators long-term goal is to better understand novel interventions to promote cardiovascular health in humans. The goal of the proposed research is to investigate whether there is sex-specificity in the effects of dietary capsaicin on mechanisms regulating nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, its effect on key markers of cardiovascular (CV) health, including BP, macro- and microvascular function, and arterial stiffness. This knowledge will provide critical insight into the effects of dietary capsaicin on CV health and will guide future trials.