RSS Feeds

Over five decades, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has become known as the nation’s first “food as medicine” program. Low-income families receiving WIC benefits — which provides nutritious food in designated categories, nutrition education and access to other social services — have fewer premature births and infant deaths, eat higher-quality diets, and are more likely to receive regular medical care. 

But many families who are income eligible to participate in WIC aren’t receiving those benefits. Research has found that households who don’t use the full amount of their nutrition benefits are more likely to drop from the program. 

New research by the University of Washington has found that households who redeem more of their benefits in the most popular food categories are more likely to remain in the program long-term. Better understanding these patterns could help WIC agencies identify families who might need a little extra encouragement to stay enrolled.

The study was published Dec. 3 in JAMA Network Open. 

“Finding ways to identify kids and families that are at risk of dropping out of the program is of high importance,” said Pia Chaparro, a UW assistant professor of health systems and population health and first author of the study. “That’s basically what we’ve identified — a way to flag families who may be at risk of dropping off.”

WIC provides families with food benefits in specific categories, with fruits and vegetables and eggs as the most popular. In partnership with Public Health Foundation Enterprises WIC (PHFE WIC), a Southern California WIC agency with a large research and evaluation division, researchers analyzed redemption data from 188,000 participating infants and children 0-3 years old, between the years 2019 and 2023. 

Among those children, higher redemption of fruits and vegetables, eggs, whole milk and infant formula was associated with lower risk of their household discontinuing WIC participation. 

The risk of discontinuation decreased in a somewhat linear fashion as redemption rates increased.

Chaparro hopes that local WIC agencies will build on these findings and seek new ways to engage families at risk of dropping off. All WIC providers must offer nutrition education, which could be an opportunity to target households with lower redemption rates in popular categories. 

The findings come just over a year after the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees WIC, implemented significant updates to the program’s food package. Among other changes, the 2024 rule significantly increased benefits for fresh fruits and vegetables, which has proven popular.

“The expansion of fruit and vegetable benefits for WIC families has been among the most important policy changes of the last decade,” said Shannon Whaley, director of research and evaluation at PHFE WIC and co-author of the study. “Families want more fruits and vegetables, and this research demonstrates that their inclusion in the WIC food package is essential for longer-term engagement in the program.”

Christopher Anderson of the University of Tennessee and PHFE WIC is the corresponding author. This study was funded by The Research Innovation and Development Grants in Economics (RIDGE) Partnership.

When uncontrolled wildfires moved from the foothills above Los Angeles into the densely populated urban areas below in January 2025, evacuation ensued and a thick layer of toxic smoke spread across the region. Air quality plummeted. Local hospitals braced for a surge, but it never came.  

Research led by the University of Washington and Kaiser Permanente Southern California sheds new light on how the Los Angeles fires affected people’s health, and how people navigated the health care system during an emergency. In the rapid study, published Nov. 26 in JAMA Health Forum, researchers analyzed the health records of 3.7 million Kaiser Permanente members of all ages living in the region. They found that health care visits did rise above normal levels, especially virtual services.  

In the week after the fires ignited, Kaiser Permanente members made 42% more virtual visits for respiratory symptoms than expected. Those living near a burn zone or within Los Angeles County also made 44% and 40% more virtual cardiovascular visits, respectively, than expected. 

In-person outpatient visits for respiratory symptoms also increased substantially. Members who lived near a burn zone or within Los Angeles County made 27% and 31% more virtual cardiovascular visits, respectively, than expected. 

Extrapolating to all insured residents of the county, the researchers estimated an excess of 15,792 cardiovascular virtual visits, 18,489 respiratory virtual visits and 27,903 respiratory outpatient visits in the first week of the fires. 

The results suggest that people may rely more heavily on virtual health care during climate-related emergencies, and that providers should better prioritize virtual and telehealth services as they prepare for future crises. 

“We saw over 6,241 excess cardiorespiratory virtual visits in the week following the fire ignition. This represents a substantial increase in care,” said Joan Casey, a UW associate professor of environmental and occupational health sciences and of epidemiology who led the research. “While the fires clearly impacted health, virtual care likely enhanced the ability of providers to meet the health care needs of people experiencing an ongoing climate disaster.” 

In collaboration with Kaiser Permanente Southern California, an integrated health care system with millions of members across the region, researchers analyzed health records of people who were highly or moderately exposed to wildfires. They defined high exposure as living within about 12 miles (20 kilometers) of a burn zone, and moderate exposure as living within Los Angeles County but farther than 12 miles during the time of the fires.  

Researchers looked back three years to estimate how many health care visits to expect in the weeks following Jan. 7 — the first day of the fires — under typical conditions. They then estimated how many people sought care in the first week of the fires, when smoke levels were highest, evacuations took place, and Los Angeles County public schools were closed.

In addition to the spike in cardiovascular and respiratory visits, researchers found a sharp increase in the number of visits for injuries and neuropsychiatric symptoms. On Jan. 7, outpatient injury visits were 18% higher than expected among highly exposed members, and virtual injury visits were 26% and 18% higher than expected among highly and moderately exposed groups, respectively. Among those same groups, outpatient neuropsychiatric visits rose 31% and 28% above expectations, respectively.

While both groups made significantly more visits than expected, proximity to the fires mattered. When researchers zoomed in on respiratory-related virtual visits, they found that minimally exposed members made 31% more visits, moderately exposed members made 36% more, and those living in highly exposed areas made 42% more.  

“While healthcare systems often plan to increase the number of hospital beds available or clinic staffing during an emergency, this work highlights the importance of considering virtual care capacity,” said Lauren Wilner, a UW doctoral student of epidemiology and co-author on the study. “This may be particularly true for climate disasters like wildfires, during which people are advised to stay indoors or when people must evacuate — motivating them to seek care online if at all possible. As climate disasters increase in frequency and intensity, it is essential that health care systems know how to prepare for a sudden and dramatic surge in health care utilization.” 

Other authors on this study are Yuqian Gu, Gina Lee and Sara Tartof of Kaiser Permanente Southern California; Lara Schwarz of the University of California, Berkeley; Timothy Frankland of Kaiser Permanente Hawaii; Heather McBrien and Nina Flores of Columbia University; Chen Chen and Arnab Dey of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego; and Tarik Benmarhnia of the Scripps Institution and the University of Rennes in France.

This research was funded by the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences. 

For more information or to reach the research team, contact Alden Woods at acwoods@uw.edu.

About 10% of American babies are born prematurely. Birth before 37 weeks can lead to a cascade of health risks, both immediate and long-term, making prevention a vital tool for improving public health over generations. 

In recent years, researchers have identified a potential link between wildfire smoke — one of the fastest-growing sources of air pollution in the United States — and preterm birth, but no study has been big or broad enough to draw definitive conclusions. A new study led by the University of Washington makes an important contribution, analyzing data from more than 20,000 births to find that pregnant people who are exposed to wildfire smoke are more likely to give birth prematurely.

“Preventing preterm birth really pays off with lasting benefits for future health,” said lead author Allison Sherris, a UW postdoctoral researcher in environmental and occupational health sciences. “It’s also something of a mystery. We don’t always understand why babies are born preterm, but we know that air pollution contributes to preterm births, and it makes sense that wildfire smoke would as well. This study underscores that wildfire smoke is inseparable from maternal and infant health.”

In the study, published Nov. 3 in The Lancet Planetary Health, researchers used data from the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, a federal research project focused on how a wide range of environmental factors affect children’s health. The sample included 20,034 births from 2006-2020 across the contiguous United States.

Researchers estimated participants’ average daily exposure to fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, generated by wildfire smoke, and the total number of days they were exposed to any amount of smoke. They estimated the intensity of smoke exposure by how frequently participants were exposed to wildfire PM2.5 levels above certain thresholds.

They found that pregnant people exposed to more intense wildfire smoke were more likely to give birth prematurely. In mid-pregnancy, exposure to any smoke was associated with an elevated risk of preterm birth, with that risk peaking around the 21st week of gestation. In late pregnancy, elevated risk was most closely associated with exposure to high concentrations of wildfire PM2.5, above 10 micrograms per cubic meter.

“The second trimester is a period of pregnancy with the richest and most intense growth of the placenta, which itself is such an important part of fetal health, growth and development,” said co-author Dr. Catherine Karr, a UW professor of environmental and occupational health sciences and of pediatrics in the UW School of Medicine. “So it may be that the wildfire smoke particles are really interfering with placental health. Some of them are so tiny that after inhalation they can actually get into the bloodstream and get delivered directly into the placenta or fetus.” 

The link was strongest and most precise in the Western U.S., where people were exposed to the highest concentrations of wildfire PM2.5 and the greatest number of high-intensity smoke days. Here, the odds of preterm birth increased with each additional microgram per cubic meter of average wildfire PM2.5.

It’s possible those results were more precise simply because the West experiences more wildfire smoke on average, making the exposure model perform better, Sherris said. But there may be other factors behind the regional differences. 

The composition of wildfire smoke is different across the country. In the West, smoke tends to come from fires nearby, while in places like the Midwest, smoke has typically drifted in from faraway fires. Smoke’s toxicity changes as it ages and reacts with sunlight and airborne chemicals, which could have affected the results. Researchers also noted that external factors like co-occurring heat or housing quality may have effects that aren’t fully understood. 

Researchers hope that future studies will examine the exact mechanisms by which wildfire smoke might trigger preterm birth. But in the meantime, Sherris said, evidence for a link is now strong enough to take action. 

“There are a couple avenues for change,” Sherris said. “First, people already get a lot of public health messaging and information throughout pregnancy, so there’s an opportunity to work with clinicians to provide tools for pregnant people to protect themselves during smoke events. Public health agencies’ messaging about wildfire smoke could also be tailored to pregnant people and highlight them as a vulnerable group.”

Co-authors include Logan Dearborn, doctoral student of environmental and occupational health sciences at the UW; Christine Loftus, clinical associate professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the UW; Adam Szpiro, professor of biostatistics at the UW; Joan Casey, associate professor of environmental and occupational health sciences and of epidemiology at the UW; Sindana Ilango, postdoctoral fellow of epidemiology at the UW; and Marissa Childs, assistant professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the UW. A full list of co-authors is included with the paper.

This research was funded by the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program at the National Institutes of Health under multiple awards. A full list of ECHO funding awards is included with the paper. 

For more information or to contact the researchers, email Alden Woods at acwoods@uw.edu.

Targeted drug delivery is a powerful and promising area of medicine. Therapies that pinpoint the exact areas of the body where they’re needed — and nowhere they’re not — can reduce the medicine dosage and avoid potentially harmful “off target” effects elsewhere in the body. A targeted immunotherapy, for example, might seek out cancerous tissues and activate immune cells to fight the disease only in those tissues.

The tricky part is making a therapy truly “smart,” where the medicine can move freely through the body and decide which areas to target.

Researchers at the University of Washington took a significant step toward that goal by designing proteins with autonomous decision-making capabilities. In a proof-of-principles study published Oct. 9 in Nature Chemical Biology, researchers demonstrated that by adding smart tail structures to therapeutic proteins, they could control the proteins’ localization based on the presence of specific environmental cues. These protein tails fold themselves into preprogrammed shapes that define how they react to different combinations of cues. In addition, the experiment showed that the smart protein tails could be attached to a carrier material for delivery to living cells.

Advances in synthetic biology also allowed the researchers to manufacture these proteins cheaply and in a matter of days instead of months.

“We’ve been thinking about these concepts for some time but have struggled with ways to increase and automate production,” said senior author Cole DeForest, a UW professor of chemical engineering and bioengineering. “We’ve now finally figured out how to produce these systems faster, at scale and with dramatically enhanced logical complexity. We are excited about how these will lead to more sophisticated and scalable disease-honing therapies.”

The concept of programmable biomaterials isn’t new. Scientists have developed numerous strategies to make systems responsive to individual cues — such as pH levels or the presence of specific enzymes — that are associated with a particular disease or area of the body. But it’s rare to find one cue, or “biomarker,” that’s unique to one spot, so a material that hones in on just one biomarker might act on a few unintended places in addition to the target.

One solution to this problem is to seek out a combination of biomarkers. There might be many areas of the body with particular enzyme or pH levels, but there are likely fewer areas with both of those factors. In theory, the more biomarkers a material can identify, the more finely targeted drug delivery can be.

In 2018, DeForest’s lab created a new class of materials that responded to multiple biomarkers using Boolean logic, a concept traditionally used in computer programming.

“We realized that we could program how therapeutics were released based simply on how they were connected to a carrier material,” DeForest said. “For example, if we linked a therapeutic cargo to a material via two degradable groups connected in series — that is, each after the other — it would be released if either group was degraded, acting as an OR gate. When the degradable groups were instead connected in parallel — that is, each on a different half of a cycle — both groups had to be degraded for cargo release, functioning as an AND gate. Excitingly, by combining these basic gates we could readily create advanced logical circuits.”

It was a big step forward, but it wasn’t scalable — the team built these large and complex logic-responsive materials manually through traditional organic chemistry.

But over the next several years, the related field of synthetic biology advanced by leaps and bounds.

“The field has developed exciting new protein-based tools that can allow researchers to form permanent bonds between proteins,” said co-first author Murial Ross, a UW doctoral student of bioengineering. “It opened doors for new protein structures that were previously unachievable, which made more complex logical operations possible.”

Additionally, it became practical to use living cells as factories to produce these complex proteins, allowing scientists to design custom DNA blueprints for new proteins, insert the DNA into bacteria or other host cells, and then collect the proteins with the desired structure directly from the cells.

With these new tools, DeForest and his team streamlined and improved many steps of the process at once. They designed and produced proteins with tails that spontaneously fold into more bespoke shapes, creating complex “circuits” that can respond to up to five different biomarkers. These new proteins can attach to various carriers — hydrogels, tiny beads or living cells — for delivery to a cell, or theoretically a disease site. The team even loaded up one carrier with three different proteins, each programmed to deliver their unique cargo based on different sets of environmental cues.

“We were so excited about the results,” DeForest said. “Using the old process, it would take months to synthesize just a few milligrams of each of these materials. Now it takes us a couple of weeks to go from construct design to product. It’s been a complete game changer for us.”

“The sky’s the limit. You can create delayed and independent delivery of many different components in one treatment,” Ross said. “And I think we could create much, much larger logical circuits that a protein can be responsive to. We’re at the point now that the technology is outpacing what we’ve seriously considered in terms of applications, which is a great place to be.”

The researchers will now continue searching for more biomarkers that proteins could target. They also hope to start collaborating with other labs at the UW and beyond to build and deploy real-world therapies.

The team outlined other uses for the technology as well. The same tools could manufacture therapies within a single cell and direct them to specific regions, a sort of microcosm of how the process works in the body. DeForest also envisions diagnostic tools like blood tests that could, say, turn a certain color when a complex set of cues within the blood sample are present.

DeForest thinks the first practical applications are likely to be cancer treatments, but with more research, the possibilities feel endless.

“The dream is to be able to pick any arbitrary location inside of the body — down to individual cells — and program a material to go and act there,” he said. “That’s a tall order, but with these technologies we’re getting closer. With the right combination of biomarkers, these materials will just get more and more precise.”

Co-authors include Annabella Li, a former UW undergraduate student of chemical engineering; Shivani Kottantharayil, a UW undergraduate student of bioengineering; and Jack Hoye, a UW doctoral student of chemical engineering.

This research was funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

For more information, contact DeForest at profcole@uw.edu. 

In the 10 years since the federal government established the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which enabled universal free meal programs for schools in low-income communities, studies have suggested the policy has wide-ranging benefits. Students in participating schools choose lunches with higher nutritional quality, are suspended less frequently and may perform better academically.

Now, as cuts to food assistance programs threaten to slash access to universal school meals, a new study led by the University of Washington finds another potential benefit to the programs: Students in participating schools were less likely to have high blood pressure, suggesting that universal free meals might be a powerful tool for improving public health. 

“High blood pressure is an important public health problem that isn’t studied as much on a population level as obesity,” said Anna Localio, a UW postdoctoral researcher of health systems and population health and lead author of the study. “We have evidence that CEP increases participation in school meals, and we also have evidence that school meals are more nutritious than meals that kids obtain elsewhere. This is a public health policy that is delivering nutritious meals to children who may not have previously had access.”

For the study, published Sept. 25 in JAMA Network Open, researchers linked two datasets that rarely interact. They obtained medical records of patients ages 4-18 from community health organizations, and used patients’ addresses to identify the school they attended. The data encompassed 155,778 young people attending 1,052 schools, mostly in California and Oregon.

Researchers estimated the percentage of students with high blood pressure before and after schools opted into universal free meals, and compared those results against eligible schools that had not yet participated in the program. They also tracked students’ average systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. All data were aggregated at the school level. 

They found that school participation in the CEP was associated with a 2.71% decrease in the proportion of students with high blood pressure, corresponding to a 10.8% net drop over five years. School participation in CEP was also associated with a decrease in students’ average diastolic blood pressure. 

“In previous work on the health impacts of universal free school meals, our team found that adoption of free meals is associated with decreases in average body mass index scores and childhood obesity prevalence, which are closely linked to risk of high blood pressure,” said Jessica Jones-Smith, a professor of health, society and behavior at the University of California Irvine’s Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health and senior author of the study. Jones-Smith conducted much of this research while on faculty at the UW School of Public Health. “So in addition to directly affecting blood pressure through provision of healthier meals, a second pathway by which providing universal free meals might impact blood pressure is through their impact on lowering risk for high BMI.” 

Improved nutrition of school meals may have helped drive the decrease, researchers said. The 2010 law that established the CEP also created stronger nutritional requirements for school meals. As a result, those meals now more closely resemble the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which studies have shown to be an effective tool for managing hypertension. 

Despite the evidence supporting the DASH diet’s effectiveness, public health officials previously lacked an effective mechanism to encourage people with high blood pressure to follow its recommendations. “We know there are a lot of barriers to people eating this diet,” Localio said, but the combination of universal free meals and increased nutritional standards likely helped students overcome those barriers.

The study also contradicts the common misperception that universal free meals mostly benefit wealthier students, because students from low-income families would already receive free meals. The study sample consists primarily of low-income patients, with 85% of included students enrolled in public health insurance such as Medicaid.

“There is a perception that providing universally free school meals will only improve outcomes for students of relatively higher-income families, but our findings suggest that there are benefits for lower-income children as well,” Jones-Smith said. “Potential mechanisms for this include decreasing the income-related stigma around eating school lunch by providing it free to all students and eliminating the time and paperwork burden of individually applying, thus decreasing barriers to participation in school meals.”

These findings come at an uncertain time for universal free meals. A school is eligible to participate in the CEP if at least 25% of its students are identified as eligible for free meals via participation in a means-tested safety net program. In this way, recent cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the nation’s largest food assistance program, may affect schools’ access to the program.

“We’re in a contentious time for public health, but it seems like there’s bipartisan support for healthy school meals,” Localio said. “There’s legislation being considered in a number of states to expand universal free meals, and these findings could inform that decision-making. Cutting funding to school meals would not promote children’s health.” 

Co-authors on the study include Paul Hebert, research professor emeritus of health systems and population health at the UW; Melissa Knox, teaching professor of economics at the UW; Wyatt Benksen and Aileen Ochoa of OCHIN; and Jennifer Sonney, associate professor of nursing at the UW. This study was funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. 

For more information or to contact the researchers, email Alden Woods at acwoods@uw.edu.

Research Highlights:

• Light physical activity was associated with lower risk of death for adults in stages 2, 3 and 4 of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, a health condition that includes heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity.
• A one hour increase in light physical activity each day was associated with a 14% to 20% lower risk of death.
• The association between light physical activity and lower risk of death was most pronounced for people with advanced CKM syndrome.

Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET Wednesday, January 7, 2026

DALLAS, Jan. 7, 2026 — Light intensity activities, like walking or household chores, were linked to a lower risk of death for people with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.

Nearly 90% of U.S. adults have at least one component of CKM syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and lipids, high blood glucose (sugar), excess weight and reduced kidney function. When combined, these factors increase the risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure more than any one of them alone. CKM stages range from 0 to 4, with the higher number indicating higher risk for heart disease and stroke.

The new study suggests that light physical activity is the most common level of activity and that increasing time spent being active may provide meaningful health benefits, especially for people in CKM syndrome stage 2 and above.

Physical activity, healthy eating habits and medication if appropriate are advised to slow the progression of CKM syndrome. However, write study authors, the moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity recommended in general physical activity guidelines may not be feasible for adults with advanced CKM syndrome.

“There’s growing evidence that lighter activity like walking or gardening can be beneficial for heart health. However, studies have not examined the long-term benefits for those with heart disease or those at high risk for heart disease,” said study author Michael Fang, Ph.D., M.H.S., assistant professor of epidemiology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland.

Researchers used data from the 2003 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which collected health and physical activity information from about 7,200 adults. NHANES includes information from participants’ physical examinations, blood samples and up to 7 days of activity levels measured with accelerometers — devices that measure a person’s movement over several days.

Using accelerometer readings, the study authors noted whether activity level was light, moderate or vigorous. “Light physical activity is something you can do without losing your breath,” said study lead author Joseph Sartini, B.S.E., a Ph.D. candidate in biostatistics at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “Common examples are yoga, casual walking, stretching and household chores.”

The researchers then compared light-intensity activity duration for each CKM syndrome stage. Participants’ health data determined their CKM syndrome stage. People with normal weight, blood pressure, lipids, blood sugar and kidney function are stage 0, and those with excess weight and/or pre-diabetes are stage 1. People with multiple components of CKM syndrome and/or moderate- to high-risk kidney disease are in stage 2. Individuals at very high-risk kidney disease, high risk for heart disease or stroke, or “subclinical” cardiovascular disease, meaning they don’t have many symptoms, are in stage 3. People with multiple CKM components or chronic kidney disease who have also had a heart attack or stroke or have atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rate) or peripheral artery disease (blocked arteries in the legs) are in stage 4.

The investigators found:

• Light physical activity was significantly associated with lower risk of death in CKM syndrome stages 2, 3, and 4.
• A one-hour increase in light physical activity each day was associated with a 14% to 20% lower risk of death over 14 years.
• Increasing time spent doing light activity was associated with greater benefits at higher CKM stages. For example, increasing activity from 90 minutes to two hours a day was associated with a 2.2% risk reduction in stage 2 compared to a 4.2% risk reduction in stage 4.

“Light physical activity is an overlooked treatment tool that can help improve heart health for people with CKM syndrome,” Sartini said. “For those in later CKM syndrome stages, the potential health benefits of light activity are substantial.”

Bethany Barone Gibbs, Ph.D., FAHA, an American Heart Association volunteer and member of the Association’s Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health who was not involved in the study, said this is an important area to research.

“We know less about the health impacts of light-intensity activities compared to more intense physical activity,” said Gibbs, who is also chair and professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at West Virginia University School of Public Health in Morgantown, West Virginia. “Light intensity activities provide a great opportunity to promote energy expenditure, movement and circulation — all healthy physiological processes that we assume are related to better health — but research in this area is limited.”

A limitation of the study is that it is observational; therefore, it can only point to associations rather than cause and effect. Researchers cannot make conclusions about whether increasing light physical activity directly decreases risk of death. It is also possible that individuals with more advanced illness would have been pre-disposed to higher risk of death and less light intensity activity.

Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript.

Studies published in the American Heart Association’s scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s institutional policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here.

Additional Resources:

• Multimedia is available on the right column of release link.
• After Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, view the manuscript online.
• American Heart Association news release: About 9 in 10 haven’t heard of condition that affects nearly 90% of U.S. adults (Oct. 2025)
• American Heart Association’s CKM Health Initiative
• Follow American Heart Association/American Stroke Association news on X @HeartNews
• Follow news from the Journal of the American Heart Association @JAHA_AHA

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

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DALLAS, Dec. 16, 2025 — There is increasing evidence that gum disease is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and cardiometabolic health conditions. Effective prevention and treatment of gum disease, also called periodontal disease, could potentially decrease the burden of cardiovascular disease, according to a new scientific statement published today in the American Heart Association’s flagship journal Circulation.

The new American Heart Association scientific statement, “Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease,” features new data supporting an association between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and updates the Association’s 2012 scientific statement. ACSVD, the leading cause of death globally, is caused by buildup of arterial plaque (fatty deposits in the arteries) and refers to conditions that include coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease and aortic aneurysms.

“Your mouth and your heart are connected,” said Chair of the scientific statement writing group Andrew H. Tran, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., FAHA, a pediatric cardiologist and the director of the preventive cardiology program at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. “Gum disease and poor oral hygiene can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation that may damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease. Brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups aren’t just about a healthy smile—they’re an important part of protecting your heart.”

Highlights of the statement include:

• Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting over 40% of U.S. adults over age 30. The earliest stage is gingivitis (inflammation of the gums due to buildup of oral plaque). If left untreated, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, where the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming small pockets that can trap bacteria and lead to infection. The most advanced stage, severe periodontitis, involves extensive damage to the bones supporting the teeth; teeth may become loose and fall out. This stage often requires surgical intervention. 

• Periodontal disease is more common in individuals with poor oral hygiene and other cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, overweight or obesity, diabetes and smoking. The prevalence of periodontal disease is also higher among men, older adults, individuals with low physical activity and people affected by adverse social determinants of health, such as lower socioeconomic status, food insecurity and/or lack of access to health care including dental care.

• Although periodontal disease and ASCVD share common risk factors, emerging data indicates there is an independent association between the two conditions. Potential biological mechanisms linking periodontal disease with poor cardiovascular outcomes include direct pathways such as bacteria in the blood and vascular infections, as well as indirect pathways such as chronic systemic inflammation.

• Numerous studies have found that periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, chronic kidney disease and cardiac death. Although periodontal disease clearly contributes to chronic inflammation that is associated with ASCVD, a cause-and-effect relationship has not been confirmed.

• There is also no direct evidence that periodontal treatment will help prevent cardiovascular disease. However, treatments that reduce the lifetime exposure to inflammation appear to be beneficial to reducing the risk of developing ASCVD. The treatment and control of periodontal disease and associated inflammation may contribute to the prevention and improved management of ASCVD.

• People with one or more cardiovascular disease risk factors are considered to be at higher risk and may benefit from regular dental screenings and targeted periodontal care to address chronic inflammation. Previous studies have found that more frequent tooth brushing is associated with lower 10-year ASCVD risk (13.7% for once-daily or less brushing vs. 7.35% for brushing three or more times per day) and reduced inflammatory markers.

• More research, including long-term studies and randomized controlled trials, is needed to determine whether periodontal treatment can impact ASCVD progression and outcomes.

• In addition, the role of socioeconomic status, access to dental care and other social factors that adversely affect health should be explored to develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies that can help reduce the prevalence and adverse outcomes of periodontal disease and ASCVD.

This scientific statement was prepared by the volunteer writing group on behalf of the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Committee of the American Heart Association Council on Lifelong Congenital Heart Disease and Heart Health in the Young; the Council on Clinical Cardiology; the Stroke Council; the Council on Basic Cardiovascular Sciences; and the Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing. While scientific statements inform the development of guidelines, they do not make treatment recommendations. American Heart Association guidelines provide the Association’s official clinical practice recommendations.

Co-authors are Vice Chair Abbas H. Zaidi, M.D., M.S.; Ann F. Bolger, M.D., FAHA; Oscar H. Del Brutto, M.D.; Rashmi Hegde, B.D.S., M.S.; Lauren L. Patton, D.D.S.; Jamie Rausch, Ph.D., R.N.; and Justin P. Zachariah, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA. Authors’ disclosures are listed in the manuscript.

The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here.

Additional Resources:

• Available multimedia is on right column of release link.
• Spanish news release
• After 5 a.m. ET, Dec. 16, 2025, view the manuscript online.
• American Heart Association news release: New resources help dentists identify patients at risk for cardiovascular disease (Nov. 2025)
• American Heart Association news release: Regular dental flossing may lower risk of stroke from blood clots, irregular heartbeats (Jan. 2025)
• American Heart Association health information: Oral Health
• American Heart Association health initiative: Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts^TM
• Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews
• Follow news from the AHA’s flagship journal Circulation @CircAHA

###

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Amanda Ebert: Amanda.Ebert@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

DALLAS, 16 de diciembre del 2025 — Existe cada vez más evidencia de que la enfermedad de las encías está asociada con un mayor riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares, incluido el ataque cardíaco , el ataque o derrame cerebral, la fibrilación auricular (sitio web en inglés), la insuficiencia cardíaca (sitio web en inglés) y las afecciones de salud cardiometabólicas. La prevención y el tratamiento eficaces de la enfermedad de las encías, también llamada enfermedad periodontal, tiene el potencial de reducir la carga de enfermedades cardiovasculares, de acuerdo con una nueva declaración científica publicada hoy en la revista profesional insignia de la American Heart Association (Asociación Americana del Corazón), Circulation.

En la nueva declaración científica de la American Heart Association, “Enfermedad periodontal y enfermedad cardiovascular ateroesclerótica”, se incluyen nuevos datos que respaldan una relación entre la enfermedad periodontal y la enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica (ASCVD, por sus siglas en inglés) (sitio web en inglés) y se actualiza la declaración científica del 2012 de la Asociación. La ASCVD, que es la principal causa de muerte a nivel mundial, se produce por una acumulación de placa arterial (depósitos de grasa en las arterias) y se atribuye a afecciones que incluyen la cardiopatía coronaria, el ataque o derrame cerebral, la enfermedad arterial periférica (sitio web en inglés) y los aneurismas aórticos.

“La boca y el corazón están conectados”, afirmó el presidente del grupo de redacción de declaraciones científicas Andrew H. Tran, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., FAHA,  cardiólogo pediátrico y director del programa de Cardiología Preventiva en el Nationwide Children's Hospital en Columbus, Ohio. “La enfermedad de las encías y la mala higiene bucal pueden permitir que las bacterias ingresen al torrente sanguíneo, lo que causa inflamación que puede dañar los vasos sanguíneos y aumentar el riesgo de enfermedades cardíacas. Cepillarse los dientes, usar hilo dental y asistir a controles dentales regulares no se trata solo de tener una sonrisa saludable; son un componente importante de la protección del corazón”.

Los aspectos destacados de la declaración incluyen lo siguiente:

• La enfermedad periodontal es una afección inflamatoria crónica que afecta a más del 40% de los adultos de más de 30 años en EE. UU. La primera etapa es la gingivitis (inflamación de las encías debido a la acumulación de placa bucal). Si no se trata, la gingivitis puede evolucionar a periodontitis, en la que las encías comienzan a retraerse de los dientes, lo que forma pequeños espacios que pueden atrapar bacterias y provocar infecciones. En la etapa más avanzada, la periodontitis grave, se presenta daño extenso a los huesos que sujetan los dientes, y estos pueden soltarse y caerse. En esta etapa, a menudo se requiere una intervención quirúrgica. 

• La enfermedad periodontal es más común en las personas con mala higiene bucal y otros factores de riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, como presión arterial alta sobrepeso u obesidad, diabetes o tabaquismo. La prevalencia de la enfermedad periodontal también es mayor en hombres, adultos mayores, personas que realizan poca actividad física y personas afectadas por determinantes sociales adversos de la salud, como un nivel socioeconómico más bajo, inseguridad alimentaria o falta de acceso a cuidados de salud, incluida la atención dental.

• Aunque la enfermedad periodontal y la ASCVD tienen factores de riesgo en común, los nuevos datos indican que existe una relación independiente entre las dos afecciones. Los potenciales mecanismos biológicos que vinculan la enfermedad periodontal con resultados cardiovasculares deficientes incluyen vías directas, como bacterias en la sangre e infecciones vasculares, y también vías indirectas, como la inflamación sistémica crónica.

• En muchos estudios, se ha descubierto que la enfermedad periodontal se relaciona con un mayor riesgo de ataque cardíaco, ataque o derrame cerebral, fibrilación auricular, insuficiencia cardíaca, enfermedad arterial periférica, enfermedad renal crónica y muerte cardíaca. Aunque la enfermedad periodontal claramente contribuye a la inflamación crónica que se asocia con la ASCVD, no se ha confirmado una relación de causa y efecto.

• Tampoco existe evidencia directa de que el tratamiento periodontal ayude a prevenir las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Sin embargo, los tratamientos que reducen la exposición a la inflamación durante la vida parecen ser beneficiosos para reducir el riesgo de desarrollar ASCVD. El tratamiento y el control de la enfermedad periodontal y la inflamación asociada pueden contribuir a la prevención y a un mejor control de la ASCVD.

• Se considera que las personas que tienen uno o más factores de riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares tienen un riesgo mayor y pueden beneficiarse de los controles dentales regulares y la atención periodontal dirigida para tratar la inflamación crónica. Estudios anteriores han demostrado que cepillarse los dientes con más frecuencia se relaciona con un riesgo de ASCVD 10 años más bajo (un 13.7% para un cepillado al día o menos frente a un 7.35% para tres o más cepillados al día) y marcadores de inflamación reducidos.

• Se necesita más investigación, incluidos estudios de largo plazo y ensayos controlados aleatorizados, para determinar si el tratamiento periodontal puede influir en la progresión y los resultados de la ASCVD.

• Además, se debe analizar la función del nivel socioeconómico, el acceso a la atención dental y otros factores sociales que afectan de manera adversa la salud con el fin de desarrollar estrategias de prevención y tratamiento dirigidas que puedan ayudar a reducir la prevalencia y los resultados adversos de la enfermedad periodontal y la ASCVD.

El grupo de redacción voluntario preparó esta declaración científica en nombre del Comité de Prevención de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares del Consejo de Enfermedades Cardíacas Congénitas de por Vida y Salud del Corazón en los Jóvenes; el Consejo de Cardiología Clínica; el Consejo de Ataques o Derrames Cerebrales; el Consejo de Ciencia Cardiovascular Básica y el Consejo de Enfermería de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares y Ataques o Derrames Cerebrales de la American Heart Association. Si bien en las declaraciones científicas se informa el desarrollo de las pautas, no constituyen recomendaciones de tratamiento. Las pautas de la American Heart Association proporcionan las recomendaciones oficiales de la práctica clínica de la Asociación.

Los coautores son el vicepresidente Abbas H. Zaidi, M.D., M.S.; Ann F. Bolger, M.D., FAHA; Oscar H. Del Brutto, M.D.; Rashmi Hegde, B.D.S., M.S.; Lauren L. Patton, D.D.S.; Jamie Rausch, Ph.D., R.N. y Justin P. Zachariah, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA. Las declaraciones de los autores se encuentran en el artículo.

La Asociación recibe más de un 85% de sus ingresos de fuentes ajenas a empresas. Estas fuentes incluyen contribuciones de personas particulares, fundaciones y patrimonios, así como ganancias por inversiones e ingresos por la venta de nuestros materiales informativos. Las empresas (incluidas las farmacéuticas, los fabricantes de dispositivos y otras compañías) también realizan donaciones a la Asociación. La Asociación tiene políticas estrictas para evitar que las donaciones influyan en el contenido científico y en las posturas de sus políticas. La información financiera general está disponible aquí (sitio web en inglés).

Recursos adicionales:

• Los recursos multimedia disponibles se encuentran en la columna derecha del vínculo de la publicación.
• Comunicado de prensa en inglés
• Después de las 5:00 a. m., ET del 16 de diciembre del 2025, consulte el borrador en línea (sitio web en inglés)
• Comunicado de prensa de la American Heart Association: Nuevos recursos ayudan a los dentistas a identificar a los pacientes en riesgo de sufrir enfermedades cardiovasculares  (noviembre del 2025)
• Comunicado de prensa de la American Heart Association: El uso regular de hilo dental puede reducir el riesgo de ataques o derrames cerebrales debidos a coágulos sanguíneos y latidos de corazón irregulares  (enero del 2025)
• Información de salud de la American Heart Association: Salud bucal (sitio web en inglés)
• Iniciativa de salud de la American Heart Association: Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts^TM (sitio web en inglés)
• Siga las noticias de la AHA/ASA en X en @HeartNews
• Siga las noticias de Circulation , la revista médica insignia de la AHA, en @CircAHA

###

Acerca de la American Heart Association

La American Heart Association es una fuerza incansable para un mundo de vidas más largas y saludables. La organización ha sido una fuente líder de información sobre salud durante más de cien años y su objetivo es garantizar la equidad en la salud en todas las comunidades. Con el apoyo de más de 35 millones de voluntarios en todo el mundo, financiamos investigaciones vanguardistas, defendemos la salud pública y proporcionamos recursos fundamentales para salvar y mejorar vidas afectadas por enfermedades cardiovasculares y ataques o derrames cerebrales. Trabajamos incansablemente para hacer avanzar la salud y transformar vidas cada día mediante el impulso de avances y la implementación de soluciones comprobadas en las áreas de ciencia, políticas y cuidados. Comuníquese con nosotros en heart.org (sitio web en inglés), Facebook o X, o llame al 1-800-AHA-USA1.

Para consultas de los medios de comunicación: 214-706-1173

Amanda Ebert: Amanda.Ebert@heart.org

Para consultas públicas: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org (sitio web en inglés) y derramecerebral.org

Statement Highlights:

• Single-pill medications that combine two or more blood pressure medications could simplify treatment to help more adults with high blood pressure achieve target blood pressure levels faster and maintain blood pressure goals long-term compared with patients taking multiple, separate pills daily.
• The use of combination medications is linked to a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure-related hospitalizations and death, as well as to improved quality of life and reduced long-term costs for patients and the health care system.
• More research is needed to understand the impact of single-pill combination medications for people with higher cardiovascular risks — people with resistant or secondary hypertension, or other chronic conditions such as kidney disease, Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes or heart failure, according to the new scientific statement.

Embargoed until 4:00 a.m. CT/5:00 a.m. ET Monday, Dec. 15, 2025

DALLAS, Dec. 15, 2025 — Taking one pill that combines two or more blood pressure medications may help adults with high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) lower their blood pressure level faster and more effectively than taking multiple medications separately, and it may also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, according to a new scientific statement published today in the American Heart Association’s journal Hypertension.

The new scientific statement, Single-Pill Combination Therapy for the Management of Hypertension, details the latest clinical evidence surrounding the use of single-pill combination medications for patients with high blood pressure, strategies to implement single-pill combinations into clinical practice and knowledge gaps that require further investigation.

According to the 2025 American Heart Association Statistical Update, nearly half of U.S. adults, about 122 million people, have high blood pressure, defined as blood pressure measures equal to or higher than 130/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure is the #1 modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and it is a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, cognitive decline and dementia. The recently published 2025 AHA/ACC High Blood Pressure Guideline recommends combining healthy lifestyle behaviors and early treatment with one or more blood pressure medications to lower blood pressure, if necessary. For people with blood pressure levels 140/90 mm Hg or higher (stage 2 hypertension), the guideline recommends beginning treatment with two medications at once – preferably in a single combination pill. 

“Most people with high blood pressure need two or more blood pressure medications to reach target blood pressure measurements; however, taking multiple pills each day can be confusing or hard to keep up with,” said Jordan B. King, Pharm.D., M.S., chair of the scientific statement writing group and an associate professor of population health sciences at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. “Single-pill combination pills are valuable tools to manage high blood pressure. Individuals taking a single combination pill are able to achieve optimal blood pressure levels sooner than peers who take the same medications in separate pills.”

The statement authors note that single-pill combination medications are not the same as a “polypill.” Single-pill combination medications combine two or more blood pressure medications into a single pill, whereas polypills combine one or more blood pressure medications with statins (cholesterol-lowering medication) and/or aspirin. Polypills aim to reduce cardiovascular risk for patients requiring multiple preventive therapies.

There are several types of effective medications to treat high blood pressure, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers and thiazide-type diuretics which are first-line recommended medications. However, less than 50% of U.S. adults who have been diagnosed with and are being treated for high blood pressure achieve the recommended blood pressure goal of less than 130/80 mm Hg.

“High blood pressure is challenging to manage for many people, and many people do not take their medication consistently. They may not be aware that untreated high blood pressure increases their risk of developing heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions—and that achieving and maintaining target blood pressure can significantly reduce their risk,” King said.

Benefits of Combination Medications

• Simplified, faster treatment: A step-by-step prescribing approach involving multiple pills and adjusting doses takes time to achieve blood pressure targets. It is easier for people to consistently take medications as directed when there are fewer pills to manage. Using a single-pill combination medication of two or more blood pressure-lowering medications may simplify the process and help adults with high blood pressure reach target blood pressure levels more quickly.

• Streamlined prescribing: Single-pill combinations streamline the prescribing process for clinicians by helping to reduce uncertainty around which medications to start and at what dosage. For most people with high blood pressure that requires medications, which could include some with stage 1 hypertension, the statement encourages clinicians to start with the preferred choice of a combination pill: either an ACE inhibitor or an ARB plus a calcium channel blocker.   

• Improved long-term heart health: Observational studies with follow-up periods ranging from 1-5 years have linked single-pill combination medication use with a 15%-30% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure-related hospitalizations and death. Prevention of cardiovascular events is also linked to a longer and improved quality of life.

• Lower Costs: According to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, the annual direct and indirect costs of cardiovascular disease in the United States were an estimated $417.9 billion. Improving blood pressure control could help lower health care costs for patients and health care organizations over time. Recent studies have found that combination pills are more cost-effective than taking the same medications in separate pills.

Barriers to Widespread Adoption

• Prescriber awareness and concerns: Clinicians may have limited awareness of available combination therapies. Concerns about reduced flexibility in dosage adjustments have been also identified as a barrier to prescribing single-pill medications. Some clinicians prefer separate pills because it allows easier adjustment or discontinuation of an individual medication if adverse side effects occur.

• Affordability and accessibility: Use of single-pill combination medications may be restricted by health insurance coverage and higher out-of-pocket costs for patients. Many insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid, continue to require the use of equivalent combinations prescribed as separate pills, despite the growing body of evidence demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of combination medications. Streamlining insurance coverage processes and lowering copayments for single-pill medications could help expand access for people with high blood pressure.

• Limited evidence for high-risk populations: More research is needed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of single-pill combination medications for people at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, such as individuals with resistant or secondary hypertension, chronic kidney disease, Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes or heart failure and older adults. Studies examining the efficacy of single-pill combinations among higher-risk groups will better inform treatment in more complex cases and help guide clinical decision-making in the future.

Currently, there are approximately 200 unique combinations of blood pressure medications used by patients in the U.S. The four most commonly used medications are currently available as single-pill combinations. Expanding options for the medications combined within single-pill combination medications and developing additional triple and quadruple combinations may further simplify treatment and improve patient outcomes, the statement notes.

“If single-pill combinations were the norm rather than the exception, there could be a meaningful improvement in blood pressure control across the population, which could significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. In the long run, better blood pressure control lowers health care costs for patients and society, enhances quality of life and improves health outcomes for the millions of people with high blood pressure,” King said.

This scientific statement was prepared by the volunteer writing group on behalf of the American Heart Association’s Council on Hypertension; the Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; and the Council on Clinical Cardiology. American Heart Association scientific statements promote greater awareness about cardiovascular diseases and stroke issues and help facilitate informed health care decisions. Scientific statements outline what is currently known about a topic and what areas need additional research. While scientific statements inform the development of guidelines, they do not make treatment recommendations. American Heart Association guidelines provide the Association’s official clinical practice recommendations.

Co-authors are Vice-Chair Robert D. Brook, M.D.; Jaejin An, B.Pharm., Ph.D.; Brandon K. Bellows, Pharm.D., M.S.; Jordana B. Cohen, M.D., M.S.C.E., FAHA; Yvonne Commodore-Mensah, Ph.D., M.H.S., R.N., FAHA; Lama Ghazi, M.D., Ph.D.; and Aisha T. Langford, Ph.D. Authors’ disclosures are listed in the manuscript.

The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here.

Additional Resources:

• Available multimedia is on right column of release link.
• Spanish news release
• After Dec. 15, 2025, view the manuscript online.
• American Heart Association news release: New high blood pressure guideline emphasizes prevention, early treatment to reduce CVD risk (Aug. 2025)
• American Heart Association news release: Heart disease remains leading cause of death as key health risk factors continue to rise (Jan. 2025)
• American Heart Association health information: High Blood Pressure and High Blood Pressure Resources
• American Heart Association health initiative: Target: BP^TM
• Follow American Heart Association/American Stroke Association news on X @HeartNews
• Follow news from the American Heart Association’s Hypertension journal @HyperAHA

###

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day.  Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Amanda Ebert: Amanda.Ebert@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

Aspectos destacados de la declaración:

• Los medicamentos de una sola píldora que combinan dos o más medicamentos para la presión arterial pueden simplificar el tratamiento para ayudar a que más adultos con presión arterial alta logren los niveles de presión arterial objetivo más rápido y mantener los objetivos de presión arterial a largo plazo en comparación con los pacientes que diariamente toman varias píldoras separadas.
• El uso de medicamentos combinados se relaciona con un menor riesgo de ataque cardíaco, ataque o derrame cerebral, hospitalizaciones relacionadas con la insuficiencia cardíaca y la muerte, así como una mejor la calidad de vida y reducción de los costos a largo plazo para los pacientes y el sistema de cuidados de salud.
• Es necesario llevar a cabo más investigaciones para comprender el impacto de los medicamentos combinados en una sola píldora para las personas que presentan un riesgo cardiovascular más alto, es decir, personas con hipertensión resistente o secundaria u otras afecciones crónicas como enfermedades renales, diabetes tipo 1 o tipo 2 o insuficiencia cardíaca, de acuerdo con la nueva declaración científica.

Prohibida su divulgación hasta las 4:00 a. m., CT/5:00 a. m., ET del lunes 15 de diciembre del 2025

DALLAS, 15 de diciembre del 2025 — Tomar una píldora que combina dos o más medicamentos para la presión arterial puede ayudar a los adultos con presión arterial alta (también conocida como hipertensión) a disminuir su nivel de presión arterial más rápido y con mayor eficacia que tomar varios medicamentos por separado, y también puede reducir el riesgo de ataques cardíacos y ataques o derrames cerebrales, de acuerdo con una nueva declaración científica publicada hoy en la revista médica de la American Heart Association (Asociación Americana del Corazón), Hypertension.

En la nueva declaración científica, llamada Tratamiento de combinación en una sola píldora para el control de la hipertensión, se detalla la evidencia clínica más reciente sobre el uso de medicamentos combinados en una sola píldora para pacientes con presión arterial alta, las estrategias para implementar las combinaciones en una sola píldora en la práctica clínica y las brechas de conocimiento que requieren mayor investigación.

Según la Actualización de estadísticas del 2025 de la American Heart Association (sitio web en inglés), casi la mitad de los adultos de EE. UU., aproximadamente 122 millones de personas, tienen presión arterial alta, que se define como mediciones de presión arterial iguales o mayores que 130/80 mmHg. La presión arterial alta es el primer factor de riesgo modificable para las enfermedades cardiovasculares y es una de las principales causas de ataques cardíacos, ataques o derrames cerebrales, insuficiencia cardíaca, enfermedades renales (sitio web en inglés), deterioro cognitivo y demencia. En las Pautas sobre presión arterial alta del 2025 de la AHA/ACC (sitio web en inglés) publicadas recientemente, se recomienda la combinación de comportamientos de un estilo de vida saludable y tratamiento oportuno con uno o más medicamentos para la presión arterial con el fin de disminuirla, si es necesario. Para las personas con niveles de presión arterial de 140/90 mmHg o mayores (hipertensión en etapa 2),en las pautas se recomienda iniciar el tratamiento con dos medicamentos a la vez, de preferencia en una combinación en una sola píldora. 

“La mayoría de las personas con presión arterial alta necesitan dos o más medicamentos para la presión arterial con el fin de alcanzar la medición objetivo de la presión arterial; sin embargo, tomar varias píldoras todos los días puede ser confuso o difícil de seguir”, dijo Jordan B. King, Pharm.D., M.S., presidente del grupo de redacción de declaraciones científicas y profesor asociado de Ciencias de la Salud Demográficas en la Universidad de Utah en Salt Lake City. “Las píldoras de combinación en una sola píldora son métodos valiosos para controlar la presión arterial alta. Las personas que toman una combinación en una sola píldora pueden alcanzar niveles óptimos de presión arterial antes que las personas que toman los mismos medicamentos en píldoras separadas”.

Los autores de la declaración señalan que los medicamentos combinados en una sola píldora no son lo mismo que una “polipíldora”. Los medicamentos combinados en una sola píldora incluyen dos o más medicamentos para la presión arterial en una sola píldora, mientras que las polipíldoras combinan uno o más medicamentos para la presión arterial con estatinas (medicamento que reduce el colesterol) y aspirina. El objetivo del uso de polipíldoras es reducir el riesgo cardiovascular en los pacientes que necesitan varios tratamientos preventivos.

Existen varios tipos de medicamentos eficaces para tratar la presión arterial alta, entre ellos, los inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina (ECA), los antagonistas de los receptores de la angiotensina II (ARA), los bloqueadores de los canales de calcio y los diuréticos de tipo tiazídico, que son los medicamentos recomendados de primera línea. Sin embargo, menos del 50% de los adultos en EE. UU. que han sido diagnosticados con presión arterial alta y que reciben tratamiento logran el objetivo de presión arterial recomendado, que es inferior a 130/80 mmHg.

“La presión arterial alta es un desafío para una gran cantidad de personas, de las cuales muchas no toman sus medicamentos de manera constante. Es posible que no sepan que la presión arterial alta no tratada aumenta el riesgo de presentar enfermedades cardíacas y otras afecciones cardiovasculares, y que lograr y mantener la presión arterial objetivo puede reducir significativamente su riesgo”, indicó King.

Beneficios de los medicamentos combinados

• Tratamiento simplificado y más rápido: lograr los objetivos de presión arterial con un enfoque de prescripción paso a paso que requiere múltiples píldoras y ajustes de dosis lleva tiempo. Es más fácil que las personas tomen sus medicamentos según las indicaciones (sitio web en inglés) de manera constante cuando se deben administrar menos píldoras. Usar una combinación en una sola píldora de dos o más medicamentos para reducir la presión arterial puede simplificar el proceso y ayudar a los adultos con presión arterial alta a lograr los niveles de presión arterial objetivo más rápidamente.

• Prescripción simplificada: las combinaciones en una sola píldora simplifican el proceso de prescripción para los médicos porque ayudan a reducir la incertidumbre sobre los medicamentos iniciales y sus dosis. Para la mayoría de las personas con presión arterial alta que necesitan medicamentos, entre las que se podrían incluir algunas con hipertensión en etapa 1, la declaración alienta a los médicos a iniciar el tratamiento con la opción preferida de una píldora combinada: un inhibidor de ECA o un ARA II más un bloqueador de los canales de calcio.  

• Salud cardíaca mejorada a largo plazo: en los estudios de observación con períodos de seguimiento de 1 a 5 años, se ha relacionado el uso de medicamentos de combinación en una sola píldora con un riesgo de un 15% a un 30% menor de eventos cardiovasculares adversos graves, como ataque cardíaco, ataque o derrame cerebral, hospitalizaciones relacionadas con la insuficiencia cardíaca y la muerte. La prevención de los eventos cardiovasculares también está relacionada con una mejor y más prolongada calidad de vida.

• Menores costos: de acuerdo con las Estadísticas sobre enfermedades cardíacas y derrames cerebrales (ataques cerebrales) del 2025 (sitio web en inglés) de la American Heart Association, los costos anuales directos e indirectos de las enfermedades cardiovasculares en los Estados Unidos se estimaron en $417,900 millones de dólares. Con el tiempo, mejorar el control de la presión arterial podría ayudar a reducir los costos de los cuidados de salud para los pacientes y las organizaciones de cuidados de salud. En estudios recientes, se ha demostrado que las píldoras combinadas son más rentables que tomar los mismos medicamentos en píldoras separadas.

Obstáculos para la implementación generalizada

• Conciencia e inquietudes de los médicos que prescriben: es posible que los médicos tengan un conocimiento limitado de los tratamientos combinados disponibles. Las inquietudes sobre la menor flexibilidad en los ajustes de dosis también se han identificado como un obstáculo para la prescripción de medicamentos en una sola píldora. Algunos médicos prefieren las píldoras separadas porque permite ajustar o suspender más fácilmente un medicamento específico si se producen efectos secundarios adversos.

• Asequibilidad y accesibilidad: el uso de medicamentos combinados en una sola píldora puede estar restringido por la cobertura del seguro de salud y mayores costos de bolsillo para los pacientes. Varias aseguradoras, incluidos Medicare y Medicaid, siguen solicitando el uso de combinaciones equivalentes recetadas como píldoras separadas a pesar del creciente conjunto de datos que demuestra la relación costo-eficacia de los medicamentos combinados. Agilizar los procesos de cobertura del seguro y reducir los copagos para medicamentos en una sola píldora podría ayudar a ampliar el acceso para las personas con presión arterial alta.

• Evidencia limitada en poblaciones de alto riesgo: es necesario realizar más investigaciones para evaluar la seguridad y la eficacia de los medicamentos combinados en una sola píldora para personas que presentan un mayor riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, como quienes padecen hipertensión resistente o secundaria, enfermedad renal crónica, diabetes tipo 1 o tipo 2 o insuficiencia cardíaca y adultos mayores. Los estudios en los que se evalúa la eficacia de combinaciones en una sola píldora entre los grupos de mayor riesgo informarán de mejor forma el tratamiento en casos complejos y ayudarán a guiar la toma de decisiones médicas en el futuro. 

En la actualidad, existen aproximadamente 200 combinaciones únicas de medicamentos para la presión arterial que utilizan pacientes en los EE. UU. Los cuatro medicamentos más utilizados actualmente están disponibles en combinaciones en una sola píldora. En la declaración, se indica que ampliar las opciones de los medicamentos combinados en una sola píldora y desarrollar combinaciones triples y cuádruples adicionales puede simplificar incluso más el tratamiento y mejorar los resultados de los pacientes.

“Si las combinaciones en una sola píldora fueran la norma y no la excepción, podría haber una mejoría significativa en el control de la presión arterial en la población, lo que podría reducir de manera importante el riesgo de ataques cardíacos y de ataques o derrames cerebrales. A largo plazo, un mejor control de la presión arterial reduce los costos de los cuidados de salud para los pacientes y la sociedad, aumenta la calidad de vida y mejora los resultados de salud de los millones de personas con presión arterial alta”, afirmó King.

El grupo de redacción voluntario preparó esta declaración científica en nombre del Consejo de Hipertensión, el Consejo de Enfermería de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares y Ataques o Derrames Cerebrales y el Consejo de Cardiología Clínica de la American Heart Association. Las declaraciones científicas de la American Heart Association promueven una mayor conciencia sobre los problemas causados por las enfermedades cardiovasculares y los ataques o derrames cerebrales, y ayudan a facilitar las decisiones fundamentadas sobre los cuidados de salud. En las declaraciones científicas, se describe lo que se conoce actualmente sobre un tema y las áreas que necesitan investigación adicional. Si bien en las declaraciones científicas se informa el desarrollo de las pautas, no constituyen recomendaciones de tratamiento. Las pautas de la American Heart Association proporcionan las recomendaciones oficiales de la práctica clínica de la Asociación.

Los coautores son el vicepresidente Robert D. Brook, M.D.; Jaejin An, B.Pharm., Ph.D.; Brandon K. Bellows, Pharm.D., M.S.; Jordana B. Cohen, M.D., M.S.C.E., FAHA; Yvonne Commodore-Mensah, Ph.D., M.H.S., R.N., FAHA; Lama Ghazi, M.D., Ph.D. y Aisha T. Langford, Ph.D. Las declaraciones de los autores se encuentran en el artículo.

La Asociación recibe más de un 85% de sus ingresos de fuentes ajenas a empresas. Estas fuentes incluyen contribuciones de personas particulares, fundaciones y patrimonios, así como ganancias por inversiones e ingresos por la venta de nuestros materiales informativos. Las empresas (incluidas las farmacéuticas, los fabricantes de dispositivos y otras compañías) también realizan donaciones a la Asociación. La Asociación tiene políticas estrictas para evitar que las donaciones influyan en el contenido científico y en las posturas de sus políticas. La información financiera general está disponible aquí (sitio web en inglés).

Recursos adicionales:

• Los recursos multimedia disponibles se encuentran en la columna derecha del vínculo de la publicación.
• Comunicado de prensa en inglés
• Después del 15 de diciembre del 2025, puede ver el artículo en línea (sitio web en inglés)
• Comunicado de prensa de la American Heart Association: La nueva guía sobre la presión arterial alta enfatiza la prevención y el tratamiento temprano para reducir el riesgo de ECV | American Heart Association (agosto del 2025) 
• Comunicado de prensa de la American Heart Association: Las enfermedades cardíacas siguen siendo la causa principal de muerte, ya que los factores de riesgo para la salud continúan aumentando (enero del 2025) 
• Información para la salud de la American Heart Association: Presión arterial alta y Recursos para la presión arterial alta 
• Iniciativa de salud de la American Heart Association: Meta: PA^TM (sitio web en inglés)
• Siga las noticias de la American Heart Association/American Stroke Association en X @HeartNews (sitio web en inglés)
• Siga las noticias de la revista Hypertension de la American Heart Association @HyperAHA (sitio web en inglés)

Acerca de la American Heart Association

La American Heart Association es una fuerza incansable para un mundo de vidas más largas y saludables. La organización ha sido una fuente líder de información sobre salud durante más de cien años y su objetivo es garantizar la equidad en la salud en todas las comunidades. Con el apoyo de más de 35 millones de voluntarios en todo el mundo, financiamos investigaciones vanguardistas, defendemos la salud pública y proporcionamos recursos fundamentales para salvar y mejorar vidas afectadas por enfermedades cardiovasculares y ataques o derrames cerebrales. Trabajamos incansablemente para hacer avanzar la salud y transformar vidas cada día mediante el impulso de avances y la implementación de soluciones comprobadas en las áreas de ciencia, políticas y cuidados. Comuníquese con nosotros en heart.org (sitio web en inglés), Facebook o X, o llame al 1-800-AHA-USA1.

Para consultas de los medios de comunicación: 214-706-1173

Amanda Ebert: Amanda.Ebert@heart.org

Para consultas públicas: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org (sitio web en inglés) y derramecerebral.org