Twice-yearly injection could replace daily tablets to treat high blood pressure

UK scientists are running a trial to see effectiveness of managing hypertension through new injection

About a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure, but many might not know it. PA

High blood pressure could be treated with an injection every six months instead of a daily tablet as part of a new trial into the condition.

Scientists are testing the approach in what they said is a world first in how hypertension, or high blood pressure, could be treated.

About a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure but many might not know it, the National Health Service says.

While it often does not have noticeable symptoms, if hypertension is not treated it can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

About 100 patients across the UK will be part of the 630 patients worldwide involved in the new research by Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NHS Trust.

People who have high blood pressure diagnosed typically take tablets once a day to control the condition, researchers said.

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  Exercise helps to lower blood pressure by reducing vessel stiffness so blood can flow around the body more easily. Victor Besa / The National

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  Cycling is just as beneficial as walking to reduce blood pressure. Victor Besa / The National

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  Physical activity such as hiking can lower blood pressure by up to 10 points. Reuters

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  In a study, blood pressure readings were even more optimal when participants ambled while working. Getty Images

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  Weight training or lifting can reduce blood pressure once the gym session is over. Reuters

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  Swimming can be beneficial in controlling blood pressure in adults 60 and older. Getty Images

The British Heart Foundation said while there was not always an explanation for the cause of high blood pressure, most people developed it because of their diet, lifestyle or a medical condition.

This study, funded by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, is due to run for three years.

“We are excited to be trialling this first-of-its-kind approach to research if it is safe and effective for the treatment of high blood pressure," said Dr Manish Saxena, study lead and deputy clinical director at Queen Mary University.

“It is early days but our ultimate hope is that the treatment proves to be a safe and more manageable, practical solution to tackling high blood pressure.

“A twice-yearly treatment with injection underneath the skin would provide a better alternative to taking daily medication, which we believe would be welcome news for patients and make treating hypertension more convenient.”

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  Blueberries are a superfood that can help to lower high blood pressure. Reuters

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  Research suggests that beetroot’s high levels of inorganic nitrate cause a reduction in blood pressure. Getty

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  Scientific trials found that dark chocolate with a cocoa content of between 50 per cent and 70 per cent is a treat that could help lower blood pressure. Getty

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  A daily serving of kiwi can reduce blood pressure in people with mildly elevated levels. Getty

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  Watermelon contains an amino acid called citrulline, which may help to manage blood pressure. Getty Images

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  Oats contain a type of fibre called beta-glucan, which may reduce blood cholesterol levels. Getty

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  Leafy green vegetables are rich in nitrates which help to manage blood pressure. Reuters

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  One study reported that garlic extract reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive people. Getty

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  Eating probiotics such as kimchi can have a positive effect on high blood pressure. Reuters

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  Scientists looked into the effects of a diet rich in pulses on rats and reported decreased levels of blood pressure. Getty

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  Yoghurt may reduce the risk of high blood pressure in women. Getty

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  One cup of pomegranate juice daily for 28 days can lower high blood pressure in the short term. Reuters

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  Cinnamon may also help to reduce blood pressure. Reuters

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  Pistachios are healthy nuts that may decrease hypertension. Reuters