Cardiovascular Parameters Research Articles

Haemorrheological Proprties of Blood in Phases of Menstrual Cycle in Female Undergraduate Students in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Blood flow pattern among various women in different location of the world had been noted to vary significantly with some anthropometric variations, geospatial locations, age, BMI and cardiovascular parameters. As a result, this study therefore investigated the flow properties of blood during menstrual cycle in female undergraduate students in Port Harcourt as a baseline study with a view of establishing local reference data for Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: 125 volunteers were recruited into the study using stratified random sampling techniques and were administered well-structured questionnaires. Their blood samples were collected and haemorheological properties (Whole Blood Viscosity, Plasma Viscosity, ESR and haematocrits) were analysed against various phases of menstrual cycle namely: menstruation, follicular, ovulation and luteal phases among female undergraduate students in Port Harcourt. Results and Discussions: Result of the study when compared with the WHO standard references showed a significant (ρ≤0.05) difference in ESR, PV, WBV and ESR for menstruation and follicular phases while HCT was not significant with ovulation and luteal phases. Flow properties was also significant (ρ≤0.05) with ages (16-23, 24-30 and ≥31) years as compared with the WHO Control. BMI and blood pressure was also significant (ρ≤0.05) with Haemorrheological properties of blood. Conclusion: The study therefore concluded that there is a significant (ρ≤0.05) correlation between flow properties of blood and phases of menstrual cycle among university students in Port Harcourt, Nigeria as compared with the WHO standard values.

Reference ranges for third-trimester maternal cardiovascular function parameters measured in normotensive pregnant women using a non-invasive cardiac output monitor: A study based on data from the prospective PEACH cohort study.

We defined reference ranges for maternal cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, and stroke volume measured in the third trimester of pregnancy using the Ultrasound Cardiac Output Monitor 1A. Based on data from the prospective PEACH (PreEclampsia, Angiogenesis, Cardiac dysfunction and Hypertension) cohort study. Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark. Normotensive pregnant women aged 18-45 years with singleton pregnancies, enrolled in the PEACH study in 2016-2018. We modelled cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance and stroke volume as a function of gestational age using multilevel linear models with fractional polynomials. Unconditional and conditional reference ranges for cardiovascular parameters measured in gestational weeks 28-40. Our study cohort included 405 healthy pregnant women who contributed 1210 cardiovascular function measurements for analysis. Maximum cardiac output and stroke volume values were measured in gestational weeks 30-32 and decreased over the third trimester, whereas systemic vascular resistance increased during the same period. We created reference ranges for eight combinations of maternal height, age and parity. We also created a simple calculator to allow for implementation of the reference ranges in clinical practice. Our reference ranges allow the use of a bedside ultrasound device to non-invasively assess cardiac function in pregnancy and identify women at risk of complications. The unconditional ranges allow clinicians to evaluate isolated measurements and identify women needing follow-up. The conditional ranges incorporate information from previous measurements and improve monitoring over time.

Beetroot juice, exercise, and cardiovascular function in women planning to conceive.

Prepregnancy optimization of cardiovascular function may reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia. We aimed to assess the feasibility and effect of preconception cardiovascular monitoring, exercise, and beetroot juice on cardiovascular parameters in women planning to conceive. Prospective single-site, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Thirty-two women, aged 18-45 years, were allocated into one of four arms (1 : 1 : 1 : 1): exercise, beetroot juice, exercise plus beetroot juice and no intervention for 12 weeks. Blood pressure (BP) was measured at home daily. Cardiac output ( CO ) and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were assessed via bio-impedance. Twenty-nine out of 32 (91%) participants completed the study. Adherence to daily BP and weight measurements were 81% and 78%, respectively ( n = 29). Eight out of 15 (53%) of participants did not drink all the provided beetroot juice because of forgetfulness and taste. After 12 weeks, exercise was associated with a reduction in standing TPR (-278 ± 0.272 dynes s cm -5 , P < 0.05), and an increase in standing CO (+0.88 ± 0.71 l/min, P < 0.05). Exercise and beetroot juice together was associated with a reduction in standing DBP ( 7 ± 6 mmHg, P < 0.05), and an increase in standing CO (+0.49 ± 0.66 l/min, P < 0.05). The control group showed a reduction in standing TPR ( 313 ± 387 dynes s cm -5 ) and standing DBP ( 8 ± 5mmHg). All groups gained weight. Exercise and beetroot juice in combination showed a signal towards improving cardiovascular parameters. The control group showed improvements, indicating that home measurement devices and regular recording of parameters are interventions in themselves. Nevertheless, interventions before pregnancy to improve cardiovascular parameters may alter the occurrence of hypertensive conditions during pregnancy and require further investigation in adequately powered studies.

Blood pressure and electrocardiographic profile of children with sickle cell anaemia in steady-state and vaso-occlusive crisis.

To compare the cardiovascular features of patients with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in steady-state with those in vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) at the Wesley Guild Hospital (WGH). A descriptive cross-sectional, matched, case-control study among children with SCA at the WGH, a tertiary health facility in southwest Nigeria. The participants were recruited from the children's emergency unit and paediatric haematology clinic of the WGH. Consisted of 93 children with VOC (cases) and 93 age and sex-matched in steady state (controls), aged 5 - 15 years. Cardiovascular parameters, including pulse rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiographic profile, were assessed and compared using the appropriate statistical tests. The mean (SD) age of the cases and controls were 8.8 (3.2) years and 9.0 (3.1) years, respectively (p= 0.106). There was no significant difference in the mean height of the groups. The mean pulse rate, diastolic, systolic, and mean arterial pressures were significantly higher in the cases than in the controls. A significantly higher proportion of the cases than the controls also had a higher frequency of heart blocks, prolonged QTc interval, ST elevation or depression, and T wave abnormality (p = 0.018, 0.039, 0.041, 0.009, respectively). The prevalence of chamber enlargements was not significantly different between the two groups. Cardiovascular dysfunction is worse during VOC when compared with steady state. Physicians should look for these dysfunctions in SCA children with VOC to reduce mortality from the disease. None declared.

Pneumocephalus and meningoencephalitis as a complication of otitis media in a dog

AbstractA 3‐year‐old Maltese dog presented with vestibular signs that worsened after a grass seed was removed from the right external ear canal. Neurological examination was suggestive of a brainstem lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head was performed, and findings were consistent with infectious meningoencephalitis and otogenic pneumocephalus secondary to intracranial extension of right otitis media. A culture of the right middle ear effusion yielded Staphylococcus epidermidis. The dog was euthanased under general anaesthesia due to worsening of the cardiovascular and respiratory parameters. Pneumocephalus in dogs has been described secondary to surgery, trauma, meningocele and meningoencephalocele. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report describing otogenic pneumocephalus in a dog.

Acute effects of energy drink consumption on cardiovascular parameters in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Energy drinks (EDs) are beverages that contain ingredients that may pose a risk to consumers' cardiovascular health. But current evidence is conflicting and warrants further investigation. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on studies that examined the acute effects of ED consumption on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), resting heart rate, cardiac output (CO), endothelial function, and QT/QTc interval in healthy adults. The databases PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, LILACS, Web of Science, SportDiscus, and the gray literature were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two independent evaluators screened 2014 studies and extracted relevant data from those selected for the analysis. A risk of bias assessment was also performed with the RoB 2 tool and a strength of evidence assessment was performed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). A total of 17 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. With regard to risk of bias, 11 studies were rated as having "some concerns" and 6 as "high risk of bias." The consumption of EDs increased SBP, DBP, and CO in different time frames. More pronounced effects were seen on SBP at 60-80 minutes (4.71 mmHg; 95% CI: 2.97-6.45; GRADE: moderate), DBP at 120 minutes (4.51 mmHg; 95% CI: 2.60-6.42; GRADE: low), and CO at 30-40 minutes after consumption (0.43 L; 95% CI: 0.08-0.77; GRADE: very low). The effects of ED consumption on resting heart rate and QT/QTc interval were not significant (P ≤ 0.05). The assessment of endothelial function effects was not performed due to the absence of any RCTs meeting the inclusion criteria. Acute consumption of EDs increases SBP, DBP, and CO in healthy adults. However, no alterations were observed in other cardiovascular parameters. The results should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of studies included in the analysis. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022295335.

Altered Cardiac Autonomic Regulation in Individuals with Myasthenia Gravis-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to determine differences in cardiovascular autonomic parameters between patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and healthy controls (HCs). Two reviewers searched four electronic databases, namely PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and SCOPUS, from database inception to 7 July 2023 for studies investigating cardiovascular autonomic parameters in MG vs. HCs. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to compute Hedges' g ± 95% confidence intervals (CI). Out of a total of 2200 records, 8 observational studies with a sample size of 301 patients with MG and 454 HCs were included in the systematic review. Meta-analysis revealed lower values of expiration/inspiration ratio (g = -0.45, I2 = 74.7), baroreflex sensitivity (g = -0.56, 95%CI -0.80, -0.33; I2 = 0.3), percentage of adjacent NN intervals differing by more than 50 ms (g = -1.2, I2 = 82.8), square root of the mean of squared differences between successive beat intervals (g = -1.94, I2 = 95.1), mean of the standard deviations of all NN intervals (g = -0.83, 95%CI -1.37, -0.28; I2 = 55.5), and high frequency of HRV during tilt (g = -0.75, 95%CI -0.11, -0.39; I2 = 0). MG patients vs. HCs had higher systolic blood pressure (g = 0.39; I2 = 56.1), sympathovagal balance at rest/during tilt (LF/HF-RRIsupine, g = 0.44; I2 = 0; LF/HF-RRItilt, g = 0.86; I2 = 0; LF/HFtilt, g = 0.40; I2 = 0). As a group, MG patients have altered cardiac autonomic function, including decreased parasympathetic function, lower baroreflex sensitivity, and higher sympathovagal balance at rest and during orthostatic challenges.

Cardiovascular Response to Head Down Crooked Kneeling Position Among Type 2 Diabetic Patient

Background: Factors like emotions, lifestyle choices, and physical activities, including posture changes, have a significant impact on cardiovascular indicators like blood pressure and heart rate. The study aims to examine the cardiovascular reactions in individuals with type 2 diabetes while performing the head-down crooked kneeling (HDCK) or Sujood position, resembling poses found in hatha yoga. This position emphasizes relaxation, body awareness, and meditation. Those with type 2 diabetes who engage in yoga have reported enhancements in their management of blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in different hospitals. The sample size was 312 which was calculated by using the Rao soft calculator. The participants were selected by non-probability convenience sampling technique. Inclusion Criteria were male and Female diagnosed with Type 2 DM, Subjects with a history of smoking, Cognitive Impairment, Sepsis, Cardiac pathology, Respiratory disorders, and Malignancy were excluded. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored initially, during the Crooked Down Kneeling position, and after the Crooked Down Kneeling Position. A Digital Sphygmomanometer was used to measure blood pressure and a pulse rate-demographic Assessment form was used to collect data. Ethical consideration is maintained. Informed consent was taken from participants. Results: The result shows a significant effect of head down crooked kneeling position on cardiovascular response in type 2 diabetic patients (p &lt; .001). Systolic, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate before, during, and after HDCK were significantly increased (p &lt; .001) as compared to the baseline value, and after 5 min returning to the upright position it reverted to the initial value. Conclusion: This study revealed a significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressures and an increase in pulse rate during HDCK. Also, our findings showed no significant gender difference in the effect of HDCK on all the other cardiovascular parameters except systolic bp.

Effect of empagliflozin on the left ventricular diastolic function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and concomitant heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Background. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is a common disease affecting more than half of people with heart failure. Among the extracardiac proinflammatory conditions, type 2 diabetes mellitus, which occurs in approximately 30–40 % of patients with heart failure, deserves special attention. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of empagliflozin on the left ventricular diastolic function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and concomitant heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Materials and methods. One hundred and twenty patients met the study criteria and were randomized in a 1 : 1 ratio to the empagliflozin group (n = 60) or the control group (n = 60), which received other antidiabetic drugs. The follow-up period lasted 12 weeks. A transthoracic echocardiogram was performed and functional and structural changes of the heart in these diseases were identified. Results. The data showed a marked improvement in several cardiac parameters. One important result was a decrease in the left ventricular mass index, which indicates a reduction in the left ventricular size and hypertrophy. This reduction shows a favorable course of remodeling and a potential regression of cardiac remodeling under the influence of empagliflozin. In addition, the study demonstrated an improvement in the left ventricular diastolic function. In particular, deceleration time and the E/e’ ratio showed favorable changes. Deceleration time, which reflects the relaxation and compliance of the left ventricle, decreased significantly, indicating an improvement in diastolic function. The E/e’ ratio, a marker of the left ventricular filling pressure, also showed positive changes, indicating a decrease in cardiac tension and improved ventricular relaxation. Conclusions. The results of the study demonstrated that empagliflozin treatment has a posi­tive effect on various cardiovascular parameters in patients with the studied diseases, in particular on the left ventricular diastolic function. These findings contribute to our understanding of the therapeutic potential of empagliflozin in the management of cardiovascular diseases.

Comparison of Baseline and Test Day Cardiovascular Parameters, Anxiety Scores and Coffee Consumption Among Medical Students Undergoing Objective Structured Clinical Examinations in Jordan.

Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) are considered an integral part of the assessment process of many schools of medicine worldwide. Close monitoring by examiners, scrutinized interactions with patients, and fear of the unknown, among other factors have been reported to cause psychological stress among students during the examinations period. In this study, we aimed to assess changes in cardiovascular parameters, anxiety scores, and lifestyle patterns of medical students during their OSCEs as compared to their baseline. We recruited healthy medical students from our institution's medical school. General demographics, academic, and baseline lifestyle characteristics were collected 1-2 months before the OSCE day. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale was used to measure anxiety symptoms. Data related to coffee consumption in addition to systolic, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate measurements were collected both at baseline and on OSCE day. This study included 325 students (144 (44.3%) males and 181 (55.7%) females). The mean systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate measurements were significantly higher on OSCE day as compared to the baseline. In addition, the daily consumption of coffee increased significantly during OSCE day as compared to the baseline. Although the anxiety score increased during OSCE day compared to the baseline, the difference was not statistically significant. However, the change in anxiety score (OSCE day - baseline) was significantly higher in females compared to males. In our study, we observed significant increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and coffee intake on the day of the test compared to baseline measurements. These findings underscore the significance of implementing measures to reduce the harmful effects of stress on students during exam preparations and medical school assessments.

Effect of Playing Position on Heart Rate and Blood Pressure in Brass and Wind Musicians.

The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of playing brass and wind instruments in seated versus standing positions on cardiovascular parameters in musicians. We hypothesized that heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) would be higher while playing compared to resting, and would be higher in standing compared to seated positions. Ten musicians completed two study visits. In both, resting, supine HR and BP were recorded, followed by 30 minutes of playing. In one visit, participants played seated, and in the other, played while standing. The order of these positions was randomized. BP and HR were recorded every 5 minutes during playing. Systolic BP was not affected by playing (p = 0.09, eta2 = 0.046) or position (p = 0.35, eta2 = 0.024). Diastolic BP increased while playing (p < 0.0001, eta2 = 0.32), but did not differ between positions (p = 0.21, eta2 = 0.03). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased while playing (p < 0.0001, eta2 = 0.25), but did not differ between positions (p = 0.68, eta2 = 0.03). There was a significant time X position interaction for HR (p = 0.0001, eta2 = 0.037). Simple main effects analysis revealed that HR was higher while playing in the standing compared to the seated position at all but one time point. Playing brass and wind instruments increases diastolic BP and MAP, regardless of playing position, while playing in the standing position induces a higher HR compared to the seated position.

Abstract P208: Cardiovascular Effects Of Antihypertensive Agents In A Rat Model Of Preeclampsia.

Introduction: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The placental origin of preeclampsia, characterized by hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation, is currently on the test bench. A number of studies reported a cardiovascular origin for preeclampsia, with increased long-term cardiovascular risk for affected women. Despite new insights into pathophysiology, there is a lack of evidence supporting improvement in maternal and neonatal outcomes with current antihypertensive therapy. This study aims to investigate maternal hemodynamics and cardiovascular parameters in a preeclamptic rat model, focusing on changes induced by antihypertensive treatment. Purpose: This study challenges blood pressure as the sole target for antihypertensive therapy in preeclampsia, seeking new insights into the disease's pathophysiology through invasive procedures and assessment of cardiac morphology in a rat model for preeclampsia. Methods: Maternal hemodynamics were invasively measured, and cardiac compliance was assessed via echocardiography. Cardiac phenotyping was performed combining the evaluation of physiology and structural changes. Maternal hearts were investigated at the end of pregnancy and postpartum. Blood pressure was continuously monitored using telemetry. The antihypertensive agents used in the study were methyldopa, nifedipine, and labetalol, which represent standard therapy for women with preeclampsia. Results: In the transgenic rat model for preeclampsia (PE), treatment with methyldopa and nifedipine led to a reduction of blood pressure during gestation whereas labetalol had no effect on the blood pressure (mean arterial pressure: PE 160.80±3.85 mmHg; PE+methyldopa 145.01±3.71 mmHg; PE+nifedipine 122.08±5.62 mmHg; PE+labetalol 163.12±3.12 mmHg). Despite the antihypertensive effects of methyldopa and nifedipine, the maternal hemodynamics as well as the cardiac compliance were unimproved during and after pregnancy. Conclusion: The results showed that standard therapy for women with preeclampsia does not seem to be sufficient to prevent the cardiovascular changes and therefore to reduce the CDV risk.

Abstract P340: Codonopsis Lanceolata Extract Prevents Metabolic And Cardiovascular Alterations In Short-term High-fat/high-fructose Diet-fed Adolescent Rats

Fast food consumption, which has increased among adolescents, has been associated with the risk of cardio-metabolic disorders. However, the effects of short-term high-fat/high-fructose diet (HFFD) on cardiovascular and metabolic parameters in adolescent rats has not yet been evaluated. Also, preventive effects of codonopsis lanceolata (CL) in these rats are unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effects of short-term HFFD consumption on cardiovascular and metabolic factors in adolescent rats, as well as the preventive effects of CL extract. Adolescent rats were fed a 60% high-fat diet plus 10% fructose water for 2 weeks. During this time, CL extract (200 or 400 mg/kg) was administered once daily. Short-term HFFD increased visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) weight, fasting blood sugar (FBS) concentration and water intake in adolescent rats. This diet also significantly increased systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate, and phenylephrine-induced vasocontraction. CL extract, however, effectively reduced visceral WAT weight, FBS, SBP and heart rate in short-term HFFD-fed adolescent rats. These findings indicate that exposure to HFFD for only 2 weeks induced cardiovascular and metabolic alterations in adolescent rats and that CL extract is effective in preventing these harmful effects of short-term HFFD in adolescent rats. This work was by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (No. 2021R1A2C2004118). * Corresponding author. Keywords: high-fat/high-fructose diet; adolescent; codonopsis lanceolata ; prevention; visceral white adipose tissue; fasting blood sugar; systolic blood pressure

Comparison of Fixed and Rising Displacement Rates of CO₂ for Euthanasia of Aged Rats.

This study compared euthanasia induced by rising concentrations of CO₂ in aged rats (n = 59) using different gas displacement rates. Rats were preimplanted with cardiovascular telemetry devices and had been previously used for short term safety pharmacology studies. Once fully recovered from previous studies, rats were euthanized using rising concentrations of CO₂. Three groups were exposed to gas displacement at fixed flow rates of 30%, 40%, and 50%, and 3 groups were exposed to increased flow rates at predetermined, one-minute intervals (10 to 30%, 20 to 40%, and 30 to 50%). Comparisons were based on the time taken to reach 4 critical endpoints: dyspnea, ataxia, recumbency, and death. The preimplanted telemetry devices were used to record cardiovascular parameters. Video recordings of the euthanasias were performed to allow behavioral assessment by a blind observer. The histologic effects of the different concentrations were also evaluated. No significant differences were detected between the groups in behavioral scores or histopathology. Groups of rats exposed to higher levels of CO₂ had a shorter time to loss of consciousness and death than did rats exposed to lower concentrations of CO₂. No statistically significant differences were detected in the time by which rats showed visual signs of dyspnea. Slow CO₂ displacement rates of CO2 may prolong the time necessary for euthanasia yet provide no appreciable improvement in welfare in aged rats and should therefore be avoided.

Abstract 088: Modulatory Effects Of The Gut Microbiota-derived Short Chain Fatty Acids On Heart Rate And Vascular Tone In Larval Zebrafish

Introduction: Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetic, propionic, and butyric acid, areproduced by fermentation of dietary fibers by the gut bacteria. Deregulation in production andhandling of SCFAs is associated with cardiovascular dysfunction in humans and rodents.However, limited studies have investigated the effect of SCFAs on cardiovascular parameters inthe zebrafish (ZF), an increasingly popular model in cardiovascular and gut microbiota research. Methods: Bacterial 16s sequencing and GC-MS were performed in adult male and female Tg(NFkB:EGFP) ZF fecal samples for analysis of the gut microbiota and SCFAs respectively. Inanaesthetized ZF larvae (7-9 dpf; MS-222, 0.3mM), measurements of heart rate (HR, bpm) andvascular tone (width of dorsal aorta, pixels) were performed every 10 minutes for an hour usinglive imaging (Nikon, 4x magnification) following administration of physiologic concentrations ofacetate (27.4 μM), butyrate (2.2 μM) and propionate (1.7 μM; pH=7.5) via immersion. Results: Relative proportions of SCFAs in the ZF were similar to those previously reported in rats andhumans, with highest levels of acetic acid (27.43 μM) followed by butyric (2.19 μM) and propionic(1.65 μM) acid. At the phylum level, the observed abundances of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, andFusobacteria were similar to those reported in rodents and humans. Administration of selectSCFAs resulted in a ~20% decrease in HR at all time points following administration of butyrate(P&lt;0.0001), and at 40-60min following administration of acetate (P&lt;0.05), with no effect ofpropionate. In addition, a ~25% decrease in the width of the dorsal aorta was observed at 60 minfollowing administration of butyrate (P&lt;0.05), with no effect of acetate or propionate. Conclusion: We report a similar composition and abundances of the gut microbiota and SCFAs between ZF,rodents and humans. In addition, both butyrate and acetate produced a bradycardia in the ZF,while the observed butyrate-dependent decrease in the vascular tone may be compensatory tobradycardia. Our findings demonstrate the potential for ZF as a model to study host-microbiotainteractions in regulation of cardiovascular function.

Abstract P419: First-Trimester Maternal Hemodynamics In Patients With Or Without Chronic Hypertension Using USCOM (ultrasound Cardiac Output Monitor), A Non-invasive And Quantitative Method.

Objective: We aim to investigate maternal hemodynamics at 10-14 weeks of gestation among patients with and without chronic hypertension, utilizing USCOM®, a non-invasive cardiac output monitor. Methods: A prospective pilot study was conducted for women with singleton pregnancies. Independent T, Mann-Whitney U, and Chi-square tests&amp;nbsp;were used to analyze cardiovascular parameters via Doppler waveform. Results: Thirteen pregnant women with preexisting hypertension and no other medical comorbidities were selected, and 26 controls were matched based on maternal age, ethnicity, and BMI in a ratio of 1:2. Six patients with chronic hypertension were on anti-hypertensive medications. Tables 1 and 2 present each respective group's basic demographic and hemodynamic characteristics. Conclusion: Despite no differences in BP, our study revealed significant hemodynamic changes in chronic hypertensive patients in the first trimester. Chronic hypertensive patients might have pre-existing pathological cardiovascular adaptation in early pregnancy, potentially compromising perinatal outcomes.

Acute effects of single-bout isometric handgrip exercise on selected cardiovascular parameters in young normotensive adults at a tertiary care center of West Bengal

Abstract Context: Hypertension is currently prevalent along with other lifestyle disorders, which further adds up to cardiovascular morbidity. Young adults especially those of 18–25 years are also affected because of their sedentary lifestyle. Thus, a need for a compliable exercise that can be introduced in daily life is widely sought for. Aims: To record changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR), before and after a single bout isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise. Settings and Design: This interventional study has been conducted at I.P.G.M.E.&amp;R., Kolkata. Materials and Methods: Eighty-four young healthy individuals were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. After a fixed protocol for exercise, their pre and post (after 3 min and 3 h) IHG exercise values of blood pressure (BP) and HR were recorded and analyzed. Statistical Analysis Used: Paired sample t test was done to compare the mean values of each of the parameters. Results: Three-hour post-IHG values of SBP and MAP are reduced significantly (P = 0.000), whereas those of DBP and MAP are reduced but not significantly. The decrease in HR post 3 h of IHG is not statistically meaningful. Conclusions: Single-bout IHG exercise elicits a significant reduction in BP when recorded after 3 h. Thus, if studied further, it promises to be a useful tool in the regular regimen of antihypertensive management with positive clinical outcomes.

Comparison the acute effect of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise and arm crank exercise on autonomic cardiac functions in adult male

Background and Study Aim. Cardiovascular parameters testing can be used by various modalities ranging from ground running to sophisticated computerized treadmills. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effect of treadmill moderate-intensity exercise with arm crank exercise on autonomic cardiac function among adult males. Material and Methods. One hundred-twenty male participants participated in this study. They were randomly allocated to a treadmill exercise group with sixty participants and the other sixty participants allocated into an arm crank exercise group. Both groups performed exercises for forty minutes. Autonomic cardiac functions (heart rate variability - HRV), heartbeats, and arterial blood pressure) were determined with the help of Phillips DigiTrak XT Holter heart rate monitor, Polar® Grit X watch, and automatic sphygmomanometer. An independent t-test was used to compare the anthropometric data between both groups. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine the differences between treadmill exercise and arm crank for autonomic cardiac functions among adult males. Results. The HRV decreased significantly during treadmill exercise than arm crank exercise. Mean values of heartbeats (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and rate pressure product (RPP) increased significantly during both exercises. In comparison, mean values of HRV parameters were reduced more significantly during treadmill exercise than arm crank. Mean values of the HR, SBP, and RPP increased significantly during treadmill exercise than arm crank exercise. Conclusion. The study's findings suggest that treadmill exercises are responsible for a greater significant reduction in HRV. The HR, SBP, PP, and RPP significantly increased during treadmill exercises than arm crank. This study suggests that when recommending exercise to any individual, the intensity and mode of exercise are crucial.

Cardiovascular evaluation and endothelial dysfunction in Cushing syndrome following remission: a prospective study.

Cushing syndrome (CS) is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular morbidities. We aimed to evaluate endothelial and cardiovascular functions, endothelial mediators and pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with CS before and after remission. Adult patients with newly diagnosed endogenous CS were included. Metabolic [body mass index (BMI), glucose, and lipid values] and cardiovascular evaluation studies [24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and echocardiography] were performed, and endothelial mediators [asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) and endothelin-1 (ET-1)] and pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)] were measured. Control group was matched in terms of age, gender, and BMIs. Twenty-five patients, mean age 40.60 ± 14.04years, completed the study. Compared to controls (n = 20) mean arterial pressure (MAP) and CIMT were higher (p < 0.005 and p = 0.012, respectively), and FMD (p < 0.001) and mitral E/A ratio (p = 0.007) lower in the patients during active disease. Baseline serum ADMA, ET-1, and IL-1β were similar between the groups, while TNF-α was lower in the patients (p = 0.030). All patients were in complete remission 1 year following surgery. BMI, LDL cholesterol, serum total cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, MAPs, and CIMT significantly decreased (p < 0.005), while there was no improvement in FMD (p = 0.11) following remission. There was no significant change in ADMA, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels, but ET-1 increased (p = 0.011). Remission in CS improves some cardiovascular parameters. ADMA and ET-1 are not reliable markers for endothelial dysfunction in CS. Metabolic improvements may not directly reflect on serum concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β following remission of CS.

Cardiovascular and respiratory evaluation in adenosine A2A receptor knockout mice submitted to short-term sustained hypoxia.

Sustained hypoxia (SH) in mice induces changes in the respiratory pattern and increase in the parasympathetic tone to the heart. Among adenosine G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the A2A receptors are especially important in mediating adenosine actions during hypoxia due to their expression in neurons involved with the generation and modulation of the autonomic and respiratory functions. Herein, we performed an in vivo evaluation of the baseline cardiovascular and respiratory parameters and their changes in response to SH in knockout mice for A2A receptors (A2A KO). SH produced similar and significant reductions in mean arterial pressure and heart rate in both wild-type (WT) and A2A KO mice when compared to their respective normoxic controls. Mice from WT and A2A KO groups submitted to normoxia or SH presented similar cardiovascular responses to peripheral chemoreflex activation (KCN). Under normoxic conditions A2A KO mice presented a respiratory frequency (fR ) significantly higher in relation to the WT group, which was reduced in response to SH. These data show that the lack of adenosine A2A receptors in mice does not affect the cardiovascular parameters and the autonomic responses to chemoreflex activation in control (normoxia) and SH mice. We conclude that the A2A receptors play a major role in the control of respiratory frequency and in the tachypnoeic response to SH in mice. NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Are cardiovascular and respiratory parameters and their changes in response to sustained hypoxia (SH) altered in adenosine A2A receptor knockout mice? What is the main finding and its importance? Cardiovascular parameters and their changes in response to SH were not altered in A2A KO mice. The respiratory frequency in A2A KO was higher than in WT mice. In response to SH the respiratory frequency increased in WT, while it was reduced in A2A KO mice. A2A receptors play a major role in the modulation of respiratory frequency and in the tachypnoeic response to SH in mice.