Blood Pressure Control Research Articles

Telemedical strategies for improving systolic blood pressure control in secondary prevention of cerebrovascular events-a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundStroke remains the second leading cause of death worldwide, with a 20 % risk of recurrence within 5 years. Preventing secondary stroke events is crucial for patient management. Kraft et al. highlighted the potential of telemedicine in secondary prevention, but noted the need for further research. Our study incorporates recent trials to provide an updated analysis of telemedical strategies in stroke prevention. MethodsWe reviewed and analyzed RCTs and observational studies from PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov (May 19, 2016 - March 20, 2024) comparing telephone-based follow-up to standard care in stroke patients. The meta-analysis focused on SBP changes within 12 months. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies, sourced from PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov (May 19, 2016 – March 20, 2024). We compared telephone-based follow-up to standard care in stroke patients, and the primary outcome was systolic blood pressure (SBP) changes within 12 months. ResultsOur systematic review included data from 21,904 patients. The meta-analysis focused on studies with comparable systolic blood pressure (SBP) data. It involved 3,501 individuals in the control group and 3,485 in the experimental group. The analysis revealed a significant reduction in SBP with telemedicine strategies for secondary stroke prevention, with a p-value of 0.003. Additionally, a systemic review of the included studies demonstrated that these strategies improved medication adherence, lifestyle habits, and physical performance, positively correlating with better health outcomes and reduced mortality risk. ConclusionWith the inclusion of recent clinical trials, our updated systematic review and meta-analysis concludes that telemedicine supports secondary prevention in cerebrovascular diseases, particularly blood pressure control. While telemedicine may have a role in reducing recurrent stroke risk, we believe further studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to validate the role of telemedical strategies in reducing recurrence rates.

Family Management of Hypertension in Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study.

In Brazil, research indicates that primary family members are the main source of support for individuals with chronic conditions such as hypertension (HTN). The burden of caregiving not only hinders effective HTN management but can also cause stress and anxiety, potentially leading to HTN in caregivers. Despite this, few studies have explored the impact of caregiving on these family members. Aims of the study were to: (1) Describe the prevalence of blood pressure (BP) control in family members of individuals with HTN; (2) identify family member perspectives on facilitators and barriers to HTN management; and (3) identify influences that help or interfere with family member functioning (levels of stress, quality of life [QOL], and caregiver burden). This descriptive, cross-sectional study included 213 family members randomly selected from 3 Family Health Strategy units. Family members were largely female (n = 143; 67.1%); the mean age was 60.1 years (SD ± 17.02) and 42.6% (n = 96) had less than a high school education. The three most important facilitators and barriers were related to medication, medical visits, healthy eating, physical activity, and stress. The mean systolic BP was 132.7 (SD ± 21.9) mmHg and a diastolic BP of 85.9 (SD ± 18.1) mmHg with 120 (56.3%) of family members classified as having normal BP. In regard to family member contributions to the self-care of the individual with HTN, family members displayed low levels of self-care maintenance (n = 148; 69.4%) and management (n = 47; 71.2%) support, while a slight majority (n = 114; 53.5%) had adequate levels of self-care confidence in supporting the individual with HTN. Family members (n = 189; 88.8%) showed moderate-to-high levels of perceived stress, but good physical (n = 189; 88.7%) and mental QOL (n = 196; 92%) and low levels of caregiver burden (n = 113; 53.1%). A variety of contextual sociocultural influences were associated with the outcomes under study. Family-based interventions are urgently needed to address the inadequate management of HTN.

Current approach to resistant hypertension

Resistant hypertension is the inability to achieve target blood pressure (<130/80 mmHg) despite using the maximum tolerated doses of three antihypertensive drugs, including a diuretic, or the need for four or more medications. It is linked to aging, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic kidney disease, with contributing factors such as high sodium intake and sympathetic nervous system overactivity. Treatment includes optimizing diuretic use, with spironolactone proving highly effective. Lifestyle modifications, including sodium reduction and exercise, are critical. Emerging therapies like renal denervation offer promising long-term blood pressure control.

Neurophysiological Basis of Electroacupuncture Stimulation in the Treatment of Cardiovascular-Related Diseases: Vagal Interoceptive Loops.

The vagal sensory nerve (VSN) is an essential interoceptive pathway that is connected to every level of the body. Its intricate genetic coding provides sustenance for physiological processes, including controlling blood pressure and respiration. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a proven surface stimulation therapy that can regulate vagal nerve activity, which can effectively prevent cardiovascular diseases. A growing number of studies have concentrated on the mapping of VSN codes, but little is known, and the physiological background of how EA influences interoceptive has not been fully explored. Here, we incorporate the hypothesized interaction among EA targets, VSNs, and the heart. This offers suggestions for using a versatile and focused EA strategy to modify vagal interoceptive awareness to enhance cardiovascular conditions. We first clarified the major role of vagal nerve in the control of cardiac activity. Additionally, we clarified the multidimensional coding pattern in the VSNs, revealing that the targeted control of multimodal interoceptive is the functional basis of the synchronization of cardiovascular system. We propose a strategy in which EA of the VSNs is employed to activate the interoceptive loop and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

MANAGEMENT OF GESTATIONAL HYPERTENSION THROUGH FAMILY MEDICINE APPROACH: CASE REPORT

Several factors contribute to the incidence of hypertension during pregnancy, including a familial history of hypertension, obesity, and unhealthy dietary habits. Family habits can have a substantial impact on lifestyle, especially nutritional choices. This report presents a case of gestational hypertension in Mrs. DK, a 20-year-old pregnant woman with obesity, who was managed utilizing a family medicine approach. The identified root cause of her problem as an inherited genetic susceptibility to hypertension, exacerbated by poor dietary habit within the family. Mrs. DK and her family was given comprehensive intervention to ensure a healthy pregnancy. This strategy provided her with results in the form of controlled blood pressure and enhanced understanding of her condition and nutritional requirements, as well as strategies to fulfill them. Ongoing surveillance is necessary to guarantee that goals are being met.

Digital identification and adulteration analysis of bupleurum chinense and bupleurum marginatum based on "digital identity" and UHPLC-QTOF-MSE

Background and objectivesone of the legal sources of Bupleuri Radix (BR) is the Bupleurum chinense (BC), rather than the Bupleurum marginatum (BM). However, fake incidents of BM mixed with BC often occur in the market, which makes it more difficult to supervise the quality of BR and even endanger the life and health of patients. To strengthen the quality control and supervision of BP, we carried out digital identification and adulteration analysis of BC and BM based on the "digital identity" and UHPLC-QTOF-MSE. Methodfirstly, the BC and BM were analyzed by UHPLC-QTOF-MSE to obtain the quantized data characterization of chemical components. Secondly, the shared ions were extracted from different batches of BC and BM's control medicinal materials as their "data representation of ions", respectively. Then, the data matrices of unique ions of BC relative to BM and BM relative to BC were screened out, and the Top-N ions were outputted as the "digital identities" of BC and BM, sorted by ionic strength. Finally, the above "digital identities" of BC and BM were used as benchmarks for matching positive samples and commercial samples to feedback on matching credibility (MC). Resultsthe results showed that based on the "digital identities" of BC and BM, the digital identification of BC, BM, and positive samples can be realized efficiently and accurately at the individual level of Chinese medicine, even if 3 % of BM in the mixed samples can still be identified efficiently and accurately. 10 batches of market samples were identified as adulterated samples. Furthermore, chemometric analysis has proven the reliability of BC and BM-based "digital identity" identification. ConclusionIt proved that the identification and adulteration analysis of two herbs can be realized efficiently and quickly through the "digital identities" of BC and BM. It has important reference significance for developing non-targeted digital identification of herbal medicines at the individual level of Chinese medicine based on "digital identity", which was beneficial to the construction of digital Chinese medicine and digital quality control.

Optimal blood pressure control with fewer antihypertensive medications: Achieved mostly in low-risk hypertensive patients.

Recent studies indicate that intensive blood pressure (BP) targets can be reached with less than two medications. This cross-sectional study, involving 4991 individuals from the Majiapu community, assessed the correlation between BP control and the burden of antihypertensive drugs. Participants on medication were categorized into controlled (BP<140/90mm Hg) and uncontrolled (BP≥140/90mm Hg) groups, with the former further divided into optimal (BP<130/80mm Hg) and good control (BP<140/90 but >130/80mm Hg) subgroups. Multivariate logistic regression analyzed factors affecting hypertension control across these BP categories. The study found that, 54% of participants had hypertension. Of those treated (62.5%), 55.7% achieved BP control, including 23.15% maintaining BP below 130/80mm Hg. The average number of antihypertensive medications was 1.61 for the controlled group (with an average BP of 126.6/76mm Hg) and 1.75 for the uncontrolled group (with an average BP of 150.6/84.0mm Hg). Additionally, the average number of antihypertensive medications was 1.66 in the good control group and 1.55 in the optimal control group. The uncontrolled group had a higher mean systematic coronary risk estimation (SCORE) of 5.59, against 3.97 and 2.5 in the good and optimal control groups, respectively. Key factors linked to poor BP control included age over 65, male sex, obesity, and former smoking, whereas lipid-lowering medication use was associated with better control. In conclusions, patients needing fewer antihypertensive drugs to achieve stricter targets may have a lower risk profile. Notably, only a small proportion of treated patients are low-risk individuals who can easily achieve BP levels below 130/80mm Hg.

Maternal Hypertension and Fecundability: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

The association of hypertension and blood pressure control with fecundability among women is not yet elucidated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that maternal preconception hypertension would be associated with reduced fecundability and that blood pressure control could reduce excess risk. Using the National Free Preconception Checkup Projects in Guangdong Province, China, 1422 couples whose female partners had been diagnosed with hypertension and 997 703 reference couples whose female partners were without hypertension were included in this prospective cohort study. Fecundability was measured by time to pregnancy (TTP) and infertility (TTP >12 months). Compared with women without hypertension, those with controlled hypertension (time ratio, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.24-1.73]) or uncontrolled hypertension (time ratio, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.34-1.90]) were associated with prolonged TTP and increased risk of infertility (relative risk, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.09-1.31]; relative risk, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.14-1.34]). However, using instrumental variable analyses, there was no significant association between blood pressure control and TTP (time ratio, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.34-1.36]; P=0.270) or infertility (relative risk, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.70-1.34]; P=0.849) among women with hypertension. These results were consistent in the propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting analyses. Maternal hypertension, with or without controlled blood pressure, was independently associated with prolonged TTP and an increased risk of infertility. These findings may provide insights for the implementation of preconception hypertension screening and the design of future trials.

Awareness of Being Prescribed Antihypertensive Medications and Cardiovascular Outcomes.

Hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In patients with hypertension, unawareness of the disease often results in poor blood pressure control and increases the risk of CVD. However, data in nationwide surveys regarding the proportion of unaware individuals and the implications of such on their clinical outcomes are lacking. We aimed to clarify the association between unawareness of being prescribed antihypertensive medications among individuals taking antihypertensive medications and the subsequent risk of developing CVD. This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from the JMDC Claims Database, including 313,715 individuals with hypertension treated with antihypertensive medications (median age 56 years). The primary endpoint was a composite of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Overall, 19,607 (6.2%) individuals were unaware of being prescribed antihypertensive medications. During the follow-up period, 33,976 composite CVD endpoints were documented. Despite their youth, minimal comorbidities, and the achievement of better BP control with a reduced number of antihypertensive prescriptions, unawareness of being prescribed antihypertensive medications was associated with a greater risk of developing composite CVD. Hazard ratios of unawareness of being prescribed antihypertensive medications were 1.16 for myocardial infarction, 1.25 for angina pectoris, 1.15 for stroke, 1.36 for heart failure, and 1.28 for atrial fibrillation. The results were similar in several sensitivity analyses, including the analysis after excluding individuals with dementia. Among individuals taking antihypertensive medications, assessing the awareness of being prescribed antihypertensive medications may help identify those at high risk for CVD-related events.

Effects of Physical Activity on Patients With Diabetes Type 2: A Systematic Review

The aim of the research was to collect and to examine the positive effects of various physical activity (PA) programs on individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This included a combination of aerobic exercises and resistance training, with varying intensities, in order to compare which approach yielded better outcomes for T2DM management; This systematic review was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines, focusing on the period from 1991 to 2024. Studies included in this review involved both experimental procedures and questionnaire-based surveys to assess the impact of PA on T2DM patients. The primary outcome was the effect of PA on T2DM, with secondary outcomes including changes in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glycemic control; A total of 23 studies, encompassing 1752 participants (515 men, 546 women, and 691 unspecified), met the inclusion criteria. The studies highlighted the positive effects of exercise, such as improvements in glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles. Most studies recommended a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises performed 3-4 times per week for 30-60 minutes per session; This systematic review confirms that regular PA is instrumental in managing T2DM. Health care providers should integrate PA programs into treatment plans for T2DM patients to optimize glycemic control and overall health outcomes.

Associations between hypertensive snowbirds' length of migratory stay and blood pressure control

Objective: To explore the relationship between the hypertensive snowbirds' length of migratory stay and their blood pressure control and blood pressure levels. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. A population of snowbirds with hypertension was recruited between October and November 2022, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect their self-measured blood pressure and length of stay in Hainan Province. The blood pressure control status is determined based on self-measured blood pressure. According to the self-measured blood pressure to determine whether the blood pressure was well controlled. The associations between snowbirds' length of stay and their blood pressure control as well as their self-measured blood pressure were analyzed using restricted cubic splines. Results: A total of 362 research subjects were included, 169(46.7%) of whom were male, and their age was (69.7±7.0) years old. The participants' self-measured systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were (129.1±16.2) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and (78.9±10.1) mmHg, respectively. Overall, 174 (48.1%) participants attained adequate blood pressure control. The median length of stay in Wuzhishan City was 7(6, 7) months. There was an inverted U-shaped association between snowbirds' length of stay and blood pressure control (overall: P=0.023; nonlinearity: P=0.014), where participants with a length of stay of 7 months had the highest rate of blood pressure control. There is a U-shaped curve relationship between length of stay and systolic blood pressure (overall: P=0.001; nonlinearity: P=0.033), and a linear negative correlation with diastolic blood pressure (β=-1.19, P=0.003). Conclusions: Compared with hypertensive snowbirds with too long or too short lengths of stay, snowbirds who stayed in Wuzhishan City for seven months have better blood pressure control, and systolic blood pressure is also lower.

Role of physical activity for glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Lifestyle modification and physical activity are very important parts of diabetes management. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve glycemic control through increased insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. The aims of this study were to assess the glycemic level and pattern of physical activity among type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out from July 2022 to October 2022 among 305 purposively recruited diabetic patients who came to receive care at the outpatient department of a teaching hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to describe socio-demographic information. Physical activity was assessed using the validated version of international physical activity questionnaire short form/ global physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ/GPAQ). Glycemic control was measured by HbA1C report done within 120 days of the interview. Blood pressure and body mass index were also measured at the time of inclusion. The physical activity level was categorized according to IPAQ scoring protocol as high level, moderate level and low level. Chi square test was carried out to determine the association of physical activity with type-2 DM, body mass index, glycemic and blood pressure control. Statistical significance was defined as p&lt;0.05. Results: Among the participants only 0.3% had high level of physical activity. Moderate level of physical activity was found among 32.8% and low level of physical activity has been found among 66.9%. Among the participants 92.1% spent their time sitting during the weekdays while the time spent at home, at work, while doing course or class and during leisure activities. Among them 21% had the maximum 10 hours sitting time during the last week. The study showed that the persons who spent walking on at least 7 days has negative correlation with blood glycemic level and among them who spent time on sitting has positive correlation with blood glycemic level. Nearly two thirds of the respondents were female. The mean age was 53.09 ± 12.15 years. Majority of the participants were from urban area (69.83%) and the rest are from rural (21.31%) and sub urban (8.2%) area. There was no significant relation of level physical activity with any sociodemographic factors except monthly income, which showed low monthly income was associated with higher level of physical activity. Conclusion: The findings of our study focus on developing more awareness and providing facilities for physical activity to achieve the glycemic goal. BIRDEM Med J 2024; 14(3): 143-150

Increased lipoprotein (a) as an additional factor in the failure to achieve target blood pressure levels and lipid spectrum optimal parameters in patients with arterial hypertension and multifocal atherosclerosis

Aim. To establish the frequency of achieving target of blood pressure (BP) levels and lipid spectrum parameters (LS) in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) and multifocal atherosclerotic lesion (MFAL) with normal and elevated levels of lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) in real clinical practice.Material and methods. The study included 110 patients with AH and MFAL, median age was 59.0 (51.0; 64.3) years. Depending on the level of Lp(a), all patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 — 72 patients (65.5%), Lp(a) level was ≤50 mg/dl (13.2 (3.7; 21.1)), group 2 — 38 patients (34.5%) Lp(a) level was &gt;50 mg/dl (89.5 (62.5; 110.0)). The diagnosis of MFAL included damage to two or more arterial basins according to carotid artery, abdominal aorta and lower extremities arteries duplex scan. Patients of both groups received antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and antiplatelet therapy.Results. Patients in groups 1 and 2 showed similar blood pressure levels and frequency of antihypertensive therapy use. In both groups, the majority of patients were on a free combination of antihypertensive drugs, only a third of patients used a fixed combination. In most cases, patients of both groups did not reach the target blood pressure levels (63.9% — group 1, 55.3% — group 2), despite the fact that the average blood pressure figures were relatively low (132;83 mmHg in each group). Drug control was also unsatisfactory in both groups, regardless of the level of Lp(a). However, all drug indicators were significantly worse in group 2, despite comparable lipid-lowering therapy, which more often included statin monotherapy. Combination therapy with lipid-lowering drugs was used in patients of groups 1 and 2 only in 20.8% and 10.5%, respectively. Parameters of low-grade inflammation high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 did not differ between the groups and did not exceed the reference values.Conclusion. An increased level of Lp(a) may be accompanied by drug disorders and increased BP in patients with MFAL. Due to the lack of effective Lp(a) reducing therapy, the prevention of cardiovascular events in such patients should focus on BP and lipid spectrum correction. The use of fixed combinations, including antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs, can lead to improved adherence to therapy, increased BP and LS control.

Assessing Cardiovascular Target Attainment in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Tertiary Diabetes Center in Romania.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) share a bidirectional link, and the innovative antidiabetic molecules GLP-1 Ras and SGLT-2is have proven cardiac and renal benefits, respectively. This study aimed to evaluate CV risk categories, along with lipid-lowering and antidiabetic treatments, in patients with T2DM from a real-life setting in Romania. A cross-sectional evaluation was conducted on 405 consecutively admitted patients with T2DM in an ambulatory setting, assessing them according to the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines for moderate, high, and very high CV risk categories. The average age of the group was 58 ± 9.96 years, with 38.5% being female. The mean HbA1C level was 7.2 ± 1.7%. Comorbidities included HBP in 88.1% of patients, with a mean SBP and DBP of 133.2 ± 13.7 mm Hg and 79.9 ± 9 mm Hg, respectively, and obesity in 66.41%, with a mean BMI of 33 ± 6.33 kg/m2. The mean LDL-C levels varied by CV risk category: 90.1 ± 34.22 mg/dL in very high risk, 98.63 ± 33.26 mg/dL in high risk, and 105 ± 37.1 mg/dL in moderate risk. Prescribed treatments included metformin (100%), statins (77.5%), GLP-1 Ras (29.4%), and SGLT-2is (29.4%). In Romania, patients with T2DM often achieve glycemic control targets but fail to meet composite targets that include glycemic, BP, and lipid control. Additionally, few patients benefit from innovative glucose-lowering therapies with proven cardio-renal benefits or from statins.

Baxdrostat and finerenone: new aldosterone synthase-aldosterone-mineralocorticoid receptor hormonal system inhibitors for the drug treatment of resistant arterial hypertension

Resistant arterial hypertension is characterized by failure to control target blood pressure despite long-term use of optimal or maximum tolerated doses of three different antihypertensive drugs, including diuretic. Patients with resistant hypertension are included in a group of people at high risk of cardiovascular and renal complications, including accelerated progression of chronic kidney disease with a more rapid transition to the final stage of the disease. Resistant hypertension is based on a salt-sensitive, volume-dependent form of hypertension, which usually occurs against the background of increased aldosterone production and normal or even decreased renin plasma activity. A key role in its formation is played by an increase of sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, associated with excessive activity of aldosterone-sensitive epithelial sodium channels (ENaC), which control the reabsorption of this ion in the distal segments of the nephron. Its assumed that in this pathological process, in addition to aldosterone, is also involved the small Rho GTFase Rac1 — regulatory G-protein, which can enter into a direct ligand-independent interaction with mineralcorticoid receptors, performing the function of a powerful nonsteroidal activator of the transmission of their intracellular signals. Based on controlled, randomized clinical trials, the optimal fourth drug to overcome resistance in such patients is the steroid mineralcorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone. However, the inclusion of this drug in antihypertensive therapy not only fails to control blood pressure in a significant proportion of patients with resistant hypertension, but also significantly increases the risk of hyperkalemia, especially in people with impaired renal function. The review presents data on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of new inhibitors of aldosterone synthase-aldosterone-mineralocorticoid receptor hormonal system baxdrostat and finerenone, as well as the results of clinical studies assessing the clinical effectiveness and safety profile of these drugs in patients with resistant hypertension.

Immediate-Release versus Extended-Release Tacrolimus: Comparing Blood Pressure Control in Kidney Transplant Recipients – A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a common side effect of tacrolimus (Tac), the first-line antirejection medication for kidney transplant recipients. The impact of immediate-release tacrolimus (Tac IR) dosed twice daily versus extended-release tacrolimus (Tac ER) dosed once daily on long-term blood pressure control in kidney transplant recipients remains understudied. This study aims to compare the use of Tac IR versus Tac ER in kidney transplant recipients and evaluate the effects of the different formulations on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and HTN crisis. Methods: This retrospective cohort study at a single institution collected baseline characteristics, time-varying exposure to Tac IR versus Tac ER, SBP, DBP, HTN crisis, and confounders at each posttransplant visit. A marginal structural linear mixed-effects model was employed to analyze the longitudinal blood pressure control in kidney transplant recipients receiving Tac IR and Tac ER. Results: The final analysis included 654 patients, with mean ages of 52.0 years for Tac IR and 50.3 years for Tac ER. Males constituted 56.7% in Tac IR and 55.0% in Tac ER. Notably, the black population had 2.44 times higher odds of receiving Tac ER after adjusting for the rest of the baseline characteristics. No difference was found between longitudinal SBP (p = 0.386, 95% CI: −1.00, 2.57) or DBP (p = 0.797, 95% CI: −1.38, 1.06). Conclusion: Our study indicates that posttransplant patients taking Tac ER exhibit no difference in chronic SBP and DBP controls compared to Tac IR.

Endovascular Embolization of Aneurysmal Renal Arteriovenous Malformation

Renal arteriovenous malformations (AVM) represent an uncommon vascular condition characterized by an abnormal direct communication between an intrarenal artery and vein. Though asymptomatic in many individuals, treatment is often indicated if the AVM causes flank pain, hematuria, or medically refractory hypertension, or if there is an associated renal artery aneurysm. We present a case of a large right renal AVM with associated renal artery aneurysm and large varix which was incidentally found on magnetic resonance imaging of the spine. Endovascular and open surgical options were considered, including ex-vivo renal vascular reconstruction and nephrectomy. The patient was successfully treated with endovascular embolization of the AVM with coil packing of the arterial aneurysm and inflow artery. The patient recovered uneventfully with well-maintained renal function and blood pressure control. We review and discuss the literature on the etiology and treatment options for renal AVM.

Implementation of Healthy Heart Ambassador to improve blood pressure control at community health centers in Texas

BackgroundHypertension is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the United States and can increase a person’s risk of stroke and other cardiovascular complications. Yet only 1 in 4 people with high blood pressure in the United States have their blood pressure managed. To improve hypertension control, we supported 9 health centers in Texas with the implementation of the Healthy Heart Ambassador Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring (HHA) Program.MethodsWe provided health center training using the HHA Program Facilitation Training Guide, recorded barriers to implementing the HHA program, and employed strategies to overcome those barriers.ResultsThere were 68 staff members from the health centers trained to deliver the HHA program. Three health centers successfully implemented all three major components of HHA, three were able to implement two components, two adopted two components, and one withdrew due to insufficient capacity. Capability, technology infrastructure, and motivation were among the barriers most referenced.ConclusionClinic non-physician team members delivering the HHA program will need training and ongoing technical assistance to overcome implementation barriers.

COMPARAÇÃO ENTRE TRATAMENTOS FARMACOLÓGICOS E NATURAIS PARAHIPERTENSÃO ARTERIAL

Arterial hypertension is a prevalent chronic condition and one of the leading risk factors forcardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Its treatment traditionallyinvolves the use of medications like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, which are effective inquickly controlling blood pressure. However, these treatments can present adverse effects,such as hyperkalemia and bradycardia, compromising long-term adherence in some patients.Simultaneously, natural interventions, such as the DASH diet and regular physical activity,have gained attention for providing sustained efficacy with fewer adverse effects. This studyaims to conduct an integrative review comparing pharmacological approaches with naturalinterventions in the management of arterial hypertension. The research was carried out in thePubMed database, resulting in the selection of six relevant articles published between 2019and 2024. Data analysis shows that while pharmacological treatments are effective forimmediate control, natural interventions offer advantages in terms of safety and long-termadherence. The combination of both approaches emerges as a promising strategy, providingeffective blood pressure reduction while minimizing the risks of cardiovascularcomplications. This study highlights the importance of personalizing hypertensionmanagement based on individual patient characteristics, combining strategies that maximizebenefits and minimize risks.

Bilateral adrenal artery embolization for the treatment of idiopathic hyperaldosteronism: A proof-of-principle single center study.

Unilateral adrenal artery embolization (AAE) has emerged as an alternative treatment for patients with primary aldosteronism due to aldosterone-producing adenomas or idiopathic hyperaldosteronism with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of bilateral AAE in idiopathic hyperaldosteronism. We enrolled a total of 58 patients with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism who underwent successful bilateral AAE, and 55 of them completed 6-month follow-up. Bilateral AAE significantly lowered blood pressure of patients with IHA at 1, 3, and 6 months (all P < 0.01). Six months after the procedure, office, home, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure decreased by 20.3/13.5, 18.4/12.6, and 13.7/9.9 mmHg, respectively. Among them, 92.7%, 90.9%, and 89.1% had significant or moderate improvement in blood pressure control at 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure. Bilateral AAE substantially decreased plasma aldosterone levels, reversed plasma renin suppression, decreased aldosterone-to-renin ratio, and corrected hypokalemia. Importantly, the procedure did not significantly change serum cortisol and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, and the cortisol and ACTH circadian rhythms remained intact three months after the procedure. Additionally, 16 patients underwent ACTH stimulation tests three months post-procedure and all of them had normal results except for one with a decreased response due to exogenous steroid therapy. Flank pain was the most common side effect which happened in 96.4% of the patients and resolved within 48 h. There were no long-term side effects in the 6 months. The present study provides evidence that bilateral AAE is an effective and safe alternative treatment for patients with IHA. Changes in office and 24h ambulatory blood pressure at 1, 3, and 6 months after bilateral adrenal artery embolization in patients with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism.