Current Hypertension Reports[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
A Narrative Review of the Effects of Mindfulness on Sleep and Hypertension.
Kusko DA, Blake J, Williams R
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2024 Feb · PMID 37921937 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The prevalence of both insomnia and hypertension in the general population is vast and the health implications to individuals and society are costly. The current pharmacological treatment options for i...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The prevalence of both insomnia and hypertension in the general population is vast and the health implications to individuals and society are costly. The current pharmacological treatment options for insomnia and hypertension are limited and patients are becoming increasingly interested in non-pharmacological treatment options. Mindfulness, a disciplined mental training practice rooted in Eastern traditions, has become a widely popular treatment method for multiple chronic health problems. The aim of this paper was to review research on mindfulness-based intervention effects on sleep, insomnia, and hypertension from the past 3 years. Theoretical foundations of mindfulness are discussed. Empirical evidence and potential mechanisms of how mindfulness impacts sleep and hypertension are provided. RECENT FINDINGS: Our findings suggest that mindfulness-based interventions are safe and effective for people with insomnia and hypertension. We saw consistent, albeit small to moderate, effects of mindfulness-based interventions on reducing insomnia symptoms, improving sleep quality, and lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. While mindfulness interventions have shown to be effective for improving sleep and lowering hypertension, future research is needed to further evaluate their efficacy on larger samples of patient populations with long-term follow-up measures. These high-quality studies could help researchers and clinicians identify treatment response tendencies in patient populations which can lead to better tailoring of mindfulness-based interventions for specific health concerns.
Clinical Significance of Nocturnal Hypertension and Nighttime Blood Pressure Dipping in Hypertension.
Anyfanti P, Malliora A, Chionidou A … +3 more , Mastrogiannis K, Lazaridis A, Gkaliagkousi E
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2024 Feb · PMID 37906342 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This narrative review article aims to discuss more recent evidence, current challenges, and future perspectives regarding the clinical importance of nocturnal hypertension and nighttime blood pressure...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This narrative review article aims to discuss more recent evidence, current challenges, and future perspectives regarding the clinical importance of nocturnal hypertension and nighttime blood pressure dipping, with particular reference to diagnosis, prognostic value, and therapeutic approach. RECENT FINDINGS: The importance of nighttime blood pressure and nighttime blood pressure dipping has been demonstrated in decades. Increased nighttime blood pressure has been acknowledged as an unfavorable clinical trait. However, more recent evidence suggests that the abolishment of normal circadian blood pressure rhythm is not always a solid predictor of adverse cardiovascular events and needs to be interpreted in the light of each patients' individual characteristics. Physicians treating hypertensive patients with adverse nighttime blood pressure profiles often face the dilemma of chronotherapy. This has been a blurred field for years, yet very recent evidence from appropriately designed studies attempts to shed light on this puzzling question. As 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is being increasingly recommended and applied in real-world practice for the diagnosis and monitoring of hypertension, information on nighttime blood pressure and nocturnal dipping profile is collected but is not always easy to interpret.
Salty Subjects: Unpacking Racial Differences in Salt-Sensitive Hypertension.
Jeong S, Hunter SD, Cook MD … +2 more , Grosicki GJ, Robinson AT
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2024 Jan · PMID 37878224 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review underlying mechanisms and environmental factors that may influence racial disparities in the development of salt-sensitive blood pressure. RECENT FINDINGS: Our group and others have observed...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review underlying mechanisms and environmental factors that may influence racial disparities in the development of salt-sensitive blood pressure. RECENT FINDINGS: Our group and others have observed racial differences in diet and hydration, which may influence salt sensitivity. Dietary salt elicits negative alterations to the gut microbiota and immune system, which may increase hypertension risk, but little is known regarding potential racial differences in these physiological responses. Antioxidant supplementation and exercise offset vascular dysfunction following dietary salt, including in Black adults. Furthermore, recent work proposes the role of racial differences in exposure to social determinants of health, and differences in health behaviors that may influence risk of salt sensitivity. Physiological and environmental factors contribute to the mechanisms that manifest in racial differences in salt-sensitive blood pressure. Using this information, additional work is needed to develop strategies that can attenuate racial disparities in salt-sensitive blood pressure.
Pressure Building Against the Clock: The Impact of Circadian Misalignment on Blood Pressure.
Shafer BM, Kogan SA, McHill AW
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2024 Jan · PMID 37837518 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Misalignment between the endogenous biological timing system and behavioral activities (i.e., sleep/wake, eating, activity) contributes to adverse cardiovascular health. In this review, we discuss the...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Misalignment between the endogenous biological timing system and behavioral activities (i.e., sleep/wake, eating, activity) contributes to adverse cardiovascular health. In this review, we discuss the effects of recurring circadian misalignment on blood pressure regulation and the implications for hypertension development. Additionally, we highlight emerging therapeutic approaches designed to mitigate the negative cardiovascular consequences elicited by circadian disruption. RECENT FINDINGS: Circadian misalignment elicited by work schedules that require individuals to be awake during the biological night (i.e., shift work) alters 24-h blood pressure rhythms. Mechanistically, circadian misalignment appears to alter blood pressure via changes in autonomic nervous system balance, variations to sodium retention, dysregulation of endothelial vasodilatory responsiveness, and activation of proinflammatory mechanisms. Recurring circadian misalignment produced by a mismatch in sleep timing on free days vs. work days (i.e., social jetlag) appears to have no direct effects on prevailing blood pressure levels in healthy adults; though, circadian disruptions resulting from social jetlag may increase the risk of hypertension through enhanced sympathetic activation and/or obesity. Furthermore, social jetlag assessment may be a useful metric in shift work populations where the magnitude of circadian misalignment may be greater than in the general population. Circadian misalignment promotes unfavorable changes to 24-h blood pressure rhythms, most notably in shift working populations. While light therapy, melatonin supplementation, and the timing of drug administration may improve cardiovascular outcomes, interventions designed to target the effects of circadian misalignment on blood pressure regulation are warranted.
Microvascular Dysfunction in Obesity-Hypertension.
Do T, Van A, Ataei A … +2 more , Sharma S, Mohandas R
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2023 Dec · PMID 37837517 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to explore the role of microvascular dysfunction in obesity-hypertension, discuss the effects obesity has on renal microvasculature, review the current methods for assessing microvascu...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to explore the role of microvascular dysfunction in obesity-hypertension, discuss the effects obesity has on renal microvasculature, review the current methods for assessing microvascular dysfunction and available therapeutic options, and identify critical areas for further research. RECENT FINDINGS: There is a strong association between obesity and hypertension. However, the pathophysiology of obesity-hypertension is not clear. Microvascular dysfunction has been linked to hypertension and obesity and could be an important mediator of obesity-related hypertension. Newer therapies for hypertension and obesity could have ameliorating effects on microvascular dysfunction, including GLP-1 agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors. There is still much progress to be made in our understanding of the complex interplay between obesity, hypertension, and microvascular dysfunction. Continued efforts to understand microvascular dysfunction and its role in obesity-hypertension are crucial to develop precision therapy to target obesity-hypertension.
Correction to: Does Renal Denervation a Reasonable Treatment Option in Hemodialysis-Dependent Patient with Resistant Hypertension? A Narrative Review.
Mazza A, Dell'Avvocata F, Torin G … +3 more , Bulighin F, Battaglia Y, Fiorini F
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2023 Nov · PMID 37815726 · Full text
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Correction to: Masked Hypertension in Healthy Children and Adolescents: Who Should Be Screened?
Seeman T, Šuláková T, Stabouli S
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2023 Nov · PMID 37815725 · Full text
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Role of Inflammatory Processes in the Brain-Body Relationship Underlying Hypertension.
Carnevale D
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2023 Dec · PMID 37787865 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Essential hypertension is a huge health problem that significantly impacts worldwide population in terms of morbidity and mortality. Idiopathic in its nature, elevated blood pressure results from a com...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Essential hypertension is a huge health problem that significantly impacts worldwide population in terms of morbidity and mortality. Idiopathic in its nature, elevated blood pressure results from a complex interaction between polygenic components and environmental and lifestyle factors. The constant growth in the burden of hypertension is at odds with expectations, considering the availability of therapeutic strategies. Hence, there is an endless need to further investigate the complexity of factors contributing to blood pressure elevation. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent data indicate that bidirectional interactions between the nervous system and the immune system alter inflammation in the brain and periphery, contributing to chronic hypertension. These findings indicate that the nervous system is both a direct driver of hypertension and also a target of feedback that often elevates blood pressure further. Similarly, the immune system is both target and driver of the blood pressure increases. The contributions of the feedback loops among these systems appear to play an important role in hypertension. Together, recent mechanistic studies strongly suggest that the interactions among the brain, immune system, and inflammation affect the participation of each system in the pathogenesis of hypertension, and thus, all of these systems must be considered in concert to gain a full appreciation of the development and potential treatments of hypertension.
Key to the Treatment of Primary Aldosteronism in Secondary Hypertension: Subtype Diagnosis.
Zuo R, Liu S, Xu L … +1 more , Pang H
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2023 Dec · PMID 37787864 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a leading global cause of secondary hypertension. Subtyping diagnosis of PA is the key to surgery, but accurate classification of PA is crucial but challenging in clinical...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a leading global cause of secondary hypertension. Subtyping diagnosis of PA is the key to surgery, but accurate classification of PA is crucial but challenging in clinical diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of current literature and propose subtyping diagnosis flow chart to help us classify PA quickly and accurately. RECENT FINDINGS: Early diagnosis and accurate typing are essential for the timely treatment and appropriate management of PA. For most patients, adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is the central choice for typing diagnosis, but AVS is invasive and difficult to promote effectively. CT can help identify unilateral typical adenomas in select patients to avoid AVS. New radionuclide imaging has shown value in the diagnosis and classification of PA, which distinguishes adrenocortical hyperplasia from adenoma and can replace AVS in some patients. Accurately diagnosing unilateral PA is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment strategy for PA. The simple flow chart of PA subtyping diagnosis based on the current literature needs to be verified and evaluated by follow-up researches.
Challenging Health Inequities in Incarceration: a Call for Equitable Care for Kidney Disease and Hypertension.
Rockey N, Cervantes L, LeMasters K … +1 more , Rizzolo K
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2023 Dec · PMID 37773248 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the current literature on care of hypertension and chronic kidney disease for people who are currently and formerly incarcerated, and to make recommendations for improving outcomes. RECENT FI...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the current literature on care of hypertension and chronic kidney disease for people who are currently and formerly incarcerated, and to make recommendations for improving outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: There is a growing body of literature describing care for kidney disease and hypertension for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals that documents the provision of care itself, notably that many jails contract with private companies; the system is not designed to provide sustained, chronic disease care; and the transition from incarceration to community is fraught with gaps in care. However, deficiencies in data collection and regulation still limit our understanding of the quality of care provided in jails and prisons. Furthermore, more data is needed to understand the impact of structural racism in the criminal legal system on overall disparities in care for hypertension and kidney disease. Insurance coverage rates for people who were formerly incarcerated continue to be lower than the general population despite Medicaid expansion in many states. There is little recent data regarding kidney replacement therapy for this population despite known variation in dialysis modalities and transplant programs by state. Transitions clinics, which connect people who were formerly incarcerated with care in the community upon release, are growing and are important avenues by which to deliver care. People who are incarcerated are disproportionately affected by hypertension and kidney disease, yet data regarding the extent of these inequities and availability of quality care is lacking. More work is needed to understand the care of individuals with kidney disease and hypertension in prisons and to improve outcomes for these common chronic conditions. Both providing effective treatment of kidney disease and hypertension in prisons and jails and providing coordinated, quality transition to community care upon release represents an important opportunity for reform in care for a marginalized population.
Management of Hyperkalemia in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Using Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System Inhibitors.
Fravel MA, Meaney CJ, Noureddine L
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2023 Nov · PMID 37747576 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibiting medications is critical in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and kidney function decline in patients with chronic kidney disease (CK...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibiting medications is critical in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and kidney function decline in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, these agents can lead to hyperkalemia, an electrolyte disorder associated with risk of arrythmia, conduction disorders, and increased overall mortality. Discontinuation, or reduction of dose, of RAAS inhibitor therapy in hyperkalemic patients with CKD can lead to loss of kidney and cardiovascular protection afforded by these medications. Given the high prevalence of hyperkalemia among patients with CKD utilizing RAAS inhibitors, clear management principles are critical to minimize risk and maximize benefit when facing this clinical dilemma. RECENT FINDINGS: Strategies to mitigate hyperkalemia that do not interfere with optimal RAAS inhibitor therapy should be prioritized when managing potassium elevation in patients with CKD. These strategies include discontinuing non-RAAS inhibitor medications known to cause hyperkalemia, correction of metabolic acidosis, and maximization of medication therapies that lower serum potassium, including diuretics and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors. Initiation of potassium exchange resins should also be considered to allow for sustained RAAS inhibitor utilization. An approach which employs multiple strategies concurrently is important to mitigate hyperkalemia and maintain long-term use of RAAS-inhibitors. Persistence of RAAS inhibitor use in patients with CKD is important to slow kidney function decline, delay onset of dialysis or the need for kidney transplant, and prevent adverse cardiovascular outcomes. When hyperkalemia develops among patients with CKD utilizing a RAAS inhibitor, a deliberate effort to reduce serum potassium levels using an approach that allows for continuation of maximally dosed RAAS inhibitor therapy is important. Patient education and engagement in the potassium management process is important for sustained success.
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers and Cognition: a Scoping Review.
Zhou Z, Orchard SG, Nelson MR … +2 more , Fravel MA, Ernst ME
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2024 Jan · PMID 37733162 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an overview of the association between angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) use and cognitive outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: ARBs have previously shown greater neuroprotection compared to other...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an overview of the association between angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) use and cognitive outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: ARBs have previously shown greater neuroprotection compared to other anti-hypertensive classes. The benefits are primarily attributed to the ARB's effect on modulating the renin-angiotensin system via inhibiting the Ang II/AT1R pathway and activating the Ang II/AT2R, Ang IV/AT4R, and Ang-(1-7)/MasR pathways. These interactions are associated with pleiotropic neurocognitive benefits, including reduced β-amyloid accumulation and abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau, ameliorated brain hypo-fusion, reduced neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction, better neurotoxin clearing, and blood-brain barrier function restoration. While ACEis also inhibit AT1R, they simultaneously lower Ang II and block the Ang II/AT2R and Ang IV/AT4R pathways that counterbalance the potential benefits. ARBs may be considered an adjunctive approach for neuroprotection. This preliminary evidence, coupled with their underlying mechanistic pathways, emphasizes the need for future long-term randomized trials to yield more definitive results.
Role of Female Sex Hormones and Immune Response in Salt-Sensitive Hypertension Development: Evidence from Experimental Models.
Vlachovsky SG, Di Ciano LA, Oddo EM … +3 more , Azurmendi PJ, Silberstein C, Ibarra FR
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2023 Nov · PMID 37676461 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSEOF REVIEW: Female sex hormones have systemic effects unrelated to their reproductive function. We describe experiences of different research groups and our own, on aspects related to the importance of female sex h...
PURPOSEOF REVIEW: Female sex hormones have systemic effects unrelated to their reproductive function. We describe experiences of different research groups and our own, on aspects related to the importance of female sex hormones on blood pressure (BP) regulation and salt-sensitivity-mediated BP response and salt sensitivity without alterations in BP, as well as renal sodium handling and interactions with the immune system. RECENT FINDINGS: Changes in sodium intake in normotensive premenopausal women cause more BP variations than in men. After menopause, women often develop arterial hypertension (HT) with a profile of sodium sensitivity. Besides, experimental results have shown that in adult rat models resembling the postmenopausal hormonal state induced by ovariectomy, controlling BP is not enough to avoid renal and other tissue infiltration with immune cells, which does not occur when sodium intake is low or normal. Therefore, excess sodium promotes an inflammatory state with the involvement of immune cells. The evidence of activation of adaptive immunity, besides changes in T cell subpopulations, includes changes in sodium transporters and receptors. More studies are needed to evaluate the particular sodium sensitivity of women and its meaning. Changes in lifestyle and sodium intake reduction are the main therapeutic steps. However, to face the actual burden of salt-sensitive HT in postmenopausal women and its associated inflammatory/immune changes, it seems reasonable to work on immune cell activity by considering the peripheral blood mononuclear cell phenotypes of molecules and transport proteins related to sodium handle, both to screen for and treat cell activation.
Does Renal Denervation a Reasonable Treatment Option in Hemodialysis-Dependent Patient with Resistant Hypertension? A Narrative Review.
Mazza A, Dell'Avvocata F, Torin G … +3 more , Bulighin F, Battaglia Y, Fiorini F
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2023 Nov · PMID 37672130 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This narrative review aims to assess the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of resistant hypertension (RH) in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients on dialysis, with a specific focus on the e...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This narrative review aims to assess the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of resistant hypertension (RH) in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients on dialysis, with a specific focus on the effect of renal denervation (RDN) on short-term and long-term blood pressure (BP) control. Additionally, we share our experience with the use of RDN in an amyloidotic patient undergoing hemodialysis with RH. RECENT FINDINGS: High BP, an important modifiable cardiovascular risk factor, is often observed in patients in ESKD, despite the administration of multiple antihypertensive medications. However, in clinical practice, it remains challenging to identify RH patients on dialysis treatment because of the absence of specific definition for RH in this context. Moreover, the use of invasive approaches, such as RDN, to treat RH is limited by the exclusion of patients with reduced renal function (eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m3) in the clinical trials. Nevertheless, recent studies have reported encouraging results regarding the effectiveness of RDN in stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ESKD patients on dialysis, with reductions in BP of nearly up to 10 mmhg. Although multiple underlying pathophysiological mechanisms contribute to RH, the overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system in ESKD patients on dialysis plays a crucial role. The diagnosis of RH requires both confirmation of adherence to antihypertensive therapy and the presence of uncontrolled BP values by ambulatory BP monitoring or home BP monitoring. Treatment involves a combination of nonpharmacological approaches (such as dry weight reduction, sodium restriction, dialysate sodium concentration reduction, and exercise) and pharmacological treatments. A promising approach for managing of RH is based on catheter-based RDN, through radiofrequency, ultrasound, or alcohol infusion, directly targeting on sympathetic overactivity.
Predicting Changes in Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure of Hypertensive Patients in Indonesia Using Machine Learning.
Nuryunarsih D, Herawati L, Badi'ah A … +2 more , Donsu JDT, Okatiranti
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2023 Nov · PMID 37642805 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This retrospective study investigated factors that influence the occurrence of decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure including sociodemographic and economic factors, hypertension duration, ci...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This retrospective study investigated factors that influence the occurrence of decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure including sociodemographic and economic factors, hypertension duration, cigarette consumption, alcohol consumption, duration of smoking, type of cigarettes, exercise, salt consumption, sleeping pills consumption, insomnia, and diabetes. These factors were applied to predict the reality of systolic and diastolic decrease using the machine learning algorithm Naïve Bayes, artificial neural network, logistic regression, and decision tree. RECENT FINDINGS: The increase in blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic, is very harmful to the health because uncontrolled high systolic and diastolic blood pressure can cause various diseases such as congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease. There have been many studies examining the factors that influence the occurrence of hypertension, but few studies have used machine learning to predict hypertension. The machine learning models performed well and can be used for predicting whether a person with hypertension with certain characteristics will experience a decrease in their systolic or diastolic blood pressure after treatment with antihypertensive drugs.
Masked Hypertension in Healthy Children and Adolescents: Who Should Be Screened?
Seeman T, Šuláková T, Stabouli S
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2023 Sep · PMID 37639176 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal is to review masked hypertension (MH) as a relatively new phenomenon when patients have normal office BP but elevated out-of-office BP. Firstly, it was described in children in 2004. It has re...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal is to review masked hypertension (MH) as a relatively new phenomenon when patients have normal office BP but elevated out-of-office BP. Firstly, it was described in children in 2004. It has received increased attention in the past decade. RECENT FINDINGS: The prevalence of MH in different pediatric populations differs widely between 0 and 60% based on the population studied, definition of MH, or method of out-of-office BP measurement. The highest prevalence of MH has been demonstrated in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD), obesity, diabetes, and after heart transplantation. In healthy children but with risk factors for hypertension such as prematurity, overweight/obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or positive family history of hypertension, the prevalence of MH is 9%. In healthy children without risk factors for hypertension, the prevalence of MH is very low ranging 0-3%. In healthy children, only patients with the following clinical conditions should be screened for MH: high-normal/elevated office BP, positive family history of hypertension, and those referred for suspected hypertension who have normal office BP in the secondary/tertiary center.
Gut Microbiota and Its Role in the Brain-Gut-Kidney Axis in Hypertension.
Vallianou NG, Kounatidis D, Panagopoulos F … +5 more , Evangelopoulos A, Stamatopoulos V, Papagiorgos A, Geladari E, Dalamaga M
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2023 Nov · PMID 37632662 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The role of the gut microbiota in modulating blood pressure is increasingly being recognized, currently. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent findings about the mechanisms involved in hype...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The role of the gut microbiota in modulating blood pressure is increasingly being recognized, currently. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent findings about the mechanisms involved in hypertension with regard to the phenomenon of "gut dysbiosis." RECENT FINDINGS: Gut dysbiosis, i.e., the imbalance between the gut microbiota and the host, is characterized by a disruption of the tight junction proteins, such as occludins, claudins, and JAMs (junctional adhesion molecules), resulting in increased gut permeability or the so called "leaky gut." Due to the influence of genetic as well as environmental factors, various metabolites produced by the gut microbiota, such as indole and p-cresol, are increased. Thereby, uremic toxins, such as indoxyl sulfates and p-cresol sulfates, accumulate in the blood and the urine, causing damage in the podocytes and the tubular cells. In addition, immunological mechanisms are implicated as well. In particular, a switch from M2 macrophages to M1 macrophages, which produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, occurs. Moreover, a higher level of Th17 cells, releasing large amounts of interleukin-17 (IL-17), has been reported, when a diet rich in salt is consumed. Therefore, apart from the aggravation of uremic toxins, which may account for direct harmful effects on the kidney, there is inflammation not only in the gut, but in the kidneys as well. This crosstalk between the gut and the kidney is suggested to play a crucial role in hypertension. Notably, the brain is also implicated, with an increasing sympathetic output. The brain-gut-kidney axis seems to be deeply involved in the development of hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The notion that, by modulating the gut microbiota, we could regulate blood pressure is strongly supported by the current evidence. A healthy diet, low in animal protein and fat, and low in salt, together with the utilization of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, or postbiotics, may contribute to our fight against hypertension.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Hypertension and Hypertension Medication Adherence Among Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Groups: A Scoping Review.
Foster M, Etchin A, Pope C … +3 more , Hartmann CW, Emidio O, Bosworth HB
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2023 Nov · PMID 37624472 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To conduct a scoping review of articles which examined the impact of COVID-19 on HTN and HTN medication adherence among underrepresented racial/ethnic minorities. RECENT FINDINGS: Seven studies were in...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To conduct a scoping review of articles which examined the impact of COVID-19 on HTN and HTN medication adherence among underrepresented racial/ethnic minorities. RECENT FINDINGS: Seven studies were included in this review and impact of COVID-19 was examined at 4 levels: patient, provider, health system and society. The results indicated that patient level factors, such as high unemployment and inequitable access to telemedicine due to society factors- lack of access to high-speed Internet and variation in the offering of telehealth by health systems, were most impactful on adherence. Additionally, provider level clinical inertia may have further impacted adherence to HTN medication. Our review showed that the COVID-19 pandemic did not introduce new barriers but exacerbated preexisting barriers. Ongoing efforts are needed to change policies at the state and local levels to dismantle inequities in underrepresented communities to ensure access to health care with telemedicine to promote health equity.
Benzodiazepines Reduce Blood Pressure in Short Term: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Solanki B, Goel R, Gupta LK
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2023 Oct · PMID 37581768 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Benzodiazepines, due to their anxiolytic properties, are prescribed to reduce anxiety and insomnia. They might have hypotensive effect via potentiation of the inhibitory effect of gamma-amino butyric a...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Benzodiazepines, due to their anxiolytic properties, are prescribed to reduce anxiety and insomnia. They might have hypotensive effect via potentiation of the inhibitory effect of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system and vasodilatory properties. However, studies comparing the effect of benzodiazepines in lowering blood pressure (BP) are equivocal. This systematic review and meta-analysis was planned to assess the efficacy of benzodiazepines in reducing blood pressure in short term among hypertensive patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Various trials and retrospective analysis conducted previously have reported that benzodiazepines cause short- as well as long-term BP reduction in patients with increased anxiety with hypertension. On the other hand, several studies investigating the efficacy of benzodiazepines in patients with hypertension have reported inconclusive results. The primary question about the effect of benzodiazepines in lowering BP remains unanswered. In this meta-analysis of seven studies, benzodiazepines were found comparable to standard drugs in reducing systolic and diastolic BP in patients having hypertension. Although, the mean difference in systolic BP with benzodiazepines and placebo was statistically not significant, the difference can be considered as clinically meaningful. The current review offers preliminary evidence that benzodiazepines may have antihypertensive properties and may be used as add-on antihypertensive in a subset of patients in short term. The existing data are encouraging, but more clinical trials and mechanistic research are required to ascertain the long-term benefits.
Dual Endothelin Antagonism with Aprocitentan as a Novel Therapeutic Approach for Resistant Hypertension.
Heidari Nejad S, Azzam O, Schlaich MP
Curr Hypertens Rep · 2023 Oct · PMID 37566184 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Resistant hypertension (RH) defined as uncontrolled blood pressure despite the use of a combination of a renin-angiotensin system blocker, a calcium channel blocker, and a diuretic at maximally tolerat...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Resistant hypertension (RH) defined as uncontrolled blood pressure despite the use of a combination of a renin-angiotensin system blocker, a calcium channel blocker, and a diuretic at maximally tolerated doses is associated with a substantially increased risk of cardiovascular and renal events. Despite targeting relevant pathophysiological pathways contributing to elevated blood pressure, approximately 10-15% of hypertensive patients remain above recommended blood pressure targets. Further optimization of blood pressure control is particularly challenging in patient populations who frequently present with RH such as elderly and patients with chronic kidney disease, due to the unfavorable safety profile of the recommended fourth-line therapy with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. This review explores the potential role of endothelin antagonists as an alternative fourth-line therapy. RECENT FINDINGS: Despite the well-described role of the endothelin pathway in the pathogenesis of hypertension, it is currently not targeted therapeutically. Recently however, main outcome data from the PRECISION study, a randomized placebo-controlled phase 3 trial, in patients with RH on guideline-recommended standardized single-pill background therapy convincingly demonstrated the safety and blood pressure-lowering efficacy of the dual endothelin antagonist Aprocitentan. Findings from the phase 3 PRECISION study could signify a turning point in the utilization of endothelin receptor antagonists as a standard treatment for patients with RH.
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