Vaccine Targets High Blood Pressure

A vaccine may help to reduce high blood pressure, a small study suggests. The new vaccine fights a body chemical called angiotensin II. This chemical tightens blood vessels and increases blood pressure. The study included 72 people with mild to moderate high blood pressure. They received 100 micrograms or 300 micrograms of the vaccine, or a placebo. The shots were repeated one month and three months later. The vaccine was found to be safe. Blood pressure fell in people who received the larger doses. The Guardian newspaper wrote about the study March 7. It was published in the journal Lancet.