Awake Systolic Blood Pressure Research Articles

Neural-Cardiovascular Responses to Orthostasis Following 8-Weeks of Home-Based Lower Leg Heating in Older Women with Hypertension

Background: Hypertension remains a significant health problem for older women (≥60 y). Though effective blood pressure (BP) interventions exist (e.g., exercise, medication), adherence to these options is low. Lower leg heat therapy represents a promising and easily implementable adjuvant treatment that may offer cardioprotective benefits. However, no studies have investigated lower leg heat therapy’s effects on BP and neural-cardiovascular function, let alone in older women with hypertension. Accordingly, we hypothesized that 8-weeks of home-based lower leg heat therapy in older women with hypertension would 1) reduce ambulatory BP and 2) reduce muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) while augmenting cardiac output and stroke volume during graded head-up tilt (HUT). Methods: Forty older women with hypertension (69 ± 5 y [mean±SD]) were randomized to either heat therapy (INT, 42°C; n = 20) or a thermoneutral control (CON, 35°C; n = 20). Each woman completed 8 wks of at-home sessions (~4/wk; 45 min/session) immersing their legs ~33 cm in a portable spa bath. 24-h ambulatory BP was measured pre- (PRE) and post-intervention (POST). A subset of women (n = 18 for each group) completed supine rest and 5 min of 30° and 60° HUT at each time point, whereby laboratory heart rate, systolic and diastolic BP, MSNA burst frequency and incidence (microneurography), cardiac output (acetylene rebreathing), and stroke volume (cardiac output/heart rate) were measured. Results: Between INT and CON, PRE ambulatory awake systolic BP (140 ± 7 vs. 142 ± 6 mmHg; P = 0.34) and diastolic BP (80 ± 6 vs. 79 ± 6 mmHg; P = 0.51) were not different, nor were PRE supine systolic BP, diastolic BP, or heart rate (all P > 0.05). PRE supine resting MSNA burst frequency (36 ± 13 vs. 33 ± 16 bursts/min), MSNA burst incidence (54 ± 19 vs. 51 ± 22 bursts/100 heartbeats), cardiac output (4.9 ± 0.9 vs. 5.1 ± 1.0 L/min), and stroke volume (72 ± 15 vs. 76 ± 15 mL/beat) were not different between groups (all P > 0.05). From PRE to POST neither ambulatory awake systolic nor diastolic BP differed between groups (all P > 0.05). Despite this, POST laboratory systolic and diastolic BP were greater in INT (both P < 0.05) but not in CON (both P > 0.05) during HUT. POST laboratory heart rate was reduced in INT ( P = 0.025), and trended greater in CON ( P = 0.065) across HUT. Neither MSNA burst frequency nor burst incidence changed during HUT PRE to POST (all P > 0.05). Despite no PRE to POST differences in cardiac output in either group (all P > 0.05), INT had a greater overall POST stroke volume throughout HUT ( P = 0.011), while CON had a reduced stroke volume during 60° HUT ( P = 0.036). Conclusions: Contrary to our hypotheses, 8-weeks of home-based lower leg heat therapy did not improve ambulatory BP or HUT MSNA and cardiac output in older women with hypertension. However, women completing INT appeared to have a greater stroke volume and lower heart rate during HUT. Accordingly, these data suggest that 8-weeks of lower leg heat therapy in older women with hypertension may improve cardiac function during orthostasis without significant changes in sympathetic outflow or ambulatory BP. Supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01AG059314 and F32HL167556). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

High dose cholecalciferol supplementation causing morning blood pressure reduction in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy

We evaluated the association of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN), blood pressure (BP) and Vitamin D (VD) levels before and after high-dose cholecalciferol supplementation (4000/10,000) UI/day) for 12 weeks in patients (N = 67) with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Based on this prospective controlled pilot study, patients were divided into group 1 (N = 23 with CAN) and group 2 (N = 44 without CAN). At baseline, group 1 had higher systolic BP (SBP) during sleep (115 ± 14 vs. 107 ± 12 mmHg, p = 0.04) and lower nocturnal dipping (3 ± 5 vs. 8 ± 6%, p = 0.009). Among those with loss of nocturnal dipping, 45.4% (20/44) had CAN, while in normal nocturnal dipping group it occurred only in 13% (3/23) (p = 0.007). Non-dipper group had worse CAN parameters when compared to dipper group [Very low frequency (VLF) (2.5 ± 0.5vs.2.8 ± 0.4 s, p = 0.01), total power (TP) (2.9 ± 0.6 vs. 3.3 ± 0.4 s, p = 0.01), Valsalva coefficient (1.5 ± 0.4 vs. 1.8 ± 0.6, p = 0.06)]. After VD, only group 1 improved CAN parameters [TP (2.5 ± 0.4 vs. 2.8 ± 0.6, p = 0.01) and VLF (2.2 ± 0.4 vs. 2.4 ± 0.5, p = 0.03). Group 1 presented a reduction in morning SBP (120 ± 20 vs. 114 ± 17 mmHg, p = 0.038) and in morning SBP surge (13 ± 13 vs. 5 ± 14, p = 0.04). High-dose VD was associated with improved CAN parameters and reduced awake SBP and morning SBP surge. These findings suggest that VD may benefit patients with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy. ISRCTN32601947, registration date: 31/07/2017.

P122 Association between variability of respiratory sleep indices and ambulatory blood pressure

Abstract Study Objectives Respiratory sleep indices are traditionally reported on the basis of the average total sleep time. The relationship between the hour-to-hour variability of these parameters and blood pressure (BP) has not been reported. Methods We evaluated the associations of the hour-to-hour variability of the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and lowest oxygen saturation with the 24-hour ambulatory BP in patients with hypertension and newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. A total of 147 patients underwent polysomnography, based on which obstructive sleep apnea was diagnosed in 106 patients these patients underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring within the next 30 days. Each polysomnogram was divided into hourly reports to calculate the variability of the respiratory sleep indices. Variability independent of the mean was considered the primary measure of variability. Results The median number of hourly polysomnogram reports was 7 (range, 4–8).The hour-to-hour variability of both AHI and ODI, but not of the lowest oxygen saturation, was correlated with the 24-hour pulse pressure, 24-hour systolic BP, and awake systolic BP (p < 0.05 for all). The fully adjusted linear regression analysis indicated that the hour-to-hour variability of AHI and ODI remained associated with the 24-hour pulse pressure (AHI: β coefficient, 0.264 [95% CI, 0.033–0.495],p =0.026; ODI: β coefficient, 0.450 [95% CI, 0.174 - -0.726],p = 0.002). Conclusions The hour-to-hour variability of AHI and ODI is independently associated with the 24-hour pulse pressure. Further investigations are warranted to evaluate the clinical relevance of this new-found association.

Increased Prevalence of Blood Pressure Instability Over Twenty-Four Hours in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to cardiovascular dysregulation, including persistent low blood pressure (BP), orthostatic hypotension, and autonomic dysreflexia, leading to daily BP instability that may not be adequately recognized. We compared mean systolic BP, diastolic BP, and heart rate from awake and asleep measurements over a 24-h period among persons with chronic SCI (n = 33; 30 cervical injuries and three upper thoracic injuries), ambulatory/non-injured (Ambulatory-NI; n = 13), and non-injured (NI) in a wheelchair (n = 9). Stability of awake BP was evaluated by deviation of systolic BP from 115 mmHg and percent of systolic BP measurement within and outside of 90-140 mmHg. Variability over 24 h was compared using coefficient of variation and average real variability. Awake hyper- and hypotensive events (change in systolic BP ±20 mmHg from the median) were compared to symptoms reported by the participants corresponding to BP events. Participants with SCI had a lower percentage of awake systolic BP measurements within 90-140 mmHg than Ambulatory-NI and a greater deviation below 115 mmHg. Coefficient of variation and successive differences of awake systolic and diastolic BP were greater in SCI than Ambulatory-NI. Finally, all SCI participants had hyper- and/or hypotensive events and 88% experienced the BP events asymptomatically. In conclusion, participants with SCI had significantly greater BP instability compared with NI, with many hyper- and hypotensive events occurring without symptoms. Clinical management of BP instability, regardless of symptoms, should be a priority after SCI to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve quality of life.

Hour-to-hour variability of respiratory sleep indices and ambulatory blood pressure.

Respiratory sleep indices are traditionally reported on the basis of the average total sleep time. The relationship between the hour-to-hour variability of these parameters and blood pressure (BP) has not been reported. We evaluated the associations of the hour-to-hour variability of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and lowest oxygen saturation with the 24-h ambulatory BP in patients with hypertension and newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. A total of 147 patients underwent polysomnography, based on which obstructive sleep apnea was diagnosed in 106 patients; these patients underwent 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring within the next 30 days. Each polysomnogram was divided into hourly reports to calculate the variability of the respiratory sleep indices. Variability independent of the mean was considered the primary measure of variability. The median number of hourly polysomnogram reports was 7 (range, 4-8). The hour-to-hour variability of both AHI and ODI, but not of the lowest oxygen saturation, was correlated with the 24-h pulse pressure, 24-h systolic BP, and awake systolic BP (p < 0.05 for all). The fully adjusted linear regression analysis indicated that the hour-to-hour variability of AHI and ODI remained associated with the 24-h pulse pressure (AHI: β coefficient, 0.264 [95% CI = 0.033-0.495], p = 0.026; ODI: β coefficient, 0.450 [95% CI = 0.174-0.726], p = 0.002). The hour-to-hour variability of AHI and ODI is independently associated with the 24-h pulse pressure. Further investigations are warranted to evaluate the clinical relevance of this new-found association.

Effect of intermittent fasting and chronotherapy on blood pressure control in hypertensive patients during Ramadan

Background: During Ramadan, repeated cycles of fasting, associated with alterations in the daily patterns of sleep, activities and medication timing might contribute to changes in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate among hypertensive patients. Studies on the effects of fasting on the blood pressure of hypertensive patients are rare, and have provided inconclusive results. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of medication timing during Ramadan on blood pressure and heart rate in hypertensive individuals taking their treatment once daily. Material and methods: The study prospectively recruited 44 hypertensive patients between April and June 2019, followed up at the cardiology department of Habib Thameur Hospital in Tunis. A 24-hour blood pressure monitoring was carried out during two periods: prior to Ramadan and during the last ten days of Ramadan. We compared the average values of 24-hour awake and asleep systolic and diastolic blood pressure and 24-hour awake and asleep heart rate. Results: We studied 29 women and 15 men, mean age was 58.7 years. Fifteen patients were diabetics, 20 had dyslipidemia and 7 patients had coronaropathy. Twenty patients were on monotherapy, 19 on dual therapy and 5 on a triple antihypertensive therapy. During Ramadan, 25 patients took their treatment during the dinner (group1), whereas 19 took their treatment during the S’hour (group 2). Average 24-hour blood pressure in the whole group was 129 ± 18/74 ± 10 mm Hg before Ramadan and 129 ± 19/74 ± 10 mm Hg during Ramadan (p &gt; 0.05). Daytime and night-time mean values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as mean values of heart rate were not different between both periods regardless of age and gender. However, during Ramadan, those who took their treatment after dinner had significantly higher values of 24-hour systolic BP, awake systolic and diastolic BP, asleep systolic and diastolic BP than those who took their treatment with the S’hour (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: In this study, there were no significant changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressures or in heart rate during the 2 periods. However, during Ramadan, a slight superiority of taking the treatment with the S’hour is observed.

Effect of moderate to high intensity aerobic exercise on blood pressure in young adults: The TEPHRA open, two-arm, parallel superiority randomized clinical trial

SummaryBackgroundExercise is advised for young adults with elevated blood pressure, but no trials have investigated efficacy at this age. We aimed to determine whether aerobic exercise, self-monitoring and motivational coaching lowers blood pressure in this group.MethodsThe study was a single-centre, open, two-arm, parallel superiority randomized clinical trial with open community-based recruitment of physically-inactive 18–35 year old adults with awake 24 h blood pressure 115/75mmHg-159/99 mmHg and BMI<35 kg/m2. The study took place in the Cardiovascular Clinical Research Facility, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK. Participants were randomized (1:1) with minimisation factors sex, age (<24, 24–29, 30–35 years) and gestational age at birth (<32, 32–37, >37 weeks) to the intervention group, who received 16-weeks aerobic exercise training (three aerobic training sessions per week of 60 min per session at 60–80% peak heart rate, physical activity self-monitoring with encouragement to do 10,000 steps per day and motivational coaching to maintain physical activity upon completion of the intervention. The control group were sign-posted to educational materials on hypertension and recommended lifestyle behaviours. Investigators performing statistical analyses were blinded to group allocation. The primary outcome was 24 h awake ambulatory blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) change from baseline to 16-weeks on an intention-to-treat basis. Clinicaltrials.gov registered on March 30, 2016 (NCT02723552).FindingsEnrolment occurred between 30/06/2016-26/10/2018. Amongst the 203 randomized young adults (n = 102 in the intervention group; n = 101 in the control group), 178 (88%; n = 76 intervention group, n = 84 control group) completed 16-week follow-up and 160 (79%; n = 68 intervention group, n = 69 control group) completed 52-weeks follow-up. There were no group differences in awake systolic (0·0 mmHg [95%CI, -2·9 to 2·8]; P = 0·98) or awake diastolic ambulatory blood pressure (0·6 mmHg [95%CI, -1·4. to 2·6]; P = 0·58). Aerobic training increased peak oxygen uptake (2·8 ml/kg/min [95%CI, 1·6 to 4·0]) and peak wattage (14·2watts [95%CI, 7·6 to 20·9]) at 16-weeks. There were no intervention effects at 52-weeks follow-up.IntepretationThese results do not support the exclusive use of moderate to high intensity aerobic exercise training for blood pressure control in young adults.FundingWellcome Trust, British Heart Foundation, National Institute for Health Research, Oxford Biomedical Research Centre.

Different cardiovascular responses to exercise training in hypertensive women receiving β-blockers or angiotensin receptor blockers: A pilot study

ABSTRACT Aim To verify the influence of β-blockers or angiotensin receptor blockers on cardiovascular responses to exercise training in hypertensive post-menopausal women. Methods Postmenopausal women were allocated into: healthy control group (CON; n = 9); angiotensin receptor blockers users (ARB; n = 19); and β-adrenergic blockers users (BB; n = 19). Before and after 12 weeks of combined (aerobic and resistance) exercise training they were evaluated by: heart rate (HR) and its variability (HRV), blood pressure (BP) under stress (Cold pressor and Stroop color tests), and ambulatorial BP and its variability. Results In ambulatorial BP analysis only in ARB group awake systolic BP decreased (p = .011; ARB: From 122 ± 11 to 117 ± 9; BB: From 118 ± 7 to 114 ± 5; CON: From 121 ± 7 to 127 ± 11 mmHg). There were time effects in BP reactivity to stress, where BP reactivity after Stroop color and Cold pressor test decreased in all groups. In BP variability analysis, only BB group has significative decreased values in systolic SD24 (p = .007; ΔARB = −0.3 ± 2.0; ΔBB = −1.3 ± 2.0; ΔCON = 0.8 ± 1.7 mmHg) and SDdn (p = .006; ΔARB = −0.2 ± 1.6; ΔBB = −1.3 ± 2.0; ΔCON = 0.4 ± 2.1 mmHg). HRV analysis demonstrated that post-training, only in BB group LF/HF decreased (p = .001; ΔARB = 0.1 ± 0.8; ΔBB = −0.4 ± 1.5; ΔCON = 1.0 ± 1.7). Conclusion ARB present pronounced responses in awake ambulatorial systolic BP, while β-blockers users present greater responses in BP variability. Besides that, exercise can mitigate BP reactivity to stress with no differences between groups. Lastly, there were no major differences in HRV. Trial registry at “Clinicaltrials.gov” NCT03529838

Abstract P117: Association Of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Parameters With Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: Analysis Of Pooled Population- And Community-based Studies

Objectives: Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) parameters beyond mean BP may be useful for identifying individuals at high risk for cardiovascular end-organ damage. We examined the association between ABPM parameters, including 24-hour BP load, peak BP, peak increase in BP, and mean BP with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Methods: Data were pooled from five US-based studies in which participants underwent ABPM for 24 hours (n=2,892). We defined systolic BP (SBP) load as the weighted average of the percent awake SBP readings ≥ 130 mm Hg and asleep SBP readings ≥ 110 mm Hg; peak SBP as the weighted average of awake and asleep 90 th percentile of SBP; peak increase as the difference between the peak SBP and mean SBP. These parameters were then categorized into quartiles. LVH was assessed by 2D-echocardiography. Analyses were stratified by mean 24-hour BP &lt; 130/80 and ≥ 130/80 mm Hg. Results: Among participants with mean 24-hour BP &lt; 130/80 mm Hg, the prevalence of LVH increased from the lowest to the highest quartile for SBP load, peak SBP, peak increase in SBP, and mean SBP ( Table ). The adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) for the association of the highest versus the lowest quartile with LVH was 1.82 (95%CI: 1.08-3.05) for SBP load, 2.00 (95%CI: 1.18-3.38) for peak SBP, 1.38 (95%CI: 0.85-2.23) for peak increase in SBP, and 1.51 (95%CI: 0.98-2.32) for mean SBP. Among participants with mean 24-hour BP ≥ 130/80 mm Hg, the prevalence of LVH increased for all ABPM parameters from the lowest to the highest quartile. The multivariable-adjusted PR for the association of the highest versus the lowest quartile with LVH was 1.39 (95%CI: 0.98-1.97) for SBP load, 1.66 (95%CI: 1.09-2.53) for peak SBP, 1.08 (95%CI: 0.76-1.53) for peak increase in SBP, and 1.88 (95%CI: 1.24-2.83) for mean SBP. Conclusion: The 24-hour SBP load and peak SBP were associated with a higher prevalence of LVH when mean 24-hour BP was &lt; 130/80 mm Hg. The 24-hour peak SBP and mean SBP were associated with a higher prevalence of LVH when mean 24-hour BP was ≥ 130/80 mm Hg.

The effect of frailty on the 24-hour blood pressure pattern in the very elderly.

Frailty plays a crucial role in the management of hypertension in the very elderly and has a strong association with cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, its influence on the 24‐hour blood pressure pattern, including elevated asleep systolic blood pressure (BP) and the lack of BP fall during sleep (non‐dipping) has not been explored in a population above 80 years.Patients older than 80 years were classified into frail or robust subtypes by the five item frailty phenotype criteria. All participants were submitted to office blood pressure measurements and ambulatory BP monitoring over a 24‐hour period. Nocturnal dipping was defined as nighttime BP fall ≥10%.Thirty‐eight frail and 36 non‐frail individuals (mean age 85.3 ± 3.7 years; 67% females) were analyzed. Awake systolic and diastolic BP were similar for frail and robust individuals. Frail patients had higher systolic BP during sleep (128 ± 15 mm Hg vs. 122 ±13 mm Hg p = .04) and reduced systolic BP fall [1 (‐4.5 – 5)% vs. 6.8 (2.1 – 12.8)% p < .01]. Frailty was independently associated with higher risk of non‐dipping (OR 12.4; CI 1.79 – 85.9) and reduced nighttime systolic BP fall (‐6.1%; CI ‐9.6 – ‐2.6%). In conclusions, frailty has a substantial influence on nighttime BP values and pattern in patients older than 80 years.

Ramadan and blood pressure: importance of chronotherapy

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background During Ramadan, alterations in the daily patterns of sleep, activities and medication timing might contribute to changes in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate among hypertensive patients. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of medication timing during Ramadan on blood pressure and heart rate in hypertensive subjects taking their treatment once daily. Methods The study prospectively recruited 44 hypertensive patients between April and June 2019, followed up at the cardiology department of our Hospital. A 24-hour pressure monitoring was carried out during two periods: prior to Ramadan and during the last ten days of Ramadan. Results We studied 29 women and 15 men, mean age was 58.7 years. 34% of the patients were diabetics and 16% had coronaropathy. 46% of the patients were on monotherapy, 43% on dual therapy and 11% on a triple antihypertensive therapy. During Ramadan, 57% of the patients took their treatment during the dinner (group1), whereas 43% took their treatment during the Shour (group 2). Average 24hour blood pressure in the whole group was 129 ± 18/74 ± 10 mmHg before Ramadan and 129 ± 19/74 ± 10 mmHg during Ramadan (p &amp;gt; 0.05). Daytime and nighttime mean values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as mean values of heart rate were not different between both periods regardless of age and gender. However, during Ramadan, those who took their treatment after dinner had significant higher values of 24 hour systolic BP, awake systolic and diastolic BP, asleep systolic and diastolic BP than those who took their treatment with the shour (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusion In this study, there were no significant changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressures as well as heart rate during the 2 periods. However, during Ramadan, a slight superiority of taking the treatment with the shour is observed. Average values of BP and heart rate Group 1 Group 2 p 24 hour SBP (mmHg) 134 ± 23 122 ± 6 0.017 24 hour DBP (mmHg) 76 ± 12 70 ± 5 0.052 Awake SBP (mmHg) 138 ± 23 125 ± 6 0.012 Awake DBP (mmHg) 79 ± 12 73 ± 5 0.044 Asleep SBP (mmHg) 127 ± 26 114 ± 12 0.030 Asleep DBP (mmHg) 71 ± 13 65 ± 7 0.045 24 hour average heart rate (bpm) 71 ± 7 70 ± 6 0.524 Awake average heart rate (bpm) 76 ± 7 74 ± 7 0.322 Asleep average heart rate (bpm) 65 ± 7 65 ± 7 0.931 Average values of blood pressure and heart rate in both groups Abstract Figure. 24hour course of blood pressure

Association Between Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Coronary Artery Calcification: The JHS.

[Figure: see text].

IMPACT OF PREVIOUS HYPERTENSIVE DISORDER DURING PREGNANCY ON ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS, 24-HOUR BLOOD PRESSURE AND ARTERIAL STIFFNESS

Objective: Preeclampsia (PE) increased the risk of cardiovascular diseases even in women without previous arterial hypertension (AH). The possible causes include changes in metabolic profile and vascular abnormalities, such as increased arterial stiffness. We aim to compare anthropometric measurements, 24-hour blood pressure profile, and arterial stiffness in women who developed PE during pregnancy with (superimposed PE) or without (isolated PE) a previous history of AH. Design and method: We selected from registries of a tertiary hospital women with a previous pregnancy complicated by isolated PE or superimposed PE that occurred 2 to 5 years earlier. Anthropometric measurements: weight, height, body mass index – BMI and waist circumference (WC); Blood pressure (BP) measurements: office Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP); 24-ambulatory BP monitoring; Arterial stiffness: pulse wave velocity (PWV) measured by Arteriograph® method. Results: Twenty-five patients were evaluated. Conclusions: Women previous superimposed PE had higher values of WC, awake SBP and PWV when compared to women with isolated PE. These results indicate incremental impairment of vascular and metabolic profile of PE on women with previous chronic AH.

Abstract 15256: Predicting Out-of-office Blood Pressure in United States Adults

Introduction: The Predicting Out-of-Office Blood Pressure in the Clinic (PROOF-BP) algorithm accurately estimates out-of-office BP to guide ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) among adults in the UK and Canada with suspected high BP. We tested the validity of PROOF-BP in a diverse US population and developed a US-specific algorithm. Methods: We pooled data from four US studies (CARDIA, JHS, Masked Hypertension Study, and Improving Detection of Hypertension Study) that assessed both office BP and 24-hour ABPM. We included participants with &gt;=2 office and &gt;=10 daytime ambulatory BP readings. PROOF-BP estimates the difference between office systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) and daytime ambulatory SBP and DBP using clinic BP measurements and patient characteristics. We examined the performance of PROOF-BP in US data and then used multivariable linear regression to develop a new algorithm optimized for the US population. We tested the ability of PROOF-BP to discriminate high awake ambulatory SBP and DBP (SBP/DBP &gt;=130/80 mm Hg) using the area under the receiver-operator curve (AUROC). Models were developed in a 70% randomly selected derivation set and tested in a 30% validation set. The optimal predicted ambulatory BP thresholds were defined as those that resulted in the smallest proportion of individuals recommended for ABPM with an overall classification error &lt;20% among those not screened. Results: We analyzed 3,080 individuals with a mean (SD) age of 52.0 (11.9) years, 38% were male, and 54% were black. Mean (SD) office SBP/DBP was 121.8 (16.6)/75.3 (9.8) mm Hg, mean (SD) awake ambulatory SBP/DBP was 127.3 (13.5)/78.6 (8.8) mm Hg, and 51% had awake ABPM &gt;=130/80 mm Hg. The discrimination for high awake ABPM was similar between the existing (AUROC SBP = 0.77, DBP = 0.73) and US-specific models (AUROC SBP = 0.77, DBP = 0.72). Optimal predicted ambulatory BP thresholds with the US-specific algorithm were 125-134/75-84 mm Hg, resulting in 55% of the pooled cohort recommended for ABPM; compared to 66% recommended by the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines. Conclusions: Both the original and US-specific PROOF-BP algorithms predicted high out-of-office BP among US adults. PROOF-BP may be used to guide clinical decisions and resource allocation among individuals considered for ABPM.

Lower insulin sensitivity remains a feature of children born very preterm.

The first report of children born very preterm (<32 weeks of gestation) having insulin resistance was made 16 years ago. However, neonatal care has improved since. Thus, we aimed to assess whether children born very preterm still have lower insulin sensitivity than term controls. Participants were prepubertal children aged 5 to 11 years born very preterm (<32 weeks of gestation; n = 51; 61% boys) or at term (37-41 weeks; n = 50; 62% boys). Frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed, and insulin sensitivity was calculated using Bergman's minimal model. Additional clinical assessments included anthropometry, body composition using whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans, clinic blood pressure, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Children born very preterm were 0.69 standard deviation score (SDS) lighter (P < .001), 0.53 SDS shorter (P = .003), and had body mass index 0.57 SDS lower (P = .003) than children born at term. Notably, children born very preterm had insulin sensitivity that was 25% lower than term controls (9.4 vs 12.6 × 10-4 minutes-1 ·[mU/L]; P = .001). Other parameters of glucose metabolism, including fasting insulin levels, were similar in the two groups. The awake systolic blood pressure (from 24-hour monitoring) tended to be 3.1 mm Hg higher on average in children born very preterm (P = .054), while the clinic systolic blood pressure was 5.4 mm Hg higher (P = .002). Lower insulin sensitivity remains a feature of children born very preterm, despite improvements in neonatal intensive care. As reported in our original study, our findings suggest the defect in insulin action in prepubertal children born very pretermis primarily peripheral and not hepatic.

Circadian rhythms of blood pressure and rate pressure product in children with postural tachycardia syndrome.

To investigate circadian rhythms of blood pressure (BP) and rate pressure product (RPP) in children with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) by performing 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24-h ABPM). 103 POTS children and 84 age- and gender-matched healthy children were enrolled and they got 24-h ABPM under usual routine of diurnal activity and nocturnal sleep. Although the mean awake systolic BP (SBP), 24-h diastolic BP (DBP), awake DBP, asleep heart rate (HR) did not differ between two groups (P>0.05), the mean 24-h and asleep SBP, asleep DBP, 24-h and awake HR, 24-h, awake and asleep RPP were significantly higher in POTS children (P<0.01). Non-dipping BP was more prevalent in POTS children (67.0% vs. 46%, P<0.001). The RPP of POTS and control children showed 24-h circadian variations with peak roughly occurring approximately 2h after waking from nocturnal sleep. Compared with controls, the RPP values of POTS children were significantly higher during 2h before and 3h after waking (P<0.05). For the RPP value of 1h after waking, a cutoff value of 8995.6bpm·mmHg yielded a sensitivity of 75.8% and a specificity of 65.4% for predicting POTS. Abnormal circadian BP regulation is prevalent in POTS children. POTS children present with daily sympathetic hyperactivity, especially during nocturnal sleep and within 3h after waking. And the excessive morning surge in RPP parallels with the morning surge of orthostatic HR increments and OI symptoms.

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.

Using Predicted Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk for Discrimination of Awake or Nocturnal Hypertension.

Several atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk factors are associated with awake and nocturnal hypertension. We assessed the association between a composite ASCVD risk score and awake or nocturnal hypertension using data from participants aged 40-79 years who completed ambulatory blood pressure monitoring at the Year 30 Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study exam in 2015-2016 (n = 716) and the baseline Jackson Heart Study exam in 2000-2004 (n = 770). Ten-year predicted ASCVD risk was calculated using the Pooled Cohort risk equations. Awake hypertension was defined as mean awake systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥135 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥85 mm Hg and nocturnal hypertension was defined as mean asleep SBP ≥120 mm Hg or DBP ≥70 mm Hg. Among participants with a 10-year predicted ASCVD risk <5%, 5% to <7.5%, 7.5% to <10%, and ≥10%, the prevalence of awake or nocturnal hypertension as a composite outcome was 29.5%, 47.8%, 62.2%, and 69.7%, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, higher ASCVD risk was associated with higher prevalence ratios for awake or nocturnal hypertension among participants with clinic-measured SBP/DBP <130/85 mm Hg but not ≥130/85 mm Hg. The C-statistic for discriminating between participants with vs. without awake or nocturnal hypertension was 0.012 (95% confidence interval 0.003, 0.016) higher when comparing a model with ASCVD risk and clinic-measured blood pressure (BP) together vs. clinic-measured BP without ASCVD risk. Using 10-year predicted ASCVD risk in conjunction with clinic BP improves discrimination between individuals with and without awake or nocturnal hypertension.

Analyzing 24-Hour Blood Pressure Measurements with a Novel Cuffless Pulse Transit Time Device in Clinical Practice-Does the Software for Heartbeat Detection Matter?

Background: The Somnotouch-Non-Invasive-Blood-Pressure (NIBP) device delivers raw data consisting of electrocardiography and photoplethysmography for estimating blood pressure (BP) over 24 h using pulse-transit-time. The study’s aim was to analyze the impact on 24-hour BP results when processing raw data by two different software solutions delivered with the device. Methods: We used data from 234 participants. The Somnotouch-NIBP measurements were analyzed using the Domino-light and Schiller software and compared. BP values differing >5 mmHg were regarded as relevant and explored for their impact on BP classification (normotension vs. hypertension). Results: Mean (±standard deviation) absolute systolic/diastolic differences for 24-hour mean BP were 1.5 (±1.7)/1.1 (±1.3) mm Hg. Besides awake systolic BP (p = 0.022), there were no statistically significant differences in systolic/diastolic 24-hour mean, awake, and asleep BP. Twenty four-hour mean BP agreement (number (%)) between the software solutions within 5, 10, and 15 mmHg were 222 (94.8%), 231 (98.7%), 234 (100%) for systolic and 228 (97.4%), 232 (99.1%), 233 (99.5%) for diastolic measurements, respectively. A BP difference of >5 mmHg was present in 24 (10.3%) participants leading to discordant classification in 4–17%. Conclusion: By comparing the two software solutions, differences in BP are negligible at the population level. However, at the individual level there are, in a minority of cases, differences that lead to different BP classifications, which can influence the therapeutic decision.

Effects of CPAP on Blood Pressure and Sympathetic Activity in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Resistant Hypertension

BackgroundPatients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have increased sympathetic activity and frequently also have resistant hypertension (HTN). Treatment of OSA with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) decreases awake and sleep blood pressure (BP) and sympathetic activity. This study was designed to assess the effect of treatment of OSA with CPAP on sympathetic activity and BP in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and resistant HTN. MethodsThis was a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. Patients with DM, CKD, and resistant HTN were randomized to treatment with a therapeutic or subtherapeutic CPAP for 6 weeks. They underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring and assessment of muscle sympathetic nerve activity before and after 6 weeks on treatment. ResultsTreatment with therapeutic CPAP caused significant decreases in awake systolic and diastolic BP from 144 to 136 mm Hg (P = 0.004) and from 79 to 74 mm Hg (P = 0.004) and in sleep BP from 135 to 119 mm Hg (P = 0.045) and from 75 to 65 mm Hg (P = 0.015) compared with treatment with subtherapeutic CPAP. In contrast, treatment with therapeutic CPAP did not decrease sympathetic activity as assessed from muscle sympathetic nerve activity. ConclusionsDecrease in BP by treatment with CPAP in patients with DM, CKD, and OSA indicates the contribution of OSA to severity of HTN in this clinical scenario. Decrease in BP in the absence of changes in sympathetic activity is suggestive that other mechanisms induced by OSA play a larger role in the maintenance of HTN in these patients.