24-h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Research Articles

Clinician response after receipt of abnormal pediatric ambulatory blood pressure monitoring - characteristics associated with inertia and action.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) is recommended for diagnosis and management of hypertension. We aimed to identify characteristics associated with physician action after receipt of abnormal findings. This was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients 5-22years old who underwent 24-h ABPM between 2003-2022, met criteria for masked or ambulatory hypertension, and had a pediatric nephrology clinic visit within 2weeks of ABPM. "Action" was defined as medication change/initiation, lifestyle or adherence counseling, evaluation ordered, or interpretation with no change. Characteristics of children with/without 1 or more actions were compared using Student t-tests and Chi-square. Regression analyses explored the independent association of patient characteristics with physician action. 115 patients with masked (n = 53) and ambulatory (n = 62) hypertension were included: mean age 13.0years, 48% female, 38% Black race, 21% with chronic kidney disease, and 25% overweight/obesity. 97 (84%) encounters had a documented physician action. Medication change (52%), evaluation ordered (40%), and prescribed lifestyle change (35%) were the most common actions. Adherence counseling for medication and lifestyle recommendations were documented in 3% of encounters. 24-h, wake SBP load, and sleep DBP load were significantly higher among those with physician action. Patients with > 1 action had greater adiposity, SBP, and dipping. Neither age, obesity, nor kidney disease were independently associated with physician action. While most abnormal ABPMs were acted upon, 16% did not have a documented action. Greater BP load was one of the few characteristics associated with physician action. Of potential actions, adherence counseling was underutilized.

Prevalence of masked hypertension in attended versus unattended office blood pressure measurement.

There is a controversial debate regarding whether unattended blood pressure (BP) measurement should be regarded as the new gold standard of office BP measurement. Unattended BP measurement eliminates the white-coat effect and reduces external influences on the patient. On the other hand, it might underestimate real-life BP. The present study compares the prevalence of masked hypertension using attended versus unattended office BP measurements. We performed a cross-sectional study on 213 patients in a general practitioner's outpatient clinic and compared attended and unattended office BP with 24h-ambulatory BP monitoring (24h-ABPM). Masked hypertension was defined as pressure ≥135/85mmHg in daytime ABPM with office systolic BP<140/90mmHg. Median attended and unattended office BPs were 140/86 and 134/80mmHg with a median 24h-BP of 129/79mmHg and daytime ABP of 133/82mmHg. The number of patients with masked hypertension was 45/213 (21.2%) using unattended and 23/213 (10.8%) using attended office BP measurements (p<.0001). Bland-Altman analysis revealed a 7.4mmHg systolic and 6.2mmHg diastolic bias between the attended versus unattended office BP, and two systolic and -1.7mmHg diastolic biases between the unattended office BP and daytime ambulatory BP. In linear regression analysis, an unattended office BP of 134mmHg corresponded to 140mmHg in attended BP measurement. Using a cut-off of 135/85mmHg instead of 140/90mmHg in unattended office BP measurement, the rate of masked hypertension was 26/213 (12.2%). Thus, unattended office BP measurement results in a substantial increase in the prevalence of masked hypertension using the traditional definition of hypertension. The present findings suggest that it might be reasonable to use a definition of 135/85mmHg.

DETERMINANTS AND ASSOCIATIONS OF COMMON CAROTID INTIMA-MEDIA ROUGHNESS IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION AND TYPE 2 DIABETES

Objective: Carotid atherosclerosis, including increased intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque, is associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. The role of the irregularity of the carotid intima-media surface in terms of total CV risk has been insufficiently investigated. This study investigated determinants and associations of common carotid intima-media roughness in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Design and method: Adults with type-2 diabetes and hypertension were evaluated with (i) 24h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring (20 min intervals, Microlife WatchBPO3), (ii) carotid ultrasonography for the calculation of the common carotid IMT (use of automated software that allows the calculation of the average value of multiple measurements), carotid plaque score (CPS), and standard deviation (SD) of the common carotid intima-media (derived for the multiple measurements performed for the calculation of the IMT), and (iii) ultrasound estimation of left ventricular mass index (LVMI). Results: Ninety-five individuals were analyzed [age 66.3±8.9 years, 61 men, body mass index (BMI) 30.8±4.8 kg/m2, HbA1c 6.6±0.8%, 24-hour ABP (systolic/diastolic) 123±13/69.4±7.3 mmHg, IMT 0.83±0.16 mm, SD IMT 0.07±0.03 mm, CPS 5.5±4.8 mm]. SD IMT was correlated with IMT (r=0.49, p&lt;0.001), nighttime systolic ABP (r=0.21, p&lt;0.05), 24h weighted SD of systolic ABP (r=0.26, p&lt;0.05), CPS (r=0.30, p&lt;0.01) and LVMI (r=0.39, p&lt;0.001). In stepwise multivariable regression analysis with age, nighttime systolic ABP, 24h weighted SD of systolic ABP, total number of IMT measurements and IMT as independent variables, the SD IMT was determined by IMT (β=0.08, p&lt;0.001) and 24h weighted SD of systolic ABP (β=0.003, p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that in patients with type-2 diabetes and hypertension, carotid intima-media roughness is determined by IMT and the variability of 24h systolic ABP, and is associated with the severity of carotid atherosclerosis and left ventricular hypertrophy.

Hypotensive episodes at 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring predict adverse outcomes in Parkinson's disease.

Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) is a frequent nonmotor feature of Parkinson's disease (PD), associated with adverse outcomes. Recently, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) showed good accuracy in diagnosing nOH. This study aims at evaluating the prognostic role of ABPM-hypotensive episodes in predicting PD disability milestones and mortality and comparing it to the well-defined prognostic role of bedside nOH. Patients with PD who underwent ABPM from January 2012 to December 2014 were retrospectively enrolled and assessed for the development of falls, fractures, dementia, bed/wheelchair confinement, hospitalization, and mortality, during an up-to-10-year follow-up. Significant ABPM-hypotensive episodes were identified when greater than or equal to two episodes of systolic BP drop ≥ 15mmHg (compared with the average 24h) were recorded during the awakening-to-lunch period. A total of 99 patients (74% male, age 64.0 ± 10.1years, and PD duration 6.4 ± 4.0years) were enrolled. At baseline, 38.4% of patients had ABPM-hypotensive episodes and 46.5% had bedside nOH. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with ABPM-hypotensive episodes showed earlier onset of falls (p = 0.001), fractures (p = 0.004), hospitalizations (p = 0.009), bed/wheelchair confinement (p = 0.032), dementia (p = 0.001), and shorter survival (8.0 versus 9.5years; p = 0.009). At Cox regression analysis (adjusted for age, disease duration, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and Hoehn and Yahr stage) a significant association was confirmed between ABPM-hypotensive episodes and falls [odds ratio (OR) 3.626; p = 0.001), hospitalizations (OR 2.016; p = 0.038), and dementia (OR 2.926; p = 0.008), while bedside nOH was only associated with falls (OR 2.022; p = 0.039) and dementia (OR 1.908; p = 0.048). The presence of at least two ABPM-hypotensive episodes independently predicted the development of falls, dementia, and hospitalization, showing a stronger prognostic value than the simple bedside assessment.

Efficacy and safety of a single-pill versus free combination of perindopril/indapamide/amlodipine: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind study in Chinese patients with hypertension.

In China, the prevalence of hypertension is high and the use of combination antihypertensive therapy is low, which contributes to inadequate blood pressure (BP) control. The availability of simplified treatments combining complementary BP-lowering agents may help more patients achieve their goals. This Phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, noninferiority study included Chinese adults with mild-to-moderate hypertension. Following a 1-month run-in on perindopril/indapamide bi-therapy, patients with uncontrolled systolic/diastolic BP (≥140/90 mmHg) were randomized to perindopril 5 mg/indapamide 1.25 mg/amlodipine 5 mg (Per/Ind/Aml) single-pill combination (SPC) or perindopril 4 mg/indapamide 1.25 mg plus amlodipine 5 mg (Per/Ind + Aml) for 6 months. Uptitration was permitted from month 2 onwards. The primary efficacy objective was the noninferiority of Per/Ind/Aml in lowering office systolic BP at 2 months. The secondary objectives included the effectiveness of SPC on diastolic BP, uptitration efficacy, and office BP control (systolic/diastolic <140/90 mmHg). A subgroup of patients participated in 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). A total of 532 patients were randomized: Per/Ind/Aml (n = 262) and Per/Ind + Aml (n = 269). Overall, the mean (±SD) age was 55.7 ± 8.8 years, 60.7% were male, and the mean office systolic/diastolic BP at baseline on Per/Ind was 150.4/97.2 mmHg. Systolic BP decreased in both groups at 2 months from baseline: -14.99 ± 14.46 mmHg Per/Ind/Aml versus -14.49 ± 12.87 mmHg Per/Ind +Aml. A predefined noninferiority margin of 4 mmHg was observed (P < 0.001). The effectiveness of the Per/Ind/Aml SPC was also demonstrated for all secondary endpoints. ABPM demonstrated sustained BP control over 24 h. Both treatments were well tolerated. Per/Ind/Aml is an effective substitute for Per/Ind + Aml, providing at least equivalent BP control over 24 h in a single pill, with comparable safety.

Food resources and kitchen skills plus aerobic training (FoRKS+) for black adults with hypertension: A pilot trial protocol

BackgroundMidlife hypertension is associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD), suggesting that blood pressure control may be a therapeutic target for dementia prevention. Given excess hypertension in non-Hispanic Black (NHB) adults, blood pressure control may also reduce ADRD disparities. We describe a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a multicomponent lifestyle-based intervention versus enhanced usual care on cognition among middle-aged NHB adults. Methods and study designThe Food Resources and Kitchen Skills plus Aerobic Training (FoRKS+) study is a 2-arm, single-blinded trial that compares those receiving the FoRKS+ program (target N = 64) versus those receiving enhanced usual care (target N = 64) in local federally-qualified health centers. Key eligibility criteria include self-identified NHB adults between ages 35–75 with a mean systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mm/Hg obtained from 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The FoRKS+ program includes 5 weeks of hypertension self-management courses, 11 weeks of nutrition courses, and 12 weeks of aerobic training in dietitian and health coach-led virtual groups. We will collect data on primary cognitive outcomes, feasibility, hypothesized intervention mediators and moderators, and demographic and health covariates at baseline, near intervention weeks 16-, and 28 (primary outcome assessment), and week 52 follow-up. We will use mixed-effects modeling to examine intervention effects on cognition. DiscussionThis pilot RCT will examine the feasibility and preliminary effects of a multicomponent lifestyle intervention on cognitive function in NHB adults, which may have implications for reducing health disparities in ADRD.

Impact of Lifestyle Medicine Interventions on the Management of Systemic Hypertension in Primary Care: A Canadian Randomized Controlled Trial

The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of implementing lifestyle interventions in primary care settings with hypertensive patients and their effect on blood pressure, body composition, cardiometabolic markers, and antihypertensive drug use. Sixty participants diagnosed with stage 1 hypertension were randomly assigned to 4 groups: (1) Standard medical care (control), (2) Physical activity protocol, (3) Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and (4) Combination of physical activity protocol and DASH diet. Participants received counseling from family physicians, nurses, kinesiologists, and registered dietitians. Various assessments were conducted before (T0) and after (T6) the interventions, including 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, blood and urine tests, anthropometric measurements, computed tomography to measure adipose tissue, submaximal exercise test to estimate maximal oxygen consumption and health questionnaires. Fifty-one (51) participants (51/57, 89%) completed the program. All interventions reduced blood pressure indices between T0 and T6, except the combined interventions group. Body composition and cardiometabolic parameters were improved in all groups, except for the control group. In total, 28% of participants (7/23) reduced or stopped their antihypertensive medications at T6. The results suggest that structured lifestyle interventions are feasible in primary care and improve blood pressure and cardiometabolic parameters in patients with stage 1 hypertension.

CT-guided ozone-mediated lumbar-renal sympathetic denervation for resistant hypertension treatment: A pilot single-arm clinical trial

BackgroundRenal sympathetic denervation (RDN) reduces blood pressure (BP). MethodsThis single-arm open-label study enrolled patients with resistant hypertension (RH) and treat them by CT-guided ozone mediated lumbar-renal sympathetic denervation (L-RDN). The primary endpoint was to assess the changes of BP over 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and to evaluate the anti-hypertensive medication burden (AHMB) at 3-month follow-up. This study was registered in Chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2300071375). Results17 patients (mean age 65.12 ± 10.77 years) with AHMB of 4.12 ± 1.11 were enrolled. After the procedure, 7 patients (46.7 %) matched the criteria for antihypertensive medication reduction. The AHMB decreased to 3.87 ± 0.96 for the whole objectives and from 3.87 ± 0.96 to 3.55 ± 0.78 for patients with normal baseline renal function. On top of the lessened AHMB, L-RDN further reduced morning systolic BP (SBP) by −8.6 ± 4.0 mmHg (p = 0.034) and diastolic BP (DBP) by −4.6 ± 2.1 mmHg (p = 0.032) for all participants and morning SBP by −13.2 ± 3.6 mmHg (p < 0.001), morning DBP by −6.2 ± 2.4 mmHg (p = 0.011) and daytime SBP by −4.1 ± 1.6 mmHg (p = 0.009) for those with normal baseline renal function at 3-month of follow-up. No adverse events were reported intra- and post operation. ConclusionsCT-guided ozone-mediated L-RDN might be an innovative approach of RDN for treating RH. Confirmatory studies are warranted.

Triglicerydes/high-density lipoprotein ratio as a risk factor of post-Covid-19 sinus tachycardia: A retrospective study.

Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) is one of the manifestations of the post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), which pathogenesis remains largely unknown. This study aimed to identify potential risk factors for IST in individuals with PCS. The 1349 patients with PCS were included into the study. Clinical examination, 24H Holter ECG, 24H ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and biochemical tests were performed 12-16 weeks after the COVID-19 in all participants. IST was found in 69 (3.5%) individuals. In the clinical assessment IST patients were characterized by a higher age (p < 0.001) and lower prevalence of the diagnosed hypertension (p = 0.012), compared to remaining patients. Biochemical testing showed higher serum triglycerides (1.66 vs. 1.31 pmol/L, p = 0.007) and higher prevalence of a low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (24.6% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.035) in the IST group. Subsequently, the triglicerydes (TG)/HDL ratio, an indicator of insulin resistance, was significantly higher in the IST individuals (3.2 vs. 2.4, p = 0.005). 24H monitoring revealed a significantly higher minimum diastolic, maximum systolic and mean arterial blood pressure values in the IST group (p < 0.001 for all), suggesting a high prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension. A multivariate analysis confirmed the predictive value TG/HDL ratio >3 (OR 2.67, p < 0.001) as predictors of IST development. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the relationship between the TG/HDL ratio and the IST risk showed that the predictive cut-off point for this parameter was 2.46 (area under the ROC curve = 0.600, p = 0.004). Based on these findings, one can conclude that insulin resistance seems to be a risk factor of IST, a common component of PCS.

Relevance of obesity-related organ damage and metabolic syndrome classification in cardiovascular and renal risk stratification in patients with essential hypertension.

Hypertension is a relevant cardiovascular comorbidity. Adipose tissue represents a metabolically active tissue involved in the regulation of blood pressure and metabolic alterations. In recent decades, several classifications for the metabolic syndrome (MS) have been proposed. Recently, a new syndrome called the "Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic" (CKM) syndrome was identified, to determine patients at high cardiovascular and metabolic risk. The aim of the study was to compare different classifications in a large population of hypertensive patients. Between September 2022 and August 2023, we consecutively enrolled 772 hypertensive patients (407 men; 365 women; mean age 52.2 ± 15.1 years), evaluating anthropometric, biochemical, and instrumental parameters (transthoracic echocardiogram, carotid echo-Doppler, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, fundus oculi). Using different classifications we found MS prevalence: Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP-III) 28.8%, International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 31.5%, CKM 40.7%. CKM Classes 3 and 4 showed higher body mass index and waist circumference compared with other groups. Compared with ATP-III and IDF, CKM Class 4 showed higher 24-h systolic blood pressure, lower percentage of controlled hypertension, increased interventricular septum and posterior wall, reduced ejection fraction, and greater prevalence of hypertensive arterial retinal damage. Visceral obesity and MS are frequent conditions with healthy impact, becoming an important trigger for the development of cardiovascular and metabolic complications. The different MS classifications allow the early identification of patients at high risk of cardiometabolic complications. The new CKM syndrome proves useful to identify individuals at high risk for CKM morbidity and mortality.

Retinal microvascular alterations in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis without cardiovascular risk factors: the potential effects of T cell co-stimulation blockade.

The evaluation of microvascular alterations might provide clinically useful information for patients with an increased cardiovascular (CV) risk, such as those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), being the small artery remodeling the earliest form of target organ damage in primary CV diseases, such as arterial hypertension. The evaluation of retinal arterioles is a non-invasive technique aimed to identify an early microvascular damage, represented by the increase of the wall-to-lumen ratio (WLR) index. Abatacept (ABA), a T-cell co-stimulator blocker, is used to treat RA. A CV protective action was hypothesized for its peculiar mechanism of action in the modulation of T-cells, potentially involved in the pathogenesis of CV comorbidity. The study aimed to non-invasively investigate morphological characteristics of retinal arterioles in a cohort of RA patients treated with ABA. Seventeen RA patients [median (25th-75thpercentile) age = 58 (48-64) years, baseline 28-joint Disease Activity Score DAS28-C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) = 4.4 (3.9-4.6), body mass index (BMI) = 24.2 (23.4-26) kg/m2, rheumatoid factor positive:52.9%, anti-citrullinated peptide autoantibodies positive:76.5%] without known CV risk factors (arterial hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, previous CV events, smoking) were evaluated by the adaptive optics imaging system of retinal arterioles before and every 6 months of therapy with ABA (T0, T6 and T12). Office blood pressure evaluation, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and tissue-doppler echocardiography were also performed. A progressive significant reduction of the WLR of retinal arterioles was observed [T0 = 0.28 (0.25-0.30), T6 = 0.27 (0.24-0.31), T12 = 0.23 (0.23-0.26); p T0 vs. T6 = 0.414; p T6 vs. T12 = 0.02; p T0 vs. T12 = 0.009], without significant variations in other parameters. The T0-T12 reduction of WLR was correlated with that of DAS28-CRP (r:0.789; p = 0.005). Moreover, a significant reduction of diastolic office blood pressure and a trend for reduction of daily pressure measured by ambulatory monitoring were observed. In a cohort of RA patients without known CV risk factors, a reduction of retinal microvascular alterations was demonstrated after treatment for 12 months with ABA, in parallel with the reduction of disease activity. These results might suggest the possibility of microvascular abnormalities regression induced by the immune system modulation.

Prevalence and factors associated with masked hypertension in chronic kidney disease.

Optimal blood pressure (BP) control is key to prevent cardiovascular complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We described the prevalence and factors associated with masked hypertension in CKD. We analyzed 1113 ambulatory 24-h BP monitoring (ABPM) records of 632 patients referred for kidney function evaluation. Masked hypertension was defined as office BP less than 140/90 mmHg but daytime BP at least 135/85 mmHg or nighttime BP at least 120/70 mmHg. Factors associated with masked hypertension were assessed with mixed logistic regression models. At inclusion, 424 patients (67%) had controlled office BP, of whom 56% had masked hypertension. In multivariable analysis conducted in all visits with controlled office BP ( n = 782), masked hypertension was positively associated with male sex [adjusted OR (95% confidence interval) 1.91 (1.16-3.27)], sub-Saharan African origin [2.51 (1.32-4.63)], BMI [1.11 (1.01-1.17) per 1 kg/m 2 ], and albuminuria [1.29 [1.12 - 1.47] per 1 log unit), and was negatively associated with plasma potassium (0.42 [0.29 - 0.71] per 1 mmol/L) and 24-h urinary potassium excretion (0.91 [0.82 - 0.99] per 10 mmol/24 h) as well as the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) blockers (0.56 [0.31 - 0.97]) and diuretics (0.41 [0.27 - 0.72]). Our findings support the routine use of ABPM in CKD, as more than half of the patients with controlled office BP had masked hypertension. Weight control, higher potassium intake (with caution in advanced CKD), correction of hypokalemia, and larger use of diuretics and RAAS blockers could be potential levers for better out-of-office BP control.

Nocturnal blood pressure dipping, blood pressure variability, and cognitive function in early and middle-aged adults.

Higher nighttime blood pressure (BP), less BP dipping, and higher BP variability have been linked with worse cognitive function in the elderly. The goal of this study is to explore whether this relationship already exists in early and middle adulthood. We further examined whether ethnic differences between African Americans and European Americans in BP parameters can explain ethnic differences in cognitive function. 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and cognitive function were obtained from 390 participants (average age: 37.2 years with a range of 25-50; 54.9% African Americans; 63.6% females). We observed that higher nighttime BP, decreased dipping, and higher variability were significantly associated with lower scores on the Picture Sequence Memory Test. Significant negative associations between variability and overall composite scores were also observed. No significant associations between average 24-h or daytime BP and cognitive function were observed. Ethnic differences in nighttime diastolic pressures and dipping can explain 6.81% to 10.8% of the ethnicity difference in the score of the Picture Sequence Memory Test (ps<.05). This study suggests that the associations of nighttime BP, dipping, and variability with cognitive function already exist in young and middle-aged adults. Ethnic differences in nighttime BP and dipping can at least partially explain ethnic differences in cognitive function. The stronger association of these parameters with cognitive function than daytime or average BP in this age range raises the importance of using ambulatory BP monitoring for more precise detection of abnormal BP patterns in young adulthood.

The effects of obstructive sleep apnea on blood pressure variability and load in patients with hypertension.

Hypertension frequently coexists with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and their interplay substantially impacts the prognosis of affected individuals. Investigating the influence of OSA on blood pressure variability (BPV) and blood pressure load (BPL) in hypertensive patients has become a focal point of clinical research. This cross-sectional study recruited hypertensive patients (n = 265) without discrimination and classified them into four groups based on their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI): control group (n = 40), AHI < 5; mild group (n = 74), 5 ≤ AHI ≤ 15; moderate group (n = 68), 15 < AHI ≤ 30; severe group (n = 83), AHI > 30. All participants underwent comprehensive assessments, including polysomnography (PSG) monitoring, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring, cardiac Doppler ultrasound, and additional examinations when indicated. BPV and BPL exhibited significant elevations in the moderate and severe OSA groups compared to the control and mild OSA groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, interventricular septum thickness and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) demonstrated higher values in the moderate and severe OSA groups (P < 0.05). Multiple stepwise regression analysis identified noteworthy risk factors for elevated BPV in hypertensive patients with OSA, including AHI, maximum apnea time, total times of oxygen reduction, and mean time of apnea. Hypertensive patients with moderate to severe OSA exhibited substantially increased BPV and BPL. Moreover, BPV was correlated with AHI, maximum apnea time, total times of oxygen reduction, and mean time of apnea in hypertensive patients with OSA.

Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index is Associated with the Presence and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract Objective To evaluate the relationship between the ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) and the degree of coronary stenosis, and assess its predictive value for the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials and methods In total, 619 consecutive patients who presented with exertional anginal symptoms and/or acute coronary syndrome between January 2021 and December 2022 underwent elective non-urgent CAG with no emergency conditions and performed 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were included in this study and were divided into the control group (n = 68) and CAD group (n = 551) according to the angiography results. Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index (AASI) is obtained from the 24-h ABPM recordings, defined as 1 minus the regression slope of diastolic blood pressure on systolic blood pressure values. CAD complexity was determined by the Gensini score (GS). The patients with CAD were stratified according to the tertiles of the Gensini score (GS &lt; 24 versus GS &gt; 48), and GS &gt; 48 is considered severe coronary artery disease. To explore the relationship between AASI and the severity of CAD, Spearman correlation analysis was conducted. Logistic regression analysis was then performed to determine the influence of AASI on CAD as well as severe CAD. Moreover, a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to assess the predictive value of AASI for CAD and severe CAD. Results The CAD group had a substantially higher median AASI than the control group [0.47 (0.4, 0.58) vs.0.32 (0.24, 0.41), P &lt; 0.001]. There was a positive correlation between AASI and Gensini score. Compared to controls, patients in low-, medium-, and high-GS had significantly higher levels of AASI in a rising trend (P &lt; 0.001). Logistic regression demonstrated that AASI was an independent contributor to CAD and severe CAD. The area under the curve (AUC) for AASI in predicting CAD was 0.806 (P &lt; 0.001), and for predicting high-GS CAD was 0.663 (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion AASI was associated with CAD and the severity of coronary stenosis and demonstrated predictive potential for both CAD and severe CAD.

Abstract WP289: Insufficient Low-Frequency Blood Pressure Activity Under Orthostatic Stress Predicts Blunted Night-to-Day Blood Pressure Dipping in Patients With Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease

Introduction: Blunted night-to-day blood pressure (BP) dipping was common in ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD). BP dipping could be influenced by baroreflex, which stabilized BP by regulating sympathovagal balance. We sought to determine the relationship between baroreflex function and BP dipping in patients with ICVD. Methods: Patients with ICVD stable for at least 3 days were enrolled. Beat-to-beat BP and ECG were monitored in 3 phases of active standing [supine (S), supine to upright (SU), upright (U), 4 min each]. Baroreflex function was evaluated by time-domain and frequency-domain baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and by indices of sympathovagal balance [low (0.04-0.15 Hz) to high (0.15-0.4 Hz) frequency ratio (LHR) of systolic BP (SBP) and RR interval (RRI)]. BP dipping was measured as percentage with 24h ambulatory BP monitoring. SBP dipping &lt;0 was defined as reverse BP dipping. Results: Among 66 patients, mean SBP dipping was 3.54% ± 6.85%. SBP dipping was positively related to BP-LHR SU (Spearman r=0.258, p=0.036), but had no significant correlation with time-domain and frequency-domain BRS, LHR S and LHR U of BP and RRI, or RRI-LHR SU (Table 1). Lower log BP-LHR SU was indicative of less SBP dipping [β (95% CI): 6.53 (1.67-11.40), p=0.009] and the presence of reverse BP dipping [OR (95% CI): 0.11 (0.02-0.65), p=0.015], even after adjusting age, sex, vascular risk factors, 24h mean BP level, NIHSS and mRS scores (Table 2). Conclusions: Low BP-LHR SU , which suggested sympathetic underactivation of BP activity during the orthostasis-stimulated baroreflex engagement, might be a pathophysiological link between baroreflex impairment and blunted BP dipping in ICVD.

Association of Variability and Hypertensive Loads in 24-h Blood Pressure With Mortality and Cardiovascular Risk.

Evidence shows that high 24-h blood pressure (BP) variability increases cardiovascular risk. We investigated whether 24-h BP variability relates to mortality and cardiovascular risk due to inherent variability and/or hypertensive loads in 24-h BP. A total of 1,050 participants from the Maracaibo Aging Study (mean age, 66 years; women, 67.2%) underwent 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and were followed between 2001 and 2016. To evaluate inherent BP variability, we used average real variability (ARV) as it captures variability among consecutive BP readings. 24-h systolic BP load was the proportion (%) of systolic BP readings ≥130 mm Hg during the daytime and ≥110 during the nighttime. Our primary endpoint was total mortality and major adverse cardiovascular endpoints (MACE). Statistics included Cox proportional models. During a median follow-up of 8.3 years, 299 participants died and 210 experienced MACE. Each +2 mm Hg (corresponding to 1-standard deviation) higher 24-h systolic ARV (mean value, 9.0 ± 2.0 mm Hg) was associated with higher hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality by 1.28-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-1.43) and for MACE by 1.24-fold (95% CI, 1.08-1.42). Each 30% higher 24-h systolic BP load (median value, 63%) was associated with mortality and MACE with HRs of 1.29 (95% CI, 1.15-1.46) and 1.28 (95% CI, 1.10-1.48); respectively. After models were additionally adjusted by BP level, only ARV was associated with mortality (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.04-1.33) and MACE (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.00-1.34). High ARV and hypertensive loads in 24-h systolic BP were associated with mortality and cardiovascular risk, however, only ARV is associated independently of the BP level.

Ability of a 24-h ambulatory cuffless blood pressure monitoring device to track blood pressure changes in clinical practice.

There is an increasing number of cuffless blood pressure (BP) measurement (BPM) devices. Despite promising results when comparing single measurements, the ability of these devices to track changes in BP levels over 24 h related to an initial calibration BP (CalibBP) is unknown. Our aim was to analyse this ability in a cuffless device using pulse transit time. We prospectively enrolled 166 participants for simultaneously performed cuffless (Somnotouch-NIBP) and cuff-based (Spacelabs 90217A/IEM Mobil-O-graph) 24 h BPM. As CalibBP for the cuffless device, first cuff-based BP was used. As surrogate for changes in BP levels after the CalibBP, we used the difference between the CalibBP and mean 24 h, awake and asleep BP measured by the two devices. In addition, we analysed the relationship between the difference of the CalibBP and the cuff-based BPM versus the difference between the cuff-based and the cuffless BPM devices. Mean(SD) difference between the CalibBP and mean 24hBP by the cuff-based or cuffless BP device were 7.4 (13.2) versus 1.8 (8.3) mmHg for systolic ( P < 0.0001) and 6.6 (6.8) versus 1.6 (5.8) mmHg for diastolic ( P < 0.0001). A near linear relationship was seen among the difference between the CalibBP and the cuff-based BPM values and the difference between the cuff-based and cuffless BPM device. Our data indicate a lower ability of the cuffless BPM device to track changes of BP levels after CalibBP. In addition, cuffless device accuracy was associated with the changes in BP levels after the initial CalibBP - the larger the BP level change, the larger the difference between the devices. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT03054688; NCT03975582.

Prognostic utility of rhythmic components in 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for the risk stratification of chronic kidney disease patients with cardiovascular co-morbidity

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a significant global burden. Hypertension is a modifiable risk factor for rapid progression of CKD. We extend the risk stratification by introducing the non-parametric determination of rhythmic components in 24-h profiles of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) and the African American Study for Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) cohort using Cox proportional hazards models. We find that rhythmic profiling of BP through JTK_CYCLE analysis identifies subgroups of CRIC participants that were more likely to die due to cardiovascular causes. While our fully adjusted model shows a trend towards a significant association between absent cyclic components and cardiovascular death in the full CRIC cohort (HR: 1.71,95% CI: 0.99–2.97, p = 0.056), CRIC participants with a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and absent cyclic components in their BP profile had at any time a 3.4-times higher risk of cardiovascular death than CVD patients with cyclic components present in their BP profile (HR: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.45–7.87, p = 0.005). This increased risk was not explained by the dipping or non-dipping pattern in ABPM. Due to the large differences in patient characteristics, the results do not replicate in the AASK cohort. This study suggests rhythmic blood pressure components as a potential novel biomarker to unmask excess risk among CKD patients with prior cardiovascular disease.

Comparison of Nocturnal Blood Pressure Patterns between Parkinson’s Disease, Cerebrovascular, and Other Neurological Diseases

Background: The rise in average systolic blood pressure at night compared with daytime is called reverse dipping. Reverse dipping is one of the indicators of autonomic dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Reverse dipping may increase cardiovascular mortality. We aimed to document nocturnal blood pressure patterns of patients with Parkinson’s Disease, cerebrovascular diseases, and other neurological diseases. Method: Patients who applied to the neurology department between 2012 and 2016 and had 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were enrolled. Patients without an MRI examination were excluded. Patients in the cerebrovascular disease group had ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, vascular parkinsonism, and/or vascular dementia. The patients who did not have PD or cerebrovascular disease were assigned to the other neurological diseases group. Nocturnal blood pressure patterns were examined and categorized into two as dipping/non-dipping and reverse dipping. Dipping/non-dipping and reverse dipping rates were compared between groups. The difference between the groups was evaluated using the chi-square test. Results: A total of 126 patients were enrolled, 59% (n:74) of them were female while 41% (n:52) were male. The median age was 62 (18 - 88) years. The rates of dipping, non-dipping, and reverse dipping were as follows; 5.3%, 57.9%, 36.8% in the PD, 37%, 40.7%, 22.2% in the cerebrovascular disease, and 37.5%, 51.2%, and 11.3% in the other neurological diseases group. The rate of reverse dipping was significantly higher in the PD group (p=0.024), while it was lower in other neurological disease group (p=0.029). The rates in the cerebrovascular disease group were not statistically different. Conclusion: Reverse dipping is an important yet unnoticed autonomic dysfunction feature which can increase cardiovascular mortality in PD patients.