Blood Pressure Index Research Articles

Machine learning-based prognostication of mortality in stroke patients

ObjectivesPredicting stroke mortality is crucial for personalized care. This study aims to design and evaluate a machine learning model to predict one-year mortality after a stroke. Materials and methodsData from the National Multiethnic Stroke Registry was utilized. Eight machine learning (ML) models were trained and evaluated using various metrics. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis was used to identify the influential predictors. ResultsThe final analysis included 9840 patients diagnosed with stroke were included in the study. The XGBoost algorithm exhibited optimal performance with high accuracy (94.5%) and AUC (87.3%). Core predictors encompassed National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission, age, hospital length of stay, mode of arrival, heart rate, and blood pressure. Increased NIHSS, age, and longer stay correlated with higher mortality. Ambulance arrival and lower diastolic blood pressure and lower body mass index predicted poorer outcomes. ConclusionsThis model's predictive capacity emphasizes the significance of NIHSS, age, hospital stay, arrival mode, heart rate, blood pressure, and BMI in stroke mortality prediction. Specific findings suggest avenues for data quality enhancement, registry expansion, and real-world validation. The study underscores machine learning's potential for early mortality prediction, improving risk assessment, and personalized care. The potential transformation of care delivery through robust ML predictive tools for Stroke outcomes could revolutionize patient care, allowing for personalized plans and improved preventive strategies for stroke patients. However, it is imperative to conduct prospective validation to evaluate its practical clinical effectiveness and ensure its successful adoption across various healthcare environments.

Food and Cardiovascular Disease: What to Eat and What Not to Eat

In 2019, the Global Burden of Disease study revealed alarming statistics regarding cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Pakistan. The estimated age-standardized incidence and death rates were 918.18 and 357.88 per 100,000 respectively, surpassing global averages.1 Notably, Pakistan faces unique challenges with a high prevalence of Rheumatic heart disease and early onset coronary artery disease.1
 The World Health Organization's 2021 factsheet underscores four pivotal modifiable behavioral risk factors for CVD and stroke: unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption. These behaviors manifest in individuals as elevated blood pressure, glucose, lipids, and adverse body mass index, exacerbating cardiovascular risk.2 In Pakistan, the consumption of unhealthy foods and excessive calories significantly contributes to adverse cardiometabolic profiles, including obesity and dyslipidemia.2
 Recent research, such as that by Daruish Mozaffain et al. in "Food is Medicine," advocates for food-based interventions tailored to individual health conditions, ranging from medically tailored meals to nutritional and culinary education.3 However, Pakistani patients with CVD face challenges due to the lack of localized guidelines, educational resources, and accessible nutritionists. Shah et al.'s review underscores the importance of providing clear and culturally relevant dietary guidance for the local population.4
 Addressing these challenges requires the development of high-quality, culturally sensitive educational materials. These resources should be readily understandable, pictorial, and integrated into both inpatient and outpatient care. Local experts, including dietitians and researchers, can play a crucial role in creating tailored educational content. Figures 1 exemplify the efforts of these experts to provide practical guidance to the Pakistani population.4
 In conclusion, there is an urgent need for comprehensive, easy-to-understand patient education resources catering to the unique nutritional needs of Pakistani individuals with cardiovascular disease. By addressing these gaps, we can empower patients to make informed dietary choices and improve cardiovascular outcomes.
 References
 
 Samad Z, Hanif B. Cardiovascular Diseases in Pakistan: Imagining a Postpandemic, Postconflict Future. Circulation. 2023;147(17):1261-3.
 Liaquat A, Javed Q. Current trends of cardiovascular risk determinants in Pakistan. Cureus. 2018;10(10):e3409.
 Mozaffarian D, Aspry KE, Garfield K, Kris-Etherton P, Seligman H, Velarde GP, et al. “Food Is Medicine” Strategies for Nutrition Security and Cardiometabolic Health Equity: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2024;83(8):843-64.
 Shah SU, Waseem T, Afridi T, Shah MI. Nutritional Needs for Cardiovascular Health in Pakistani Population. Pak Heart J. 2022;55(2):101-13.
 American Heart Association. Lifestyle Changes for Heart Failure. Accessed on March 30, 2024. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/treatment-options-for-heart-failure/lifestyle-changes-for-heart-failure
 American Diabetes Association. What superstar foods are good for diabetes? Accessed on March 30, 2024. Available at: https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/food-and-blood-sugar/diabetes-superstar-foods
 American Heart Association. The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations. Accessed on March 30, 2024. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations
 American Heart Association. Managing Blood Pressure with a Heart-Healthy Diet. Accessed on March 30, 2024. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/managing-blood-pressure-with-a-heart-healthy-diet

Retrospective analysis of blood pressure indices in 10–17‑year‑old schoolchildren in the city of Magadan for the period of 2009–2019

Retrospective analysis of blood pressure indices in 10–17‑year‑old schoolchildren in the city of Magadan for the period of 2009–2019

Association of mental health-related patient reported outcomes with blood pressure in adults and children with primary proteinuric glomerulopathies.

The prevalence of mental health disorders including anxiety and depression is increasing and is linked to hypertension in healthy individuals. However, the relationship of psychosocial patient-reported outcomes on blood pressure (BP) in primary proteinuric glomerulopathies is not well characterized. This study explored longitudinal relationships between psychosocial patient-reported outcomes and BP status among individuals with proteinuric glomerulopathies. An observational cohort study was performed using data from 745 adults and children enrolled in the Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network (NEPTUNE). General Estimating Equations for linear regression and binary logistic analysis for odds ratios were performed to analyze relationships between the exposures, longitudinal Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures and BP and hypertension status as outcomes. In adults, more anxiety was longitudinally associated with higher systolic and hypertensive BP. In children, fatigue was longitudinally associated with increased odds of hypertensive BP regardless of the PROMIS report method. More stress, anxiety, and depression were longitudinally associated with higher systolic BP index, higher diastolic BP index, and increased odds of hypertensive BP index in children with parent-proxy patient-reported outcomes. Chronically poor psychosocial patient-reported outcomes may be significantly associated with higher BP and hypertension in adults and children with primary proteinuric glomerulopathies. This interaction appears strong in children but should be interpreted with caution, as multiple confounders related to glomerular disease may influence both mental health and BP independently. That said, access to mental health resources may help control BP, and proper disease and BP management may improve overall mental health.

Peculiarities of the daily profile of blood pressure and heart activity in patients with arrhythmias depending on the severity of cognitive disordersPeculiarities of the daily profile of blood pressure and heart activity in patients with arrhythmias depending on the severity of cognitive disorders

Background. The purpose of our work was to reveal the dependence of changes in the cognitive sphere on the peculiarities of the daily profile of blood pressure (BP) and heart activity in patients with arrhythmias. Materials and methods. We examined 139 patients with different clinical forms of arrhythmias. All of them underwent extended neuropsychological testing, a study of the daily BP profile and heart activity. Hemodynamic status was assessed by daily BP and ECG monitoring. Average daily, average daytime and nighttime systolic (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) were evaluated. The analysis of spectral indicators of heart rate variability was performed to assess the state of the autonomic nervous system. Correlations of hemodynamic indicators with the results of neuropsychological testing were determined. Results. In patients with cognitive disorders (CD), there was an increase in SBP in all periods of the day, most pronounced in patients with moderate CD (p = 0.049). In patients with mild CD and without CD, there were no significant intergroup differences in the level of average daily, daytime and night SBP, DBP and pulse pressure (p > 0.05). Patients with moderate CD had significantly higher SBP and time index of SBP at the expense of average daytime and average night values of these indicators compared to those without CD (p < 0.05). During the active period of the day, time index of DBP was significantly higher in patients with moderate CD (p = 0.002) who also had an increase in average daily, daytime and night SBP variability compared to participants without CD (p = 0.041). The differences between the groups were not significant in terms of DBP variability (р = 0.07). In 61 (54 %) patients with CD, non-dipper SBP prevailed in the structure of disorders of the daily BP profile, with the highest indicators in moderate CD (55.6 %). The presence of adverse daily DBP profiles — night-peaker (6.2 %) and over-dipper (8.8 %), which prevailed in patients with moderate CD, is hidden behind normal indicators of the daily BP index. Increased average SBP24 (odds ratio (OR) = 3.26, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45–5.35, p < 0.001), DBP24 (OR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.41–4.79, p < 0.001), average HR24 (OR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.32–4.14, p < 0.001), average SBP24 variability (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.11–3.32, p < 0.001) are the main factors of central hemodynamic disorders that increase the risk of developing CD in patients with arrhythmias. Conclusions. The identified associations between cognitive dysfunction, indicators of daily BP monitoring and heart activity are important in the context of their comprehensive accounting for optimizing an individualized approach to patient management and predicting the development of CD.

Evaluation study of single-anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy in the treatment of Chinese obese patients based on efficacy and nutrition

To evaluate the efficacy and nutrition of single-anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) in Chinese obese patients in the first postoperative year. Clinical data of 66 obese patients who underwent SADI-S surgery at China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University from November 2018 to May 2022 were retrospectively collected. The weight, body mass index (BMI), percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), and percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) were recorded at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Moreover, metabolic disease remission and nutrient deficiencies were assessed at 1 year postoperatively. Overall, 66 patients (38 males and 28 females) were recruited, with a mean age of 35 (18–61) years and an average preoperative BMI of 42.94 kg/m2. Before surgery, 38 patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 46 patients had hyperuricemia (HUA), 45 patients had hypertension (HTN), 35 patients had hyperlipidemia, 12 patients had hypercholesterolemia, 12 patients had hyper-low-density lipoproteinemia, and 14 patients had gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms (GERD). All patients had undergone a DaVinci robotic or laparoscopic SADI-S surgery, and none converted to laparotomy or died. Four patients developed postoperative complications and were cured and discharged after conservative treatment or surgical treatment. At 3, 6 and 12 months, the average %EWL was 62.07 ± 26.56, 85.93 ± 27.92, and 106.65 ± 29.65%, %TWL was 22.67 ± 4.94, 32.10 ± 5.18, and 40.56 ± 7.89%, respectively. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), uric acid (UA), triglycerides (TG), blood pressure (BP), and other indexes were significantly lower after one year post-surgery compared with the preoperative period (P < 0.05). The remission rates of T2DM, HUA, HTN, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hyper-low-density lipoproteinemia 1 year after surgery were 100, 65.2, 62.2, 94.3, 100, and100%, respectively. One year after surgery, the remission rate of GERD was 71.4% (10/14), the rate of new occurrence of GERD was 12.1% (8/66), and the overall incidence rate was 18.2% (12/66). Except for vitamin B12(vit B12), the other nutrient indexes were significantly decreased after 1 year of surgery relative to levels before surgery (P < 0.05). The deficiency rates for vitamin A (vit A), vitamin E (vit E), zinc ion (Zn), and folic acid (FA) were higher (45.5, 25.8, 24.2, and 16.7%, respectively); however, there were no related clinical symptoms. SADI-S had significant effects on weight loss and metabolic disease remission. The main nutrient deficiencies after SADI-S were vit A, vit E, Zn, and FA deficiencies. The long-term efficacy and safety of SADI-S warrant further follow-up.

Pre-hypertension and Hypertension Among University Students in Bahrain: A Study of Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors.

In the last 20 years, hypertension has become more common among younger age groups. Based on a global meta-analysis, the combined prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension were 4.0% and 9.7%, respectively. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension among university students and their associated risk factors. Four hundred and eleven students aged between 18 and 25 (196 males and 215 females) were randomly selected to participate from the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences (CMMS) and the College of Business Administration, Bahrain. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire, which gathered information about lifestyle habits. Trained students measured the participant's blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) according to standardized settings. All risk factors were studied according to the study field and their gender. The mean age of the participants was 16.4±0.9 years. Of the total participants, 61.3% (n= 252) were normotensive, 30.7% (n= 126) were pre-hypertensive, and 8% (n= 33) were hypertensive. The prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension was higher in male students, 13.8% (n=27) and 44.9% (n= 88), compared to female students, 2.8% (n=6) and 17.7% (n=38), respectively. The results of the univariate analysis showed an association of hypertension with the field of study, gender, age, BMI, exercise frequency, frequency of eating junk food, and family history of hypertension (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found a significant association between hypertension and pre-hypertension with gender, the field of study, and BMI. The findings of the study revealed that hypertension and pre-hypertension are common among university students in Bahrain. The risk factors for these conditions include studying medicine, being male, and being obese.

Fat-free mass is associated with exercise pressor responses, but not cold pressor responses, in humans: influence of maximal voluntary contraction.

This study examined the contributions of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) to the magnitude of exercise pressor responses in humans. The cumulative blood pressure responses (blood pressure index; BPI) to handgrip exercise (BPIhg), post-exercise-circulatory-occlusion (BPIpeco), and cold-pressor activation (BPIcpt) were collected from 67 individuals grouped by BMI (27.8 ± 7.3 kg/m2), FFM index (FFMi, 29.1 ± 3.8 kg/m2), and FM index (FMi 12.5 ± 4.8 kg/m2) quartiles. BPI responses to HG were also normalized to the time-tension index of HG, providing a relative index of exercise pressor response magnitude (BPInorm). BPIhg and BPIpeco were significantly elevated in the third FFMi quartile (p ≤ 0.034), while BPInorm significantly decreased in the second and fourth quartiles (p ≤ 0.029). In contrast, no differences in BPIcpt were observed across any FFMi, BMI, or FMi quartiles (p ≥ 0.268). FFM was independently associated with BPIhg, BPI-peco, and BPInorm (all p ≤ 0.049), however, FFM was eliminated as an independent predictor when maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was included in these regression models (all p ≥ 0.495). Neither FFM nor MVC was associated with BPIcpt (p ≥ 0.229). These findings indicate that exercise pressor responses, but not cold-pressor responses, are significantly associated with FFM in humans, and that this association is driven by FFM related differences in MVC.

Safety and efficacy of pelvic arterial embolization for primary postpartum hemorrhage in hemodynamically stable and hemodynamically unstable patients: Is it “time” for a paradigm change?

BackgroundPelvic artery embolization (PAE) is an effective and safe technique for treating postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) with hemodynamic stability. However, its use in hemodynamically unstable patients remains controversial. PurposeTo determine the safety and efficacy of pelvic arterial embolization (PAE) according to the hemodynamic state of primary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) patients. MethodsThis cohort study was conducted retrospectively, using data from January 2004 to December 2021, in a resource-rich setting at a tertiary Level 1 trauma academic center. A total of 437 patients were diagnosed with PPH during the study period. Of these 437 patients, 161 with primary PPH who underwent PAE were enrolled in the study. The outcomes assessed included the clinical success rate, mortality, the overall success rate, predictive factors for failed PAE, and time-dependent changes in hemodynamic parameters, such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), and shock index (SI). Propensity score (PS) matching analysis was performed to assess the influence of specific variables or conditions on the outcomes. ResultsOf the 161 patients who underwent PAE for primary PPH (mean age, 32.9 ± 4.3 [SD]), 85 were retrospectively categorized as having hemodynamic stability (mean age, 32.6 ± 4.1 [SD]), while 76 were categorized as having hemodynamic instability (mean age, 33.3 ± 4.4 [SD]). This study showed PAE for primary PPH had a success rate of 91.9 %, with no significant difference in mortality rates between the groups. The clinical success rate was 98.8 % for patients with hemodynamic stability and 84.2 % for those with hemodynamic instability (p < .001). The overall success rate was 98.8 % for hemodynamic stability and 89.5 % for hemodynamic instability (p = .014). After propensity score matching, the clinical success rate was higher in hemodynamically stable patients than in unstable ones (100 % vs. 86.3 %, p = .013). However, there was no significant difference in the overall success rate (100 % vs. 90.2 %, p = .056). Among the PS-matched population, predictive factors for the failed PAE in primary PPH were hemodynamic instability (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 21.22, 95 % CI 1.27-355.76; p = .034) and emergency Cesarean delivery with accompanying hemorrhag (aOR 54.00, 95 % CI 11.93-244.56; p = .008). In three groups within a PS-matched population — hemodynamically stable, unstable with successful outcomes, and unstable with unsuccessful outcomes, a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) analysis for time-dependent changes in hemodynamic parameters revealed a statistically significant difference in SBP, HR, and SI at various time points. ConclusionPelvic arterial embolization of primary postpartum bleeding in hemodynamic instability has been identified as an alternative, safe, and effective life-saving procedure for multidisciplinary treatment in resource-rich environments even after the baseline characteristics are balanced by the PS matching, suggesting it is a primary care option.

Who Benefits and How: Five Dimensions of Adolescent Psychological Well-Being and Their Relative Impact on Cardiometabolic Health in Adulthood

PurposePositive dimensions of psychological well-being in adolescence may help youth preserve cardiometabolic health (CMH) as they age, but little is known about which aspects of well-being matter most and for whom. This study examines the differential impact of five dimensions of adolescent psychological well-being on CMH maintenance in adulthood and considers social patterning in both their distribution and respective health benefits. MethodsData were from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 3,464), five dimensions of psychological well-being were identified at baseline (1994–1995; mean age = 15 years): happiness, optimism, self-esteem, belonging, and feeling loved. CMH was measured using seven biomarkers related to chronic disease risk in 2008 (mean age = 28 years) and 2016–2018 (mean age = 38 years): high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, C-reactive protein, and body mass index. CMH maintenance in adulthood was characterized as having healthy levels of ≥6 biomarkers at each follow-up. ResultsYouth who reported higher levels of belonging in the teen years were more likely to maintain CMH across young adulthood than those who reported lower levels, regardless of one's social standing (ORper 1-standard deviation = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.03–1.46). Associations with other dimensions of well-being were heterogeneous by sex and race and ethnicity, while differences by socioeconomic factors were less apparent. DiscussionFostering belonging through supportive social environments may help set youth on positive health trajectories and prevent chronic disease across the lifespan.

Arm and ankle blood pressure indices, and peripheral artery disease, and mortality: a cohort study.

Few studies have compared arm and ankle blood pressures (BPs) with regard to peripheral artery disease (PAD) and mortality. These relationships were assessed using data from three large prospective clinical trials. Baseline BP indices included arm systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), pulse pressure (arm SBP minus DBP), ankle SBP, ankle-brachial index (ABI, ankle SBP divided by arm SBP), and ankle-pulse pressure difference (APPD, ankle SBP minus arm pulse pressure). These measurements were categorized into four groups using quartiles. The outcomes were PAD (the first occurrence of either peripheral revascularization or lower-limb amputation for vascular disease), the composite of PAD or death, and all-cause death. Among 40 747 participants without baseline PAD (age 65.6 years, men 68.3%, diabetes 50.2%) from 53 countries, 1071 (2.6%) developed PAD, and 4955 (12.2%) died during 5 years of follow-up. Incident PAD progressively rose with higher arm BP indices and fell with ankle BP indices. The strongest relationships were noted for ankle BP indices. Compared with people whose ankle BP indices were in the highest fourth, adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for each lower fourth were 1.64 (1.31-2.04), 2.59 (2.10-3.20), and 4.23 (3.44-5.21) for ankle SBP; 1.19 (0.95-1.50), 1.66 (1.34-2.05), and 3.34 (2.75-4.06) for ABI; and 1.41 (1.11-1.78), 2.04 (1.64-2.54), and 3.63 (2.96-4.45) for APPD. Similar patterns were observed for mortality. Ankle BP indices provided the highest c-statistics and classification indices in predicting future PAD beyond established risk factors. Ankle BP indices including the ankle SBP and the APPD best predicted PAD and mortality.

Impact of Nutrition on Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index of Staff of Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

This study assessed the impacts of nutrition on blood pressure and body mass index of staff of Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology, Port Harcourt. Introduction: The nutritional status of an individual is said to be a measure of the condition of health of an individual as affected or determined by the intake of food and the utilization of nutrients. The nutritional status of an individual should be assessed at regular intervals in order to avert undesirable health problems and complications arising from malnutrition. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and 100 respondents’ were randomly selected and administered with pretested and validated questionnaire. The blood pressure and anthropometric measurement were taken according to standard procedures. Result The result showed that 33.0% of the Respondents’ had normal BM1, 29.0% were overweight, while 38.0% were obese. The result further revealed that BMI increased with advance in age, as 18.0% and 38.0% of the Respondents’ aged 38- 60years had incidence of overweight and obesity respectively. Blood pressure values also showed a similar trend as Respondents’ aged 38 -60 years had 33.0% of Respondents’ have high blood pressure. Correlation coefficient between BMI and income showed a very high relationship (r= 0.9), which indicates that as income increased, BMI also increased. The relationship between income and blood pressure was poor (r = 0.2). However, exercise and blood pressure had a high correlation (r = 0.7). Similarly, alcohol consumption and blood pressure showed a good relationship (r = 0.6).These findings thus reflect the need for enlightenment of the masses on healthy lifestyles through healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and reduction in alcohol consumption in order to minimize the risk of high blood pressure. Conclusion: The study concluded that most of the people with high blood pressure are those with overweight and obesity; and high earning status and high consumption of alcohol could have serious consequences on health, as alcohol is a lifestyle factor related to high blood pressure.

Effect of Prenatal Yoga versus Moderate-Intensity Walking on Cardiorespiratory Adaptation to Acute Psychological Stress: Insights from Non-Invasive Beat-to-Beat Monitoring.

We recently reported enhanced parasympathetic activation at rest throughout pregnancy associated with regular yoga practice. The present study presents a secondary analysis of data collected within a prospective cohort study of 33 pregnant women practicing yoga once weekly throughout pregnancy and 36 controls not involved in formal pregnancy exercise programs. The objective was to assess the impact of prenatal yoga on the autonomic nervous system stress response. Healthy pregnant women with singleton pregnancies were recruited in the first trimester. There was no significant difference in the maternal body mass index (BMI) between the yoga group and the controls (24.06 ± 3.55 vs. 23.74 ± 3.43 kg/m2, p = 0.693). Women practicing yoga were older (28.6 ± 3.9 vs. 31.3 ± 3.5 years, p = 0.005) and more often nulliparous (26 (79%) vs. 18 (50%), p = 0.001). We studied heart rate variability (HRV) parameters in the time domain (SDNN, standard deviation of regular R-R intervals, and RMSSD, square root of mean squared differences of successive R-R intervals) and frequency domain (ln(LF/HF), natural logarithm of low-frequency to high-frequency power), as well as synchronization indices of heart rate, blood pressure and respiration during and immediately following acute psychological stress of a standardized mental challenge test. Measurements were performed once per trimester before and after yoga or a 30 min moderate-intensity walk. Statistical comparison was performed using three-way analyses of variance (p < 0.05 significant). Time domain HRV parameters during and following mental challenge in the yoga group were significantly higher compared to the controls regardless of the trimester (F = 7.22, p = 0.009 for SDNN and F = 9.57, p = 0.003 for RMSSD, respectively). We observed no significant differences in the yoga group vs. the controls in terms of ln(LF/HF) and synchronization indices. Regular prenatal yoga practice was associated with a significantly reduced sympathetic response to mental challenge and quicker recovery after acute psychological stress. These effects persisted throughout pregnancy with regular practice.

The Impact of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation on Secondary Health Outcomes.

Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder that can increase the risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is an alternative therapy for OSA in patients who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure. Understanding the impact of HGNS on blood pressure, hemoglobin A1C (A1C), and body mass index (BMI) currently remains limited. Methods: A retrospective review study of HGNS outcomes at a single practice from January 2020 to November 2022 was conducted. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were based on HGNS eligibility and postoperative titration study. Statistical analysis and data management were performed using statistical software, R (v.4.2.1; R Core Team). Paired Student's T test, Fisher's exact test, and McNemar's exact test were utilized for statistical analysis. P values less than .05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Sixty-three patients were included in this study. A significant decrease in mean apnea-hypopnea index was noted following HGNS (mean change -28; P < .0001). Similar significant decreases were also seen in mean arterial pressures (mean change -8.4, P < .0001). There was a significant change in overall antihypertensive medication requirements and in requirements ≥3 medications (P < .0005, P = .03). There was a trend toward reduction in A1C; however, there was no change in BMI or number of diabetes medications taken. Conclusions: Our results reinforce previous findings that HGNS is an effective treatment option for carefully selected patients with OSA. In addition, our findings suggest that HGNS may improve patients' quality of life while minimizing OSA associated morbidity.

Prognostic value of blood pressure in the acute period of hemispheric ischemic stroke

Aim. To study changes in blood pressure (BP) in patients with acute hemispheric ischemic stroke (AIS), to correlate BP in patients with AIS with BP in patients with chronic brain ischemia, and to study the association of various BP indices with stroke severity and recovery.Material and methods. We included 235 patients with hemispheric AIS (age 64±11 years; women, 41,3%). BP was assessed 6 times as follows: by patient’s self-measurement during the month before the stroke onset, in the ambulance, in the admission department, in the intensive care unit using 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (BPM), in the neurologic department (BPM), and 90 days after stroke. In patients with chronic cerebral ischemia (178 patients, age 62±13 years, 46,1% women), BP was assessed 3 times: by patient’s self-measurement during the month before hospitalization, in the admission department, and in the neurologic department (BPM).Results. Patients with AIS within the month before stroke had higher systolic and pulse pressure than patients with chronic cerebral ischemia. During the acute stroke period, patients with AIS despite reaching target systolic and diastolic BP had significantly increased variability of systolic and diastolic BP compared to patients with chronic brain ischemia. Systolic BP ≥160 mm Hg recorded consecutively in ambulance, in admission department, and in intensive care unit, as well as pulse pressure ≥60 mm Hg, and systolic BP variability ≥18 mm Hg recorded on day 1-2 and day 9-10, positively correlated with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (r≥0,37, p≤0,0017) on day 10 and with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score (r≥0,29, p≤0,006) on day 90.Conclusion. Patients with hemispheric AIS had significantly higher systolic BP and pulse pressure within the month before stroke. During the first 10 days of AIS persistent increase in systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure, and BP variability was associated with more severe stroke and less favorable outcome. These results should be taken into account when administering antihypertensive treatment.

Associations of cholecystectomy with metabolic health changes and incident cardiovascular disease: a retrospective cohort study

Although some studies conducted about the risk of cholecystectomy and cardiovascular disease, there was a limit to explaining the relationship. We investigated the short-term and long-term relationship between cholecystectomy and cardiovascular disease, and evidence using the elements of the metabolic index as an intermediate step. It was a retrospective cohort study and we used the National Health Insurance Service database of South Korea between 2002 and 2015. Finally, 5,210 patients who underwent cholecystectomy and 49,457 at 1:10 age and gender-matched controls of subjects were collected. The main results was estimated by Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for risk of cardiovascular disease after cholecystectomy. Regarding short-term effects of cholecystectomy, increased risk of cardiovascular disease (aHR 1.35, 95% CI 1.15–1.58) and coronary heart disease (aHR 1.77, 95% CI 1.44–2.16) were similarly seen within 2 years of surgery. When analyzing the change in metabolic risk factors, cholecystectomy was associated with a change in systolic blood pressure (adjusted mean [aMean]: 1.51, 95% CI: [− 1.50 to − 4.51]), total cholesterol (aMean − 14.14, [− 20.33 to 7.95]) and body mass index (aMean − 0.13, [− 0.37 to 0.11]). Cholecystectomy patients had elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in the short-term, possibly due to the characteristics of the patient before surgery. The association of cholecystectomy and cardiovascular disease has decreased after 2 years in patients who underwent cholecystectomy, suggesting that because of improvement of metabolic health, cholecystectomy-associated elevation of cardiovascular disease risk may be ameliorated 2 years after cholecystectomy.

Prevalence of Prehypertension, Hypertension, and its Determinants Among Young Adults in Enugu State, Nigeria.

Emerging epidemiological data suggest that Hypertension (HTN) has become a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. HTN in young adults is a problem lacking relevant attention because it is still erroneously considered a disease of the old. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors in undergraduate medical students at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study conducted between March and April 2021. This study recruited 279 consenting medical students (136 males and 143 females) aged 18-35 years. They were administered with a structured questionnaire. Data on sociodemographic information and risk factors for hypertension were collected. Blood pressure, waist circumference, weight, height, and body mass index were measured using standard methods. All data collected were carried out following the Institutional ethical guidelines and that of the Helsinki as revised in 2000. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25, and statistical tools employed include descriptive statistics and Chi tests. Results were recorded as mean standard deviation, and statistical significance was taken at p<0.05. This present study has shown a prevalence rate of 19.93% for hypertension. Isolated diastolic hypertension constituted a greater burden with a prevalence of 13.65% than systolic Hypertension (0.74%) and systolic-diastolic Hypertension 5.4%. The prevalence of prehypertension was 48.7%, with a higher incidence observed in females (25.8%), individuals aged 21-25 years (26.4), and those with normal BMI (35.1%). A significant association was observed between the stage of hypertension and gender (p = 0.005), and age category (p = 0.037). Of the examined cohort, 7.75% were underweight, 16.5% overweight, and 2.2% obese. Notably, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure, weight, as well as waist circumference showed significant (p = 0.01, p = 0.007, p =0.01 and p<0.0001 respectively) increases concomitant with advancing age. There is an increased prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension among young adults. This calls for a comprehensive national screening, public enlightenment, and targeted prevention programs that foster healthy lifestyle behaviours, physical activity, and healthy eating among students.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Efficiency of the Combination of Levamlodipine Besylate and Valsartan in the Treatment of Hypertension

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and efficiency of combining levamlodipine besylate and valsartan in the treatment of hypertension. Methods: This study selected 28 patients with hypertension as observation subjects. The treatment duration ranged from January 2020 to June 2023. Using the random number table method, patients were divided into two groups. The control group received treatment with valsartan, while the observation group received a combination of valsartan and levamlodipine besylate. Therapeutic effects and safety were compared between the groups, and changes in the patient’s blood pressure and renal function index levels were assessed. Results: The total clinical effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P &lt; 0.05). The observation group demonstrated better diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, and renal function indicators compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: The combined treatment of levamlodipine besylate and valsartan in patients with hypertension showed significant clinical efficacy and holds broad application value.

Challenges in clinical identification of right ventricular dysfunction in preterm infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

BackgroundRight ventricular dysfunction, typically qualitatively diagnosed (Q-RVd) in preterm infants, requires echocardiography which is not always acutely available. We aimed to identify clinical indices of Q-RVd in very preterm infants (gestational age, GA <32 weeks) with persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn (PPHN) and examine the reliability and validity of Q-RVd. MethodsForty-seven infants with mean ± SD GA of 26.8 ± 2.7 weeks who had targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE) ≤72 h old, during PPHN, were retrospectively studied. Three standard TNE clips were reviewed by two blinded assessors, and infants categorized as Q-RVd if moderate-severe RVd was diagnosed on ≥2 clips. Cardiopulmonary clinical indices at TNE and quantitative RV functional markers were compared between Q-RVd vs. no-RVd groups. Potential quantitative RVd definitions examined by classifying each measurement as “low” or “normal” using published data. Inter-rater agreement for Q-RVd assessed using Kappa statistics. ResultsMean age at TNE was 25.3 ± 20.4 h with Q-RVd diagnosed in 19(40 %) infants. Q-RVd group demonstrated higher peak oxygen requirements (96 ± 9 % vs. 84 ± 16 %, p < 0.01); however, no clinical parameters at TNE differentiated the groups. Quantitative measures were lower in Q-RVd patients, confirming classification validity. Among tested quantitative definitions, low RV stroke volume was associated with lower systolic blood pressure (41±7 vs. 47±9 mmHg, p = 0.02) and higher shock index (4.02±0.80 vs. 3.44±0.72, p = 0.02). Kappa for Q-RVd was 0.55 (95%CI 0.32–0.77). ConclusionsThe non-specific nature of clinical markers of RVd in preterm infants with PPHN necessitates echocardiographic diagnosis of RVd. Studies should examine prognostic relevance of RVd and establish outcome-based quantitative definitions in preterm infants.

Evaluation of Blood Lactate, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Shock Index, and Their Association with Prognosis in Calves.

Diseases in young calves received as emergencies are often associated with hypovolemic and/or septic shocks. The objectives of our study were to (1) assess the correlation between clinical hemodynamic parameters and blood L-lactates (LAC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and the shock index (SI) recorded upon arrival; and (2) to evaluate how these parameters were related to short-term outcomes in calves under 4 months of age presented as emergencies. We conducted a single-observer prospective observational study on calves aged from 1 day to 4 months, presented to the Veterinary Clinic for Ruminants of Liège from December 2020 to May 2022. Forty-five calves were included in the study. The statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between LAC and heart rate (r = 0.570; p < 0.05) and LAC and SI (r = 0.373; p < 0.05). A high LAC value at admission was significantly associated with a negative outcome (death) (p < 0.05). In calves suffering from obstructive digestive diseases, the SI was related to the outcome and the analysis indicated a cut-off value of 1.13 (Se = 0.77, Spe = 1). In conclusion, in our study, the initial blood L-lactate value was correlated with heart rate, the shock index, and the clinical shock score, and admission hyperlactatemia was associated with a poor prognosis in calves under 4 months of age. In this cohort, the shock index in calves suffering from digestive diseases was linked with mortality.