Blood Pressure Pattern In Patients Research Articles

The relationship between the prognostic nutritional index and non-dipping blood pressure pattern in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension

Aims: It has been suggested that immuno-nutritional status may play a role in blood pressure (BP) variations. This study aimed to investigate whether prognostic nutritional index (PNI) values differ between normotensive individuals and patients with newly diagnosed untreated hypertension (NDHT) and to clarify the relationship between the PNI and circadian BP patterns in NDHT patients.
 Methods: This retrospective study included 328 adult participants, comprising 164 NDHT patients and 164 normotensive individuals. The non-dipper BP pattern (NDP) was defined as a nighttime decline in BP of less than 10%. The PNI was calculated using the following formula: PNI=([10 × serum albumin (g/dL)] + [0.005 × total lymphocyte count]).
 Results: The mean PNI value was lower in the NDHT group than the normotensive group (53.6±6.1 vs. 58.2±5.3, p

Relationships between Easily Available Biomarkers and Non-Dipper Blood Pressure Pattern in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease.

Chronic inflammation plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of both arterial hypertension (HTN) and coronary artery disease (CAD), and is more pronounced in individuals with a non-dipper circadian blood pressure (BP) pattern. A non-dipping BP pattern is in turn is associated with increased cardiovascular morbi-mortality, and a higher risk of atherosclerotic events. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are readily available predictors of systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk. The purpose of our study is to evaluate whether NLR, MLR and PLR can be used as cost-effective predictors of a non-dipping blood pressure pattern in hypertensive patients with stable CAD. We performed a cross-sectional retrospective analysis that included 80 patients with hypertension and stable CAD (mean age 55.51 ± 11.83 years, 71.3% male) referred to a cardiovascular rehabilitation center. All patients underwent clinical examination, 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and standard blood analysis. Baseline demographic characteristics were similar in both groups. Patients with non-dipper pattern had significantly higher NLR (median = 2, IR (2-3), p < 0.001), MLR (median = 0.31, IR (0.23-0.39), p < 0.001) and PLR (median = 175, IR (144-215), p < 0.001) compared to dippers. Our results suggest that MLR and PLR are inexpensive and easily accessible biomarkers that predict a non-dipping pattern in hypertensive patients with stable CAD.

THE EFFECT OF RENAL DENERVATION ON THE CIRCADIAN BLOOD PRESSURE PATTERN IN PATIENTS WITH RESISTANT HYPERTENSION

Objective: Loss of the normal circadian rhythm of blood pressure is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, the activity of the sympathetic nervous system in this context having an important pathophysiological mechanism. So, the objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of sympathetic renal denervation on circadian blood pressure pattern in patients with resistant hypertension. Design and method: The study included 75 patients with resistant hypertension, without comorbidities and mean age of 49.59 ± 0.52 years. After a 3 week standardized treatment with Losartan, Amlodipine and Indapamide patients were randomly assigned into three equal groups, depending on medication supplemented to the previously administered: I M group (n = 25) – Moxonidine, II B group (n = 25) - Bisoprolol and III D group (n = 25) – renal artery denervation. AMBP was done at baseline and 6 months follow-up. Renal denervation was performed using Medtronic Spyral catheters. Results: At baseline, most patients presented a non-dipper pathological profile for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (Table 1). At 6 months of evaluation, the improvement of the diurnal profile was recorded in all three observational groups, renal denervation demonstrating a net superior effect compared to the SNS-blockers. In this way, towards the end of the study the dipper profile for SBP was recorded in 5 (20%), 4 (16%) and 10 (40%) patients, non-dipper – in 19 (76%), 21 (84%) and 15 (60%) patients from I M, II B and III D groups, respectively; night-picker pattern was noted in 1 (4%) patient from I M group, over-dipper profile not being registered (p &gt; 0.05, x2 = 6.28). Circadian DBP pattern noted the disappearance of pathological profiles night-picker and over-dipper, non-dipper being registered in 19 (76%), 18 (72%) and 16 (64%) patients, the physiological dipper profile was recovered by 6 (24%), 7 (28%) and 9 (36%) patients from I M, II B and III D groups, respectively (p &gt; 0.05, x2 = 0.90). Conclusions: Renal denervation has shown efficacy in improving the circadian diurnal profile, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with resistant hypertension.

Fibrosis-4 index: A new marker to predict non-dipper blood pressure pattern in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension

Introduction: Epicardial fat tissue (EFT) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate whether there is a relationship between the fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4 index) and EFT in newly-diagnosed hypertensive patients and explore the usability of the FIB-4 index in predicting non-dipper blood pressure (BP) pattern. Materials and methods: Our case–control study consisted of 210 patients in 3 groups according to BP values, namely normotensive, dipper, and non-dipper groups. Transthoracic echocardiography and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring were performed in all patients. Results: The median FIB-4 index was higher in the non-dipper group [1.56 (1.10-2)] than in the dipper [1 (0.71-1.32)] and normotensive groups [0.96 (0.69-1.32)] (p &lt; 0.001, for both). A positive correlation was observed between EFT and the FIB-4 index (r=0.389, p&lt;0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, EFT (odds ratio (OR): 0.506, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.288-2.135; p&lt;0.001) and FIB-4 index (OR: 1.099, 95% CI: 1.621–5.556; p&lt;0.001) were found to be independent predictors of non-dipper BP. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the FIB-4 index had 68% sensitivity and 72% specificity at a value &gt;1.25 (area under the curve: 0.751, 95%CI: 0.679-0.823, p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: In newly-diagnosed hypertensive people, the FIB-4 index is related to non-dipper BP patterns. FIB-4 index appears to be a helpful tool in assessing risk associated with cardiovascular disease.

The relationship between mean platelet volume and reverse dipping blood pressure pattern in patients with essential hypertension

ABSTRACT Objective An association between increased mean platelet volume (MPV) and cardiovascular events is well established. Recent studies suggest that a nondipper blood pressure pattern is closely related to increased MPV. Because little information has been revealed about the relationship between reverse dipper hypertension (RDHT) and MPV, we aimed to investigate this relation. Methods A total of 317 patients were retrospectively evaluated by analyzing the records of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Patients were categorized into three groups according to their ABPM values as RDHT (n = 63), non-dipper hypertension (NDHT) (n = 95), and dipper hypertension (DHT) groups (n = 159). MPV and biochemical analyses were recorded from the hospital database. Results The largest MPV was found in patients with RDHT, followed by patients with NDHT and DHT group (9.1 ± 0.4 fl, 8.8 ± 0.6 fl, and 8.6 ± 0.5 fl, respectively, for all p < .05). MPV was positively correlated with mean 24-hour systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean 24-hour diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean daytime SBP, mean nighttime SBP and mean nighttime DBP. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, MPV (OR 1.761, 95% CI 1.329 to 2.334, p = .001) and age (OR 1.065, 95% CI 1.019 to 1.113, p = .001) were found to be associated with RDHT. ROC curve analysis of MPV for prediction of RDHT showed that at the cutoff value of >9,1 fl with a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 69%, respectively (AUC = 0.696 ± 0.035, 95% CI: 0.627–0.764). Our data show that the RDHT pattern is associated with increased MPV values in patients with essential hypertension.

Blood Pressure Patterns in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review.

(1) Background: Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is a non-motor feature in Parkinson’s disease with negative impact on functionality and life expectancy, prompting early detection and proper management. We aimed to describe the blood pressure patterns reported in patients with Parkinson’s disease, as measured by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. (2) Methods: We conducted a systematic search on the PubMed database. Studies enrolling patients with Parkinson’s disease undergoing 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were included. Data regarding study population, Parkinson’s disease course, vasoactive drugs, blood pressure profiles, and measurements were recorded. (3) Results: The search identified 172 studies. Forty studies eventually fulfilled the inclusion criteria, with 3090 patients enrolled. Abnormal blood pressure profiles were commonly encountered: high blood pressure in 38.13% of patients (938/2460), orthostatic hypotension in 38.68% (941/2433), supine hypertension in 27.76% (445/1603) and nocturnal hypertension in 38.91% (737/1894). Dipping status was also altered often, 40.46% of patients (477/1179) being reverse dippers and 35.67% (310/869) reduced dippers. All these patterns were correlated with negative clinical and imaging outcomes. (4) Conclusion: Patients with Parkinson’s disease have significantly altered blood pressure patterns that carry a negative prognosis. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring should be validated as a biomarker of PD-associated cardiovascular dysautonomia and a tool for assisting therapeutic interventions.

Evaluation of Dipper and Non-dipper Blood Pressure Patterns and Quality of Life Among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

ResumoFundamento O padrão pressórico não-dipper é definido por uma redução inferior a 10% na pressão arterial noturna e está associado a doenças cardiovasculares. Acredita-se que a inflamação desempenhe um papel na patogênese da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) e no padrão pressórico não-dipper e ambas as doenças estão associadas a uma qualidade de vida mais baixa.Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi o de investigar os efeitos do padrão pressórico não-dipper em pacientes com DPOC.Métodos Foi realizado um estudo transversal incluindo 142 pacientes com DPOC. O Questionário Respiratório de Saint George e a Escala de Qualidade de Vida Euro foram utilizados para a coleta de dados. Para entender a rigidez arterial, o índice de aumento e a velocidade da onda de pulso foram medidos; subsequentemente, foi realizada a monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial de 24 horas. Foi aplicado um modelo de regressão logística multivariável para entender a relação entre as diferentes variáveis independentes e o padrão pressórico. Foram considerados estatisticamente significativos valores de p inferiores a 0,05.Resultados Como resultado, 76,1% (n = 108) dos pacientes apresentaram o padrão pressórico não-dipper. Os pacientes com padrão não-dipper apresentaram valores mais altos de proteína C reativa (OR: 1,123; IC 95%: 1,016;1,242), índice de aumento (OR: 1,057; IC 95%: 1,011;1,105) e pontuação total no Questionário Respiratório de Saint George (OR: 1,021; IC 95%: 1,001;1,042), em comparação com os pacientes com padrão dipper. Adicionalmente, com o aumento do número de pessoas que habitavam o domicílio, verificou-se que o padrão pressórico não-dipper era mais frequente (OR: 1,339; IC 95%:1,009;1,777).Conclusão O padrão pressórico não-dipper pode aumentar o risco cardiovascular ao desencadear a inflamação e pode afetar adversamente o prognóstico da DPOC diminuindo a qualidade de vida relacionada à doença. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

The Relationship of Non-dipper Blood Pressure Pattern with the Fragmented QRS Morphology on ECG and the Role of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the fragmented QRS (fQRS) morphology and hematological markers and non-dipper blood pressure patterns in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials and Methods: Sixty-five patients with PCOS between the ages of and 18-40 years were included in the study. Control and patients were compared in terms of laboratory findings, electrocardiograms, and holter results. Results: In the PCOS, non-dipper patterns in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were more common, but only the non-dipper pattern showed significance in systolic blood pressure (p=0.007). In both groups, the non-dipper blood pressure was more frequent in those with fragmented QRS. Neutrophil (p=0.01), lymphocyte (p=0.002), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(p

PENERAPAN MENDENGARKAN MUROTTAL Q.S. AR RAHMAN TERHADAP POLA TEKANAN DARAH PADA PASIEN HIPERTENSI DI RSUD UNGARAN

Hypertension is a medical condition in which the systole and diastole pressure abnormally elevate. Q.S. Ar Rahman Murottal is a complementary therapy for lowering blood pressure. This case study aims at describe the effect of Q.S. Ar Rahman Murottal therapy on the blood pressure pattern in patients with hypertension at RSUD Ungaran. The method of this study is descriptive. The subjects of this case study are two Moslem patients with hypertension who have no hearing problems. The data are collected through observation and measurement by using medical tools such as sphygmomanometer and stethoscope before and after the therapy. The result of this study shows that the blood pressure in Subject I decreases from 150/90 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg, while in Subject II the blood pressure decreases from 160/90 mmHg to 120/90 mmHg. It means that Q.S. Ar Rahman Murottal therapy is effective in lowering the blood pressure in patients with hypertension at RSUD Ungaran. It is hoped that this case study can be the beginning of extensive researches in Q.S. Ar Rahman Murottal in lowering the blood pressure in hypertension patients. Hopefully, Ungaran Hospital will make Q.S. Ar Rahman Murottal as an SOP to be given to hypertension as a nonpharmacological therapy for pharmacological therapy.

Long-Term Peridialytic Blood Pressure Patterns in Patients Treated by Hemodialysis and Hemodiafiltration

IntroductionOnline postdilution hemodiafiltration (HDF) is associated with a lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality than hemodialysis (HD). This may depend on a superior peridialytic (pre- and postdialysis, and the difference between these 2 parameters) hemodynamic profile.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort analysis of individual participant data (IPD) from 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 2011), the effect of HDF and HD on 2-year peridialytic blood pressure (BP) patterns was assessed. Long-term peridialytic systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and pulse pressure (PP), as well as the deltas (post- minus predialytic) were assessed in the total group of patients. Thereafter, these variables were compared between patients on HD and HDF, and in the latter group between quartiles of convection volume.ResultsMean pre- and postdialysis SBP, DBP, and MAP declined significantly during follow-up (predialytic: SBP −2.16 mm Hg, DBP −2.88 mm Hg, MAP −2.64 mm Hg), PP increased (predialytic 0.96 mm Hg). Peridialytic deltas remained unaltered. Differences between the 2 modalities, or between quartiles of convection volume were not observed. BP changes were independent of various baseline characteristics, including the decline in body weight over time.ConclusionWe speculate that the combination of a decreasing SBP and an increasing PP may be the clinical sequelae of a worsening cardiovascular system. Because especially HDF with a high convection volume has been associated with a beneficial effect on survival, our study does not support the view that superior peridialytic BP control contributes to this effect.

Impacts of Coronary Artery Calcification on Intradialytic Blood Pressure Patterns in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis.

Intradialytic blood pressure abnormalities are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis. Vascular calcification is a common complicating feature, but whether this complication results in intradialytic blood pressure abnormalities remains uncertain. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between coronary artery calcium score and intradialytic blood pressure abnormalities in patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis. Thirty-six patients who received nongated chest computed tomography scans were included. Intradialytic hypotension was defined as a minimum intradialytic systolic blood pressure of <100 mmHg or a pre-dialysis blood pressure – minimum intradialytic systolic blood pressure >30 mmHg. Intradialytic hypertension was defined as >10 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure (pre- to post-dialysis). Patients were classified as 22 (61.1%) with coronary artery calcium score <400 and 14 (38.9%) with coronary artery calcium score ≥400. Median systolic and diastolic blood pressures were equivalent, but median pulse pressure was higher in patients with coronary artery calcium score ≥400 than in those with scores <400. Coronary artery calcium score was comparable according to both intradialytic hypotension and hypertension, and had no correlation with systolic blood pressure fall and nadir systolic blood pressure. Coronary artery calcium score predicted the occurrence of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 1.001 and 1.001; p=0.058 and 0.010). Coronary vascular calcification could be irrelevant to intradialytic blood pressure abnormalities in patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis.

P286 Inverse relation between systolic blood pressure variability and global longitudinal strain in patients with Parkinson"s disease and autonomic dysfunction

Abstract Background Parkinson"s disease (PD) patients often present cardiac blood pressure (BP) derangement as a result of autonomic dysfunction. However their echocardiography pattern have been poorly investigated yet . Study aim: to evaluate the correlation between indices of left ventricular function ad 24/h blood pressure pattern in patients with PD Methods We evaluated 20 patients with diagnosed PD and autonomic dysfunction and 15 hypertensive age-matched subjects. All patients performed 24/h blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and echocardiography. Left ventricular systolic function was evaluated through ejection fraction (EF), tissue doppler S wave and global longitudinal strain (GLS). BP variability (BPV) was evaluated through average real variability. Results GLS (17.6 vs 22.8; p = 0.04) was reduced in the PD group compared to hypertensive patients. Conversely EF and S wave was similar between the two groups. Patients with PD had an inverse significant correlation between GLS and 24/h systolic BPV (r= -0.64; p = 0.003) and a trend through significance between S wave and systolic BPV (r= -0.31; p = 0.07). sNocturnal diastolic BP was inversely related to GLS (r= -0.44; p = 0.001) . There were no correlation between GLS and BPV and values in hypertensive patients. Conclusions In PD patients GLS is related to indices of poor BP control. GLS appears to be an early detector of LV dysfunction in patients with PD and autonomic dysfunction.

Impact of renal denervation on 24-hour blood pressure pattern in patients with resistant hypertension

Aim. To estimate the dynamics of 24-hour blood pressure pattern in patients with resistant hypertension after renal denervation in comparison with the conservative treatment group.Methods. We enrolled 45 patients (21 men and 24 women, mean age 53 (43-66) years) with resistant hypertension. Renal denervation was performed in 25 patients using Vessix renal denervation system while the conservative treatment group included 20 patients. Monitoring of 24-hour blood pressure pattern was performed before renal denervation and after 1 year of follow-up.Results. Twelve months after renal denervation, patients with resistant hypertension had a significant reduction in office blood pressure (33 and 15 mmHg for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively) and 24-hour average blood pressure (29 and 12 mmHg, for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively). Another beneficial effect of renal denervation was a decrease in systolic blood pressure variability both throughout the day and at night (6 (5-12) and 7 (7-10) mmHg, respectively); however, no changes in diastolic blood pressure variability have been registered. Despite renal denervation did not affect the morning blood pressure surge, morning systolic blood pressure reduced from 174 (130180) mmHg to 156 (130-165) mmHg. After 1 year of follow-up, the proportion of dippers increased from 16 to 44%. In contrast to the patients who underwent renal denervation, there were no significant changes in 24-hour blood pressure pattern in the conservative treatment group.Conclusion. After 1 year of follow-up, renal denervation can be considered as an option superior to conservative treatment in patients with resistant hypertension, as it significantly improved 24-hour blood pressure pattern.

The Association between a 24-Hour Blood Pressure Pattern and Circadian Change in Plasma Aldosterone Concentration for Patients with Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma.

The absence of nocturnal blood pressure (BP) decline is associated with hypertensive complications. Data regarding circadian BP patterns in patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) are limited and equivocal. We evaluated the circadian BP profile in patients with APA and its relationship with the circadian aldosterone rhythm. BP in patients with APA and in those with essential hypertension (EH) were assessed through in-hospital 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Over a 24-h in-hospital period, plasma aldosterone levels taken at midnight, 0400, 0800, 1200, 1600, and 2000 h were measured. To evaluate a correlation between BP and hormone rhythm, we included 27 patients with APA (APA group) and 27 patients with EH (EH group). Both groups had similar age, sex ratio, body mass index, duration of hypertension, family history of hypertension, and lipid profiles. The day-night BP differences in both patient groups were similar, whether expressed as absolute values or percentages. The proportions of patients with dipping BP profiles were also comparable (APA group, 5 of 27; EH group, 7 of 27; χ2 = 0.429; P = 0.513). At each time point, APA group plasma aldosterone concentrations (PACs) were higher than those of the EH group. A circadian change in relation to PAC was observed in both groups. A correlation between PAC and BP was statistically nonsignificant in most study patients in either group. Our data indicated that the circadian BP pattern was not associated with a change in PAC levels in patients with APA.

The association between circulating endostatin and a disturbed circadian blood pressure pattern in patients with type 2 diabetes

Background: Endostatin, cleaved from collagen XVIII in the extracellular matrix, is a promising circulating biomarker for cardiovascular damage. It possesses anti-angiogenic and anti-fibrotic functions and has even been suggested to be involved in blood pressure regulation. Less is known if endostatin levels relate to circadian blood pressure patterns. In the present paper we studied the association between circulating levels of endostatin and nocturnal dipping in blood pressure.Methods: We used the CARDIPP-study, a cohort of middle aged, type 2 diabetics (n = 593, 32% women), with data on both 24-hour and office blood pressure, serum-endostatin, cardiovascular risk factors, and incident major cardiovascular events. Nocturnal dipping was defined as a >10% difference between day- and night-time blood pressures.Results: Two-hundred four participants (34%) were classified as non-dippers. The mean endostatin levels were significantly higher in non-dippers compared to dippers (mean ± standard deviation: 62.6 ± 1.8 µg/l vs. 58.7 ± 1.6 µg/l, respectively, p = .007). Higher serum levels of endostatin were associated with a diminished decline in nocturnal blood pressure adjusted for age, sex, HbA1c, mean systolic day blood pressure, hypertension treatment, glomerular filtration rate, and prevalent cardiovascular disease (regression coefficient per SD increase of endostatin −0.01, 95% CI, −0.02–(−0.001), p = .03). Structural equation modelling analyses suggest that endostatin mediates 7% of the association between non-dipping and major cardiovascular events.Conclusion: We found an independent association between higher circulating levels of endostatin and a reduced difference between day- and night-time systolic blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes. Yet endostatin mediated only a small portion of the association between non-dipping and cardiovascular events arguing against a clinical utility of our findings.

Comparison of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Patterns in Patients With Intradialytic Hypertension and Hemodialysis Controls

Background/Aims: Intradialytic hypertension (IH) patients have higher mortality risk than other hemodialysis patients and have been shown to have higher ambulatory blood pressure (BP). We hypothesized that interdialytic BP patterns would differ in IH patients and hypertensive hemodialysis controls. Methods: We consecutively screened hemodialysis patients at our university-affiliated units. Based on pre and post-HD BP measurements during the prior 2 week period, we identified IH patients and demographically matched hemodialysis controls. We measured ambulatory interdialytic BP, flow-mediated vasodilation, and intradialytic endothelin-1 (ET-1). Using linear mixed-models, we compared BP slopes during the following intervals: 1-24 hours post-dialysis, 25-44 hours post-dialysis, and 1-44 hours post-dialysis. Results: There were 25 case subjects with IH and 24 controls. Systolic BP during hours 1-44, 1-24, and 25-44 were 143.1 (16.5), 138.0 (21.2), and 150.8 (22.3) mmHg in controls. For IH subjects, they were 155.4 (14.2), 152.7 (22.8), and 156.5 (20.8) mmHg (p=0.008, 0.02, 0.4). In controls, the slopes were +0.6, +0.6, and +0.4 mmHg/hr. In IH subjects, they were +0.1, -0.3, and +0.3 mmHg/hr. The IH 1-24 hour slope differed from the IH 25-44 hour slope (p=0.001) and the control 1-24 hour slope (p=0.002). The change in ET-1 from pre to post dialysis was 0.5 (1.5) pg/mL in controls and 1.0 (2.3) pg/mL in IH patients (p=0.4). In a univariate model, there was an association with screening BP and BP slope (p=0.002 for controls and p=0.1 for IH patients). Conclusions: Interdialytic BP patterns differ in IH patients and hemodialysis controls. The elevated post dialysis blood pressure persists for many hours in IH patients contributing to the overall increased BP burden.

New inflammatory markers for prediction of non-dipper blood pressure pattern in patients with essential hypertension: Serum YKL-40/Chitinase 3-like protein 1 levels and echocardiographic epicardial adipose tissue thickness

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether YKL-40 levels and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness were associated with non-dipping pattern in essential hypertension (HT). Age- and sex-matched 40 dipper hypertensive patients and 40 non-dipper hypertensive patients were included in the study. Non-dippers had significantly increased EAT thickness and higher YKL-40 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels than dippers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the EAT thickness and serum levels of YKL-40 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were independent predictors of non-dipping pattern in essential HT. In essential HT, presence of non-dipping pattern is associated with increased inflammatory response.

Impaired aldosterone response to the saline infusion test in patients with resistant hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea

Background In this cross-sectional study, we sought associations among severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and blood pressure patterns in patients with resistant hypertension. Material and methods In 65 patients with resistant hypertension we measured the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) by a portable sleep recorded system and aldosterone and plasma renin activity (PRA) in response to saline infusion test. We also collected data on cardiovascular events, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes and performed 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Results Baseline PRA, aldosterone and aldosterone-to-renin ratio were within normal range but aldosterone level in response to saline infusion was increased above normal upper limit. In ABPM, 68% of patients had an altered pattern of blood pressure (non-dipping or reverse dipping). AHI was inversely correlated with PRA and positively with weight, BMI, plasma aldosterone, aldosterone to renin ratio, and aldosterone after saline load but not with blood pressure. Patients with severe OSA (AHI > 30) in comparison to those with mild OSA (AHI 5–15) had significantly higher PRA and aldosterone (baseline and after saline load) but comparable values of blood pressure. We did not find significant impact of OSA severity on the frequency of abnormal blood pressure patterns. Frequencies of diabetes, abnormal lipid profiles, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke increased with increases in severity of OSA. Conclusions Despite of normal basal PRA and aldosterone concentration, patients with resistant hypertension and OSA had impaired response to saline load and a rate of this impairment depended on the severity of OSA.

Does Abnormal Circadian Blood Pressure Pattern Really Matter in Patients With Transient Ischemic Attack or Minor Stroke?

Patients with stroke are more likely to have impaired autonomic nervous function and abnormal circadian blood pressure (BP) patterns. It remains unclear whether circadian BP patterns in patients with transient ischemic attack or minor stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≤3) differ from those in the normal population. Participants were assessed using a 24-hour ambulatory BP monitor and a short-term measurement of heart rate variability. There were 76 patients (mean age, 67.2 years; 57.9% men; and 61.8% transient ischemic attack) and 82 controls (65.6 years; 54.9% men). A history of hypertension was more prevalent in patients (72.4%; controls 48.8%). Circadian BP patterns were distributed similarly among patients and controls, and heart rate variability was also consistent between patients and controls. In contrast to previous findings among patients with acute stroke, patients with transient ischemic attack or minor stroke had similar BP patterns and autonomic nervous system function, when compared with controls.

Effect of CPAP on Blood Pressure in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Resistant Hypertension

More than 70% of patients with resistant hypertension have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, there is little evidence about the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. To assess the effect of CPAP treatment on blood pressure values and nocturnal blood pressure patterns in patients with resistant hypertension and OSA. Open-label, randomized, multicenter clinical trial of parallel groups with blinded end point design conducted in 24 teaching hospitals in Spain involving 194 patients with resistant hypertension and an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 15 or higher. Data were collected from June 2009 to October 2011. CPAP or no therapy while maintaining usual blood pressure control medication. The primary end point was the change in 24-hour mean blood pressure after 12 weeks. Secondary end points included changes in other blood pressure values and changes in nocturnal blood pressure patterns. Both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol analyses were performed. A total of 194 patients were randomly assigned to receive CPAP (n = 98) or no CPAP (control; n = 96). The mean AHI was 40.4 (SD, 18.9) and an average of 3.8 antihypertensive drugs were taken per patient. Baseline 24-hour mean blood pressure was 103.4 mm Hg; systolic blood pressure (SBP), 144.2 mm Hg; and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), 83 mm Hg. At baseline, 25.8% of patients displayed a dipper pattern (a decrease of at least 10% in the average nighttime blood pressure compared with the average daytime blood pressure). The percentage of patients using CPAP for 4 or more hours per day was 72.4%. When the changes in blood pressure over the study period were compared between groups by ITT, the CPAP group achieved a greater decrease in 24-hour mean blood pressure (3.1 mm Hg [95% CI, 0.6 to 5.6]; P = .02) and 24-hour DBP (3.2 mm Hg [95% CI, 1.0 to 5.4]; P = .005), but not in 24-hour SBP (3.1 mm Hg [95% CI, -0.6 to 6.7]; P = .10) compared with the control group. Moreover, the percentage of patients displaying a nocturnal blood pressure dipper pattern at the 12-week follow-up was greater in the CPAP group than in the control group (35.9% vs 21.6%; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.4 [95% CI, 1.2 to 5.1]; P = .02). There was a significant positive correlation between hours of CPAP use and the decrease in 24-hour mean blood pressure (r = 0.29, P = .006), SBP (r = 0.25; P = .02), and DBP (r = 0.30, P = .005). Among patients with OSA and resistant hypertension, CPAP treatment for 12 weeks compared with control resulted in a decrease in 24-hour mean and diastolic blood pressure and an improvement in the nocturnal blood pressure pattern. Further research is warranted to assess longer-term health outcomes. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00616265.