VANCOUVER and MINNEAPOLIS - (NewMediaWire) - April 19, 2021 - Neovasc, Inc. ("Neovasc" or the "Company") (NASDAQ, TSX: NVCN) today announced that the journal EuroIntervention has published an article entitled, “Coronary Sinus Reducer Implantation Results in Improved Oxygen Kinetics at Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test in Patients with Refractory Angina.” The article, authored by Carlo Zivelonghi, M.D., Antwerp Cardiovascular Center, Antwerp, Belgium, describes objective improvements in effort tolerance and oxygen kinetics as assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in patients suffering from refractory angina treated with Neovasc Reducer™ (“Reducer”) implantation.In this multicenter prospective study, 37 patients with chronic refractory angina undergoing Reducer implantation were evaluated with CPET at baseline (before treatment) and at six-month follow-up after implantation of the device. The main endpoints of the analysis were improvements in VO2 max and in VO2 at anaerobic threshold (AT), measures which reflect cardiorespiratory fitness and endurance capacity in exercise performance. The results showed that Reducer treatment significantly improved cardiopulmonary parameters, reflected by improvement in VO2 max (+0.97 ml/kg/min [+11.3%], 12.2±3.6 ml/kg/min vs 13.2±3.7, p=0.026), and workload (+12.9 [+34%]; 68±28 W vs 81±49W, p=0.05). Angina severity reflected by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) grading improved from a mean of 3.2±0.5 to 1.6±0.8, (p<0.01). Improvements in all Seattle Angina Questionnaire variables were also shown.“For the first time, we were able to demonstrate objective improvement in exercise capacity and oxygen kinetics during exercise,” said Dr. Maayan Konigstein, M.D., Tel Aviv Medical Center and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel. “VO2 max is an indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness, and the improved cardiopulmonary exercise capacity following treatment with Reducer is suggestive of improvement in myocardial ischemia and in exercise tolerance in these patients.”Fred Colen, President & Chief Executive Officer of Neovasc, added, “We congratulate the authors for their innovative work. We believe demonstrating objective evidence of improvement in oxygenated blood flow to the heart muscle and related objective outcomes, such as exercise ability and associated improved key cardiopulmonary parameters, provides further support for the improvement in overall clinical outcomes, as already indicated for patients receiving the Reducer. It is remarkable to see statistically significant improvements in these important cardiopulmonary parameters in such a small patient population.”Improvement in angina symptoms was observed in 32 patients (86.5%), with a mean improvement in CCS grade at follow up of 1.6±0.8. Only very limited differences in anti-anginal medications were recorded, with a mean of 1.9±1.1 drugs per patient at baseline vs 1.8±1.1 at follow-up (p=0.77). Prof. Stefan Verheye, M.D., PhD, Antwerp Cardiovascular Center Middelheim, Antwerp, Belgium, said, “It is reassuring to see the consistent improvements in chest pain in patients treated with the Reducer. The outcomes reported in this study build upon the literature supporting Reducer as an attractive option for patients suffering from refractory angina that are not candidates for traditional revascularization procedures.”About Reducer The Reducer is CE-marked in the European Union for the treatment of refractory angina, a painful and debilitating condition that occurs when the coronary arteries deliver an inadequate supply of blood to the heart muscle, despite treatment with standard revascularization or cardiac drug therapies. It affects millions of patients worldwide, who typically lead severely restricted lives as a result of their disabling symptoms, and its incidence is growing. The Reducer provides relief of angina symptoms by altering blood flow within the myocardium of the heart and increasing the perfusion of oxygenated blood to ischemic areas of the heart muscle. Placement of the Reducer is ...

Las Vegas, NV - (NewMediaWire) - April 19, 2021 - One World Pharma Inc. (OTC: OWPC), (“OWP” or the “Company”), a U.S. based, fully licensed, pure-play hemp and cannabis ingredient producer in Colombia, is pleased to announce that NBA star, television personality and businessman John Salley has joined the Company’s growing Board of Advisors.As the #11 selection in the 1986 NBA Draft, Mr. Salley played 15 years in the NBA and was the first player to win four championships with three different teams. During the 1980s, Salley was a member of the iconic Detroit Pistons “Bad Boys” squad alongside NBA All-Time great and One World Pharma CEO Isiah Thomas. Salley would later win championships with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. He has continued his success in film and television and is considered a highly influential voice in sports and popular culture. Mr. Salley is also an entrepreneur in the cannabis industry, launching his own brand Deuces22 and taking an ownership stake in the cannabis testing company Greenspace Labs. He also is an advisory member of Budtrader.Mr. Salley joins a growing Board of Advisors that is chaired by Minyon Moore, who is widely considered one of the nation’s top strategic thinkers with extensive experience in political and corporate affairs as well as public policy. Ms. Moore was named one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Washington by Washington Magazine, and has been inducted into the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) Hall of Fame.“John was not just my teammate on one of the most successful championship teams in NBA history, he is a creative executive with an incredible history of winning in sports, entertainment, and more,” said Isiah Thomas, CEO, of One World Pharma. “I fully expect John to contribute immediately, to provide both advice and introductions, and to be an integral part of our effort to be an international supplier of the finest cannabis ingredients in the marketplace.”“It is my distinct pleasure to once again join my teammate and dear friend Isiah in the pursuit of excellence in an industry where I am deeply passionate,” stated John Salley. “I’ve watched with interest since Isiah first came on board with One World Pharma and noted with admiration how he has steered the Company to the broader opportunities within the cannabis industry and done so with a model grounded in socially conscious business practices.”About One World PharmaFormed in 2017, One World Pharma Inc. (“OWP”) is a fully licensed global supplier of high-quality hemp-derived ingredients for use in the manufacturing of Consumer Packaged Goods (CPGs) and Over-the-Counter (OTC) products. OWP offers a reliable and sustainable supply chain for chemical formulators, food & beverage producers as well as beauty product manufacturers worldwide. The company maintains corporate offices in Las Vegas, NV and Bogota Colombia and a facility in Popayan, Colombia. One World Pharma Investor Relations & Financial MediaKurt Divich, CEOIntegrity Media Inc.team@integritymedia.comToll Free: (888) 216-3595www.IntegrityMedia.comInformation about Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" that include information relating to future events. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which that performance or those results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time they are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in, or suggested by, the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to: the failure to close the remaining funding installments with ISIAH International, the Company's need for additional funding, the demand for the Company's products, governmental ...

SAN DIEGO, CA - (NewMediaWire) - April 19, 2021 - Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA) (the “Company”), the first-ever publicly traded cannabis company in the United States that launched the world's first-ever cannabis-derived nutraceutical products, brands and supply chain,announced today financial results for the quarter and year ending Dec. 31, 2020, and provided an overview of recent operational highlights."While the entire world felt the impact of 2020, I could not be more proud of how our team remained flexible and executed on our mission of bringing the highest-quality, cannabinoid-based products to global markets," said Medical Marijuana, Inc. CEO Dr. Stuart Titus. "We were able to finish 2020 on a strong note and go into 2021 with significant positive momentum. It has been encouraging to witness an increased demand for wellness products and sweeping victories on every pro-cannabis legislation proposal in the US. In the first quarter of 2021 alone, new states such as New York, New Jersey, Virginia and New Mexico have entered the cannabis industry and several federal cannabis bills are likely to pass in Congress soon. As an industry pioneer and leader, we remain not only optimistic about our results, but about how we are positioned to capitalize on the future of our industry.”Year-End 2020 Financial Highlights● Generated $46.9 million in net revenue in 2020;● Gross Margins increased from 76% in 2019, to 80% in 2020● GAAP Sales ● Cash position at the end of 2020 was $5.7 million;Year-End 2020 Operational Highlights● Completed clinical study using its Real Scientific Hemp Oil-X™ cannabidiol (CBD) oil and published results inthe EC Neurology (ECNE), an internationally peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles related to worldwide research in neuroscience;● SubsidiaryKannaway®participated in the 2020 Validcare clinical study on CBD liver toxicity;● Reached a two-year milestone for long-term stability testing on its flagship THC-free CBD oil product Real Scientific Hemp Oil-X™ (RSHO-X™) in a stability study conducted in strict compliance with FDA/ICH guidelines (Q1A-R2);● Expanded its production and warehouse facility, further vertically integrating the Company’s supply chain, enabling broader product R● Dr. Titus was honored as a Bronze 2020 CEO World Award winner for Top CEO of the Year - The Visionary, a Gold Stevie® Award winner for Executive of the Year - Food ● Pharmaceutical investment company Neuropathix, formerly known as Kannalife, Inc., completed its phase 1 study funded by a grant (1R41DA044898-01) from the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA);● Subsidiary Kannaway® launched in the U.S. cannabinol (CBN) market with the release of two new CBN isolate products in the US and entered the European cannabigerol (CBG) market with the release of its Kannaway® Premium CBG;● Subsidiary Kannaway® was named the Most Popular Cannabidiol MLM Company in HealthMJ's 2020 list and one of the Top 100 MLM Companies of 2020 by Business for Home;● Subsidiary Kannaway® expanded into Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan;● Blake Schroeder honored with a 2020 CEO World Awards Silver Award for Top CEO of the Year - The Maverick, Silver Stevie® Award for Maverick of the Year, Business Intelligence Group’s 2020 BIG Awards for Business Top CEO of the Year Award, and Top CEO of the Year Award from the International Association of Top Professionals;● Subsidiary Kannaway® launched the first-ever CBD fitness program, Evolve;● Subsidiary Kannaway® honored with Gold Stevie® Award for Achievement in Web Design, Bronze Stevie® Award for Company of the Year – Health Products ● Subsidiary HempMeds® Mexico opened a new ...

United States Patent and Trademark Office Has Agreed to Publish GGToor Trademark Thomasville, GA - (NewMediaWire) - April 19, 2021 - Sports Venues of Florida, Inc. (OTCMKTS: BTHR) (“Sports Venues of Florida”, “BTHR”, or the “Company”), an emerging leader in the youth sports, family sports entertainment, and eSports markets, announces the United States Patent and Trademark Office has agreed to publish GGToor Trademark, (serial number 90267166), in the Office’s Official Gazette. “I could not be more pleased that the US Patent and Trademark Office after a rather exhausting nine months, has cleared our mark to be published. The security and value this will bring to our Company is absolutely astronomical. What is Nike without their Swoosh? Amazon without their Smile? Now GGToor has their GG. We finally OWN A BRAND. Shareholders and investors should be popping open the Champagne with this news, ” said John V Whitman Jr., Chairman/CEO/President.Any third-party who has legal grounds to oppose our application has a period of thirty days from the publication date to file a notice of opposition. We do not anticipate any issues with opposition and expect the process to proceed. If no opposition is filed, after about eleven weeks we should receive a Notice of Allowance from the Trademark Office and the Company will file a Statement of Use showing how our mark is being used. The GGToor Trademark covers the following specific goods and services;IC 009. US 021 023 026 036 038. G Downloadable computer software, namely, game engine software for video game development and operation; Virtual reality headsets adapted for use in playing video games; computer hardware, namely, Apparatus for transmitting and reproduction of sound; Downloadable computer game software via a global computer network and wireless devices; Pre-recorded CDs, videotapes, laser disks and DVDs featuring animated cartoons; Pre-recorded CDs, videotapes, laser disks and DVDs featuring gamingIC 018. US 001 002 003 022 041. G backpacks; sports bags; bum bags and handbagsIC 025. US 022 039. G Game controllers in the nature of keyboards for computer games; Playing cards and card games; Playing card game accessories, namely, playing card cases, playing card holders, mats for use in connection with playing card games, playing card shuffling devices and dice; dice games; Action figure toys; Soft sculpture toys; kits for making toys, namely, toy model kit cars; mini Playing pieces in the nature of miniature action figures and toy model vehicles for use with table top hobby battle games in the nature of battle, war and skirmish games, and fantasy games; Tables for table footballIC 035. US 100 101 102. G talent agency services for professional video game playersIC 042. US 100 101. G Video game programming development servicesLast week not only brought the Company great news concerning the GGToor Trademark, but it also brought the Company so much more.Management is working as hard as possible to keep up and build value to our platform for our sponsors to promote their brand and take advantage of what GGToor has to offer. Our discord growth this month has been amazing and far exceeded expectations; only three short weeks after hitting the 3,000-member mark toward the end of March, we have already added over 1,000 more new members, surpassing the 4,000-member milestone this weekend!The Community was extremely excited for this weekend's Pokemon:TCG Online event, which ...

DEAR SHAREHOLDERS:FRISCO, TX - (NewMediaWire) - April 19, 2021 - Verde Bio Holdings, Inc. (OTC: VBHI) To Our Valued Friends and Shareholders:We hope that you and your families are safe and healthy during these times. We wanted to provide you an update about Verde Bio Holdings:Verde Bio Holdings is executing on its business strategy by acquiring revenue producing undervalued properties. “Guided by our strong management and deal flow network we have built a solid pipeline of deals and are accumulating a portfolio of revenue producing properties,” Scott Cox, CEO, states. “There are amazing acquisition opportunities available at present.“Our Reg A+ Tier 2 Offering was initially qualified by the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission on 01/19/2021. Our original goal, as detailed in our first filing, was to raise $14,500,000, which is what we believed to be an amount to get us to a self-sustainable critical mass. We have since reduced the total cap raise to $10,000,000, as we are experiencing better results with the higher oil and gas prices and our ability to acquire assets at less expensive prices. We will raise this amount under our current pricing structure or through an amended higher offering price and will then close the Reg A offering once the $10 million is raised. With our acquisitions to date and the other properties we have identified, we believe that we can reach at least $200,000 per month in revenue and approximately $25-$30 million in asset value. “To date, we have entered into tendifferent transactions. Highlights of these acquisitions are below and all acquisitions to date are detailed in news releases at www.otcmarkets.com/stock/VBHI/news● Laramie County, Wyoming acquisition announced on 4/15. Operated by EOG, with eight wells currently producing and approximately $8,000 in expected monthly revenue to the Company. ● Haynesville and Marcellus Shale acquisition announced on 4/8/2021. Operated by Vine Energy and Southwestern Energy with a combined 18 wells producing. Approximately $8,000 combined expected monthly revenue to the Company.● DJ Basin acquisition announced on 3/29/2021. Operated by Providence and Great Western, with seven wells producing and approximately $3,000 in expected monthly revenue to the Company.● Haynesville Shale and Delaware Basin acquisition announced on 3/24/2021. Operated by Indigo and EOG with a combined 12 wells and approximately $3,000 in expected monthly revenue to the Company.“The Company is continuing to source and acquire high-quality revenue producing assets that fit our strategy.“With the success of the Reg A raise and the acquisition campaign, Verde has also begun to improve and clean up the Balance Sheet and to date we have eliminated more than $350,000 in convertible debt. It is our goal that we will be debt free before our 4/30 year end. We have also increased our assets and monthly revenue significantly.“To increase shareholderand investor visibility, we are currently in the process of updating and upgrading our corporate website and corporate presentationto better represent our new business. We expect these to be available to the public within afew weeks.”Also, as we announced on April 13, Verde acquired an asset management software platform and will utilize this system to manage the assets acquired for our portfolios and the revenue produced. This system will allow the Company to communicate much more clearly and efficiently with current and prospective shareholders.Further,the Company is working toward an OTCQB uplisting in the next two Quarters. Scott Cox, CEO of Verde, states: "Over the past several months Verde has built a foundation to take advantage of the outstanding acquisition opportunities we have scouted anddeveloped. Our work to date has identified multiple assets in our target areasand we are now moving towards increasing shareholder value by addingassets and cashflow. We look forward to updating you on our newest developments as they happen and value all of our shareholders.”Sincerely,Scott Cox, CEOVerde Bio Holdings, Inc.About ...

FREDERICK, MD - (NewMediaWire) - April 19, 2021 - BioElectronics Corporation (https://www.bielcorp.com/OTC PINK: BIEL) is pleased to report Q1 2021 revenue figures, the progress on three different product launches into the OTC and medical markets, ongoing efforts to expand international distribution, and finally, new initiatives into strengthening R these percentage increases not only document the Company’s strong growth, but also serve as objective evidence of effectiveness for the Company’s strategic repositioning as an OEM manufacturer. The Q1 2021 sales figure is robust, as there is over $306,000 of deferred sales incoming from signed contracts, for products that have yet to be shipped. Looking ahead, the Company is now working with their three major channel partners, i.e., KT Health and Scott Specialties in the OTC space, and Medi-Launch in the prescription medical market, to solidify new orders after strong initial product launches that took place in Q1 2021. Kelly Whelan, President (ii) completion of, and the use of proceeds from, the sale of the shares being offered hereunder; (iii) the expected development of the Company’s business, projects, and joint ventures; (iv) execution of the Company’s vision and growth strategy, including with respect to future M (v) sources and availability of third-party financing for the Company’s projects; (vi) completion of the Company’s projects that are currently underway, in development or otherwise under consideration; (vi) renewal of the Company’s current customer, supplier and other material agreements; and (vii) future liquidity, working capital, and capital requirements. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity ...

San Clemente, CA - (NewMediaWire) - April 19, 2021 - Global WholeHealth Partners Corp. (OTC: GWHP), a multinational supplier of over 70+ FDA Approved Diagnostic Tests, attains breakthrough on rising neurological disease."This could simply be described as nothing short of a Medical Breakthrough in Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostic Testing for us," said Charles Strongo, CEO of Global WholeHealth Partners Corp. (OTC:GWHP).Global WholeHealth Partners now has the means to identify and test for Alzheimer's disease using a Micro-Well Reader or Lateral Flow Test to measure the certain brain enzymes during the data collection process used in a positive diagnosis. This was disclosed in an 8K filed March 21, 2021 which can be found by clicking here.“We believe this announcement couldn’t come at a better time for us as we are partnering with Nunzia Pharmaceutical and their products for Neurological disorders,” said Mr. Strongo The number of Americans living with Alzheimer'sis growing — and growing fast. More than 6 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer's. An estimated 6.2 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer'sdementia in 2021. Seventy-two percent are age 75 or older.https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figuresAlzheimer’s disease is currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, but recent estimatesindicate that the disorder may rank third, just behind heart diseaseand cancer, as a cause of death for older people… Common behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s include sleeplessness, wandering, agitation, anxiety, and aggression. . . The damage initially appears to take place in the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex, parts of the brain essential in forming memories.https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheetAlzheimer’s DiseaseThere are many causes of dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common by far in the United States and many other countries. Alzheimer’s disease can be suspected clinically, and certain brain scans can almost make the diagnosis a certainty.https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/article/what-dementia“Early detection for Alzheimer's disease is not only crucial for patients and their quality of life, but this data is also used by researchers to seek out commonalities, causes and hopefully cures,” commented Strongo.Mr. Charles Strongo, the Chairman and CEO of Global WholeHealth Partners Corp., said, "The Company's goal is to offer the fastest and most reliable in-vitro diagnostic tests on the market, while keeping ahead in R&D, by offering FDA Approved Troponin I Whole Blood, Influenza A & B, and Strep A. The Company also has international testing, which is not sold in the USA, with an FDA Certificate of Exportability (2260-11-2019) for tests like ZIKA, Rapid Ebola, Rapid Dengue Fever Antibody, and Antigen, Rapid Tuberculosis (TB), Rapid Malaria, and many other rapid tests."GWHP develops, manufactures, and markets in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests for OTC, or consumer-use as well as professional rapid diagnostic point-of-care (POC) test kits for hospitals, physicians’ offices, and medical clinics in the US and abroad. The Company has the capacity to deliver hundreds of thousands of tests, and can ramp up to 1 million tests per day. Currently, the Company has 56 products FDA approved and many are Approved for OTC use, and 9 POC products approved by the FDA.Media Contact:Name: Charles Strongo,CEO, Global WholeHealth Partners Corp.Email: Sales@gwhpcorp.comPhone for Sales: 949-324-6691www.gwhpcorp.comThis press release contains "forward-looking statements.” Such statements may be preceded by the words "intends," "may," "will," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "predicts," "estimates," "aims," "believes," "hopes," "potential" or similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, ...

CARSON CITY, NV - (NewMediaWire) - April 19, 2021 - Pharmagreen Biotech, Inc., (OTC PINKS: PHBI), announces that the signed letter of intent with Advanced Bio-Oil Technologies Ltd. (ABOT), based in Denver, Colorado, as announced on February 16, 2021 has been extended by mutual agreement between the parties to June 30, 2021.Pharmagreen to date has identified a number of opportunities for acquisition and further development of the assets for tissue culture starter plantlet production, extraction and product formulation. As stated in February 16, 2021 news release, Pharmagreen will provide the raw, crude Cannabiniod oils, grown by its network of local hemp farmers and the Cannabiniod product formulations will be developed as a joint venture with ABOT, Advanced Bio-Oil Technologies Ltd. The LOI extension provides Pharmagreen with the opportunity to more thoroughly investigate the large number of site prospects and to secure the necessary funding to secure the selected real estate assets.Commenting on Pharmagreen’s progress, Peter Wojcik, President and CEO, stated, “We are moving ahead as planned with our financing plans for acquisition and biotech complex development. We look forward to providing regular updates as we progress.” ABOUT Advanced Bio-Oil Technologies Ltd. (ABOT)Advanced Bio-Oil Technologies Limited (ABOT) is providing the various industries a platform to produce Bio-Oil at-will. ABOT is using biodegradable carbon molecule and innovative oil extraction methods in its process. This extraction method would be used to produce products for the bioenergy industry, the cosmetic or the pharmaceutical. This process is producing better Bio-Oils. ABOT is pleased to have collaborations with various groups in Uzbekistan, Greece, Canada and USA. ABOT’s platform for producing high-grade CBD Medical Bio-Oil will range from skincare products to specific medical targets. Our products which will contain Hemp derived CBD which will be marketed in North extraction of botanical oils mainly CBD oil, and to deliver laboratory based services to the North American Cannabis and agriculture sectors. For further information on the company please visit www.pharmagreen.caSafe Harbor StatementThis press release contains forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. In particular, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include: our inability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms; risk that our products and services will not gain widespread market acceptance; inability to compete with others who provide comparable products; the failure of our technology; the infringement of our technology with proprietary rights of third parties; inability to respond to consumer demands; inability to replace significant customers; seasonal nature of our business. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and are not guarantees of future performance. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. When used in this document, the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "plan," ...

Research Highlights: Transgender and gender-diverse people have higher rates of hypertension compared to the general population. Within two to four months of starting gender-affirming hormone therapy, transgender women had a lower average systolic blood pressure, and transgender men had a higher average systolic blood pressure. Clinicians should consistently monitor blood pressure before and after starting gender-affirming hormone therapy to take hypertension prevention measures. Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET Monday, April 19, 2021 (NewMediaWire) - April 19, 2021 - DALLAS - Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) was associated with blood pressure changes in both transgender men and women, according to new research published today in Hypertension, an American Heart Association journal. Given the higher burden of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions among transgender men and women, blood pressure screening and monitoring are important, especially after beginning hormone therapies. Although doctors have prescribed gender-affirming hormone therapy to transgender men and women for more than 25 years, researchers and health care professionals know little about rates of hypertension and how the effects on blood pressure change over time. Previous research has shown that transgender men were almost five times as likely to report having a heart attack compared to cisgender women. Conversely, transgender women were more than two-and-a-half times more likely to have reported a heart attack than cisgender women, yet they did not have a significant increase in heart attack incidence when compared with cisgender men. However, a systematic review conducted in 2020 found most of the studies examining gender-affirming hormones and blood pressure had sample sizes that were too small to detect statistically significant differences in blood pressure. “There are many important gaps in our knowledge about the effects of hormone therapy for transgender people. This study examined the time course and magnitude of the effects of gender-affirming hormones on blood pressure,” said senior study author Michael S. Irwig, M.D., an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of transgender medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. To conduct the largest and longest observational study of its kind, the researchers followed 470 patients who began GAHT at a medical center in the Washington, D.C. area from 1/1/2007 to 6/1/2015. Participants were all at least 17 years old and non-cisgender. Of the 470 patients, 247 were transfeminine and 223 were transmasculine. About 27% of the participants were non-white, and 16% self-identified as Latinx. Researchers measured each patient’s blood pressure before beginning GAHT to establish a baseline and continued measurements at subsequent clinical visits for up to 57 months. The study found: Within two to four months of beginning hormone therapy, transgender women saw an average decrease of 4.0 mm Hg in their systolic blood pressure, but transgender men saw an average increase of 2.6 mm Hg. The prevalence of stage 2 hypertension (at least 140/90 mm Hg) dropped from 19% to 10% in the transfeminine group within two to four months of beginning hormone therapy. The use of testosterone in transgender men could lead to an increased risk for heart attack or stroke if they also have untreated high blood pressure. In addition, the results indicated that some patients experienced different blood pressure effects compared to the majority of those with the same gender identity. Some transgender women and transgender men saw blood pressure rates trend in the opposite direction of their peers. The study authors highlight this is an area that requires further research, noting individuals taking the same medication may react in different ways. The study has several limitations. Most patients were on the same formulation of intramuscular ...