24-h Blood Pressure Research Articles

The association between 24-h blood pressure patterns and left ventricular mechanics.

We sought to investigate left ventricular (LV) mechanics in the recently diagnosed hypertensive patients with different 24-h blood pressure (BP) patterns (dipping, nondipping, extreme dipping and reverse dipping). The current cross-sectional study included 209 hypertensive patients who underwent 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and comprehensive two-dimensional echocardiographic examination including multilayer strain analysis. There was no difference in 24-h and daytime BP values between four groups. Night-time BP significantly and gradually increased from extreme dippers, across dippers and nondippers, to reverse dippers. LV global longitudinal and circumferential strains were greater in dippers and extreme dippers than in nondippers and reverse dippers. This was also found for endocardial and epicardial LV longitudinal and circumferential strains. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that nondipping and reverse dipping patterns were associated with reduced LV longitudinal strain [odds ratio (OR) 1.71 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10-5.61) and OR 2.50 (95% CI: 1.31-6.82), respectively] independently of age, sex, 24-h SBP, LV mass index and E/è. Only the reverse dipping BP pattern was independently of clinical and echocardiographic parameters related with reduced LV circumferential strain [OR 1.90 (95% CI: 1.10-4.80)]. Nondipping and reverse dipping BP patterns had stronger impact on LV mechanics compared with patients with dipping and extreme dipping BP patterns in hypertensive population. LV functional and mechanical remodeling deteriorated from extreme dippers and dippers, to nondippers and reverse dippers.

Cardiac organ damage in patients with Parkinson's disease and reverse dipping.

Patients with autonomic neuropathy associated with Parkinson's disease often show reverse dipping pattern/nocturnal hypertension at 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (24-h ABPM) and diurnal orthostatic hypotension. The aim of the study was to evaluate cardiac alterations in Parkinson's disease patients with reverse dipping, in comparison with non-reverse dippers Parkinson's disease and essential hypertensive patients. A total of 26 consecutive Parkinson's disease patients with reverse dipping at 24-h ABPM and no previous history of hypertension were compared with 26 non-reverse Parkinson's disease patients matched for age, sex and 24-h mean BP, and 26 essential hypertensive patients matched for nighttime mean BP. None of the Parkinson's disease patients suffered from cardiovascular diseases or were treated with antihypertensive or antihypotensive drugs. Reverse dipping was defined by a systolic day-night BP difference less than 0% at 24-h ABPM. Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy was defined by a LV mass index at least 115 g/m in men and at least 95 g/m in women. LV mass, indexed for BSA, was significantly higher in reverse dipping than non-reverse Parkinson's disease patients (respectively 90.2 ± 25.3 vs. 77.4 ± 13.3 g/m, P = 0.04), and was similar to essential hypertensive patients (91.6 ± 24.8, P = 0.92). LV hypertrophy was detected in five reverse dipping Parkinson's disease patients and four hypertensive patients, but was not present in non-reverse Parkinson's disease patients (P = 0.046). Nocturnal BP values, nocturnal BP load, weighted BP variability and age were found to correlate with the increased LV mass index. Reverse dipping and nocturnal hypertension are related to higher LV mass and increased prevalence of LV hypertrophy in Parkinson's disease patients.

Abstract WP458: Effect of Olmesartan / Azelnidipine Combination Tablets on Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Cognitive Function in the Post-Stroke Patients

Background and aims: In patients with severe hypertension, or history of stroke, the lower limit of cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation is shifted to a higher blood pressure (BP) than in healthy subjects. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of olmesartan/azelnidipine combination (OLM/AZ) vs high-dose of olmesartan on ambulatory blood pressure (ABPM), cognitive function, and rehabilitation outcome in the post-stroke patients with hypertension. Methods: A total of 36 patients, 20 men and 16 women, aged 58-72 years, with sitting diastolic BP >90mmHg and systolic BP >140mmHg were eligible for participation in the present study. We randomly assigned 36 patients to either the OLM/AZ group or high-dose olmesartan group for 12 weeks. At the end of a 2-week wash-out period and after 12 weeks of active treatment, 24-h noninvasive ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) was performed, and cognitive function was evaluated through neuropsychological testing. In addition, rehabilitation outcome measurements were also collected during study period. Results: Both treatments significantly reduced ambulatory BP. However, the OLM/AZ produced a greater reduction in 24-h, day-time and night time ABPM values. High-dose olmesartan did not induce significant changes in any of the cognitive function test scores, whereas at 12 weeks OLM/AZ significantly improved the neuropsychological test score (Digid span test, Token test, Digital symbol test, Trail making test part A and B) (p< 0.01). Patients treated with OLM/AZ showed effective rates of improvement in hand (38.9%), upper extremities (55.6%) and lower extremities (72.2%), measured by Brunnstrom stage; these improvements were significantly different from those in high-dose olmesartan group for the total (P< 0.05) scores. Conclusions: These results suggest that in hypertensive post-stroke patients treatment with OLM/AZ produces a slightly greater reduction in ambulatory BP than high-dose olmesartan, and unlike this latter, improves some of the components of cognitive function, particularly psychomotor speed, attention and mentation. Our results suggest that OLM/AZ may improve cognitive function and rehabilitation outcome in hypertensive stroke patients in whom CBF autoregulation is impaired.

Variability in Sleep Patterns: an Emerging Risk Factor for Hypertension.

In this review, we summarize recent epidemiological data (2014-2019) that examine the association of sleep variability with blood pressure (BP), discuss potential underlying mechanisms, and highlight future research directions. Higher standard deviations of sleep duration and sleep-onset timing were not related to BP. However, a higher Sleep Regularity Index score was associated with lower odds of hypertension. Studies on social jetlag, a prevalent form of sleep variability, reported null associations. In contrast, lower interdaily stability in circadian rest-activity rhythms, a measure of invariability in sleep-wake cycles between days and synchronization to light and dark cycles, was associated with higher BP and greater hypertension odds, particularly among non-shift workers. Sleep variability is consistently associated with risk factors for hypertension. Evidence on sleep variability and BP is limited and varies depending on the measure used to characterize day-to-day variability in sleep. Studies that identify and utilize a standard definition of sleep variability, incorporate a 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring, and ensure coinciding timing of sleep and BP measurements are necessary to disentangle these relationships.

Alcohol-Mediated Renal Denervation Using the Peregrine System Infusion Catheter for Treatment of Hypertension

ObjectivesThe aim of this multicenter, open-label trial was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of alcohol-mediated renal denervation using a novel catheter system (the Peregrine System Infusion Catheter) for the infusion of dehydrated alcohol as a neurolytic agent into the renal periarterial space. BackgroundThe number of hypertensive patients with uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) remains unacceptably high. The renal sympathetic nervous system has been identified as an attractive therapeutic target. MethodsForty-five patients with uncontrolled hypertension on ≥3 antihypertensive medications underwent bilateral renal denervation using the Peregrine Catheter with 0.6 ml alcohol infused per renal artery. ResultsAll patients were treated as intended. Mean 24-h ambulatory BP reduction at 6 months versus baseline was −11 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI]: −15 to −7 mm Hg) for systolic BP and −7 mm Hg (95% CI: −9 to −4 mm Hg) for diastolic BP (p < 0.001 for both). Office systolic BP was reduced by −18/−10 mm Hg (95% CI: −25 to −12/−13 to −6 mm Hg) at 6 months. Antihypertensive medications were reduced in 23% and increased in 5% of patients at 6 months. Adherence to the antihypertensive regimen remained stable over time. The primary safety endpoint, defined as the absence of periprocedural major vascular complications, major bleeding, acute kidney injury, or death within 1 month, was met in 96% of patients (95% CI: 85% to 99%). Two patients had major adverse events of periprocedural access-site pseudoaneurysms, with major bleeding in one. There were no deaths or instances of myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or renal artery stenosis. Transient microleaks were noted in 42% and 49% of the left and right main renal arteries, respectively. There were 2 cases of minor vessel dissection that resolved without treatment. ConclusionsPrimary results from this trial suggest that alcohol-mediated renal denervation using the Peregrine Catheter safely reduces blood pressure and as such may represent a novel approach for the treatment of hypertension.

The association of fish consumption and its urinary metabolites with cardiovascular risk factors: the International Study of Macro-/Micronutrients and Blood Pressure (INTERMAP)

ABSTRACTBackgroundResults from observational studies regarding associations between fish (including shellfish) intake and cardiovascular disease risk factors, including blood pressure (BP) and BMI, are inconsistent.ObjectiveTo investigate associations of fish consumption and associated urinary metabolites with BP and BMI in free-living populations.MethodsWe used cross-sectional data from the International Study of Macro-/Micronutrients and Blood Pressure (INTERMAP), including 4680 men and women (40–59 y) from Japan, China, the United Kingdom, and United States. Dietary intakes were assessed by four 24-h dietary recalls and BP from 8 measurements. Urinary metabolites (2 timed 24-h urinary samples) associated with fish intake acquired from NMR spectroscopy were identified. Linear models were used to estimate BP and BMI differences across categories of intake and per 2 SD higher intake of fish and its biomarkers.ResultsNo significant associations were observed between fish intake and BP. There was a direct association with fish intake and BMI in the Japanese population sample (P trend = 0.03; fully adjusted model). In Japan, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and taurine, respectively, demonstrated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of 0.81 and 0.78 in discriminating high against low fish intake, whereas homarine (a metabolite found in shellfish muscle) demonstrated an AUC of 0.80 for high/nonshellfish intake. Direct associations were observed between urinary TMAO and BMI for all regions except Japan (P < 0.0001) and in Western populations between TMAO and BP (diastolic blood pressure: mean difference 1.28; 95% CI: 0.55, 2.02 mmHg; P = 0.0006, systolic blood pressure: mean difference 1.67; 95% CI: 0.60, 2.73 mmHg; P = 0.002).ConclusionsUrinary TMAO showed a stronger association with fish intake in the Japanese compared with the Western population sample. Urinary TMAO was directly associated with BP in the Western but not the Japanese population sample. Associations between fish intake and its biomarkers and downstream associations with BP/BMI appear to be context specific. INTERMAP is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00005271.

Augmented blood pressure variability following continuous infusion of noradrenaline in rats.

Augmented blood pressure (BP) variability has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular diseases. Activity of the sympathetic nervous system is an important determinant factor of the 24-h profile of BP variability, although it is unknown whether persistent adrenergic activation causes augmented BP variability or not. Here we report that continuous infusion of noradrenalin augments 24-h BP variability in rats. Nine-week-old male Wistar rats were continuously infused with subcutaneous 30 μg/h noradrenalin, 150 μg/h of the α1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine, or 30 μg/h of the β-agonist isoproterenol, for 14 days. Noradrenalin-infused rats were also administered either oral 5 mg/day prazosin or 50 mg/day atenolol during the infusion period. BP variability was evaluated before and after 7 and 14 days of the infusion, using a coefficient of variation of BP recorded every 15 min under an unrestrained condition via an abdominal aortic catheter by a radiotelemetry system. Continuous infusion of noradrenalin significantly increased 24-h BP variability at 7 and 14 days, slightly elevating BP levels, while this increase in BP variability was partially attenuated by prazosin, but not by atenolol. Continuous infusion of phenylephrine augmented BP variability, but isoproterenol had no effect on the variability. Continuous infusion of noradrenalin augmented 24-h BP variability partly through an α1-adrenergic receptor-mediated mechanism in rats, suggesting that the noradrenalin-infused rat is an animal model of augmented BP variability induced by persistent adrenergic activation.

The REDUCE HTN: REINFORCE: Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial of Bipolar Radiofrequency Renal Denervation for the Treatment of Hypertension

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate bipolar radiofrequency renal denervation in patients with hypertension not receiving medications at baseline. BackgroundA blood pressure–reducing effect of renal denervation has been difficult to isolate in clinical investigations. MethodsREDUCE HTN: REINFORCE (Renal Denervation Using the Vessix Renal Denervation System for the Treatment of Hypertension) was a randomized, sham-controlled multicenter trial. Patients with office systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 150 to 180 mm Hg and average 24-h ambulatory SBP of 135 to 170 mm Hg after medication washout underwent bipolar radiofrequency renal denervation or a sham procedure. The planned outcome was 8-week change in 24-h ambulatory SBP. Enrollment was terminated for apparent futility before a sufficient sample for powered efficacy comparisons was enrolled. Safety assessments included all-cause death, renal failure, severe hypotension or syncope, hypertensive crisis, and renal artery stenosis. ResultsBaseline 24-h blood pressure was 148.3 ± 10.9/85.7 ± 9.1 mm Hg for the denervation group (n = 34, mean age 58.5 ± 10.1 years, 47% women) and 149.1 ± 7.2/86.4 ± 9.8 mm Hg for the control group (n = 17, mean age 58.2 ± 9.8 years, 24% women). At 8 weeks, mean 24-h SBP reductions for the renal denervation and control groups were −5.3 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI]: −8.8 to −1.8 mm Hg) and −8.5 mm Hg (95% CI: −13.3 to −3.8 mm Hg), respectively (difference 3.3 mm Hg; 95% CI: −2.8 to 9.3 mm Hg; p = 0.30). Antihypertensive medications could then be added. By 6 months, decreases in SBP were greater for the denervation group, yielding between-group differences of −7.2 mm Hg (95% CI: −15.2 to 0.8 mm Hg; p = 0.08), −9.7 mm Hg (95% CI: −17.7 to −1.7 mm Hg; p = 0.02), and −11.4 mm Hg (95% CI: −19.2 to −3.7 mm Hg; p < 0.01) for 24-h, daytime ambulatory, and office measurements, respectively. Through 12 months, 1 patient (renal denervation group) had a hypertensive urgency requiring immediate management, and 1 experienced progression of renal artery stenosis. ConclusionsFuture studies of radiofrequency renal denervation must anticipate delayed treatment effects. (Renal Denervation Using the Vessix Renal Denervation System for the Treatment of Hypertension [REDUCE HTN: REINFORCE]; NCT02392351)

The role of natural light rhythm in the development of desynchronosis in the conditions of rotational shiftwork in the Arctic

Purpose. To study the effects of a natural light cycle on circadian rhythms of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate conditions of rotational shiftwork in the Far North. Material and Methods . Data of 24-h BP monitoring were analyzed in 373 male patients with hypertension stage II monthly round-trip sojourns to the Arctic compared with a similar group of 144 patients living in moderate climate (Tyumen, 57 N). The standard and chronobiological parameters of 24-h BP monitoring were analyzed in 93 randomly selected patients of the Far North group and 64 patients of the Tyumen group. The 24-h BP profile, circadian indices of systolic and diastolic BP, percentage contribution value, rhythm amplitude, acrophase, and diurnal mean value of 24-h BP rhythm were studied during the seasons of the year. Results. The circadian rhythms of HR and BP in hypertensive patients in the conditions of rotational shiftwork in the Arctic showed the signs of internal desynchronosis and significantly differed from those in Tyumen patients independently of a season. The lack of natural light in the Far North during the polar day and polar night resulted in the flattened curves of circadian BP and HR rhythms in the hypertensive patients. Other major differences consisted in the low-amplitude profile of the spectrum and the loss of 24-h component in this group. The seasonal changes in HR in the comparison group were insignificant unlike those in the Far North group, which showed maximum flattening of HR rhythm during the polar day and polar night. Winter season (polar night) was the most adverse for the main group of patients in regard to their 24-h BP profile, which was characterized by the maximum degree of circadian rhythm flattening and the predominance of high-frequency oscillations in the spectrum. Conclusions. The development of circadian and seasonal desynchronosis of the HR and BP rhythms in hypertensive patients in the conditions of rotational shiftwork in the Arctic was caused not only by the labour characteristics and the climatic factors, but also by the natural light rhythmicity in the high latitude.

Association of Trimethylamine, Trimethylamine N-oxide, and Dimethylamine with Cardiovascular Risk in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Gut microbiota-dependent metabolites trimethylamine (TMA), trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and dimethylamine (DMA) have been linked to CKD and CVD. We examined whether these methylamines are correlated with cardiovascular risk in CKD children. A total of 115 children and adolescents with CKD stage G1–G4 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Children with CKD stage G2–G4 had higher plasma levels of DMA, TMA, and TMAO, but lower urinary levels of DMA and TMAO than those with CKD stage G1. Up to 53% of CKD children and adolescents had blood pressure (BP) abnormalities on 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Plasma TMA and DMA levels inversely associated with high BP load as well as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Additionally, CKD children with an abnormal ABPM profile had decreased abundance of phylum Cyanobacteria, genera Subdoligranulum, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, and Akkermansia. TMA and DMA are superior to TMAO when related to high BP load and other CV risk factors in children and adolescents with early-stage CKD. Our findings highlight that gut microbiota-dependent methylamines are related to BP abnormalities and CV risk in pediatric CKD. Further studies should determine whether these microbial markers can identify children at risk for CKD progression.

Individualized Isonatremic and Hyponatremic Dialysate Improves Blood Pressure in Patients with Intradialytic Hypertension: A Prospective Cross-Over Study with 24-h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring

Background. Intradialytic hypertension, a paradoxical rise in systolic blood pressure from pre- to postdialysis, is a poorly understood and difficult-to-treat phenomenon. We examined the effects of individually adjusted isonatremic and hyponatremic dialysate on intradialytic and interdialytic blood pressure in patients with intradialytic hypertension. Methods. We enrolled 11 patients with intradialytic hypertension in a prospective randomized cross-over study, with 4 treatment periods of different dialysate sodium concentrations. Period 1 (run-in) and 3 (wash-out) were standardized at 140 mEq/L; period 2 and 4 with iso- or hyponatremic sodium dialysate. Blood pressure was recorded each dialysis session, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed at the end of each treatment period. Results. Isonatremic and hyponatremic dialysate were associated with significantly lower pre- and post-dialysis blood pressure as compared to baseline 140 mEq/L dialysate (predialysis 148.3 ± 24.7/67.7 ± 12.0 and 144.4 ± 16.5/68.8 ± 13.3 vs. 158.0 ± 18.3/75.6 ± 11.4 mmHg, resp p = 0.04 and 0.007 for systolic and p = 0.004 and 0.04 for diastolic blood pressure; postdialysis 154.2 ± 25.5/76.6 ± 14.1 and 142.5 ± 20.7/73.0 ± 12.9 vs. 159.1 ± 21.6/80.3 ± 12.1 mmHg, resp NS and p = 0.01 for systolic and NS and p = 0.04 for diastolic blood pressure). Postdialysis and 24 h systolic blood pressure tended to be lower with hyponatremic compared to isonatremic dialysate. Conclusion. Individually tailoring dialysate sodium concentration, based on the sodium set-point of each patient, resulted in a lower pre- and post-dialysis blood pressure in patients with intradialytic hypertension. 24 h blood pressure values tended to be lower as well with hyponatremic dialysate.

High blood pressure in adult patients with sickle cell disease: New insight from an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring pilot study

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common genetic disorder leading to severe hematologic and cardiovascular complications. Increasing lifespan of patients is associated with increased prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, especially high blood pressure (BP). However, the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of high BP in these patients remain poorly defined. Notably, the usefulness of 24h-ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) has not been assessed in adults, and specific cut-off for BP values are still debated. To analyze office blood pressure and 24-h ABPM values in SCD adult patients. A prospective pilot study with systematic ABPM readings of SCD adult patients from October 2017 to April 2018, conducted in the SCD reference center of Martinique. Consistent Hypertension was defined as office BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg and 24-h mean BP ≥ 130/80 mm Hg. Masked hypertension was defined as office BP < 140/90 mm Hg and 24-h mean BP ≥ 130/80 mm Hg. High Office BP was defined as SBP between 130–139 mm Hg and DBP between 85-89 mm Hg. White coat hypertension was defined as office BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg and 24-h mean BP < 130/80 mm Hg. We enrolled twenty-one patients age 50.9 years (± 14.3). Hypertension was diagnosed in 10 patients (47.6%) of which 7 (70% of the hypertensive, 33.3% of the entire group) had consistent hypertension and 3 had masked hypertension (30%, 14.3% respectively). All the patients with masked hypertension had high office BP. One patient (4.8%) was found to have white coat hypertension. In univariate analysis, age, weight and SC genotype were positively associated with presence of hypertension (all P < 0.05). This pilot study shows an unexpected high frequency of hypertension, involving nearly one out of two adult patients with Sickle Cell Disease. It underscores the high frequency of masked hypertension, and underlines the need of ABPM in the clinical management of patients with sickle cell disease.

True Resistant Hypertension among Treated Hypertensive Black Patients. A Clinical-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objective: 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) aids to precisely identify patients with true resistant hypertension (tRH). The present study was aimed to assess the frequency and correlates of tRH among patients with clinically suspected RH. Methods: Medical records of treated hypertensive patients referred in four healthcare centers for BP control evaluation by 24-h ABPM were reviewed to assess the prevalence of tRH. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years, clinical diagnosis of RH. Data on demographic, clinical, laboratory, 2D-echocardiography and 24-h ABPM parameters were retrieved from patient’s medical records. True RH (tRH) was defined as office blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140/90 mmHg and 24-h ambulatory BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess factors associated with systolic BP (SBP) as a proxy of RH among patients with tRH. P 0.05 defined the level of statistical significance. Results: Of 636 patients referred for BP control evaluation by 24-h ABPM, 75 (11.7%) had suspected RH by office BP measurements. After 24-h ABPM, pseudo or apparent RH (aRH) and tRH were observed in 15 (2.3%) and 60 (9.4%) patients, respectively. BMI (p = 0.007) and blood glucose (p = 0.024) were positively associated with SBP whereas a negative association was observed with eGFR (p = 0.022) among tRH hypertensive patients in multiple regression analysis. Conclusion: True RH was a common finding among patients with clinical RH and associated with obesity and silent target organ, especially kidney dysfunction. The present study highlights the diagnostic and prognostic importance of 24-h ABPM among patients with clinical RH.

Efficacy and Safety of Azilsartan Medoxomil and Telmisartan in Hypertensive Patients: A Randomized, Assessor-Blinded Study.

Background:Few studies have compared the safety and efficacy of azilsartan medoxomil (AZL-M) and telmisartan in hypertensive patients, especially using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).Objective:The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety profile of AZL-M and telmisartan in hypertensive patients using ABPM and clinic blood pressure (BP) monitoring.Materials and Methods:This prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint, parallel-arm study included 700 patients, aged 18–70 years, with clinic and 24-h mean ambulatory systolic BP (SBP) of 150–180 mmHg and 130–170 mmHg, respectively. They were randomized equally into two groups: Group A received AZL-M 40 mg and Group T received telmisartan 40 mg; the dose was force titrated to 80 mg after 2 weeks if the response rate was not achieved. BP (clinical and ambulatory) was measured after 12 weeks and compared with baseline measurements.Results:AZL-M significantly reduced the 24-h mean ambulatory SBP (Group A: 112.74 ± 7.58 mmHg; Group T: 113.96 ± 8.52 mmHg; P < 0.0001) and diastolic BP (Group A: 71.39 ± 5.89 mmHg; Group T: 67.29 ± 6.79 mmHg; P < 0.0001) compared with telmisartan at week 12. The clinic SBP significantly decreased in Group A at weeks 4 (−30.69± −0.33 mmHg) and 12 (−39.69± −1.09 mmHg) (for both, P = 0.0001). Dose titration was done in 99 and 128 patients from Group A and Group T, respectively (P = 0.012). Headache was the most common adverse drug reaction (Group A: 21; Group T: 27) and fatigue the least.Conclusion:This study found that AZL-M has greater antihypertensive efficacy than telmisartan, with comparable side effects. In addition, ABPM was shown to be a feasible method for such studies.

Diurnal rhythm of blood pressure among Nigerians with hypertension using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

Introductionhypertension is the most common cardiac disease in Nigeria. There are very limited studies in Nigeria on the use of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24-h ABPM) for evaluation of hypertensive patients. Twenty four-hour ABPM, unlike office blood pressure (OBP), can assess diurnal variation using parameters like awake blood pressure (BP), asleep (nocturnal) BP, mean 24-hour BP and dipping pattern. This can help in assessment of increased cardiovascular risk and management of hypertensive patients. We purposed to assess the diurnal rhythm of BP among Nigerians with hypertension.Methodsthis was a prospective cross-sectional study. Consecutive 77 hypertensive subjects were studied using Schiller MT-300 for 24-h ABPM.Resultsout of the 77 patients reviewed, 39 (50.6%) were females. The mean age was 50.9 years (SD 13.5). The mean awake systolic and diastolic BP were 135.6mmHg (SD 15.0) and 83.2mmHg (SD 10.0) respectively; mean asleep systolic and diastolic BP were 127.6mmHg (SD 17.9) and 76.2mmHg (SD 12.2) respectively; and mean 24-h systolic and diastolic BP were 133.6mmHg (SD 15.3) and 81.4mmHg (SD 10.2) respectively. Awake BP was elevated in 59.7% of study subjects. Elevated awake systolic BP and awake diastolic BP were present in 50.6% and 41.6% of the study population. Nocturnal (asleep) BP was elevated in 79.2%. Non-dipping pattern was the most prevalent pattern at 55.8%, followed by dipping (24.7%), reverse dipping (15.6%) and extreme dipping (3.9%).Conclusiona high proportion had nocturnal hypertension (79.2%) and non-dipping pattern was the most prevalent pattern (55.8%). Mean awake systolic BP, mean asleep systolic and diastolic BP and mean 24-h systolic and diastolic BP were elevated. The use of 24-h ABPM will enhance assessment of increased cardiovascular risk and management of Nigerians with hypertension.

Renal Functional Reserve Is Related to the Nondipping Phenotype and to the Exercise Heart Rate Response in Patients with Essential Hypertension and Preserved Renal Function

Background: Renal functional reserve (RFR), defined as the difference between stress and resting glomerular filtration rate (GFR), may constitute a diagnostic tool to identify patients at higher risk of developing acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease. Blunted RFR has been demonstrated in early stages of hypertension and has been attributed to impaired vascular reactivity due to an overactive sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether RFR correlates with other phenotypes expressing overactivity of the SNS in patients with essential hypertension and preserved renal function. Methods: Thirty-six patients with untreated essential hypertension and a GFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m² were enrolled. The following parameters were measured: RFR, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) profile, a treadmill stress test, and an echocardiographic examination. Urine and venous samples were obtained at specific time points for the determination of clinical parameters, and both resting and stress GFR were calculated by using endogenous creatinine clearance for the measurement of RFR after an acute oral protein load (1 g/kg). Results: Twenty-one patients had a RFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m² and 15 had a RFR above this cutoff. A nondipping pattern of 24-h BP was significantly more frequent in patients with low RFR (57.1 vs. 25.0%, p < 0.05 for systolic BP and 52.3 vs. 10.0%, p < 0.02 for diastolic BP). Moreover, patients with lower RFR values showed a blunted heart rate (HR) response to exercise during treadmill test (r = 0.439, p < 0.05). None of the echocardiographic parameters differed between the two groups of patients. Conclusions: In hypertensive patients with preserved GFR, reduced RFR is related to nondipping BP phenotype as well as to attenuated exercise HR response. Overactivity of the SNS may be a common pathway. Since loss of RFR may represent a risk factor for acute or chronic kidney injury, hypertensive patients with blunted RFR might need a more careful renal follow-up.

Twenty-four-hour blood pressure management in India: A position statement by Indian College of cardiology

Blood pressure (BP), even in healthy normotensive individuals, is dynamic, varies with a circadian periodicity, and is influenced by physiological and environmental factors. Abnormal 24-h BP patterns have been observed in many patients with hypertension (HTN), which may be overlooked if evaluations are based only on office BP measurements. Out of office BP measurements, such as Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring and Home Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM and HBPM) is important for optimal BP management and are better predictors of adverse outcomes. However, HTN diagnosis and management are often based on relatively few clinic BP measurements, and there are no recommendations to guide clinicians managing patients with abnormal 24-h BP patterns in India. Thus, the present consensus statement aims to provide uniform evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of abnormal 24-h BP patterns. Strategies for screening for HTN based on the current prevalence trends in India have been suggested. Further, recommendations on the appropriate use of ABPM and HBPM in diagnosis and management of HTN are provided.

Dipping pattern of nocturnal blood pressure in hypertensive patients treated with azilsartan

Aim: On average, blood pressure (BP) is found to be low during night than during day by approximately 10%–20%. In addition, BP decreases by >20% in some hypertensives or lowered by 140 mmHg; diastolic BP [DBP] >90 mmHg) were enrolled to performed ABPM and clinic BP monitoring with ongoing treatment with azilsartan. Statistical Analysis: Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Statistical comparisons to test differences between two independent groups were by Student's t-test or Mann–Whitney's U-test as appropriate. Results: All patients monitored for 24-h BP measurement and reported to had SBP 133.76 ± 15.97 mmHg and DBP 76.16 ± 10.86 mmHg. Pulse rate was found to be 76.18 ± 11.82 bpm. BP variability was found to be high in 23.41% patients. Overall, study showed 34.17% dipper, 3.16% extreme dipper, 51.26% nondippers and 11.39% patients with reverse dipping pattern. In the present study, the dippers are classified to have 18.9% reduction in SBP, whereas 12.5% reduction in DBP. In the dippers group, only 4 patients had normal BP variation (2.53%), whereas high BP variation was found in 50 patients of the group (31.64%). Conclusions: ABPM had revealed higher SBP, BP variability (in almost one-fourth patients), dipping pattern and slightly higher pulse rates in hypertensive patients receiving azilsartan treatment. Around one-third of hypertensive patients were found to be dippers and more than half patients were non-dippers. Azilsartan has potent antihypertensive effect over 24 h and can be preferred in high-risk hypertensive patients.

Blood Pressure Variability and Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Acute ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: The Relation with Left Atrial Electromechanical Delay – A 1-Year Follow-Up Study

Purpose: To investigate the association between 24-h blood pressure variability (BPV) and atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who developed new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF). Materials and Methods: A total of 175 STEMI patients (age 56.6 ± 10.5 years) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention were subjected to in-hospital 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring, comprehensive echocardiography, and assessment of atrial EMD. The parameters of BPV analyzed were: (a) 24-h standard deviation (SD), (b) the coefficient of variation, and (c) the average of the daytime and nighttime SDs weighted for the duration of the daytime and nighttime interval (SD_dn). Results: Based on the median of BPV index (SD_dn) = 9.5 mm Hg of all participants, patients were stratified into low and high variability groups (SD_dn: 7.1 ± 1.5 vs.13.5 ± 2.9; p < 0.001). Of the 175 patients with STEMI, 29 (16.7%) patients developed NOAF; 26 (28.9%) were in the high variability group and 3.5% were in the low variability group (p < 0.001). Echocardiographic data showed that the left atrial volume index (p < 0.01) and E/e′ ratio (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with high BPV. Inter and intra-atrial EMD were significantly increased in the high variability group compared to the low variability group (p < 0.001). With multiple linear analysis, there was significant correlation between SD_dn and intra-left atrial and inter-atrial EMD (p < 0.001 and <0.01, respectively). Cox regression analysis revealed that SD_dn and intra-atrial EMD were independent predictors for NOAF in patients with STEMI (OR = 3.75 and 02.72, respectively; p < 0.001). ROC analysis revealed that SD_dn ≥12.8 was the optimal cut-off value for predicting NOAF during follow-up. Conclusions: Short-term BPV was associated with NOAF during the 1-year follow-up in patients with STEMI. In addition, BPV was correlated significantly with atrial EMD. Herein, BPV was predicted to be an early predictor of NOAF in patients with STEMI.

The relation of work-related factors with ambulatory blood pressure and nocturnal blood pressure dipping among aging workers

ObjectivesIndividuals with reduced nocturnal blood pressure (BP) dipping are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared to persons with normal BP dipping. Although the relation of work-related factors and BP has been studied extensively, very little is known of the association between work-related factors and 24-h BP patterns in aging workers. We examined the cross-sectional relation of work-related risk factors, including occupational status, work-time mode, job demands and job control, with ambulatory BP in aging workers, focusing on nocturnal BP dipping.Methods208 workers (mean age 62 ± 3 years; 75% women) from two Finnish population-based cohort studies underwent 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring. Work-related factors were inquired using a questionnaire. Nocturnal BP dipping was calculated as [1 − (asleep BP/awake BP)] × 100.ResultsShift workers demonstrated a higher nocturnal diastolic BP dipping than regular day workers (19% vs. 17%, p = 0.03) and had a significantly higher systolic awake BP than regular day workers (136.5 mmHg vs. 132.5 mmHg, p = 0.03). Participants with high job demands demonstrated a smaller nocturnal systolic BP dipping than participants with low job demands (14% vs. 16%, p = 0.04). We did not observe significant differences in nocturnal systolic or diastolic BP dipping between groups categorized by occupational status or job control.ConclusionsAlthough shift workers have a higher daytime BP than regular daytime workers, they exhibit greater nighttime BP dipping. Participants with high job demand had smaller nighttime BP dipping than participants with low job demand. Job control or occupation did not affect the 24-h ambulatory BP profile of aging workers.