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NICE to consider evidence for relaxing BP targets in older people, and other health stories

NICE will ‘consider’ the evidence behind new recommendations from the US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute that suggests blood pressure targets for older people should be relaxed, the Telegraph reveals this morning. New guidelines from the institute say that the over 60s should not be given medication until their blood pressure reaches 150/90 mmHg.

A spokesperson said: ‘We will certainly consider the US studies – along with all other available evidence - when the NICE guideline on hypertension is next considered for review.’

The Telegraph also has an interesting story this morning about researchers potentially finding the ‘fountain of youth’ for …er…mice. Yes, mice can live forever now as researchers at the University of Harvard found a way of helping their DNA ‘communicate more effectively’.

‘In human years, this would be like a 60-year-old converting to a 20-year-old in these specific areas,’ said Professor David Sinclair, an expert in genetics at Harvard Medical School.

One in 12 implants used in hip replacements has no evidence to prove it is safe or effective, the Yorkshire Post is warning today. The newspaper reports that researchers from Oxford University have trawled data relating to England and Wales and found 8% of devices used on patients were not backed by information proving they were safe.

 

 



          

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