Correlation Of Systolic Blood Pressure Research Articles

COMPARISON OF CALIBRATION METHODS IN THE PRECISION OF A RING-TYPE CUFFLESS BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT DEVICE

Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two calibration methods for a ring-type cuffless blood pressure (BP) measurement device, CART-I Plus, to assess if regular calibration with a traditional brachial arm cuff device enhances its precision. Design and method: The study involved 40 patients, with 28 completing the study. Participants underwent calibration in three different positions (sitting, standing, supine). Prior to the initial calibration, they were seated quietly for 3–5 minutes. Calibration was executed using a conventional brachial arm cuff device on the same arm. In each position, calibration was performed twice, separated by a minimum interval of one minute. A rest period exceeding two minutes was allowed between position changes for stabilization. BP estimates from the CART-I Plus, derived from photoplethysmography signals, were then compared with corresponding conventional 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) measurements. Results: The mean differences between the CART-I Plus and ABPM, when calibrated using the sitting position alone (twice), were -2.12±8.53/2.36±7.82 mmHg (awake/sleep SBP) and -4.11±7.73/0.27±7.99 mmHg (awake/sleep DBP), respectively. When calibration included all three positions (six total calibrations), the mean differences remained similar; -2.14±8.95/2.17±8.53 mmHg (awake/sleep SBP) and -4.10±7.91/0.25±7.73 mmHg (awake/sleep DBP) (p > 0.5). Neither the standing nor the supine position, nor a combination of sitting and supine positions, significantly improved precision. In both standing and supine positions, the devices demonstrated a strong correlation for systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r=0.86 and r=0.90, respectively) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r=0.90 for both), with all correlations being statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Provided that patient stabilization is adequately ensured, and precise brachial BP measurements are taken by medical personnel, a single sitting position calibration appears to be sufficient. The addition of dynamic three-point calibration involving standing and supine positions did not significantly enhance precision.

Abstract 133: Influence Of Sex, BMI, And Skin Color On The Accuracy Of Non-Invasive Cuffless Photoplethysmography-Based Blood Pressure Measurements

Introduction: Vital signs obtained by photoplethysmography (PPG)-based devices might be influenced by subcutaneous fat and skin color. We assessed the hypothesis that a novel PPG-based wearable monitor provides accurate blood pressure (BP) measurements in ambulatory individuals, coming for a routine BP checkup. Methods: This was a comparison study, conducted using a PPG-based device and cuff-based BP device. Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) measurements were stratified based on sex, BMI (<25; 25≤BMI<30; 30≤ kg/m 2 ), and skin color (types 1-3 and 4-6 by the Fitzpatrick scale). Results: A total of 1548 measurements were analyzed. Correlations of SBP and DBP between the devices among males/females were between 0.914-0.987 (p<0.001), and Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of less than 0.5 mmHg for both sexes. Correlations of SBP and DBP between the devices among BMI groups were between 0.931-0.991 (p<0.001), and Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of less than 1 mmHg for all. Correlations of SBP and DBP between the devices among the skin color groups were between 0.936-0.983 (p<0.001), and Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of less than 1 mmHg for all. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study shows similar and high agreements between BP measurements obtained using a PPG-based noninvasive cuffless BP device and a cuff-based BP device across sex, BMI, and skin color groups.

ASSOCIATION OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AND SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM PATIENTS ATTENDING CHITWAN MEDICAL COLLEGE

Background: Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors such as abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. Subclinical hypothyroidism is defined as an increase in serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) above the normal range, without alteration of total T4 concentrations has been associated with various metabolic alterations. The study aimed to investigate association between metabolic syndrome and subclinical hypothyroidism patients attending Chitwan Medical College. Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of 250 randomly selected individuals visiting OPD in the Department of Medicine of Chitwan Medical College 10ml of blood sample was drawn from antecubital vein following overnight fasting. Fasting blood sugar, lipid profile and thyroid profile etc. were analyzed via chemiluminescence Analyzer at Hospital Laboratory and was statistically analyzed. Results: The association of BMI with T4 and TSH was found to be positively correlated and was significant at P<0.05 but the association of systolic blood pressure (SBP) with T3 was not significant but there was negatively significant correlation of SBP with T4 and TSH. The correlation of diastolic blood pressure (DBP), TG, HDL, fasting blood sugar were not significant with T3, T4 and TSH at p<0.05. BMI was positively correlated with T4 and TSH (r = 0.12, P<0.05 and r=0.81, P<0.001) whereas SBP was negatively correlated with T4 and TSH (r = -0.12, P<0.05 and r=-0.16, P<0.001 respectively). Conclusions: From our study it was concluded that the association of BMI with T4 and TSH was found to be positively correlated in subclinical hypothyroidism subjects.

Influence of Sex, BMI, and Skin Color on the Accuracy of Non-Invasive Cuffless Photoplethysmography-Based Blood Pressure Measurements.

Vital signs obtained by photoplethysmography-based devices might be influenced by subcutaneous fat and skin color. This observational comparison study aimed to test the accuracy of blood pressure (BP) measurements between a photoplethysmography-based device and cuff-based BP device in ambulatory individuals, coming for a routine BP checkup. Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) measurements were stratified based on sex, BMI (<25; 25 ≤BMI<30; 30 ≤kg/m2), and skin color (types 1–3 and 4–6 by the Fitzpatrick scale). A total of 1548 measurements were analyzed. Correlations of SBP and DBP between the devices among males/females were between 0.914–0.987 (p < 0.001), and Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of less than 0.5 mmHg for both sexes. Correlations of SBP and DBP between the devices among BMI groups were between 0.931–0.991 (p < 0.001), and Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of less than 1 mmHg for all. Correlations of SBP and DBP between the devices among the skin color groups were between 0.936–0.983 (p < 0.001), and Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of less than 1 mmHg for all. This study shows similar and high agreements between BP measurements obtained using a PPG-based non-invasive cuffless BP device and a cuff-based BP device across sex, BMI, and skin color groups.

INFLUENCE OF SEX, BODY MASS INDEX, AND SKIN COLOR ON THE ACCURACY OF NON-INVASIVE CUFFLESS PHOTOPLETHYSMOGRAPHY-BASED BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS

Objective: It is suggested that vital signs obtained by photoplethysmography-based devices might be influenced by subcutaneous fat and skin color. This study aimed to test the accuracy of blood pressure (BP) measurements taken using a photoplethysmography-based device by stratifying participants based on sex, body mass index (BMI), and skin color. Design and method: Ambulatory individuals coming for a routine BP checkup were recruited for an observational, comparative study. Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) measurements compared between the photoplethysmography-based and the cuff-based devices were stratified based on sex, BMI, and skin color (types 1–3 and 4–6 by the Fitzpatrick scale). Results: A total of 1548 measurements were nalysed. Correlations of SBP and DBP between the devices among males and females were between 0.914 to 0.987 (p &lt; 0.001), Bland-Altman analysis of SBP and DBP showed a bias of less than 0.5 mmHg for both sexes. Correlations of SBP and DBP between the devices among BMI groups were between 0.931 to 0.991 (p &lt; 0.001), Bland-Altman analysis of SBP and DBP showed a bias of less than 1 mmHg for all. Correlations of SBP and DBP between the devices among the skin color groups were between 0.936 to 0.983 (p &lt; 0.001), Bland-Altman analysis of SBP and DBP showed a bias of less than 1 mmHg for all. Conclusions: This study shows similar and high agreement rates between BP measurements obtained using a PPG-based non-invasive cuffless BP device and a cuff-based BP device across sex, BMI groups, and skin color.

Continuous Monitoring of Blood Pressure Using a Wrist-Worn Cuffless Device.

Measuring an accurate blood pressure (BP) in ambulatory patients is critical for therapeutic decisions. An accurate noninvasive device that measures BP continuously could provide a more comprehensive assessment of BP. The aim of this study was to determine whether the LiveOne device, a cuffless wristband that provides continuous BP measurements, is accurate in comparison to an invasive arterial line (A-line). We enrolled hospitalized patients and healthy volunteers in this multicenter study. All patients had an invasive A-line. Waveforms were simultaneously downloaded from the A-line and LiveOne device. The primary outcome was the correlation between the LiveOne device and the A-line for systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). Thirty-four patients with 233 measurement periods were included. Mean age was 60.7 ± 15.2 years, and 15 (44%) were female. The correlation for SBP was 0.91 and for DBP was 0.85. The mean band error was 0.0 ± 6.9 mm Hg for SBP and 1.2 ± 5.7 mm Hg for DBP. The mean absolute error was 8.2 ± 5.8 mm Hg for SBP and 6.4 ± 3.9 mm Hg for DBP. For SBP, 98% of LiveOne measurements were within 15 mm Hg and for DBP, 92% of LiveOne measurements were within 10 mm Hg. The LiveOne device provides continuous, noninvasive BP measurements that are accurate in comparison to A-line measurements. The portability and unobtrusive nature of this device and the ability to provide continuous BP measurements may offer advantages over currently available BP monitors. Trial Number NCT03919136.

On Sample Size Determination When Comparing Two Independent Spearman or Kendall Coefficients

One of the most commonly used statistical methods is bivariate correlation analysis. However, it is usually the case that little or no attention is given to power and sample size considerations when planning a study in which correlation will be the primary analysis. In fact, when we reviewed studies published in clinical research journals in 2014, we found that none of the 111 articles that presented results of correlation analyses included a sample size justification. It is sometimes of interest to compare two correlation coefficients between independent groups. For example, one may wish to compare diabetics and non-diabetics in terms of the correlation of systolic blood pressure with age. Tools for performing power and sample size calculations for the comparison of two independent Pearson correlation coefficients are widely available; however, we were unable to identify any easily accessible tools for power and sample size calculations when comparing two independent Spearman rank correlation coefficients or two independent Kendall coefficients of concordance. In this article, we provide formulas and charts that can be used to calculate the sample size that is needed when testing the hypothesis that two independent Spearman or Kendall coefficients are equal.

Case Studies Of Yoga For Stress Reduction During Covid-19 "shelter In Place" Conditions

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of yoga and physical exercise on cortisol levels and blood pressure during periods of stress caused by COVID19 "shelter in place" orders. METHODS: Subjects were two older adults (male and female, mean age 64). No other subjects were included due to Georgia State’s "shelter-in-place" conditions in the USA, during the IRB approved study. Activity diaries were maintained listing, 1) trips made to necessary stores between 9 and 11 am, and 2) activities performed between 11 am and 12 noon (designated as either yoga or aerobic exercise or sedentary desk work). Subjects 1) filled saliva sample tubes according to manufacturer directions (ZRT Laboratory) for cortisol determination, 2) measured oral body temperature and 3) measured wrist blood pressure (BP) with an Omron HEM-605 digital monitor at 7 am and 12 noon. Yoga sessions lasted 20 minutes (Pullen, 2009). Aerobic exercise consisted of a 20 minute brisk walk on a motorized treadmill and/or elliptical machine, at moderate intensity, as described by ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (2000). Participants answered the Perceived Stress Scale and Pandemic Stress Index instruments at study conclusion. Sentiment analysis scores of broadcast news were extracted from the New York Times to assess stress from daily reports. RESULTS: Study was conducted from April 4 -24, 2020 under "shelter in place" orders. Participants both scored low stress from the stress instruments, while the news sentiment varied, with definite negative scores. While trends in diastolic BP, heart rate and cortisol levels were inconsistent between the interventions of physical activity or yoga compared to sedentary activity, a definite trend was seen between systolic BP and the news sentiment daily measure. As the daily news sentiment score changed from -0.42 to -0.47, SBP increased from -10 to +35 mmHg change between mornings to afternoon. Correlation coefficient was 0.19 for N = 11. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of correlation in diastolic BP, heart rate and cortisol levels with intervention was probably due to small participant numbers and short study span. The correlation of systolic BP with news sentiment analysis was surprising, and indicated such measures should be included in human subject’s research concerning stress measures as a possible confounder.

Association between Metabolic Syndrome Components and Cardiac Autonomic Modulation among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

the clustering of metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors is becoming more prevalent in children, leading to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular diseases in early adulthood. The impact of MetS risk factors on cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) or vice versa has been noted to track from childhood to pre-adolescence and adolescence. Understating associations in this age group may help to improve the clinical outcomes of the MetS, even when MetS symptoms are not visible. Potential damage from each individual MetS component and the ability to predict early cardiac damage or upcoming cardiovascular events is very important. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the associations between CAM and MetS risk factors individually to verify which of the MetS risk components were significantly correlated with heart rate variability (HRV) indices before or at the onset of the MetS among young people. The purpose of this review was to outline the importance of potentially screening HRV indices in young people even with only one MetS risk factor, as a pre-indicator for early cardiovascular risk stratification. cross-sectional studies that examined the relationship of MetS risk factors with HRV indices were searched using four databases including PubMed, the Cochrane clinical trials library, Medline and the Web of Science. Correlation coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and random effects meta-analyses of the association between MetS risk factors with HRV indices were performed. out of 14 cross-sectional studies and one case-control study, 8 studies (10 data sets) provided association data for the meta-analysis. Our results indicated significant positive correlations for systolic blood pressure (SBP) (correlation coefficient 0.13 (95%CI: 0.06; 0.19), I2 = 47.26%) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (correlation coefficient 0.09 (95%CI: -0.01; 0.18), I2 = 0%) with a Low Frequency/High Frequency ratio (LF/HF). Significant negative correlations for waist circumference (WC) (correlation coefficient -0.12 (95%CI: -0.19; -0.04), I2 = 51.50%), Triglycerides (TGs) (correlation coefficient -0.09 (95%CI: -0.15; -0.02), I2 = 0%) and ≥2 MetS risk factors (correlation coefficient -0.10 (95%CI: -0.16; -0.03), I2 = 0%); with high frequency (HF) were revealed. Significant positive correlations for high density lipoprotein (HDL) (correlation coefficient 0.08 (95%CI: 0.05; 0.11), I2 = 0%) and significant negative correlations of ≥2 MetS risk (correlation coefficient -0.04 (95%CI: -0.12; 0.03), I2 = 0.0%) with low frequency (LF) were revealed. Significant negative correlations for TGs (correlation coefficient -0.09 (95%CI: -0.23; 0.05), I2 = 2.01%) with a mean square root of the sum of differences between mean time between two successive intervals (rMSSD) and significant positive correlation of HDL (correlation coefficient 0.09 (95%CI: -0.01; 0.19), I2 = 0.33%) with standard deviation of the time between two successive intervals (SDNN) were also revealed. An Egger's test indicated that there was no obvious publication bias for any of the above relationships except for TGs and rMSSD. The significance level stipulated for the meta-analysis was p < 0.05. lipid profiles (HDL and TGs), WC and BP were associated with CAM in young people up to the age of 19 years. The use of HRV indices to predict future MetS risk, and relationships with individual risk factors including HDL, BP, WC and TGs, were established. Future studies related to young people (up to the age of 19 years) are recommended to explore the associations reported here further.

Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) and metabolic-related parameters in systemic lupus erythematosus active and non-active episode

To assess serum FABP4 and other metabolic-related parameters in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) active and non-active episode. Fifty-four SLE patients in Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia in 2018-2019 were recruited and serum samples were collected in their active and non-active episode status. Serum was analyzed for FABP4, leptin, glucose, and triglycerides. The clinical characteristics were analyzed from medical records. Disease activity was assessed with the SLEDAI-2K (≥4 defined as an active; <4 as non-active episode). Significantly correlation of Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) (p = 0.001, r = 0.59) and C3 (p = 0.04, r = 0.47) between active and non-active episode. In non-active episode, there was significant correlation of FABP4 with Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) (p = 0.04, r = 0.26) and blood glucose (p = 0.01, r = -0.39). In active episode, there was significant correlation FABP4 with SBP (p = 0.04, r = -0.28) and triglyceride (p = 0.002, r = 0.55). FABP4 correlates with high DBP in the non-active and high triglyceride serum in the active episode.

Association between Blood Pressure and Obesity Indices in Medical Students

Introduction: Obesity is strongly associated with other metabolic disorders including Hypertension (HTN), diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD). High Blood Pressure (BP) is ranked as the third most important risk factor for attributable burden of disease in South Asia. Aim: The aim of present was to study the association between BP and obesity indices in medical student’s population. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on a group of 100 healthy young medical students. BP, pulse and Hb O2% was measured by using sphygmomanometer, pulse oximeter. Obesity indices were measured by using weighing machine, stadiometer, measuring tape and impedance based Body Composition Analyser (BCA). Results: There was poor correlation of Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) with Total Body Fat (TF) and the association was not significant. SBP and DBP were mildly correlated with BMI. Whole body Visceral Fat (VF) correlation of SBP was moderate and significant. DBP was correlated with whole body VF and correlation was significant. But the whole body, trunk, leg Skin Fat (SF) and Muscle Fat (MF) were not having significant correlation with SBP and DBP. Finger to heart distance was positively correlated with SBP (p&lt;0.05). Also, O2%, chest and hip size were positively correlated with SBP (p&lt;0.05). Only whole body VF and Waist Hip Ratio (WHR) were significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected SBP. None of the other parameters affected DBP. Conclusion: The present study results found that Body Mass Index (BMI), VF and WHR had significant correlation with systolic and SBP and DBP. VF and WHR were significant predictors of SBP.

Variation in blood pressure among adolescent schoolchildren in an urban slum of Kolkata, West Bengal

BackgroundHigh blood pressure in childhood is a potential risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The roots of essential hypertension in adults may be initiated in childhood. This study was...

Is disulphide/thiol ratio related to blood pressure in masked hypertension?

Dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis plays a critical role in numerous intracellular enzymatic pathways including antioxidant defence and detoxification. In this study, we sought to investigate dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis in patients with masked hypertension (MHT) and its relationship with blood pressure. Forty patients (23 men, 17 women) with newly diagnosed MHT and not yet on medical therapy, and 40 healthy volunteers (21 men, 19 women) were enrolled. Blood thiol/disulphide homeostasis was measured in both groups. Serum native and total thiol levels were measured using the novel, fully automated colorimetric method developed by Erel et al. Serum disulphide level was calculated as (serum total thiol − serum native thiol)/2. Native and total thiol levels (p = 0.001) and native thiol/total thiol ratio (p = 0.023) were found to be lower in patients with MHT when compared to those of the control group. Disulphide level and ratios of disulphide/native thiol and disulphide/total thiol were higher in patients with MHT than in the control group (p = 0.001). A positive correlation of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was observed with disulphide/native thiol ratio (p < 0.001). Stepwise multivariable regression analysis showed disulphide/native thiol ratio to be an independent risk factor of SBP and DBP, and SBP to be an independent risk factor of disulphide/thiol ratio (p = 0.001). In this study, we found that dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis shifted towards disulphide formation due to thiol oxidation in patients with MHT. Prospective randomised controlled studies are required to elucidate whether abnormal thiol/disulphide status lies in the pathogenesis of MHT or is a consequence of MHT.

Ultrasonographic assessment of abdominal fat and its correlation with blood pressure

Background : Obesity is a major cause of mortality and morbidity for associated metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease. The role of fat distribution has received limited attention. Aims : The aim is to measure subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and to correlate them with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Materials and Methods : Height, weight, BMI and blood pressure by standard sphygmomanometer were recorded in all subjects. SAT and VAT were measured by ultrasonography (5 MHz). Results : Out of seventy-five normal subjects, 32 were males and 43 were females. Statistical analysis was carried out using Pearsons correlation. The mean age was 45.57 in males and 45.81 in females. The mean SBP was 123.910.05 in males and 114.411.67 in females, which was statistically significant. (p<0.001). The mean DBP was 82.58.45 in males and 787.78 in females, which was statistically significant. (p<0.001). The mean SAT was 3.30.9 in males and 2.22.12 in females, while mean VAT was 3.41.5 in males and 4.441.77 in females which was statistically significant. (p<0.01). There was a positive correlation of SBP and DBP with VAT and SAT in males and females. There was positive correlation between SBP and VAT in females and was statistically significant (P value <0.01) than with DBP (p value <0.06). Conclusion : VAT is a better parameter that correlates with blood pressure.

Urinary excretion of markers for podocyte injury in patients with diabetes mellitus

To estimate the urinary excretion of markers for podocyte injury, to specify their value for the early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy (DN), and to access the risk of its progression in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) with varying degrees of albuminuria/proteinuria. Seventy-four diabetic patients (30 with type 1 DM and 44 with type 2 DM) were examined and divided into 3 groups according to the urinary concentration in one urinary portion: 1) 41 patients with normal albuminuria (NAU) (<20 mg/l); 2) 13 patients with microalbuminuria (MAU) (20-200 mg/l); 3) 20 patients with proteinuria (PU) (>200 mg/l). A control group included 10 healthy individuals. The urinary levels of the podocyte structural proteins nephrin and podocin were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Nephrinuria (NU) was detected in 63, 77, and 80% of the patients with NAU, MAU, and PU, respectively. Podocinuria (PDU) was found in 78, 54, and 83% of those with NAU, MAU, and PU, respectively. NU in DN with PU was significantly higher than that in DM with NAU. In the NAU, MAU, and PU subgroups, podocin excretion was equally higher and did not differ between the types of DM. There was a direct correlation of NU with albuminuria, which was stronger in the MAU subgroup. In the patients with DM with varying degrees of albuminuria, the values of NU and PDU correlated directly to serum creatinine levels and inversely with glomerular filtration rate. NU directly correlated with glycated hemoglobin levels in the patients with types 1 and 2 DM of less than 5 years' duration and a direct significant correlation of systolic blood pressure with NU was found in those with type 2 DM. Determination of urinary nephrin and podocin levels may be used for the early preclinical diagnosis of DN and the monitoring of the glomerular apparatus in DM.

A Study on Atherogenic Indices of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Patients as Compared to Normal Pregnant Women.

Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) includes Gestational hypertension, Pre-eclampsia and Eclampsia and is one of the most common obstetric complication. Worldwide about 76,000 pregnant women die each year from pre-eclampsia and related hypertensive disorders. The aetiology of Pre-eclampsia is unknown but it is thought to be related to abnormal development of placenta. Several studies have shown the presence of reduced endothelial function in pre-eclamptic pregnancy. Endothelial dysfunction is also a feature of atherosclerosis. To assess fasting lipid profile and atherogenic indices in women diagnosed with pre-eclampsia as well as in women with normal pregnancy and to correlate the findings of pre-eclamptic women with that of normal pregnant women, in an attempt to utilize the data for the development of a new clinical approach for early recognition and prevention of risk of future cardiovascular diseases in women with PIH. This case-control study was conducted on 50 pre-eclampsia patients who were in third trimester of pregnancy (Case group). A control group of 50 age and gestational age matched normal pregnant women was taken. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed. Fasting Lipid profile parameters were assessed and used to calculate the atherogenic indices namely Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Cardiac risk ratio (CRR) and Atherogenic coefficient (AC). Statistical Analysis was done by using student's t-test. Mann-Whitney U-test was used wherever applicable and correlations between the variables were estimated by Pearson's correlation coefficients. There was an extremely significant (p<0.0001) increase in Atherogenic indices (AIP, CRR and AC) in case group as compared to the control group. A positive and significant correlation of systolic blood pressure with AIP (r=0.3583), CRR (r=0.3137), AC (r=0.3193) was found in cases. There was a positive and significant correlation between gestational age and atherogenic indices in the case group. Women with pre-eclampsia present abnormalities in lipid profile and these lipids turn out to be a risk factor for cardiovascular complications. Evaluation of the atherogenic indices during pregnancy may help prevent this risk.

Evaluation of autonomic nervous function by assessing baroreceptor reflex

The autonomic nervous functional tests assessing baroreceptor reflex (BR) were described. I. Head-up tilt test: Sympathetic nervous function is activated and alginine-vasopressin is secreted through the BR. Orthostatic hypotension is induced by BR dysfunction. II. Spectral analysis of heart and blood pressure: High-frequency power in R-R interval variability indicates parasympathetic function and low-frequency power may reflect BR function. Low-frequency power in blood pressure may indicate sympathetic nervous function. However, spectral analysis of them can not detect a sympathetic nervous hyperfunction. III. Baroreceptor sensitivity during the Valsalva maneuver: Baroreceptor sensitivity is obtained from the correlation of systolic blood pressure and RR interval. It decreases in early stage of Parkinson's disease. IV. Correlation of heart rate and blood pressure: The correlation of them may reflect qualitative differences in the central autonomic dysfunction.

Association of serum calcium with level of blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients.

Hypertension and diabetes are two common diseases and they affect the same major target organs. In this study, we sought to investigate the probable association of serum calcium with levels of systolic and blood pressure in a group of type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients. A total of 60 patients with T2D were enrolled to the study. To determine serum creatinine, calcium and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), venous blood samples were obtained in the fasting state. Among 60 participants, 56.7% were female. Mean of ages was 57±8.3 years. Mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 133±13 mmHg and 84±7.4 mmHg, respectively. Mean of serum calcium was 9.0±0.4 mg/dl. In this study, there was no significant difference of serum calcium and HbA1c between males and females. A significant inverse correlation of serum calcium with level of diastolic blood pressure (r= -0.261, p=0.046) was seen (adjusted for duration of diabetes). Moreover, a negative correlation of systolic blood pressure with level of serum calcium was existed, however, this correlation was not significant (r= -0.232, p=0.080) [adjusted for duration of diabetes]. We found a significant inverse correlation of serum calcium with level of diastolic blood pressure. We propose to more attention to serum calcium during the treatment of hypertension in diabetic patients.

Correlation of systolic blood pressure with age and body mass index in native Papuan populations

Correlation of systolic blood pressure with age and body mass index in native Papuan populations

Long-Term Stability of Cardiovascular and Catecholamine Responses to Stress Tests

Cardiovascular (CV) hyperreactivity to stress must be reasonably stable if it is considered to be important in the development of hypertension and CV disease. The aim of the present study was to assess long-term stability of blood pressure, heart rate, epinephrine, and norepinephrine responses to a cold pressor test and a mental arithmetic stress test. Eighty-one subjects selected from the first (n=30), 50th (n=30), and 95th to 99th (n=39) percentiles of the mean blood pressure distribution at a military draft procedure were tested on 2 occasions 18 years apart. Stress responses were measured during a cold pressor test (hand immersed in ice water for 1 minute) and during a mental stress test (subtraction for 5 minutes). Intra-arterial blood pressure measurements and arterial catecholamine samples were taken at the initial examination. At follow-up, noninvasive Finapres beat-to-beat blood pressure measurements and venous plasma catecholamine samples were used. The 18-year correlations of the CV and epinephrine absolute responses during mental stress ranged from 0.6 to 0.8. The entry/follow-up correlation of systolic blood pressure during the mental stress test (95% CI: 0.69 to 0.86) was significantly higher than during the cold pressor test (95% CI: 0.30 to 0.65), and responses to mental stress overall appeared to be more stable than responses to the cold pressor test. Our study suggests that CV and sympathoadrenal reactivity, specifically to mental stress, are relatively stable individual characteristics. These results support one of the necessary preconditions to consider hyperreactivity involved in the development of hypertension and CV disease.