Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Readings Research Articles

Determining the Association between 24-Hour Blood Pressure Variability and Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) in Hospitalized Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Prospective Study

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a challenging cardiovascular disease leading to a high rate of mortality. Some cardiomyocytes in AMI were affected by ischemia and necrosis, resulting in a decrease in myocardial contractility, an acute proinflammatory response, and an increase in sympathetic tone. In the meantime, proinflammation and endothelial dysfunction are induced by high blood pressure variability (BPV), which increases left ventricular workload, heart rate, and myocardial oxygen demand. As a result, a high BPV and the pathological effects it causes are likely to affect the onset of acute cardiac complications in AMI and the physiological function of the heart [1]. Patients Pulse changeability (BPV) has been fundamentally concentrated on through the crystal of congestive cardiovascular breakdown (CHF) and hypertension, yet not in that frame of mind of an intense coronary condition (ACS). This study means to explore the relationship between transient BPV and major unfavorable heart occasions (MACE) in AMI patients. The following order can be used to define MACEs: Death > shock > cerebrovascular stroke > heart failure > hypertensive crisis > life-threatening arrhythmias .This prospective study used the weighted standard deviation of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring readings to include 74 patients who were hospitalized in the cardiology department at ARRAZI hospital MOHAMED VI, MARRAKECH between September 2022 and February 2023.
 Results: The average systolic BPV value which was estimated as standard deviation (SD) and average real variability (ARV) was more significant in the MACE group than in the non-MACE group. Systolic SD and systolic ARV in the MACE group were 12,78 mmHg and 11,61 mmHg respectively. In the non-MACE group, systolic SD and systolic ARV were 10.45 mmHg and 7,23 mmHg respectively. There was no significant association between BPV and MACE. However, there were significant differences between systolic ARV in patients with hypertension who experienced MACE and patients without hypertension who experienced MACE, unlike patients who didn’t experienced MACE for whom the ARV was nearly the same for patient with and without HBP.
 Conclusion: MACE was higher in the group BPV of AMI patients than that of non-MACE AMI patients. There was no significant association between BPV ​​and MACE during the acute phase of AMI, however the BPV was significantly more important for HBP patient who experienced MACE, which leads us to think that the screening of BPV in HBP patient may by a predictive factor for the development of MACEs.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in children: A retrospective single-center study.

(1) Compare 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) diagnoses in a pediatric population with the new 2022 guidelines to the original diagnoses with the 2014 guidelines. (2) Determine whether findings of hypertension from ABPM could be predicted from prior patient data. (3) Determine whether ABPM readings could predict left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in patients who obtained an echocardiogram (ECHO). Single-center retrospective study on patients referred to Pediatric Nephrology Clinic for evaluation of elevated blood pressure who underwent ABPM from 2015 to 2018. Predictions of hypertension were obtained using a logistic regression model, and predictions of LVMI were performed using regression models including (a) the wake systolic and diastolic BP indices, or (b) additionally including the standard deviation (SD) of wake SBP and DBP. With the change in 2022 to new ABPM guidelines from the AHA, comparing the old and new guidelines led to 70% of previous pre-hypertensive diagnoses now meeting criteria for diagnosis of hypertension, and a rise from 21% of the ABPMs meeting criteria for hypertension to 51% now meeting criteria. In a logistic regression model, prior patient data were not predictive of a diagnosis of hypertension from ABPM (Nagelkerke's R 2 = 0.04). Among the individual variables studied, none were statistically significant. For prediction of LVMI, the SD of wake SBP and DBP were significantly associated with increased LVMI, but the wake SBP and DBP indices were not. In our patient population, the new ABPM guidelines led to a significant increase in diagnoses of hypertension. Prior patient data was not sufficient to predict a diagnosis of hypertension by ABPM, supporting the need for evaluation by ABPM as the gold standard. Our analysis of the relationship between ABPM readings and LVMI supports the hypothesis that BP variability contributes to increased LVMI. These data are consistent with growing evidence in the adult literature that BP variability detected by ABPM is associated with left-ventricular hypertrophy.

Home Blood Pressure monitoring: An economical, reliable, and convenient Tool over ambulatory Blood Pressure monitoring in Patients on Dialysis.

Hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients on dialysis. Blood pressure (BP) control is of paramount importance in reducing morbidity and mortality in this high-risk population, although there is no consensus on target BP. Ambulatory BP recording is considered gold standard in estimating the BP among patients on dialysis. But, ambulatory BP recording is cumbersome, not economical, and not easily available to Indian patients. Therefore, an easier and more convenient method has to be implemented to monitor the BP. Some studies demonstrated that home BP recordings may be promising in making a more accurate diagnosis of hypertension in hemodialysis patients. However, there is paucity of research that compares home-based BP monitoring with ambulatory BP recordings in patients on hemodialysis. The present study was thus planned to examine the hypothesis that out-of-dialysis unit BP measurement in the form of home-based measurement of BP is as efficacious as ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) in evaluating hypertension among patients on hemodialysis. To assess the accuracy of home-based BP monitoring in comparison to ABPM among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on hemodialysis. To assess the ability of home-based BP monitoring to detect hypertension among CKD patients on hemodialysis. This was a prospective observational study carried out in the Department of Medicine in a tertiary care hospital. The total duration of the study was 24 months. Fifty-two CKD patients on hemodialysis fulfilling the eligibility criteria were taken up for the study after informed consent. Blood pressure was measured using a standardized BP measuring equipment at home, thrice a day for 3 days in the interdialysis period. Also, all these patients were subjected to 24 hours of ABPM in the interdialysis period. Home-based BP monitoring records are then compared with the one-time ABPM records. All statistical calculations were done using computer programs Microsoft Excel 2007 (Microsoft Corporation, NY, USA) and SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions; SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA) version 21. In our study, the mean awake, asleep, and average ABPM readings of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were 141.69/81.33, 139.39/80.04, and 141.23/80.67 mm Hg, respectively, while the mean SBP and DBP recorded on home-based measurements were 143.6 and 82.69 mm Hg, respectively. All the subjects showing mean SBP ≥140 mm Hg as per ABPM had home-based readings of above 140 mm Hg while 23 out of 27 patients (85.2%) with mean SBP <140 mm Hg as per ABPM had similar observation by home-based monitoring (kappa 0.847; p<0.01). All the subjects showing mean DBP ≥90 mm Hg as per ABPM had home-based readings of above 90 mm Hg while 42 out of 44 patients (95.5%) with mean DBP <90 mm Hg as per ABPM had similar observation by home-based monitoring (kappa 0.866; p<0.01). Our study shows that there is no difference between BP readings as observed by ABPM and home-based BP monitoring. Also, home-based BP monitoring can detect hypertension as effectively as ABPM among patients on hemodialysis, thereby making home-based BP monitoring a safe and reliable method of BP measurement in clinical practice.

Readings of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in patients with stage II arterial hypertension (HTN) receiving planned antihypertensive therapy

The aim of the study:to analyze ABPM readings in patients with stage II HTN receiving antihypertensive therapy in order to plan a personalized algorithm for managing HTN patients at the stage of the outpatient care. Materials and methods. 60 patients with stage II HTN were examined. ABPM readings were assessed on the background of planned antihypertensive therapy (ARBs and diuretics) and after the adjustment of the therapy (perindopril and amlodipine).Results. The use of long period monitoring provides comprehensive information about the patterns of blood pressure changesthroughout the day. Patients with stage II HTN receiving planned antihypertensive therapy with ARBs and diuretics did not have targeted BP during the day and had a systolic HTN of stage I, while there was a statistically significant increase in BP variability during the day and in the readings indicating a hypertensive load of target organs in comparison with a group of patients receiving a combination of perindopril and amlodipine for 3 months. In addition, there was a statistically significant (ANOVA, p<0.05) difference in the rate of morning BP rise, which can serve as a precursor for the development of cardiovascular events in the morning compared to the group of patients with theadjusted therapy. Among hypertensive patients receiving ARBs and diuretics a disturbed circadian rhythm predominated in the structure of the diurnal BP profilecompared with the patients who received combined therapy with perindopril and amlodipine. In addition, the proportion of night-peakers among patients taking ARBs and diuretics was 2 times higher than among patients whose therapywas adjusted 3 months ago.Conclusion. Thus, in the group of patients whose antihypertensive therapy was timely adjusted, there was an improvement in hemodynamics: due to the achievement of targeteddiurnal blood pressurereadings, a significant decrease in BP variability during the day and the rate of the morning rise in blood pressure, as well as the proportion of patients with a normal diurnal blood pressure profileincreased.

Nighttime Blood Pressure Dipping is Attenuated in Young and Apparently Healthy Black Adults Compared to White Adults

In America, Black adults are 30% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to White adults, and more than half of this racial disparity in CVD‐related mortality may be attributed to the substantially greater prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) in Black adults. Furthermore, compared to White adults with hypertension, Black adults with hypertension are less likely to exhibit a nocturnal reduction in BP (i.e., “dipping”). Importantly, non‐dipping BP is associated with target organ damage and increased CVD risk. However, it is unclear whether young and apparently healthy Black adults exhibit reduced BP dipping compared to their White peers.PURPOSETherefore, the purpose of this preliminary investigation was to determine whether there are racial differences in BP dipping using ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), including 24‐hour‐, daytime‐, and nighttime‐BP, in young and apparently healthy Black and White adults.METHODSWe obtained clinical BP and 24‐hour ABPM readings in 10 self‐identified White adults (5M/5F; age: 21.6±4.4 yrs; BMI: 23.8±2.9 kg/m2; Mean±SD) and 7 self‐identified Black adults (3M/4F; age: 21.7±3.5 yrs; BMI: 25.1±2.8 kg/m2). The ABPM monitors were programmed to record BP every 20 and 30 minutes during each participants daytime‐ and nighttime‐period, respectively. True daytime‐ and nighttime‐BP periods were adjusted during analysis based upon participant activity logs. We defined “non‐dipping” as a failure to achieve a dipping ratio of <0.90 (night‐to‐day BP ratio). BP data were compared using independent t‐tests and the Fisher’s exact test was used to compare dipping frequency between races (α=0.05).RESULTSClinically measured BP (systolic/diastolic) was not different (P>0.05) between White (117±9/67±6 mmHg) and Black (124±12/70±9 mmHg) adults. There was also no difference (P>0.05) in 24‐hour‐BP between White (117±11/66±7 mmHg) and Black (114±14/63±7 mmHg) adults. Likewise, daytime‐BP was not different (P>0.05) between White (122±12/71±8 mmHg) and Black (116±14/66±8 mmHg) participants, nor was there a difference in nighttime‐BP (P>0.05) between White (102±9/51±4 mmHg) and Black (105±13/54±7 mmHg) adults. However, systolic BP dipping was attenuated (P=0.04) in Black (0.90±0.05) compared to White (0.84±0.07) adults. Non‐dipping of systolic BP was observed in 5 of 7 Black participants and 2 of 10 White participants (P=0.06). Diastolic BP dipping in Black adults was 0.79±0.06 and White adults was 0.73±0.09 (P=0.05). Non‐dipping of diastolic BP was observed in 1 of 7 Black participants and 1 of 10 White participants (P=1.00).CONCLUSIONSThese preliminary data suggest that despite similar clinical and 24‐hour ambulatory BP compared to White adults, young and apparently healthy Black adults exhibit impaired BP dipping, which may contribute to increased likelihood of CVD.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and its utility in management of hypertension in a clinic setting in South India

Introduction: High blood pressure (BP) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The association of short-term BP variability (BPV) with target organ damage (TOD) is not clearly established. We conducted this observational study to evaluate the degree of concordance between Office BP measurements (OBPM) and ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and to study the association of ABPM parameters on TOD. Materials and Methods: Patients attending clinics of the authors between January 2018 and August 2019 were enrolled. Their BP status was determined by OBPM and ABPM and the degree of concordance analyzed. ABPM parameters between those with TOD and without TOD were compared using appropriate statistical measures. Results: Data from 968 subjects (males 61.5%, mean age 59.39 ± 14.86 years) were analyzed. Masked hypertension (HTN) and white coat HTN were seen in 138 (14.3%) and 50 (5.2%) participants, respectively. There was moderate concordance between ABPM and OBPM readings (Cohen's κ =0.571, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.445, 0.595, P < 0.001). There were 530 (54.8%) nondippers and 189 (19.5%) reverse dippers. High morning surge (MS) was seen in 193 patients (19.9%) and TOD was seen in 378 patients (39%). Among all the ABPM parameters which were significantly associated with TOD on univariate analysis, only BPV (P = 0.04, odds ratio [OR]: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.08) and systolic BP in active phase (P = 0.01, OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.04) were found to be predictors of TOD after multiple logistic regression analysis. Dipping status and MS were not associated with TOD. Conclusions: ABPM is a useful tool for diagnosis and accurate categorization of HTN. The analysis of ABPM parameters helps to identify the patients with BPV which has important implications for the prevention of TOD. ABPM is recommended in all individuals with cardiometabolic risk profile or with established TOD even with normal office BP readings.

Preeclampsia for the Nephrologist: Current Understanding in Diagnosis, Management, and Long-term Outcomes.

Preeclampsia is a multisystem progressive disorder of pregnancy that can be potentially catastrophic for the mother and the fetus. It involves complex perturbations of the kidney and systemic physiology, along with long-term effects on vascular and kidney health. Thus, the nephrologist plays a key role in the peripartum and long-term management of preeclampsia. Recent translational research has improved our understanding of its pathophysiology, and there is hope for novel therapies. In this review, we discuss the evolution of diagnostic criteria and dilemmas in the diagnosis of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. We summarize the advances in the pathogenesis and prediction of preeclampsia. We describe the management and prevention of preeclampsia focusing specially on the forthcoming strategies from the nephrologist's perspective. We address the evidence regarding long-term outcomes for the mother and the child. We end with exploring areas warranting future research.

The use of automated sequential blood pressure in hypertension clinics compared with office and ambulatory blood pressure measurements

BackgroundOffice blood pressure (OBP) measurement is the most common method of blood pressure measurement. However, it is associated with several pitfalls as white coat effect and masked hypertension. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is usually used for diagnosis of hypertension and elimination of white coat effect. This study aimed to assess the correlation and degree of agreement of the automated sequential blood pressure (ASqBP) with OBP and ABPM. Patients presented to hypertension clinic were included. Each patient had his blood pressure recorded by three methods: OBP using a digital sphygmomanometer device, unattended ASqBP using sequential BP devices with recording of the readings over 30 min, and ABPM that was performed within 48 h of office visit using portable BP devices with BP recording over 24 h.ResultsWe recruited 64 patients (age 50.0 ± 15.0 years and female gender 53.1%). We found a strong positive correlation between ASqBP and OBP readings (r 0.81 for SBP and 0.83 for DBP, p < 0.001). We also found a strong positive correlation between ASqBP and ABPM readings (r 0.74, p < 0.001). The ASqBP readings were lower than OBP (137.0 ± 16.8/86.4 ± 13.8 vs. 142.7 ± 15.5/88.5 ± 12.3) and close to ABPM readings (average 24 h, 134.0 ± 15.4/88.5 ± 12.3, and daytime, 135.8 ± 15.7/82.1 ± 13.7). For SBP readings, there was moderate agreement between ASqBP and AMBP (both average and daytime). For DBP readings, there was fair agreement between ASqBP and AMBP (both average and daytime).ConclusionASqBP measurement has good correlation with OBP and ABPM readings. Unattended automated office pressure has moderate degree of agreement with ABPM for the SBP& fair degree of agreement for the DBP. It can be used in the hypertension clinics to eliminate the problems of white coat effect and marked BP variability.

Comparison of 3 Devices for 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in a Nonclinical Environment Through a Randomized Trial.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends the use of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) as part of screening and diagnosis of hypertension. The optimal ABPM device for population-based surveys is unknown. We compared the proportion of valid blood pressure (BP) readings, mean awake and asleep BP readings, differences between awake ABPM readings and initial standardized BP readings, and sleep experience among three ABPM devices. We randomized a convenience sample of 365 adults to 1 of 3 ABPM devices: Welch Allyn Mobil-O-Graph (WA), Sun Tech Classic Oscar2 (STO) and Spacelabs 90227 (SL). Participants completed sleep quality questionnaires on the nights before and during ABPM testing. The proportions of valid BP readings were not different among the 3 devices (P > 0.45). Mean awake and asleep systolic BP were significantly higher for STO device (WA vs. STO vs. SL: 126.65, 138.09, 127.44 mm Hg; 114.34, 120.34, 113.13 mm Hg; P < 0.0001 for both). The difference between the initial average standardized mercury systolic BP readings and the ABPM mean awake systolic BP was larger for STO device (WA vs. STO. vs. SL: -5.26, -16.24, -5.36 mm Hg; P < 0.0001); diastolic BP mean differences were ~ -6 mm Hg for all 3 devices (P = 0.6). Approximately 55% of participants reported that the devices interfered with sleep; however, there were no sleep differences across the devices (P > 0.4 for all). Most of the participants met the threshold of 70% valid readings over 24 hours. Sleep disturbance was common but did not interfere with completion of measurement in most of the participants.

Development and feasibility of a community pharmacy–driven 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring service

BackgroundAlthough 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is recommended by practice guidelines, access to ABPM is poor in the United States. Other countries have increased ABPM access by making it available in community pharmacies. It is not known if a similar approach is feasible in the United States. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the feasibility of a community pharmacy–driven ABPM service in the United States. SettingTwo independent community pharmacies. Practice descriptionThe ABPM service was developed through a collaboration between an academic partner and the clinical service leads of each pharmacy. Eligible patients were those referred by their provider or self-referred for white coat, masked, or sustained hypertension (HTN), symptoms of hypotension, or requiring confirmation of an initial diagnosis of HTN. The service was appointment-based, and the pharmacist sent the ABPM results and interpretation to the referring provider via facsimile. Practice innovationThis is the first description of a community pharmacy–driven ABPM service in the United States. EvaluationDescriptive statistics were used to summarize the data for the baseline demographics, ABPM findings, and a 9-question patient satisfaction survey. ResultsA total of 52 patients with a mean (SD) age of 56.6 (16.1) years, 50% women, 75% white, and 71.2% with a prior diagnosis of HTN were enrolled. Forty-six patients (88.5%) had successful ABPM readings with the most common blood pressure phenotypes being nocturnal HTN (91.3%), nondipper (52.1%), sustained HTN (41.3%), normotensive (23.9%), and white coat HTN (19.6%). Overall, 88% of the patients strongly agreed or agreed that they were very satisfied with their experience using the ABPM service. ConclusionA community pharmacy–driven ABPM service is feasible in the United States and may be one approach to improve access to ABPM.

Once versus twice daily antihypertensive medications for the control of nocturnal blood pressure: a comparative study

BackgroundBlood pressure (BP) shows short-term variability within the 24 h, which can only be assessed with 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). It is of utmost importance to control BP throughout the night to reduce incidence of hypertension complications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of timing and frequency of antihypertensive medications on the average nighttime and 24-h blood pressure control.ResultsThe study enrolled 199 hypertensive patients with controlled office blood pressure; 135 (67.8%) patients were on once daily antihypertensive medication (group 1) while 64 (32.2%) patients were on twice daily doses (group 2). The mean office SBP was 128.7 ± 7.8 mmHg in group 1 vs 129.6 ± 6.6 mmHg in group 2, (p = 0.421). ABPM readings for both groups were as follows: mean daytime SBP was 125.4 ± 11.6 mmHg vs 130.1 ± 12.9, p = 0.011; mean nighttime SBP was 117.0 ± 12.4 mmHg vs 123.1 ± 13.9 mmHg, p = 0.002, and mean 24-h SBP was 122.7 ± 10.6 mmHg vs 127.5 ± 12.0, p = 0.005. The prevalence of non-dipping was 68.9% in group 1 vs 70.3% in group 2 patients, p = 0.8 (the mean dipping ratio was 0.93 ± 0.08 in group 1 vs 0.95 ± 0.07 in group 2, p = 0.198). The prevalence of masked hypertension was higher in group 2 (28.1% vs 43.8%, p = 0.029).ConclusionTaking an extra antihypertensive pill at night did not show a decrease in the nighttime or the average 24H blood pressure in hypertensive patients with controlled office BP. On the contrary, patients who used twice daily antihypertensive medications seem to have higher nighttime and 24-h SBP, although the dipping ratio was comparable in both groups.

Relation of short-term blood pressure variability to early renal effects in hypertensive patients with controlled blood pressure.

Microalbuminuria is a common early hypertension-mediated organ damage, which correlates with the overall cardiovascular risk and development of end-stage renal damage. Lately, blood pressure variability has shown an additive value over traditional BP measurement in prediction of cardiovascular and renal involvement. Investigate the relation between short-term blood pressure variability and microalbuminuria in controlled hypertensive patients. Ninety non-diabetic hypertensive patients with controlled blood pressure and normal estimated glomerular filtration rate had 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring with calculation of short-term blood pressure variability indices (SD, coefficient of variation and average reading variability of systolic and diastolic blood pressure for 24-hour, daytime and nighttime], and measurement of the albumin/creatinine ratio. Patients were classified into group 1 (61 patients without microalbuminuria) and group 2 (29 patients with microalbuminuria). No significant difference was observed between both groups regarding age, sex, body mass index, office blood pressure, average 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring readings and dipping status, but significantly longer duration of hypertension in group 2. All blood pressure variability indices were significantly higher in group 2, which showed strong positive correlations with microalbuminuria level. Multivariate analysis represented an average reading variability of 24-hour systolic blood pressure as the most powerful independent predictor for microalbuminuria (r = 0.516, P = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that average reading variability of 24-hour systolic blood pressure (>12.55) could predict microalbuminuria (sensitivity = 89.7%, specificity = 88.5%, area under curve = 0.949, P = 0.001). Short-term blood pressure variability correlated well with early renal effects in controlled hypertensive patients. Average reading variability of 24-hour systolic blood pressure was the strongest predictor for microalbuminuria in such patients.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring: Profiles in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients and Utility in Management.

Optimal control of blood pressure (BP) may reduce the risk of progression of CKD. Misclassification of hypertension (HTN) and status of control may result in suboptimal management. Clinic or home BP may overestimate or underestimate status of control compared with ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), which is considered the gold standard. The latter relates not only to the superiority of ABPM concerning outcome prognosis but also to its ability to accurately diagnose white coat and masked HTN, which is critical in assuring adequate BP control. However, ABPM has not gained widespread use in practice because of limited third-party reimbursement and a paucity of high quality randomized controlled intervention studies evaluating its use. Herein, we review HTN phenotypes that have been identified in patients with CKD, and the potential value of ABPM in this high-risk population.

Minimally sufficient numbers of measurements for validation of 24-hour blood pressure monitoring in chronic kidney disease

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) remains a reference standard, but the minimal number of ABPM readings required to diagnose hypertension has not been empirically validated. Among 360 patients with chronic kidney disease and 38 healthy controls, 24-hour blood pressure was recorded 2 times per hour during the night and 3 times per hour during the day. All subjects had at least 90% of the expected readings recorded. From this full set of ABPM recordings, we selected variable numbers of measurements and compared the performance of the selected readings against that of the full sample under either random or sequential sampling schemes. With 8 randomly selected systolic blood pressure readings, we were able to make diagnostic decisions in concordance with that from the full ABPM sample 91.0% of the time (kappa 0.804). With 15 randomly selected diastolic blood pressure readings, we made concordant decisions 96.3% of the time (kappa 0.810). A serial selection scheme generally required a greater number of readings to achieve the same levels of concordance with the full ABPM data. With a random selection scheme, 26 readings provided 95% confidence that the sample mean will be within 5 mm Hg of the true systolic blood pressure mean, and within 3.5 mm Hg of the true diastolic blood pressure mean.

Left ventricular mass independently associates with masked hypertension in young healthy adults

Masked hypertension is reportedly common in young adults. However, it is unknown if these masked hypertensive individuals already present with organ damage. We determined whether a relationship exists between left ventricular structure and function, and masked hypertension in young healthy adults. In this cross-sectional study, we included 774 black and white men and women (aged 20-30 years) who had successful ambulatory blood pressure monitoring readings (>70% valid readings) and valid echocardiography done. We found that 16.4% had masked hypertension (60.6% whites; 67.7% men). When performing multivariable-adjusted logistic regression, we found masked hypertensive patients to have higher odds to present with increased left ventricular mass index (odds ratio 1.67, P = 0.031) compared to normotensive individuals. In multivariable-adjusted linear regression analyses, left ventricular mass index positively and independently associated with masked hypertension [adjusted R = 0.193, β = 0.08 (0.01; 0.16), P = 0.046]. However, we found no independent link between echocardiographic measures of left ventricular function and masked hypertension. This study highlights the importance of the early detection of masked hypertension as young apparently healthy adults already show an increased left ventricular mass index, thereby indicating increased risk for future cardiovascular disease.

Clinical Implications

HomeHypertensionVol. 72, No. 1Clinical Implications Free AccessIn BriefPDF/EPUBAboutView PDFView EPUBSections ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload citationsTrack citationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InMendeleyReddit Jump toFree AccessIn BriefPDF/EPUBClinical Implications Originally published13 Jun 2018https://doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.118.11471Hypertension. 2018;72:2Blood Pressure Monitoring and Atrial Fibrillation (p 110)Download figureDownload PowerPointStrategies aiming at effective screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) are expected to contribute considerably in early AF detection and management and thereby efficient stroke prevention. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is currently proposed by several organizations as reference tool for confirming the diagnosis of hypertension and is increasingly used in clinical practice. A novel ABPM device with implemented algorithm for automated AF detection during each blood pressure measurement has been developed. This study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of this device for AF detection versus reference 24-hour Holter monitoring during routine 24-hour ABPM in elderly hypertensives. In ABPM reading-to-reading analysis, the diagnostic accuracy of this novel technology for AF detection seemed to be reasonable with high sensitivity and moderate specificity. A high frequency of AF false-positive ABPM readings was caused by excessive supraventricular ectopic activity, which, however, confers high risk for future AF. The receiver operating characteristics curve revealed that AF-positive readings at 26% during 24-hour ABPM had sensitivity 100% and specificity 85% for detecting paroxysmal AF (area under the curve, 0.91; P<0.01). These findings suggest that in elderly hypertensives a 24-hour ABPM recording with at least 26% of the readings suggesting AF indicates a high probability for AF diagnosis and should be regarded as an indication for performing 24-hour Holter monitoring.Endothelial PPARγ and Vascular Aging (p 227)Download figureDownload PowerPointAging is the greatest risk factor for vascular disease and its clinical complications, but insight into mechanisms that control vascular aging, particularly within individual cells, is very limited. Our ability to slow the progression of vascular aging is limited in part by our poor understanding of determinants of these changes. The transcription factor PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ) has protective vascular effects when activated pharmacologically. To gain new insight into this area, we used mice expressing dominant negative PPARγ in endothelial cells (E-V290M) to test the hypothesis that interference with endothelial PPARγ augments age-induced vascular dysfunction. Because of their clinical importance in relation to stroke and cognitive deficits, we studied carotid arteries. Based on comparisons of E-V290M with nontransgenic littermates, our findings suggest age-related oxidative stress, inflammation, senescence, and endothelial dysfunction are increased after genetic interference with PPARγ, implicating an essential role for this molecule and cell type in protecting against key aspects of vascular aging. Loss of these beneficial effects because of disease, genetic changes, or protein alterations has implications for the rate of progression and severity of vascular aging, other forms of vascular disease, and potentially, effectiveness of therapeutic approaches. For example, dietary caloric restriction delays aging in many experimental models. Interestingly, PPARγ is one of the molecules with the strongest caloric restriction mimetic activity.Role of Endothelial BH4 in Vascular Remodeling (p 128)Download figureDownload PowerPointEvidence from experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that reduced tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) bioavailability, an essential cofactor for NO synthase, is associated with endothelial cell dysfunction and abdominal aortic aneurysm formation in response to Ang (Angiotensin) II. However, it is unknown if there is a specific requirement for endothelial cell BH4 in modulating susceptibility to structural vascular disease and if loss of endothelial cell BH4 impacts on pathological vascular remodeling. In this issue of Hypertension, we use an endothelial cell-specific knockout mouse (Gch1fl/flTie2cre mice) to investigate the requirement for endothelial cell BH4 in the cardiovascular response to Ang II. Even at a subpressor Ang II dose (0.4 mg/kg per day), we observed hypertension and pathological remodeling of both conduit and resistance arteries in Gch1fl/flTie2cre mice which were associated with eNOS (endothelial NO synthase) uncoupling and increased aortic eNOS-derived H2O2 generation. These findings indicate that selective endothelial cell BH4 deficiency is sufficient to cause pathophysiological changes in the vessel wall, in both large conduit vessels and small resistance vessels. Thus, targeting endothelial cell redox function, exemplified by Gch1 and BH4 biosynthesis, is not only a rational therapeutic target for improving endothelial functional but is also able to modify structural and pathological remodeling in cardiovascular disease. Previous Back to top Next FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails July 2018Vol 72, Issue 1 Advertisement Article InformationMetrics © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.https://doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.118.11471PMID: 30550717 Originally publishedJune 13, 2018 PDF download Advertisement

Impact of in-hospital blood pressure variability on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

To evaluate the impact of blood pressure variability (BPV) on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome, short-term BPV was estimated by using weighted standard deviation of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring readings. The primary outcome was in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Overall, 200 patients (mean age, 58.6years; 27.5% women; 38% with diabetes mellitus; and 47% smokers) were divided into low and high BPV groups based on the median value (9.45). Patients in the high BPV group were more likely to have in-hospital MACE compared with patients with low BPV (47% vs 27%, P=.003). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis of incidence of MACE showed that BPV (odds ratio, 2.4; confidence interval, 1.2-4.5 [P=.008]) and presence of type II diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 2.6; confidence interval, 1.2-5.3 [P=.008]) were the only independent predictors of in-hospital MACE derived mainly by hypertensive emergencies. BPV could be an important risk factor for in-hospital MACE in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Frequency of masked hypertension and its relation to target organ damage in the heart

Abstract Introduction The phenomenon of masked hypertension (MH) is common. MH recognition as a clinical entity of its own is still a matter of debate. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MH and its relation to cardiovascular risk factors as well as its relation to target organ damage. Material and methods A total of 100 patients who were indicated for 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were enrolled in the study. Blood pressure (BP) was measured in the clinic, during the following week, echocardiography and ABPM were done. Patients were classified into four groups according to clinical BP and ABPM readings: true normotension, sustained hypertension (SH), white coat hypertension (WCH) and MH. Results The incidence of MH was 37%. DM was significantly higher in SH than MH, also, it was significantly higher in MH than true normotensive patients. Obesity was significantly higher in SH than MH. ABPM readings were significantly higher in SH than MH, whereas they were significantly higher in MH than WCH and true normotensive patients. LVH was higher in MH than SH, however, the difference was not statistically significant. LVH was significantly higher in MH than WCH and true normotensive patients. Conclusion MH is a common phenomenon and associated with subclinical target organ damage in the heart comparable to SH and significantly higher than WCH and true normotension.

24hr Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) Risk Stratifies Hypertensive Kidney Transplant Recipients (KTRs).

Background and Methods: Systolic hypertension has been shown to be associated with adverse clinical outcomes after renal transplantation. In non-transplant patients, 24hr ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) has been shown to be a superior predictor of clinical outcomes when compared to clinical blood pressure readings alone. In this study we have prospectively analysed129 kidney transplant recipients (KTR) diagnosed with hypertension based on the clinic blood pressure (CBP) of >130/80mm Hg. All these patients underwent ABPM and groups were stratified based on ABPM systolic (>/<130mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (</>80mm Hg) values (SBP & DBP). The primary outcome measure was a composite of graft loss, cardiovascular event or death over a 5year follow-up. Results: Of the 129 KTRs, only 64 had average 24hr SBP>130 mm Hg on ABPM. Overall, CBP significantly overestimated SBP even in the true hypertensive KTRs based on ABPM (CBP, 164± 16 mm Hg, ABPM, 143± 9 mm Hg, P<0.0001). Based on the ABPM readings, 33% of hypertensive KTRs required an increase in their anti-hypertensive therapy (P=0.01). Day time (P=0.002) and 24hr average SBP (P<0.001) were strongly associated with the composite end point in a univariate Kaplan Meier analysis. Whilst the 24hr average DBP (P=0.03) was significantly associated with poor event free survival, nocturnal dipper status was not significant. The influence of 24hr average SBP on event free survival was more significant in KTRs with diabetes (P=0.02), lower eGFR (P=0.001), proteinuria (P=0.007), who are younger (P=0.02) and female (P=0.01). Similar non-significant trends were seen with DBP as well. Despite a significant improvement in CBP in both the groups over 5 years, eGFR and proteinuria remained significantly worse in the true hypertensive group based on the assessment of ABPM during this period.Figure: No Caption available.Conclusions: To conclude, 24hr ABPM helps to risk stratify apparent hypertensive KTRs based on CBP. True hypertensives based on ABPM represent a significantly high risk population with adverse medium term outcomes despite appropriate therapy.

Effect of Daily Sodium Intake on Post-transplant Hypertension in Kidney Allograft Recipients

BackgroundHypertension (HT) is a common problem, observed frequently after kidney transplantation due to several causes. Posttransplantation HT increases the incidence of both cardiovascular diseases and allograft failure. Although a low sodium diet is strongly advised, the relationship between it and posttransplantation HT has not been well studied in transplant patients. MethodsThirty-eight kidney transplant patients with stable allograft function ≥6 months after transplantation with a history of blood pressures ≥120/80 mm Hg despite antihypertensive therapy were included in this study. Office and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were performed before the study. We measured serum biochemistries, hemograms, as well as 24-hour urinary excretions of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, creatinine, and protein levels. After injection of low sodium diet of ≤80 mmol/d arranged by a dietician for 14 days, we repeated the measurements to compare the results. ResultsAfter 14 days, the low sodium diet decreased the office systolic (from 132.4 ± 18.8 to 123.7 ± 13.4 mm Hg; P < .001) and diastolic (from 87.3 ± 10.8 to 81.3 ± 7.0 mm Hg; P < .001) blood pressures with decreased sodium excretion (from 177.2 ± 72.7 to 85.3 ± 37.7 mmol/L; P < .001) in the 24-hour urine. It also decreased the average systolic (from 125.3 ± 11.1 to 120.5 ± 9.1 mm Hg) and diastolic (from 80.7 ± 8.3 to 76.9 ± 6.6 mm Hg, P < .001) blood pressures in the 24-hour ABPM. Nighttime systolic (from 120.7 ± 10.9 to 113.9 ± 19.7 mm Hg) and diastolic (from 77.0 ± 9.4 to 74.1 ± 7.8 mm Hg) blood pressures by 24-hour ABPM were significantly decreased (P < .01; P < .05). The low sodium diet had no effect on dipper versus nondipper HT development. Although sodium, calcium, and magnesium excretions in the 24-hour urine were decreased, there was no change in potassium and protein excretion levels. ConclusionsDaily sodium intake was extremely higher than recommended levels among kidney allograft recipients with HT. A low dietary sodium intake (80 mmol/d) combined with antihypertensive treatment controlled blood pressure efficiently by office and 24-hour ABPM readings.