Search Results (1,006)

Aim: To investigate the synergistic effects of exercise training and Brassica oleracea var. italica (broccoli sprout) supplementation on Apolipoprotein A-I, B-100, and J levels in men with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Forty-four males with T2DM were randomly assigned to four groups: Control (CG), Supplement (SG), Training (TG), and Training + Supplement (TSG) groups. Participants in the supplement groups (SG and TSG) received 10 g of broccoli supplement after meals for 12 weeks, while those in the training groups (TG and TSG) participated in a structured exercise program (resistance and aerobic), performed three times per week for 12 weeks, at intensities of 60–70% one-repetition maximum (1RM) for resistance training and 60–70% peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak) for aerobic training. Results: Circulating levels of apolipoproteins improved after 12 weeks in the TSG, TG, and SG groups. However, the TSG group exhibited the most pronounced improvements across metabolic and lipoprotein markers, reflecting an additive effect of both interventions. Specifically, the TSG group demonstrated absolute reductions in ApoB-100 (−48.30 ± 7.20 mg/dL) and ApoJ (−44.05 ± 5.76 mg/dL), along with an increase in ApoA-I (+44.92 ± 6.05 mg/dL). Main effect analysis revealed that exercise training elicited the most substantial improvements across metabolic and lipoprotein markers, with large effect sizes for glucose (η²p = 0.787), insulin (η²p = 0.640), HOMA-IR (η²p = 0.856), ApoA-I (η²p = 0.685), ApoB-100 (η²p = 0.774), ApoJ (η²p = 0.848), and HDL-C (η²p = 0.535). Supplementation showed moderate effects, particularly on HOMA-IR (η²p = 0.370), ApoA-I (η²p = 0.383), and ApoB-100 (η²p = 0.334), supporting an additive but exercise-dominant benefit. The combined intervention group (TSG) showed the most pronounced improvements across all measured outcomes, with large effect sizes for ApoA-I (η²p = 0.883), glucose (η²p = 0.946), insulin (η²p = 0.881), HOMA-IR (η²p = 0.904), and ApoJ (η²p = 0.852). Conclusions: The effects of combining training and broccoli sprout supplementation on apolipoprotein levels are likely to result from the activation of two separate pathways, one from training and the other from supplementation. This dual-modality intervention could serve as an effective complementary strategy in managing metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors for individuals with T2DM. However, the magnitude of change induced by the combination of exercise training and broccoli supplementation was largely driven by the training component, with supplementation providing complementary but less consistent benefits. Full article

Background: Pulmonary arterial pressure is a key parameter for diagnosing cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Its measurement through right heart catheterization is considered the gold standard, and it is an invasive procedure that entails significant risks for patients. This has motivated the development of non-invasive techniques based on patient-specific imaging, such as Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs), which integrate clinical measurements with physical models, such as the 1D reduced Navier–Stokes model, enabling biologically plausible predictions with limited data. Methods: This work implements a PINN model that uses velocity and area measurements in the main bifurcation of the pulmonary artery, comprising the main artery and its secondary branches, to predict pressure, velocity, and area variations throughout the bifurcation. The model training includes penalties to satisfy the laws of flow and momentum conservation. Results: The results show that, using 4D Flow MRI images from a healthy patient as clinical data, the pressure estimates provided by the model are consistent with the expected ranges reported in the literature, reaching a mean arterial pressure of 21.5 mmHg. Conclusions: This model presents an innovative approach that avoids invasive methods, being the first study to apply PINNs to estimate pulmonary arterial pressure in bifurcations. In future work, we aim to validate the model in larger populations and confirm pulmonary hypertension cases diagnosed through catheterization. Full article

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases, including cardiac arrhythmias, are the leading cause of death worldwide due to their silent, asymptomatic nature. To address this problem, early and accurate diagnosis is crucial. Although this task is typically performed by a cardiologist, diagnosing arrhythmias can be imprecise due to the subjectivity of reading and interpreting electrocardiograms (ECGs), and electrocardiograms are often subject to noise and interference. Deep learning-based approaches present methods for automatically detecting arrhythmias and are positioned as an alternative to support cardiologists’ diagnoses. However, these methods are trained and tested only on open datasets of electrocardiograms from Holter devices, whose results aim to improve the accuracy of the state of the art, neglecting the efficiency of the model and its application in a practical clinical context. In this work, we propose an efficient model based on a 1D CNN architecture to detect arrhythmias from smartwatch ECGs, for subsequent deployment in a practical scenario for the monitoring and early detection of arrhythmias. Two datasets were used: UMass Medical School Simband for a binary arrhythmia detection model to evaluate its efficiency and effectiveness, and the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database to validate the multiclass model and compare it with state-of-the-art models. The results of the binary model achieved an accuracy of 64.81%, a sensitivity of 89.47%, and a specificity of 6.25%, demonstrating the model’s reliability, especially in specificity. Furthermore, the computational complexity was 1.2 million parameters and 68.48 MFlops, demonstrating the efficiency of the model. Finally, the results of the multiclass model achieved an accuracy of 99.57%, a sensitivity of 99.57%, and a specificity of 99.47%, making it one of the best state-of-the-art proposals and also reconfirming the reliability of the model. Full article

Padel is a doubles racket sport played on an enclosed court, characterised by intermittent high-intensity efforts, frequent directional changes, and short recovery periods. This study aimed to analyse the evolution of physiological responses and neuromuscular fatigue in amateur padel players according to playing position (Right Side [RS] vs. Left Side [LS]) and match outcome (Win or Lose). A total of 52 padel players (35.6 ± 11.6 years) participated, competing in 13 matches. The mean match duration was 57.2 ± 15.7 min, with an average of 152.0 ± 40.4 points per match. Physiological variables were recorded during each set, and neuromuscular variables (countermovement jump [CMJ] and handgrip strength) were assessed before the match and after each set. No significant differences in physiological load were found between winners and losers or between RS and LS positions. However, differences in handgrip strength were observed at T1 (p < 0.05, d = −0.72) and T2 (p < 0.05, d = −0.59) (post-set testing), with LS players showing higher grip strength. Regarding the progression of physiological responses across the different sets, a progressive increase in cardiovascular load was observed within each subgroup, with significant differences across sets (set 1, set 2, and set 3) in several variables, including HR_peak, HR_avg, zone 1, zone 2, zone 3, and TRIMP_Edwards. No performance decline was observed in CMJ or handgrip strength in any of the groups analysed. These findings suggest that physiological responses increase throughout a match, particularly in the final sets, but no signs of neuromuscular fatigue (CMJ and handgrip) were observed, regardless of match outcome or playing position. These results highlight the need to include high-intensity scenarios and role-specific strategies in training to address the progressive physiological demands and positional differences in match play. Full article

Background/Objectives: Radial artery access (RAA) is widely used for catheter-based procedures due to its safety and convenience, but complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) remains a rare, underrecognized complication—particularly in women. CRPS manifests as prolonged, severe pain and autonomic symptoms, often associated with nerve irritation near the carpal tunnel. This study aimed to evaluate whether modifying the puncture site to a high radial artery puncture (HRAP) reduces the risk of CRPS in patients undergoing transarterial micro-embolization (TAME) for frozen shoulder. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 97 patients (47 women and 50 men) who underwent transarterial micro-embolization (TAME) via conventional RAA for frozen shoulder between February and June 2019. The occurrence of CRPS and vascular complications was recorded. All punctures were ultrasound-guided. Results: Among women treated via conventional RAA, five developed CRPS and one had radial artery occlusion. CRPS symptoms included intense puncture site pain (mean duration was 47 days), which severely impaired daily function. No complications occurred in men. Following the adoption of HRAP, no cases of CRPS, prolonged pain, or vascular complications were observed in the consecutive 101 women treated. Conclusions: Our findings suggest HRAP reduces CRPS risk by avoiding superficial nerve branches and targeting deeper arterial segments with fewer sensory structures. This ultrasound-guided modification is simple, does not require additional training, and may be widely applicable in both musculoskeletal and cardiovascular interventions. HRAP may help minimize neuropathic complications in broader patient populations. Full article

(1) Background: Recent decades have seen growing interest in neuroplasticity and the activity-dependent mechanisms that allow Brain Networks to adapt functionally. Among the various stimuli, physical exercise has emerged as a key modulator of brain plasticity. This narrative review aims to synthesize evidence on the structural and functional effects of physical exercise on the brain in healthy individuals aged 18–80 years. Exercise modalities were categorized into Cardiovascular, Strength, and Mixed Training. Each was further classified by intensity (Light-to-Moderate vs. Vigorous) and duration (Short- vs. Long-Term). A total of 25 interventions were analyzed to evaluate how these variables influence Brain Networks. Findings indicate that exercise type, intensity, and duration collectively modulate neuroplastic responses. Notably, physical training induces structural and functional changes in major Brain Networks, including the Default Mode Network, Salience Network, Central Executive Network, Visuospatial Network, Sensorimotor Network, and Language and Auditory Networks. These results underscore the potential of physical exercise as an effective non-pharmacological strategy to enhance brain health and plasticity across the adult lifespan. This narrative review aims to highlight the effects of physical exercise in changing the brain either functionally or structurally. Moreover, the most relevant exercise training modalities that may improve/change neural networks in healthy populations (18–80 years) were discussed. (2) Methods: Three different types of exercise were considered: (i) Cardiovascular, (ii) Strength, and (iii) Mixed Exercise. For each of them, two levels of intensity (Light-to-Moderate and Vigorous) and two durations (Short-Term and Long-Term Effects) were included. By analyzing 25 interventions, indications about the effects on the brain considering the three factors (type of exercises, intensities, and durations) were provided. (3) Results: The findings suggest that the type of exercises, intensities, and durations could to lead neural modification over time. Specifically, exercise intervention contributes to both structural and functional changes in brain regions located in key Brain Networks, including the Default Mode Network, Salience Network, Central Executive Network, Visuospatial Network, Sensorimotor Network, and Language and Auditory Networks. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, the evidence presented herein underscores the beneficial effects of physical exercise on the structural and functional integrity of the brain, highlighting its importance as a non-pharmacological intervention to improve brain plasticity. Full article

Background: Load carriage is an activity of daily living, can be an occupational risk, and is a popular method of resistance training. Type of carry could be related to vascular and blood pressure (BP) responses and may be related to cardiovascular risk. As physical activity is recommended by clinicians and exercise physiologists, understanding the vascular responses in relation to type of carry is important to consider in terms of risk. The purpose of this study was to compare the vascular health and BP responses to the farmer’s handle (load at the side of the body) and zercher (load in front of the body) carry and to examine sex differences in the responses. Methods: A total of 38 adults (22 females and 16 males) completed farmer’s handle and zercher load carriage with pre- and post-vascular measurements using pulse wave analysis. Results: We found that load carriage with weight in front of the body (zercher) elicits a larger increase in arterial stiffness (AIx@75), and load carriage with the load on the side of the body (farmer’s handle) elicits a larger increase in peripheral systolic BP. There were no sex differences in the responses to carry. Females exercise (3.1 vs. 4.8) and weight train (1.5 vs. 2.6) fewer times per week and had a lower resting systolic BP (121.5 ± 10.3 vs. 131.3 ± 8.3 mmHg) (p < 0.05). Both types of load carriage increased peripheral systolic BP, central systolic BP, and vascular stiffness (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Location of load carriage is important to consider based on potential cardiac risk of patients. Full article

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) remains the number one cause of morbidity and mortality, accounting for 17.9 million deaths every year. Precise and early diagnosis is therefore critical to the betterment of the patient’s outcomes and the many burdens that weigh on the healthcare systems. This work presents for the first time an innovative approach using the DenseNet architecture that allows for the automatic recognition of CVD from clinical data. The data is preprocessed and augmented, with a heterogeneous dataset of cardiovascular-related images like angiograms, echocardiograms, and magnetic resonance images used. Optimizing the deep features for robust model performance is conducted through fine-tuning a custom DenseNet architecture along with rigorous hyper parameter tuning and sophisticated strategies to handle class imbalance. The DenseNet model, after training, shows high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in the identification of CVD compared to baseline approaches. Apart from the quantitative measures, detailed visualizations are conducted to show that the model is able to localize and classify pathological areas within an image. The accuracy of the model was found to be 0.92, precision 0.91, and recall 0.95 for class 1, and an overall weighted average F1-score of 0.93, which establishes the efficacy of the model. There is great clinical applicability in this research in terms of accurate detection of CVD to provide time-interventional personalized treatments. This DenseNet-based approach advances the improvement on the diagnosis of CVD through state-of-the-art technology to be used by radiologists and clinicians. Future work, therefore, would probably focus on improving the model’s interpretability towards a broader population of patients and its generalization towards it, revolutionizing the diagnosis and management of CVD. Full article

Deep neural networks have led to a substantial increase in multifaceted classification tasks by making use of large-scale and diverse annotated datasets. However, diverse optical coherence tomography (OCT) datasets in cardiovascular imaging remain an uphill task. This research focuses on improving the diversity and generalization ability of augmentation architectures while maintaining the baseline classification accuracy for coronary atrial plaques using a novel dual-generator and dynamically fused discriminator conditional generative adversarial network (DGDFGAN). Our method is demonstrated on an augmented OCT dataset with 6900 images. With dual generators, our network provides the diverse outputs for the same input condition, as each generator acts as a regulator for the other. In our model, this mutual regularization enhances the ability of both generators to generalize better across different features. The fusion discriminators use one discriminator for classification purposes, hence avoiding the need for a separate deep architecture. A loss function, including the SSIM loss and FID scores, confirms that perfect synthetic OCT image aliases are created. We optimize our model via the gray wolf optimizer during model training. Furthermore, an inter-comparison and recorded SSID loss of 0.9542 ± 0.008 and a FID score of 7 are suggestive of better diversity and generation characteristics that outperform the performance of leading GAN architectures. We trust that our approach is practically viable and thus assists professionals in informed decision making in clinical settings. Full article

Adverse cardiovascular events and increased mortality are associated with cardiac autonomic nervous system dysfunction in the early stages of the systemic sclerosis (SSc), even prior to the development of cardiac fibrosis. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of a three-month exercise training regimen and a subsequent comparable period of detraining on the activity of the cardiac autonomic nervous system in patients with SSc. A total of forty patients with SSc were randomized to either the control group (Group COΝ) or the exercise training group (Group ET). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed at baseline, three months later, and six months later to assess peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak). They also had 24 h electrocardiogram monitoring for heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence analysis. The following time-domain indices were evaluated in the context of HRV analysis: the standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), the root mean square of successive RR interval differences (rMSSD), and the percentage of successive RR intervals that differ by more than 50 ms (pNN50). Additionally, regarding the frequency-domain indicators, the low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) components, as well as the LF/HF ratio, were evaluated. Independent t-tests and Chi-square tests were used for baseline comparisons, while two-way repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests assessed changes over time and between groups. Linear and multiple regression analyses were conducted to explore relationships among variables and identify predictors of HRV indices and VO₂peak. Group ET implemented a three-month mixed-type exercise training program, while Group COΝ received standard care. Group ET improved indices of vagal activity [rMSSD by 32.6% (p = 0.017), pNN50 by 57.1% (p = 0.01) and HF by 20.1% (p = 0.01)] and sympathovagal activity [SDNN by 15.5% (p = 0.002) and LF/HF by 12.03% (p = 0.004)] after three months. Exercising patients also increased their VO₂peak by 20.8% (p = 0.001). A robust positive correlation was observed between ΔVO₂peak and ΔSDNN (r = 0.754, p < 0.001). After three months, there was no statistically significant difference in the VO₂peak or any HRV index in the group COΝ. Compared to the baseline values, there was no statistically significant difference in group ET at 6 months, whereas the control group exhibited a decline. In summary, a three-month mixed-type exercise training program can enhance the cardiorespiratory efficiency and cardiac autonomic nervous system function of patients with SSc, as well as alleviate the deterioration that arises following the detraining period. Full article

Background: Population aging calls for effective, scalable interventions to enhance cardiovascular and functional health in older adults. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effects of an 18-week multidomain outdoor exercise program on cardiovascular and functional outcomes. Methods: Fifty-two participants (mean age: 66.0 ± 5.1 years; BMI: 27.2 ± 3.7 kg/m²; body fat: 35.0 ± 7.0%) were randomized into intervention (n = 26) and control (n = 26) groups. The intervention involved twice-weekly, 60 min outdoor sessions integrating resistance (30–60 s isometric holds), aerobic training (Borg RPE 6–7), balance, and cognitive exercises. Results: Forty-six participants completed the study (intervention: n = 25; control: n = 21). The intervention group (mean age 65.6 ± 5.3) demonstrated significant improvements compared to the controls (mean age 66.4 ± 4.9): a systolic blood pressure reduction of 17.4 mmHg (95% CI: −21.9 to −12.9, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.376), diastolic blood pressure reduction of 9.2 mmHg (95% CI: −12.1 to −6.3, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.248), and Six-Minute Walk Test improvement of 64.7 m (95% CI: 45.9 to 83.5, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.463). Body composition showed modest but significant improvements in percent body fat (−1.3%, p = 0.007) and visceral fat levels (−0.9 units, p = 0.002). However, these changes were not significant between groups. The Number Needed to Treat was 2.2 for clinically significant blood pressure reduction and 1.4 for meaningful functional improvement. Conclusions: The ACTIVA-Senior multidomain outdoor intervention led to clinically meaningful improvements in cardiovascular function and functional capacity. The results suggest strong potential for scalable outdoor aging interventions. These findings support the integration of structured outdoor exercise programs into healthy aging strategies and public health initiatives. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of isometric and plyometric combined activation prior to the endurance performance assessed with the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15 IFT) and cardiovascular parameters. Methods: In this crossover study the data of 14 elite female soccer players aged 22.1 ± 2.9 years were assessed. The conditioning activity (CA) consisted of three sets of five seconds of maximal mid-thigh pull (IMPT), and peak force was measured, and four countermovement jumps were performed. Contact time, jump height, and reactive strength index (RSI) were assessed. Ninety seconds of rest between the sets was performed. Then, 7 min after the CA, the 30-15 IFT was performed. Results: One-way repeated measures (RM) ANOVA showed that performance during the CA did not decrease; what is more, it improved in RSI (p < 0.01). Further, paired samples t-test showed that the performance in the IFT did not change, whereas training impulse (TRIMP) was increased after CA (p = 0.039, ES = 0.61), thus the Bayesian paired test yielded only anecdotal evidence in favor of the alternative hypothesis (BF₁₀ = 1.92; error = 2%). Conclusions: The improvement in CA suggests potentiation rather than fatigue. However, the unchanged performance alongside a modest TRIMP increase should be interpreted with caution, as TRIMP alone provides a limited assessment of physiological cost. Therefore, while the applied protocol did not enhance endurance performance, further research using multiple physiological markers is needed to clarify its impact on internal load and overall efficacy. Full article

Background and Objectives: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common cardiovascular conditions affecting preterm infants, with incidence rates reaching 60% in neonates born before 28 weeks gestation. Traditional clinical assessment alone often proves inadequate for accurate diagnosis, potentially leading to both overtreatment and undertreatment. Targeted neonatal echocardiography (TnECHO) has emerged as a powerful bedside tool that enables neonatologists to perform focused cardiac evaluations, providing real-time assessment of ductal significance and systemic hemodynamics. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively evaluate the clinical utility of TnECHO in the management of PDA in preterm infants, with specific focus on its diagnostic accuracy, impact on treatment decisions, and influence on clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception (earliest available date of each database) through February 2025. The search strategy combined terms for “Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography” and “Patent Ductus Arteriosus.” We included observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating TnECHO in PDA management, while excluding reviews and case reports. Data extraction focused on study design, population characteristics, TnECHO protocols, and clinical outcomes. Results: From 173 initial records, 11 studies met inclusion criteria. Eight studies were rated as high-quality (NOS score ≥ 7). TnECHO implementation was associated with a 49% reduction in PDA ligation rates and decreased need for multiple treatment courses. Studies demonstrated improved diagnostic precision in assessing shunt significance and myocardial function, leading to more tailored therapeutic approaches. The establishment of dedicated TnECHO services enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration between neonatologists and cardiologists. However, limitations included operator dependence, variable institutional protocols, and occasional missed minor cardiac anomalies. Conclusions: TnECHO represents a transformative approach to PDA management in preterm infants, enabling physiology-guided decision-making that reduces unnecessary interventions while maintaining patient safety. Current evidence supports its role in improving diagnostic accuracy and optimizing treatment timing. Future research should prioritize multicenter RCTs to establish standardized protocols and evaluate long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. The integration of TnECHO into routine neonatal practice requires investment in training programs and quality assurance measures to maximize its clinical potential. Full article

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training, first introduced by Dr. Yoshiaki Sato as KAATSU, has attracted increasing interest in sports science. Although the BFR training method has several additional benefits, the way occlusion pressure is identified contributes to BFR usability and safety. This study aims to develop and validate a predictive model for estimating individualized LOP with manual technique by examining the influence of blood pressure, fat percentage, limb circumference, and BMI as independent variables. A total of 158 healthy male adults participated in the study. Subjects with cardiovascular, metabolic, or musculoskeletal disorders, as well as those using supplements, medications, or nicotine, were excluded from the study. The cross-sectional study examined the correlation between the variables and derived a regression equation for predicting the corresponding LOP and anthropometric values. Three measurements were taken and the arithmetic mean was calculated from these measurements. It is evident that body mass index (BMI) emerged as a significant contributing factor in predicting limb occlusion pressure (LOP), outpacing traditional anthropometric variables such as limb circumference or body fat percentage. The regression model accounted for 18% of the variance in LOP (R² = 0.18), with a standard error of estimate (SEE) of 20.5 mmHg, suggesting moderate predictive capacity. Future work should investigate vascular factors and technological development in BFR devices for optimal pressure calibration to improve the efficacy of individualized BFR training. Full article

Background: Arterial hypertension (HTN) is the leading modifiable cardiovascular risk factor for overall mortality worldwide. In Austria, 1.6 million individuals above the age of 15, representing 20% of the total population and 70% of adults aged 65 and older, suffer from HTN. Despite numerous antihypertensive treatment options on the European market, only 38.8% of patients on optimal medical treatment (OMT) reach their treatment goal. Primary prevention remains a challenge, particularly for HTN and the consequential risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Thus, there is an urgent need for Disease Management Programs (DMPs). We sought to study a possible trial to diagnose hypertension in a non-medical setting at a very early stage of the disease and raise awareness for hypertension in affected people to avoid future complications of unrecognized and untreated HTN. For a non-medical setting, hairdressers fulfil many criteria for an optimal blood pressure (BP) measurement. Methods: This is a pilot study. A total of 193 individuals were included at a Viennese hairdresser. Metric data were described either using mean ± SD given normal distribution or median otherwise. Categorical data were described using absolute frequencies and percentages. For comparison, either independent t-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests or chi² tests were assessed. The staff received expert training on how to measure blood pressure in a guideline-compliant way. All members signed the written and informed consent and received a questionnaire about their demographic data and cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Of the 193 participants in this study, 56.5% (109/193) were female and 43.5% (84/193) were male. The mean age was 54 ± 15.1 years. In the automatically measured office blood pressure (AOBP) measurement, the mean systolic BP was 137.1 ± 17.8 and the mean diastolic BP was 91.6 ± 11.2. Of all participants, 65.8% (127/193) were hypertensive, whereof 74.8% (95/127) had no treatment at all. Among 127 individuals evaluated, 63% (80/127) were unaware of their elevated blood pressure levels, while 28% (44/127) had a prior diagnosis of HTN. The control rate of the individuals with previously diagnosed HTN was very low, with only 18.5% [10.4; 30.9] reaching normotensive values in the current measurement. There was no difference in BP values of patients with previously diagnosed HTN and patients who were unaware of their disease. Antihypertensive treatment was being received by 20.2% (39/193), while 62.2% had not taken their prescribed blood pressure medication on the day of recruitment. Conclusions: This is the first Austrian study to show that screening for HTN in an unconventional non-medical setting is effective to diagnose HTN and raise awareness. Based on the even-higher-than-expected prevalence of HTN, we plan to conduct a cohort study in Vienna, inviting all hairdressers in socially deprived districts to act as gate openers for hypertensive subjects to raise awareness and to contact a regional GP for provision of medical care. An implementation of such a cost-effective and feasible disease management program in Austria might therefore reduce the burden of preventable cardiovascular events associated with HTN. Full article