Objective Real-life management of patients with hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) among European Society of Hypertension Excellence Centres (ESH-ECs) is unclear : we aimed to investigate it. Methods A survey...Objective Real-life management of patients with hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) among European Society of Hypertension Excellence Centres (ESH-ECs) is unclear : we aimed to investigate it. Methods A survey was conducted in 2023. The questionnaire contained 64 questions asking ESH-ECs representatives to estimate how patients with CKD are managed. Results Overall, 88 ESH-ECS representatives from 27 countries participated. According to the responders, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers, calcium-channel blockers and thiazides were often added when these medications were lacking in CKD patients, but physicians were more prone to initiate RAS blockers (90% [interquartile range: 70-95%]) than MRA (20% [10-30%]), SGLT2i (30% [20-50%]) or (GLP1-RA (10% [5-15%]). Despite treatment optimisation, 30% of responders indicated that hypertension remained uncontrolled (30% (15-40%) vs 18% [10%-25%]) in CKD and CKD patients, respectively). Hyperkalemia was the most frequent barrier to initiate RAS blockers, and dosage reduction was considered in 45% of responders when kalaemia was 5.5-5.9 mmol/L. Conclusions RAS blockers are initiated in most ESH-ECS in CKD patients, but MRA and SGLT2i initiations are less frequent. Hyperkalemia was the main barrier for initiation or adequate dosing of RAS blockade, and RAS blockers' dosage reduction was the usual management.
Evidence suggests that renal function increasingly deteriorates in patients with apparently treatment-resistant hypertension (ATRH) in comparison with those who have non-resistant arterial hypertension (NAH). We aimed to...Evidence suggests that renal function increasingly deteriorates in patients with apparently treatment-resistant hypertension (ATRH) in comparison with those who have non-resistant arterial hypertension (NAH). We aimed to assess the long-term decline in renal function between these patient groups and identify specific risk factors contributing to the progression of renal dysfunction. Data for 265 patients with ATRH and NAH in a hypertension excellence centre were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic characteristics, co-morbidities, laboratory findings, secondary causes of hypertension, medication and exposure to contrast agents were assessed. To address differences between groups, adjustment with linear mixed-effect models was used. Data from the first 4 years of follow-up were evaluated. After adjustment for age and diabetes, which were identified as independent risk factors for renal dysfunction progression in the study cohort, the mean decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate per year was steeper with ATRH than with NAH (-1.49 -0.65 mL/min/1.73 m per year; difference in slope, 0.83 mL/min/1.73 m per year; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25-1.41, = 0.005). In subgroup analyses, without Holm-Bonferroni correction, the prescription of MRA indicated a faster decline in renal function in ATRH. Following correction, no specific therapeutic risk factor was associated with faster progression of renal dysfunction. Renal function declines twice as fast with ATRH compared with NAH, independently of age and diabetes. Larger studies are needed to reveal risk factors for renal dysfunction in patients with hypertension.
INTRODUCTION: Von Hippel-Lindau disease (e.g. VHL) is an autosomal dominant multi-organ cancer syndrome caused by a mutation in the tumour suppressor gene. In this study, we introduce a novel genetic variant found in 11...INTRODUCTION: Von Hippel-Lindau disease (e.g. VHL) is an autosomal dominant multi-organ cancer syndrome caused by a mutation in the tumour suppressor gene. In this study, we introduce a novel genetic variant found in 11 family members diagnosed initially with isolated Pheochromocytoma. Subsequent findings revealed its association with VHL syndrome and corresponds to the Type 2 C phenotype. METHODS: The gene was amplified through the utilisation of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR fragments were sequenced using bidirectional Sanger sequencing, using BigDye™ Terminator v3.1 Cycle Sequencing Kit, running on the 3500 genetic analyser. Results were assembled and analysed Using Software SeqA and chromas pro. RESULTS: A heterozygous in-frame duplication of three nucleotides, specifically ATG, c.377_379dup; p.Asp126dup in exon 2, was identified in all the patients tested within the pedigree. CONCLUSION: In this study, we disclose the identification of a novel genetic variant in a Jordanian family, affecting eleven family members with pheochromocytoma associated with VHL disease. This finding underscores the importance of screening family members and contemplating genetic testing for individuals newly diagnosed with pheochromocytoma and could enhance our comprehension of the potential adverse consequences associated with VHL germline mutations.
BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) predominantly affects women and is associated with hypertension and arterial stiffness. We explored factors associated with change in arterial stiffness in patients with RA treated w...BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) predominantly affects women and is associated with hypertension and arterial stiffness. We explored factors associated with change in arterial stiffness in patients with RA treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy. METHODS: Seventy-seven outpatients with RA (age 55 ± 11, 69% women), with indication for treatment with biological or targeted synthetic DMARDs, were included. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation pressure (AP), augmentation index (AIx) and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) were measured at baseline and after a mean of 22 months of follow-up. RESULTS: At follow-up, 83% used DMARDs and 73% had achieved remission or low disease activity. DAS28 decreased from 3.8 ± 1.3 to 2.8 ± 1.2 ( < 0.001). Mean PWV increased from 7.8 ± 1.6 m/s at baseline to 8.5 ± 1.8 m/s at follow-up ( < 0.001), while AP and AIx were stable. Increase in PWV during follow-up was associated with increase in systolic blood pressure (BP), diabetes, higher DAS28 and body mass index (BMI) at baseline, independent of achieved remission/low disease activity and use of DMARDs at follow-up. In multivariable analyses at follow-up, female sex was associated with higher AP and AIx, but with lower PWV, after adjusting for possible confounders. CONCLUSION: In patients with RA, higher disease activity, BMI and diabetes at baseline, together with increase in office systolic BP were associated with an increase in arterial stiffness during follow-up, despite DMARD therapy. This highlights the need for management of cardiovascular risk factors in addition to reducing the inflammatory load in patients with RA to preserve arterial function.
OBJECTIVE: Few studies have evaluated the performance of non-drug-adjusted primary aldosteronism (PA) screening. Therefore, we aimed to examine the consistency between PA screening results with and without drug adjustmen...OBJECTIVE: Few studies have evaluated the performance of non-drug-adjusted primary aldosteronism (PA) screening. Therefore, we aimed to examine the consistency between PA screening results with and without drug adjustment and to explore the effectiveness of screening without drug adjustment. METHODS: This prospective study included 650 consecutive patients with a high risk of incidence PA. Patients who initially screened positive underwent rescreening with drug adjustments and confirmatory tests. Regarding the remaining patients, one of every three consecutive patients underwent rescreening with drug adjustments and confirmatory tests. The changes in aldosterone and renin concentrations were compared between patients with essential hypertension (EH) and those with PA before and after drug adjustment. Sensitivity and specificity were used to assess the diagnostic performance of screening without drug adjustment, using the confirmatory test results as the reference. RESULTS: We screened 650 patients with hypertension for PA. Forty-nine patients were diagnosed with PA and 195 with EH. Regarding drugs, 519 patients were taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers (CCBs), or diuretics alone or in combination. Forty-one patients were taking beta-blockers. Ninety patients were taking beta-blockers in combination with other drugs. In patients treated with ACEIs, ARBs, CCBs, or diuretics alone, or in combination, or beta-blockers alone, PA positivity was determined using the criteria, aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) >38 pg/mL/pg/mL and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) >100 pg/mL, and negativity, using the criteria, ARR <9 pg/mL/pg/mL; the sensitivity and specificity were 94.7% and 94.5%, respectively. After drug adjustment, the sensitivity and specificity of screening were 92.1% and 89%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients not treated with beta-blockers combined with others, when ARR >38 pg/mL/pg/mL and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) >100 pg/mL, or, ARR <9 pg/mL/pg/mL, non-drug-adjusted screening results were identical to with drug adjustment. Non-drug-adjusted screening ould reduce the chance of medication adjustment, enable patients to continue their treatments and avoiding adverse effects, is of clinical importance.
BACKGROUND: Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and central pulse pressure (PP) are recognised as significant indicators of vascular health and predictors of cardiovascular outcomes. In this study, associations b...BACKGROUND: Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and central pulse pressure (PP) are recognised as significant indicators of vascular health and predictors of cardiovascular outcomes. In this study, associations between central hemodynamics and left ventricular (LV) echocardiographic parameters were investigated in subjects with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), comparing the results to healthy individuals. METHODS AND RESULTS: This cross-sectional prospective controlled study included 50 subjects with HFrEF [mean LV ejection fraction (EF) 26 ± 6.5%] and 30 healthy controls (mean LVEF 65.9 ± 5.3%). Pulse wave analysis (PWA) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) were used to measure central hemodynamics and arterial stiffness. The HFrEF group displayed higher cfPWV (8.2 vs. 7.2 m/s, = 0.007) and lower central (111.3 vs. 121.7 mmHg, = 0.001) and peripheral (120.1 vs. 131.5 mmHg, = 0.002) systolic blood pressure. Central pulse pressure (PP) was comparable between the two groups (37.6 vs. 40.4 mmHg, = 0.169). In the HFrEF group, cfPWV significantly correlated with left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) index (mL/m) and LVEF, with LVEDV index being a significant independent predictor of cfPWV (R = 0.42, = 0.003). Central PP was significantly associated with heart rate, LVEF and LVEDV index, with the latter being a significant independent predictor of central PP (R = 0.41, < 0.001). These correlations were not observed in healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Significant associations between central hemodynamic measures and LV echocardiographic parameters were identified, suggesting the potential to use PWA and cfPWV as possible tools for managing HFrEF.
The study aimed to assess health-seeking behaviour (HSB) and associated factors among hypertensive patients in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Hypertension & Research Centre, Rangpur, Banglade...The study aimed to assess health-seeking behaviour (HSB) and associated factors among hypertensive patients in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Hypertension & Research Centre, Rangpur, Bangladesh, between January 2022 and June 2022. A total of 497 hypertensive adults were recruited consecutively. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was deployed by the research team for data collection. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore the predictors of HSB. The mean age of the hypertensive patients was 52 ± 11 (SD) years. Most of them were aged between 51 and 60 years (33%), female (55%), came from rural areas (57%), and belonged to middle socioeconomic class (68%). One-fourth of the patients (27%) had chosen informal healthcare providers for their first consultation. Fear of stroke (244, 45%), headache (170, 36%), and neck pain (81, 17%) were the three most common compelling causes of their visit to the hypertension centre. Age (aOR 0.78, 95% CI 0.68 - 0.89), male sex (aOR: 1.79, 95% CI 1.05 - 3.10), living in semi-urban (aOR 4.68, 95% CI 1.45 - 15.10) and rural area (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.01 - 2.80), farmers as occupation (aOR: 3.24, 95%CI: 1.31 - 8.06) and belonging to lower social economic class (aOR 4.24, 95% CI 1.68 - 10.69) were predictors of visiting informal providers of hypertensive patient. One-fourth of the hypertensive patients received consultation from informal healthcare providers. Raising awareness among patients and proper referral to specialised hypertension centres could promulgate the patients towards appropriate behaviour.
PURPOSE: In a prospective open study, with intervention, conducted in Primary Health Care Units by General Practitioners (GPs) in Portugal, the effectiveness of a single pill of candesartan/amlodipine (ARB/amlodipine), a...PURPOSE: In a prospective open study, with intervention, conducted in Primary Health Care Units by General Practitioners (GPs) in Portugal, the effectiveness of a single pill of candesartan/amlodipine (ARB/amlodipine), as the only anti-hypertension (anti-HTN) medication, in adult patients with uncontrolled HTN (BP > 140/or > 90 mm Hg), either previously being treated with anti-HTN monotherapies (Group I), or combinations with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) (Group II), or not receiving medication at all (Group III), was evaluated across 12-weeks after implementation of the new therapeutic measure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 118 GPs recruited patients with uncontrolled HTN who met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Participants were assigned, according to severity, one of 3 (morning) fixed combination candesartan/amlodipine dosage (8/5 or 16/5 or 16/10 mg/day) and longitudinally evaluated in 3 visits (v0, v6 and v12 weeks). Office blood pressure was measured in each visit, and control of HTN was defined per guidelines (BP< 140/90 mmHg). RESULTS: Of the 1234 patients approached, 752 (age 61 ± 10 years, 52% women) participated in the study and were assigned to groups according to previous treatment conditions. The 3 groups exhibited a statistically significant increased control of blood pressure after receiving the fixed combination candesartan/amlodipine dosage. The overall proportion of controlled HTN participants increased from 0,8% at v0 to 82% at v12. The mean arterial blood pressure values decreased from SBP= 159.0 (± 13.0) and DBP= 91.1 (± 9.6) at baseline to SBP= 132,1 (± 11.3) and DBP= 77,5 (± 8.8) at 12 weeks ( < 0.01). Results remained consistent when controlling for age and sex. CONCLUSION: In patients with uncontrolled HTN, therapeutic measures in accordance with guidelines, with a fixed combination candesartan/amlodipine, allowed to overall achieve HTN control at 12 weeks in 82% of previously uncontrolled HTN patients, reinforcing the advantages of these strategies in primary clinical practice.
INTRODUCTION: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) are insensitive biomarkers for early detection of hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD). In this nationwide cross-sec...INTRODUCTION: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) are insensitive biomarkers for early detection of hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD). In this nationwide cross-sectional study, we assessed potential biomarkers for early HMOD in healthy persons and patients with hypertension. We hypothesised that plasma levels of biomarkers: (1) are different between healthy controls and patients with hypertension, (2): can classify patients with hypertension according to the degree of hypertension severity. DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients with hypertension prescribed ≥2 antihypertensive agents were selected from a multicentre study. Healthy controls were selected from an ongoing study of living kidney donor candidates. Uncontrolled hypertension was defined as systolic daytime ambulatory blood pressure ≥135 mmHg. Kidney HMOD was defined by ACR > 3.0 mg/mmol or eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m. Patients with hypertension were categorised into three groups: (1) controlled hypertension; (2) uncontrolled hypertension without kidney HMOD; (3) uncontrolled hypertension with kidney HMOD. Fifteen biomarkers were analysed using a Luminex bead-based immunoassay, and nine fell within the specified analytical range. RESULTS: Plasma levels of Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and uromodulin were significantly different between healthy controls ( = 39) and patients with hypertension ( = 176). In regression models, with controlled hypertension ( = 55) as the reference category, none of the biomarkers were associated with uncontrolled hypertension without ( = 59) and with ( = 62) kidney HMOD. In models adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors and eGFR, osteopontin (OPN) was associated with uncontrolled hypertension without kidney HMOD (odds ratio (OR) 1.77 (1.05-2.98), = 0.03), and regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) with uncontrolled hypertension with kidney HMOD (OR 0.57 (0.34-0.95), = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: None of the biomarkers could differentiate our hypertension groups when established risk factors were considered. Plasma OPN may identify patients with uncontrolled hypertension at risk for kidney HMOD.
OBJECTIVE: Some brachial cuffs for oscillometric blood pressure (BP) measurement are claimed to cover a wide range of upper-arm circumferences; however, their validation is rarely conducted. Our aim was to compare oscill...OBJECTIVE: Some brachial cuffs for oscillometric blood pressure (BP) measurement are claimed to cover a wide range of upper-arm circumferences; however, their validation is rarely conducted. Our aim was to compare oscillometric BP measurements obtained with a universal cuff with those obtained with an appropriately sized cuff. METHODS: We utilised the Microlife B6 Connect monitor, conducting oscillometric BP measurements in a random sequence with both a universal cuff (recommended for arm circumferences from 22 to 42 cm) and an appropriately sized cuff (medium for circumference 22-32 cm and large for 32-42 cm). We included 91 individuals with an arm circumference of 22-32 cm and 64 individuals with an arm circumference of 32-42 cm. RESULTS: For arm circumferences > 32 cm, systolic and diastolic BP measured with the universal cuff was higher than that measured with the large cuff (systolic 6.4 mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI]). 3.9-8.8, diastolic 2.4 mmHg, 95%CI, 1.2-3.7, < 0.001 for both). Overestimation of BP with the universal cuff was statistically significant after correcting for the sequence of measurements. No statistical difference was found between the universal cuff and medium cuff for circumferences in the 22-32 cm range. The bladder size in the universal cuff matched the dimensions of the medium-sized cuff; however, the cuff was larger. CONCLUSION: Overestimation of BP measured with a universal cuff in persons with large arm circumferences is clinically important. It poses the risk of unnecessary initiation or intensification of antihypertensive medication in persons using the universal cuff.
PURPOSE: Hypertension is a major public health problem, thus, its timely and appropriate diagnosis and management are crucial for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of the new Hungarian Hypertension...PURPOSE: Hypertension is a major public health problem, thus, its timely and appropriate diagnosis and management are crucial for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of the new Hungarian Hypertension Registry is to evaluate the blood pressure measurement practices of general practitioners (GPs), internists and cardiologists in outpatient clinics, as well as to assess the seasonal variability of blood pressure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Omron M3 IT devices were used during four-month periods between October 2018 and April 2023 in GP practices and in hypertension clinics. The blood pressure data were then transmitted online from the monitors' cuffs to a central database using the Medistance system of Omron. RESULTS: Family physicians ( = 2491), and internists/cardiologists ( = 477) participated in the study. A total of 4804 821 blood pressure measurements were taken during 10 four-month evaluation periods. In the ten periods, the daily average number of measurements was between 3.0 and 5.6. Following ESH diagnostic criteria, the proportion of subjects in optimal, normal and high-normal blood pressure categories were 14, 13.4 and 16.7%, respectively. Altogether 56% of the measurements belonged to stage 1, stage 2 or stage 3 hypertension categories (31.6, 17.1 and 7.4%, respectively). On average, a difference of 5/2 mmHg was observed between winter and summer data in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, respectively. The average systolic blood pressure values were higher in GP practices with more than 2000 patients than in the ones with less than 1500 patients (141.86 mmHg versus 140.02 mmHg, < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the low daily average number of blood pressure measurements indicates a limited blood pressure screening awareness/capacity in the case of Hungarian family physicians. In GP practices with more patients, blood pressure is usually less well-controlled. These results suggest that the further promotion of home blood pressure monitoring is necessary.
PURPOSE: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) may predispose older adults to health complications leading to functional impairment. Despite the central role of the kidney in blood pressure control, the contribution of renal func...PURPOSE: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) may predispose older adults to health complications leading to functional impairment. Despite the central role of the kidney in blood pressure control, the contribution of renal function in orthostatic hypotension is poorly investigated. To verify the association between Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and OH a population of hospitalised elderly patients with comorbidities was studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 174 patients were consecutively admitted to Acute Geriatric Wards. On admission, patients underwent postural systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure evaluation by automatic oscillometric device after 10 min rest in lying position, and in standing position at time 0, 1, 3 and 5 min. CKD was assumed for estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR) less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m. RESULTS: The mean age of the population enrolled was 74.4 ± 7.0. OH was found in 46.0% and CKD in 56.3% of patients, respectively. A lower e-GFR was observed in patients with (56.1 ± 16.7 mL/min/1.73 m) than in those without OH (61.1 ± 15.9 mL/min/1.73 m) ( < 0.05). A greater fall in SBP at 0-min (12.8 ± 6.3 vs. 7.7 ± 3.2 mmHg) and at 1-min (8.4 ± 4.5 vs. 5.7 ± 2.8 mmHg) was found in CKD patients in respect to patients without CKD during active standing test ( < 0.05). Similarly, a DBP reduction at 0-min and at 1-min was observed in CKD patients in respect to patients without CKD ( < 0.05). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that CKD was associated to OH (OR 2.426; 95%CI 1.192-4.937; = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: CKD is associated to OH in hospitalised older adults.
There is evidence that blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) and may therefore increase the risk of stroke and dementia. It remains unclear if BPV is associated with SVD...There is evidence that blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) and may therefore increase the risk of stroke and dementia. It remains unclear if BPV is associated with SVD progression over years. We examined whether visit-to-visit BPV is associated with white matter hyperintensity (WMH) progression over 14 years and MRI markers after 14 years. We included participants with SVD from the Radboud University Nijmegen Diffusion tensor Magnetic resonance-imaging Cohort (RUNDMC) who underwent baseline assessment in 2006 and follow-up in 2011, 2015 and 2020. BPV was calculated as coefficient of variation (CV) of BP at all visits. Association between WMH progression rates over 14 years and BPV was examined using linear-mixed effects (LME) model. Regression models were used to examine association between BPV and MRI markers at final visit in participants. A total of 199 participants (60.5 SD 6.6 years) who underwent four MRI scans and BP measurements were included, with mean follow-up of 13.7 (SD 0.5) years. Systolic BPV was associated with higher progression of WMH ( = 0.013, 95% CI 0.005 - 0.022) and higher risk of incident lacunes (OR: 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.21). There was no association between systolic BPV and grey and white matter volumes, Peak Skeleton of Mean Diffusivity (PSMD) or microbleed count after 13.7 years. Visit-to-visit systolic BPV is associated with increased progression of WMH volumes and higher risk of incident lacunes over 14 years in participants with SVD. Future studies are needed to examine causality of this association.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe and compare echocardiographic findings before renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) and 6 and 24 months after the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with treatment r...OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe and compare echocardiographic findings before renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) and 6 and 24 months after the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with treatment resistant hypertension (TRH) were included in this non-randomised intervention study. RDN was performed by a single experienced operator using the Symplicity Catheter System. Echocardiographic measurements were performed at baseline, and after 6 and 24 months. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 21 patients with TRH, with a mean systolic office blood pressure (BP) of 163 mmHg and mean diastolic BP 109 mmHg. Mixed model analysis showed no significant change in left ventricular (LV) mass index (LVMI) or left atrium volume index (LAVI) after the RDN procedure. Higher LVMI at baseline was significantly associated with greater reduction in LVMI ( < 0.001). Relative wall thickness (RWT) increased over time (0.48 mm after two years) regardless of change in BP. There was a small but significant reduction in LV end-diastolic (LVIDd) and end-systolic (LVIDs) diameters after RDN, with a mean reduction of 2.6 and 2.4 mm, respectively, after two years. Progression to concentric hypertrophy was observed only in in patients who did not achieve normal BP values, despite BP reduction after RDN. CONCLUSION: There was no reduction of LV mass after RDN. We found a small statistically significant reduction in LVIDd and LVIDs, which together with increase in RWT can indicate progression towards concentric hypertrophy. BP reduction after RDN on its own does not reverse concentric remodelling if target BP is not achieved.
PURPOSE: Visit-to-visit blood pressure variability is a strong predictor of the incidence of cardiovascular events and target organ damage due to hypertension. The present study investigated whether year-to-year blood pr...PURPOSE: Visit-to-visit blood pressure variability is a strong predictor of the incidence of cardiovascular events and target organ damage due to hypertension. The present study investigated whether year-to-year blood pressure variability predicts the risk of hypertension in the Japanese general population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study analysed 2806 normotensive individuals who participated in our physical check-up program for five years in a row from 2008 to 2013. The average, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, average real variability, and highest value of systolic blood pressure in the five consecutive visits were determined and used as baseline data. The participants were followed up for the next 6 years with the development of 'high blood pressure', an average blood pressure level of ≥140/90 mmHg or the use of antihypertensive medications, as the endpoint. RESULT: During follow-up, 'high blood pressure' developed in 389 participants (13.9%, 29.5 per 1 000 person-years). The incidence increased across the quartiles of standard deviation and average real variability, while the average and highest systolic blood pressure had the most prominent impact on the development of 'high blood pressure'. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for possible risk factors indicated that the average, standard deviation, average real variability, and highest blood pressure, but not the coefficient of variation of systolic blood pressure, were significant predictors of 'high blood pressure'. CONCLUSION: Increased year-to-year blood pressure variability predicts the risk of hypertension in the general normotensive population. The highest blood pressure in the preceding years may also be a strong predictor of the risk of hypertension.
PURPOSE: Socioeconomic status has been related to resting blood pressure (BP) levels at different stages of life. However, the association of childhood socioeconomic status (SES) and adulthood exercise BP is largely unkn...PURPOSE: Socioeconomic status has been related to resting blood pressure (BP) levels at different stages of life. However, the association of childhood socioeconomic status (SES) and adulthood exercise BP is largely unknown. Therefore, we studied the association of childhood SES with adulthood maximal exercise BP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This investigation consisted of 373 individuals (53% women) participating in the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study who had data concerning family SES in childhood (baseline in 1980, at age of 6-18 years) and exercise BP response data in adulthood (follow-up in adulthood in 27-29 years since baseline). A maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test with BP measurements was performed by participants, and peak exercise BP was measured. RESULTS: In stepwise multivariable analysis including childhood risk factors and lifestyle factors (body mass index, systolic BP, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, fruit consumption, vegetable consumption, and physical activity), lower family SES in childhood was associated with higher maximal exercise BP in adulthood (β value ± SE, 1.63 ± 0.77, = 0.035). The association remained significant after further adjustment with participants SES in adulthood (β value ± SE, 1.68 ± 0.65, = 0.011) and after further adjustment with adulthood body-mass index, systolic BP, maximal exercise capacity, and peak heart rate in exercise (β value ± SE, 1.25 ± 0.56, = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that lower childhood family SES is associated with higher maximal exercise BP in adulthood.
High blood pressure (HBP) is the leading cause of mortality and years of disability, and its prevalence is increasing. Therefore, diagnosis and effective treatment of HBP is one of the main goals to prevent and reduce it...High blood pressure (HBP) is the leading cause of mortality and years of disability, and its prevalence is increasing. Therefore, diagnosis and effective treatment of HBP is one of the main goals to prevent and reduce its complications, and pharmacological treatment is the cornerstone of hypertension management. The gradual introduction of different drug families has led to the development of new molecules that have improved efficacy and reduced adverse effects. Current drugs include a large number that target key mechanisms of blood pressure regulation as well as those that contribute to hypertension-induced organ damage. Recently, new antihypertensive drugs have been introduced that not only aim to lower blood pressure but also provide additional protection against organ damage and metabolic disorders. Some of them were introduced for specific indications other than hypertension and other are based in a pharmacogenomic approach. Other routes of administration, such subcutaneous injection, are also being explored to improve protection and compliance. The main characteristics of each class of antihypertensive drug are summarised.
BACKGROUND: Healthcare providers are faced with an increasing number of patients with obesity and arterial hypertension. Preventing obesity-associated hypertension and appropriately managing patients with established dis...BACKGROUND: Healthcare providers are faced with an increasing number of patients with obesity and arterial hypertension. Preventing obesity-associated hypertension and appropriately managing patients with established disease are both important. Hence, the aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical care of patients with obesity and hypertension among ESH Excellence Centres (ECs). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, international 30-item survey through e-mails. RESULTS: In total, 70 representatives of ECs participated (78% men) with 66% of them practicing medicine for more than 30 years and working in well-equipped clinics. Most were internists (41%) and cardiologists (37%) and 73% reported training on the management of obese patients with hypertension. A majority weigh their patients (77%) and evaluate patients for sleep disorders (93%). However, only 47% spend more than 5min to advise for lifestyle modification in general, 59% for weight loss, 56% for salt intake and 64% for exercise. Finally, a minority of participants ask patients if they like their body (6%) or about previous attempts to lose weight (28%), evaluate 24h urinary sodium excretion rate (22%) and provide written (15%) or personalized (10%) dietary advices. If the patient suffers also from type 2 diabetes mellitus, 66% switch treatment to GLP1 receptor agonists and 60% to SGLT2 inhibitors. CONCLUSION: Most clinicians in ESH ECs are well educated regarding obesity-associated hypertension, and clinics are sufficiently equipped to manage these patients, as well. However, several deficits were reported regarding efforts to address and implement obesity specific aspects and interventions to improve care in patients with obesity and hypertension.