Mean Daytime Systolic Blood Pressure Research Articles

Clinical, polysomnographic, and heart rate variability in highland obstructive sleep apnea patients responding to one-night nocturnal oxygen supplementation: A post-hoc analysis from a randomized, crossover trial

Objective/Background: This study aimed to explore the clinical, polysomnographic, and heart rate variability (HRV) characteristics of highland obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients receiving one-night nocturnal oxygen supplementation (NOS) and to identify factors predicting response. Patients/methodsThirty-four highland OSA patients living in Shangri-La were randomly assigned to receive NOS and sham oxygen in a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Clinical assessments, polysomnography, and HRV were measured. A responder was defined as a ≥50% reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) with NOS compared with sham oxygen. ResultsEighteen participants responded and 16 did not respond, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 46.5 (36.5-53.0) and 48.0 (44.3-53.3) years, respectively. The median treatment effect (95% CI) on total AHI was -23.2/h (-30.0 to -17.5) and -12.0/h (-16.6 to -7.6) in responders and non-responders (p = 0.004), with similar effects on oxygen desaturation index. The mean OAH duration was prolonged by 7 s in responders together with improved sleep quality and daytime blood pressure. The mean OAH duration at baseline predicted responses to NOS with a sensitivity and specificity of 88.9% and 68.7% (AUC 0.809) at a cut-off point of 24.9 s. Changes in HRV parameters were negatively correlated with changes in mean oxygen saturation and daytime systolic blood pressure only in responders. ConclusionsNOS significantly improved OSA severity and clinical outcomes in responders, which was related to improvements in parasympathetic activity. Highlanders with shorter mean OAH may be suitable candidates for NOS. These findings provide new information about tailored treatment strategies for highland OSA patients.

Effects of intensive blood pressure control on cognitive function in patients with cerebral small vessel disease

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of intensive blood pressure control on cognitive function in elderly patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). MethodsFrom May 2020 to June 2022, 140 outpatients and inpatients with CSVD and hypertension in the Department of Neurology of Beijing Shijingshan Hospital were selected. They were randomly divided into the standard and intensive blood pressure control groups, and the dosage of antihypertensive drugs was adjusted to reduce the blood pressure to the target level. The patients were followed up for 2 years. The medical records or data at “enrollment” and “2-year follow-up” were analyzed and evaluated. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to evaluate cognitive function. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging was performed to evaluate lacunar infarctions (LIs) and white matter hyperintensity (WMH). Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between MMSE scores and blood pressure, WMH, and LIs. Results(1) The MMSE and MoCA scores in the standard group were significantly lower than those at enrollment. The WMH score in the standard group was significantly higher than that at enrollment. (2) After the 2-year follow-up, the 24-h systolic blood pressure (SBP), 24-h diastolic blood pressure (DBP), daytime mean SBP, daytime mean DBP, and nighttime mean SBP in the two groups significantly decreased, which had significant statistical significance (P < 0.05). (3) The correlation between blood pressure and MMSE score was analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. The WMH score, LIs, 24-h SBP, and 24-h DBP were independently correlated with MMSE scores. ConclusionIn elderly patients with hypertension, a decrease in SBP to 126 mmHg, compared with 134 mmHg, can delay cognitive impairment as well as reduce LIs and cerebral WMH lesions in patients with CSVD.

Higher levels of vigorous physical activity are associated with enhanced nocturnal blood pressure dipping

Introduction: Nocturnal blood pressure (BP) dipping determined from 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Physical activity lowers the risk of CVD related, in part, to preserved endothelial function and lower aortic stiffness, however the relation between physical activity and nocturnal dipping remains unclear. The objective of our cross-sectional retrospective analysis was to assess the relation between physical activity and nocturnal BP dipping, and whether this relation was confounded by measures of vascular function. We hypothesized that higher levels of physical activity would be associated with greater nocturnal BP dipping. Methods: Healthy adults (n=172, age 19 to 65 years, 55% female) had 24-hour ABPM measured. BP recordings were taken every 30 min during the daytime and every 60 min during the nighttime. Nocturnal “dippers” had a 10-20% difference between their mean daytime and nighttime systolic BP and “non-dippers/inverse dippers” had &lt;10% difference. The modifiable activity questionnaire was used to assess physical activity levels via self-reported days/week with greater than 30 min of moderate activity (3.0-6.0 METs) and vigorous activity (&gt;6.0 METs). Endothelial function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, FMD), and aortic stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, cfPWV) were also assessed. Results: Nocturnal BP dippers performed more days/week of moderate and vigorous physical activity compared to non-dippers (P=0.007 and P=0.008, respectively). Both moderate (B=0.386, P=0.042) and vigorous physical activity (B=0.604, P=0.002) were associated with nocturnal BP dipping in univariate linear regression analyses. However, only vigorous activity (B=0.926, P=0.001) remained associated with nocturnal BP dipping after adjustment for age, BMI, 24-hr systolic BP and diastolic BP, brachial FMD and cfPWV. Conclusion: Vigorous physical activity may attenuate CVD risk in part from enhanced nocturnal BP dipping. Future studies should investigate additional mechanisms by which vigorous physical activity may enhance nocturnal BP dipping. This study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (AG063790; HL014388, HL07121; AG043722). Dr. Pierce is supported by the Russell B. Day and Florence D. Day Endowed Chair in Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Iowa. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Prevalence of pharmacological control of arterial hypertension by ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) findings

Introduction: Arterial hypertension (AHT) is one of the most prevalent chronic non-transmittable diseases and the main cause of cardiovascular death worldwide (World Health Organization, 2021). Adequate control of blood pressure levels is the best therapeutic measure to manage and prevent hypertension-related complications. In the Dominican Republic, there is insufficient and unreliable data related to pharmacological control through ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM). Methods: Cross-sectional and retrospective study, in which the results of 380 patients, who underwent an ABPM, were analyzed to determine if their blood pressure levels were within therapeutic control. The study was conducted between March 2022 and May 2022. The diagnostic criteria to determine blood pressure control were used from the guidelines of the Specialized Diagnostic Center (CEDISA), and included being older than 18 and having a study duration longer than 18 hours. Likewise, we excluded pregnant patients, patients diagnosed with heart failure, or patients taking triple antihypertensive therapy. For the data summary, we used mean and standard deviation. For statistical testing, we performed a Shapiro-Wilk normality test, and a two-tailed Student's t-test was used to assess the mean difference for which a value of p&lt;0.05 was chosen to demonstrate significance. We performed a Bonferroni correction to adjust the significance value using the mean blood pressure in the repeated measures for the t-test, which reduced the significance from 0.05 to 0.016. Results: The point prevalence of adequate pharmacological control was 44.2% (95% CI 39.21% to 49.19%). The mean systolic blood pressure of controlled patients was 117.8 (±7.5), while that of un-controlled patients was 140.8 (±14.5). Between controlled and uncontrolled patients, the drugs most frequently used for managing hypertension were angiotensin II, receptor antagonists. There is a statistically significant difference between the mean 24-hour and daytime systolic blood pressure between males and females (p. 0.0016 and p. 0.0007, respectively) and 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime systolic blood pressure between controlled and uncontrolled patients (p. 0.000, p. 0.000, p 0.000, respectively) Discussion: The prevalence of adequate pharmacological control in patients suffering from arterial hypertension encompasses 168 patients of the 380 studied, so it is evident that the remaining 212 patients, even when diagnosed, have not managed to obtain controlled blood pressure levels. The study was limited by not being able to investigate the treatment specifications and other risk factors. Regardless of these issues, the study obtained the desired sample size; therefore, it can establish the study’s reported AHT control prevalence as a direct measure of hypertensive patients in the Dominican Republic not being adequately controlled.

Correlation between 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Variability and White Matter Lesions in Patients with Cerebral Small Vascular Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective The goals of this study are to assess the correlation between 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) variability and white matter lesions (WML) in patients with cerebral small vascular disease (CSVD) and to provide guidance for the prevention of WML. Methods A total of 136 patients diagnosed with CSVD and essential hypertension were recruited and divided into two groups. The Fazekas scale was used to quantify the severity of WML. The basic information, BP levels, BP variability, and circadian rhythm changes across these groups were recorded and compared. Results The control group consisted of 40 subjects without WML (Fazekas score = 0), and the WML group was composed of 96 patients with WML (Fazekas score ≥ 1). Patients in the WML group were then divided into three subgroups: mild WML (n = 43, Fazekas score = 1), moderate WML (n = 24, Fazekas score = 2), and severe WML (n = 29, Fazekas score = 3–4). Age, history of diabetes, and serum uric acid levels were significantly increased between the WML and control groups (P < 0.05). The levels of 24-hour mean diastolic BP (F = 3.158, P = 0.026) and daytime mean systolic BP (F = 3.526, P = 0.017) were significantly increased between the control and WML groups. There was no significant difference in the rhythmic classification of BP among all groups (P > 0.05). An ordered multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that age, triglyceride levels, and nondipper BP were independent risk factors in WML. Conclusion Age, history of diabetes, serum uric acid levels, 24-hour mean systolic level, and daily mean systolic BP level were significantly increased between the WML and control groups. Age, triglyceride levels, and nondipper BP were independent risk factors in WML in patients with CSVD, while the 24-hour dynamic blood pressure standard deviation and 24-hour dynamic blood pressure coefficient of variation were not associated with the occurrence of WML.

Non-dipping and higher nocturnal blood pressure are associated with risk of mortality and development of kidney disease in type 1 diabetes

AimsPeople with type 1 diabetes have increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) and kidney disease. A 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) measurement (ABPM) examines diurnal variations in BP. We aimed to determine the prognostic significance of blunted decrease in nocturnal systolic BP of <10 % (non-dipping of nocturnal BP) for CV- and kidney disease and all-cause mortality in type 1 diabetes. MethodsFrom 2009 to 2011, at Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, 654 participants with type 1 diabetes had 24-hour ABPM obtained with a tonometric wrist-watch device (BPro, HealthStats, Singapore). In 2017, outcomes (composite CV endpoint; all-cause mortality; decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30 %; end-stage kidney disease (ESKD); and a composite kidney endpoint including decline in eGFR ≥30 %, ESKD and all-cause mortality) were registered. Hazard Ratios (HR) were calculated using Cox regressions. ResultsParticipants were mean ± SD 55 ± 13 years old and had median (IQR) 35 (24–44) years diabetes duration. Mean daytime and nocturnal systolic BP were 133 ± 16 and 121 ± 16 mmHg while 337 (52 %) participants demonstrated non-dipping. After CV risk factor adjustments, non-dipping was associated with all-cause mortality (HR 2.12 (1.09–4.11), p = 0.03) and the composite kidney endpoint (HR 1.92 (1.23–3.00), p = 0.004). ConclusionsNon-dipping entailed increased risk of all-cause mortality and kidney disease in type 1 diabetes.

Investigation of the Effectiveness of Traditional Breathing Therapy on Pulmonary Function in College Students with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a problem that involves many body systems, but its impact on the respiratory system deserves special attention. While there are many studies investigating the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to treat lung function in patients with sleep apnea, the lack of studies in the literature on the effects of traditional breathing therapy on lung function in patients with OSA prompted us to conduct such a study. Objective The present randomized trial aims to assess the effect of traditional breathing therapy on daytime sleepiness and pulmonary function in college students with OSA. Methods Forty college students (male) with OSA were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (CG) and the traditional breathing therapy group (TG). Daytime sleepiness symptoms in OSA are measured primarily by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Pulmonary function measurements included FVC, FEV1, PEE, and MEF50%. The changes in morning blood pressure (BP), including diastolic BP and systolic BP, were also recorded. Data were recorded before and after the experiment. Results A decrease in ESS at 12 weeks after intervention had statistical significance compared with values recorded before intervention (P < 0.05). A decrease in systolic and diastolic BP at 12 weeks after intervention had statistical significance compared with values recorded before intervention (P < 0.05). Comparisons made in terms of pulmonary functions demonstrated a statistically significant increase in 12-week postintervention values of FVC, FEV1, PEF, and MEF50% (P < 0.05). Conclusion Our study shows the positive effects of traditional breathing therapy on pulmonary function parameters. This suggests that traditional breathing therapy treatment in OSA patients is as effective as CPAP on pulmonary function, while there is an improvement in daytime sleepiness and a modest decline in the mean daytime systolic and diastolic BP.

Science, Medicine, and the Anesthesiologist

Science, Medicine, and the Anesthesiologist

The Effect of Circadian Blood Pressure in The Development of Lacunar Infarcts, Together with Other Possible Factors

This study was carried out in Amasya University S.S.R.E. Hospital Department of Neurology and Cardiology between 2021 and 2022. Total number of 58 patients (29 lacunar infarct patients and 29 control subjects, 42 females and 16 males) over the age of 45 (mean age 57.1+-6.8) were recruited to the study. All patients underwent 24-hour blood pressure monitoring. The patients with a history of stroke, malignancy, renal or endocrinal disease were excluded from the study. According to the systolic blood pressure measurements, twenty-seven patients were ‘non-Dipper’ and thirty-one patients were ‘Dipper’. Diastolic blood pressure measurements revealed that twenty-one patients were ‘non-Dipper’ and thirty-seven patients were ‘Dipper’.Mean daytime and night-time systolic blood pressure values were higher in patients with lacunar infarction (p:0.02). There was no difference in the diastolic BP and variability (p &amp;gt; 0,05). The clinical importance of the alteration in the reduction of blood pressure is still controversial. Understanding the alterations in blood pressure rhythmicity will be helpful to prevent and treat the lacunar infarctions.

Orthostatic Hypotension Management in Patients with Traumatic Cervical Myelopathy

Aim. To study the incidence and severity of orthostatic hypotension and develop a method for its correction in patients after spinal cord injury (SCI) at the cervical level. Material and мethods. The study included 120 patients after spinal cord injury at cervical level with tetraplegia C5–C8 motor levels since injury more than 1 year divided into 3 groups comparable in terms of demographic, neurological and functional parameters. The group 1 (control) received standard therapy (exercise therapy, modalities, ergotherapy, massage), the group 2 received standard therapy and permanent wearing of an abdominal bandage during the day, the group 3 received rehabilitation identical to the group 2 in conjunction with low-intensity laser therapy (reflex-segmental technique). Evaluation of the results was carried out at the beginning (T1), at the end (T2) after a 30-day rehabilitation course; in assessing the state of the ANS used heart rate variability, ABPM, tilt test, deep breathing test; the motor system was assessed using the international neurological assessment standard — ASIA Impairment Scale, the FIM motor subscale (FIMm). Results and discussion. The quantity of 35% of patients have orthostatic hypotension while subjective manifestations during the tilt test was seen only in 22% of patients. At the initial examination, there were no differences between the groups in terms of vegetative and functional status. There were no changes in neurological status in all groups, functional activity increased by 6 ± 5.4 points in the control group (FIMm), and 6 ± 4.6 and 7 ± 4.5 points in 2 and 3 groups, respectively without any the statistical differences between the groups (F = 0.51; p = 0.42) at the end of rehabilitation. There were positive changes in vegetative parameters in all groups, with the exception of the mean night systolic blood pressure (SBP) between the 1 and 2 groups. Intergroup comparison have shown positive changes in all vegetative parameters that was higher in the 2 and 3 groups: decreasing drop of SBP during tilt test was 4 ± 2.8. and 5 ± 3.2 mm Hg, increase in inspiratory- expiratory index (RRmax / RRmin) 0.5 ± 0.08 and 0.7 ± 0.10 units, increase in daytime mean SBP (ABPM) 5 ± 1.1 and 8 ± 1.4 mm Hg respectively in groups 2 and 3, against 2 ± 1.9 mm Hg. and 0.2 ± 0.05 units, 3 ± 0.9 mm Hg in the group 1. In group 3, the value and increase in RRmax / RRmin (1.21 ± 0.11; 1.23 ± 0.13; 1.27 ± 0.15, respectively, in 1, 2 and 3 groups), mean daytime SBP (105 ± 3; 108 ± 3; 110 ± 4 mm Hg, respectively in 1, 2, and 3 groups) was higher in the group 3. Conclusion. Orthostatic Hypotension (OH) occured in one third of patients in the late period after SCI at the cervical level, the method of OH management that included daytime abdominal bandage wearing and using low-intensity laser radiation (905 nm, 50 Hz) on the cardioreflex zones has shown its preliminary effectiveness.

Aortic knob width is associated with non-dipping blood pressure pattern

Background: Aortic knob width (AKW) is the measurement of the radiographic configuration composed of the foreshortened aortic arch and a part of the descending aorta. We investigated the relationship between the nondipper pattern and AKW. Material and methods: All patients’ office blood pressure measurements and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure readings were recorded. A blood pressure drop of less than 10% was defined as non-dipping. The patients were grouped into Group 1; dipper pattern (37 patients; 22F, and mean age 49.2 ± 11.7 yrs) and Group 2; non-dipper pattern (64 patients; 37F, and mean age 53.7 ± 13.1 yrs). On posteroanterior chest radiography, the widest point of the aortic knob was measured along the straight imaginary line from the lateral edge of the trachea to the left lateral wall of the aortic arch. Results: AKW was significantly higher in Group 2 compared to group 1 (36.7 ± 5.7 vs. 30.7 ± 4.5 mm, p &lt; 0.001). The mean daytime and night-time systolic blood pressures, the mean night-time diastolic blood pressure levels, 24-hour mean blood pressure and mean pulse pressures were higher; percentage of nocturnal drops was significantly lower in Group 2 compared to Group 1. AKW was determined to be the parameter that was mostly related to the non-dipper pattern. A ROC analysis revealed that the area under the curve values for AKW values of non-dippers were 0.796 (95% CI: 0.707–0.884, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: AKW is significantly higher in non-dipper individuals compared to dippers. AKW values above 32.6 mm on the chest radiograph may be associated with non-dipper pattern especially in hypertensive individuals.

Regular Acetaminophen Use and Blood Pressure in People With Hypertension: The PATH-BP Trial.

Acetaminophen is widely used as first-line therapy for chronic pain because of its perceived safety and the assumption that, unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it has little or no effect on blood pressure (BP). Although observational studies suggest that acetaminophen may increase BP, clinical trials are lacking. We, therefore, studied the effects of regular acetaminophen dosing on BP in individuals with hypertension. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, 110 individuals were randomized to receive 1 g acetaminophen 4× daily or matched placebo for 2 weeks followed by a 2-week washout period before crossing over to the alternate treatment. At the beginning and end of each treatment period, 24-hour ambulatory BPs were measured. The primary outcome was a comparison of the change in mean daytime systolic BP from baseline to end of treatment between the placebo and acetaminophen arms. One-hundred three patients completed both arms of the study. Regular acetaminophen, compared with placebo, resulted in a significant increase in mean daytime systolic BP (132.8±10.5 to 136.5±10.1 mm Hg [acetaminophen] vs 133.9±10.3 to 132.5±9.9 mm Hg [placebo]; P<0.0001) with a placebo-corrected increase of 4.7 mm Hg (95% CI, 2.9-6.6) and mean daytime diastolic BP (81.2±8.0 to 82.1±7.8 mm Hg [acetaminophen] vs 81.7±7.9 to 80.9±7.8 mm Hg [placebo]; P=0.005) with a placebo-corrected increase of 1.6 mm Hg (95% CI, 0.5-2.7). Similar findings were seen for 24-hour ambulatory and clinic BPs. Regular daily intake of 4 g acetaminophen increases systolic BP in individuals with hypertension by ≈5 mm Hg when compared with placebo; this increases cardiovascular risk and calls into question the safety of regular acetaminophen use in this situation. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01997112. URL: https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu; Unique identifier: 2013-003204-40.

Association of nocturnal subconjunctival hemorrhage and non-dipper blood pressure pattern: A benign clue for serious diseases.

To evaluate the association between non-dipper blood pressure pattern and subconjunctival hemorrhage (SCH). Twenty-seven consecutive patients with nocturnal SCH and 27 age, sex-matched controls were enrolled. Demographic, blood parameters, office blood pressure measurements, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were evaluated. Mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for nighttime (65.03 ± 7.1 vs. 70.78 ± 10.5, p: 0.22), mean heart rate for nighttime (64.54 ± 8.26 vs. 69.93 ± 9.85, p: 0.034), Minimum Systolic Blood pressure(SBP) and DBP values for nighttime (92.44 ± 9.72 vs. 99.44 ± 10.66, p:0.015 and 51.15 ± 8.31 vs. 57.7 ± 11.2, p: 0.018) were higher, nocturnal fall ratio of SBP and DBP were significantly lower in the SCH ( + ) group compared to SCH (-) group (5.38 ± 8.39 vs. 10.34 ± 6.08, p: 0.016 and 4.26 ± 8.92 vs. 13.78 ± 6.97, p < 0001 respectively). Ten patients (37%) in the SCH (-) group and 18 patients (66.7%) in the SCH ( + ) group were non-dippers (p: 0.029). Mean daytime SBP and DBP were higher compared to office measurements of 4 patients (14.8%) in the SCH (-) group and 11 patients (40.7%) in the SCH ( + ) group (p: 0.033). SCH had a strong association with non-dipper blood pressure pattern, higher nocturnal heart rate and masked hypertension which are precursors of myocardial infarction, stroke and renal failure. So, SCH should be considered as a clue for serious diseases such as coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, stroke and patients should be evaluated for ABPM.

Is there a difference between normotensive and hypertensive patients in terms of blood parameters and cardiovascular diseases?

Objectives: It has been stated in various studies that there is a difference in some blood parameters between hypertensive and normotensive patients for a long time. Mean platelet volume (MPV), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW), have been studied in hypertensive patient groups in many studies. Hypertension is a classic risk factor for ischemic stroke and myocardial ischemia, as known. In our study, we examined whether there was a difference between hypertensive patient groups and normotensive patients in terms of blood parameters such as MPV and RDW, and the incidence of stroke and myocardial infarction. Methods: Blood samples and twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) results of 552 patients admitted to our outpatient clinic with a pre-diagnosis of hypertension were retrospectively analyzed. According to ABPM results, we divided the study participants into four groups; dippers, non-dippers, extreme dippers, and normotansives. Complete blood count and biochemical test results were found in the database of our hospital for all patients and differences between groups were investigated. Results: One hundred seventy three normotensives (Group 1) (mean age, 47.4 ± 15.4 years), 210 non-dippers (Group 2) (mean age, 53.8 ± 15.8 years), 67 extreme dippers (Group 3) (mean age, 49.1 ± 15.9 years) and 102 dippers (Group 4) (mean age, 52.2 ± 12.5 years). Daytime mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and night-time mean SBP and DBP were significantly different in groups (Group 1: 117 [90-193] mmHg and 71 [55-87] mmHg; Group 2: 137 [107-188] mmHg and 83 [107-188] mmHg; Group 3: 143 [115-193] mmHg and 88 [56-122] mmHg; and Group 4: 140.5 [116-173] mmHg and 76 [55-124] mmHg), p &amp;lt; 0.001; respectively. MPV and RDW levels were different in all four groups (p &amp;lt; 0.001). We found a significant difference in the rates of stroke and coronary artery disease between the four groups (p = 0.018 and p = 0.002, respectively). In the ROC curve analysis MPV had sensitivity of %77. 8 and specificity of 78. 1% for stroke when the cut-off value MPV was 9.25 (Area under curve: 0.808, 95% confidence interval: 0.726-0.889, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusions: In our study, MPV and RDW levels and the rates of stroke and cardiovascular disease were significantly higher in non-dipper patients compared to other groups.

Effects of vibegron on ambulatory blood pressure in patients with overactive bladder: results from a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

To characterize the blood pressure (BP) profile of the new β3-adrenergic receptor agonist, vibegron, in patients with overactive bladder. Patients were randomized to once-daily vibegron 75 mg or placebo for 28 days and underwent ambulatory BP monitoring. The primary endpoint was change from baseline (CFB) to day 28 in mean daytime ambulatory systolic BP (SBP). Secondary endpoints were CFB in mean 24-h SBP and in mean daytime and mean 24-h ambulatory diastolic BP (DBP) and heart rate (HR). Safety was assessed through adverse event reporting. Of 214 patients randomized, 96 receiving vibegron and 101 receiving placebo had evaluable baseline and day 28 measurements. Overall, 39.6 and 30.7% of patients receiving vibegron and placebo, respectively, had preexisting hypertension. The least squares mean difference (LSMD; 90% confidence interval) between vibegron and placebo in CFB in mean daytime SBP was 0.8 (-0.9, 2.5) mmHg. LSMD in CFB in mean daytime DBP and HR was 0.0 mmHg and 0.9 bpm, respectively. No significant differences between treatments were seen in CFB in mean 24-h SBP (LSMD, 0.6 mmHg), DBP (-0.2 mmHg) or HR (1.0 bpm). The most common treatment-emergent adverse event was hypertension, with rates comparable between groups [vibegron: n = 5 (4.7%); placebo: n = 4 (3.7%)]. One patient receiving vibegron took a prohibited medication (phentermine) known to increase BP. Once-daily vibegron had no statistically significant or clinically relevant effects on BP or HR.

Nocturnal non-dipping on 24-h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in children and adolescents with obesity is associated with higher total cholesterol levels

ABSTRACT Background Few studies indicate the occurrence of abnormal nocturnal dipping of blood pressure (BP) in 35–50% of children and adolescents with obesity. The relation between that phenomenon and metabolic complications of obesity remains unclear. To evaluate the association between disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism, and nocturnal non-dipping in pediatric patients with obesity. Methods In 207 children (53.14% girls, mean age 14 (range 2–17), mean BMI Z-SCORE 4.38, range 2.07–10.74) standard 24-h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring was performed. Normal dipping was defined as a ≥ 10% decline in BP during the night. Results There were 106 (51.21%) cases of non-dippers. The mean 24-h nocturnal systolic BP (SBP) reduction (%) was 9.9 ± 5.5. The mean 24-h nocturnal diastolic BP (DBP) reduction (%) was 15.8 ± 8.5. There was a significant correlation between BMI Z-SCORE and mean day-time SBP (r = 0.14 P = .042). There are positive correlations between 24-h heart rate (beats/min) and BMI Z-SCORE (r = 0.15, P = .027), between fasting glucose and systolic BP Z-SCORE (r = 0.17, P = .03) and between mean diastolic BP and LDL cholesterol (r = 0.23, P = .004). Total cholesterol level was significantly higher in non-dippers (4.34 vs. 3.99 mmol/L, P = .034). There were no significant differences between non-dippers and dippers regarding fasting glucose (4.6 vs. 4.8 mmol/L), 120ʹpost load glucose (5.7 vs. 5.9 mmol/L), insulin (19 vs. 20.2 µIU/mL), HOMA-IR (2.36 vs. 2.44), LDL cholesterol (2.64 vs. 2.51 mmol/L), HDL cholesterol (1.06 vs. 1.03 mmol/L) or triglycerides (1.36 vs. 1.34 mmol/L) levels. Conclusion Nocturnal non-dipping is frequent in pediatric patients with obesity. It is associated with higher total cholesterol levels.

Hemodynamic load on the intracranial arterial system in subjects who have suffered a hemorrhagic stroke as a complication of essential arterial hypertension

The aim of the investigation was to compare a hemodynamic load on the intracranial arterial system, assessed by the indices of 24-hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and ultrasonography of the large cervical arteries between the group of patients with essential arterial hypertension in ≥6 months after a hemorrhagic stroke and a group of patients with essential arterial hypertension without complications. The first one was the main group (n=94; age – 54.4±0.9 years), М±m), the second one – the comparison group (n=104; age – 53.7±0.9 years). The indices of 24-hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in the main group and the comparison group were the following: the mean daytime systolic blood pressure was 109.6±1.6 and 121.1±1.1 mm Hg, the minimal one was 74.4±2.0 mm Hg and 82.3±12.5 mm Hg, and the maximal one was 168.2±1.9 and 161.9±1.7 mm Hg, p&lt;0.05. The daytime systolic blood pressure sigma (17.9±0.6) and the average real variability of systolic blood pressure (11.31±2.52 mm Hg) were bigger in the main group (p&lt;0.01). The daytime index of hyperbaric load of systolic blood pressure was bigger in the main group: it was 403.6±25.9 against 231.7±12.1 mm Hg × h in the comparison group (p&lt;0.01). The maximal pulse pressure for a 24-hours interval was 74.2±2.0 and 66.4±0.9 mm Hg, respectively (p&lt;0.01). The indices of ultrasonography of the large cervical arteries in the right and left vessels of the main group were the following: the Gosling's pulsatility index was 1.578±0.059 and 1.552±0.042 for the common carotid artery, 1.210±0.044 and 1.102±0.037 for the internal carotid artery, 1.191±0.030 and 1.150±0.023 for the vertebral artery. The above-mentioned indices were bigger in the main group than in the comparison one (p&lt;0.01). The diameters of all the large cervical arteries were bigger in the main group (p&lt;0.01). Therefore, according to the above-mentioned indices which are associated with a bigger risk of cerebrovascular events, a bigger hemodynamic load on the intracranial arterial system was found in the main group than in the comparison one, despite the smaller mean systolic blood pressure indices.

EVALUATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DYSREGULATION IN PATIENTS AFTER HEMORRHAGIC STROKE AS A COMPLICATION OF ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION

The aim of the study was to compare blood pressure and electrocardiogram indices, assessed by their daily monitoring, and anamnestic data on mild traumatic brain injury between a group of patients with essential hypertension ≥6 months after a hemorrhagic stroke and a group of patients with essential hypertension without complications. Materials and methods. The total number of examined patients was 198 people, who were divided into 2 groups: the main (n = 94; age – 54,4±8,8 years, M±σyears) and the control (n = 104; age – 53,7±8,9 years) one. Patients in the main group suffered a hemorrhagic stroke as a complication of essential hypertension ≥6 months ago. The control group included patients with essential hypertension, stage II. In both groups of patients, the parameters of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and electrocardiogram were determined. Results. The indices of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in the main group and the control group were the following ones, respectively:the mean daytime systolic blood pressure was 109,6±1,6 and 121,1±1,1 mm Hg, the minimal one was 74,4±2,0 mm Hg and 82,3±12,5 mm Hg, and the maximal one was 168,2±1,9 and 161,9±1,7 mm Hg, p&lt;0,05. The daytime sigma systolic blood pressure (17,9±0,6) and its average real variability of (11,31±2,52 mm Hg) were bigger in the main group (p&lt;0,05). The daytime index of the hyperbaric load of systolic blood pressure was bigger in the main group: it was 403,6±25,9 against 231,7±12,1 mm Hg×h in the comparison group (p&lt;0,05). The mean, minimum and maximum heart rate at night were significantly lower in the main group (p&lt;0,05). The QTcmin index was significantly lower in the main group in contrast to the control one – 286,28±43,34 and 336,69±22,55, and the QTvariance was greater – 232,56±44,55 – in comparison to the control group(188,31±33,67) (p&lt;0,05). From the anamnestic data of patients, a significantly higher prevalence of mild traumatic brain injurywas found in 37,4% (35 patients out of 94) in the main group relative to the control one – 13,5% (14 out of 104), p&lt;0,05. Conclusions: The results of the study indicate the larger ranges of blood pressure variability in patients with essential hypertension complicated with hemorrhagic stroke, which can be caused by impaired autoregulation according to the QTc interval data. In combination with the disturbances of cerebral circulation, caused by the injury of the brain due to the hemorrhagic stroke alone or in combination with mild traumatic brain injury episode, such a situation may lead to the development of recurrent stroke.

Effect of Heart Rate on the Outcome of Renal Denervation in Patients With Uncontrolled Hypertension

BackgroundSham-controlled trials demonstrated safety and efficacy of renal denervation (RDN) to lower blood pressure (BP). Association of baseline heart rate with BP reduction after RDN is incompletely understood. ObjectivesThe purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the impact of baseline heart rate on BP reduction without antihypertensive medications in the SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED (Global Clinical Study of Renal Denervation With the Symplicity Spyral Multi-electrode Renal Denervation System in Patients With Uncontrolled Hypertension in the Absence of Antihypertensive Medications) Pivotal trial. MethodsPatients removed from any antihypertensive medications were enrolled with office systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥150 and <180 mm Hg and randomized 1:1 to RDN or sham control. Patients were separated according to baseline office heart rate <70 or ≥70 beats/min. BP changes from baseline to 3 months between treatment arms were adjusted for baseline SBP using analysis of covariance. ResultsScatter plots of 3-month changes in 24-hour and office SBP illustrate a wide range of changes in SBP for different baseline heart rates. Treatment difference at 3 months between RDN and sham control with baseline office heart rate ≥70 beats/min for 24-hour SBP was −6.2 mm Hg (95% CI: −9.0 to −3.5 mm Hg) (P < 0.001) and for baseline office heart rate <70 beats/min it was −0.1 mm Hg (−3.8 to 3.6 mm Hg) (P = 0.97) with an interaction P value of 0.008. Results were similar for changes in office, daytime, and nighttime SBP at 3 months, with a greater reduction in SBP with baseline office heart rate ≥70 beats/min. ConclusionsReduction in mean office, 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime SBP for RDN at 3 months was greater with baseline office heart rate ≥70 than <70 beats/min, suggesting an association between baseline heart rate and BP reduction after RDN. (SPYRAL PIVOTAL—SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED Study; NCT02439749)

Ambulatory blood pressure using 60 rather than 20-min intervals may better reflect the resting blood pressure

Purpose Twenty-four hours of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is recommended in several guidelines as the best method for diagnosing hypertension. In general, the prognostic value of ABPM is superior to single office blood pressure (BP) measurements. Unfortunately, some patients experience considerable discomfort during frequently repeated forceful cuff inflations. Materials and methods In this study we investigated the difference in mean daytime systolic BP (SBP) between low-frequency ABPM (LF-ABPM), measuring once every hour, and high-frequency ABPM (HF-ABPM), measuring three times an hour during daytime, and two times an hour during night-time. Results Seventy-one patients were included in the analysis. All included patients had an HF-ABPM performed first and within a few weeks they underwent an LF-ABPM. The average day time difference in SBP between the two frequencies was 3.8 mmHg (p-value = 0.07) for mild, 8.2 mmHg (p-value < 0.01) for moderate and 15 mmHg (p-value < 0.001) for severe hypertension. A similar pattern was seen for night-time SBP. This study suggests that mean BP is similar between the two measuring frequencies for normotensive and mild hypertensive patients, while HF-ABPM results in a higher 24-h mean BP for moderate- and severe hypertensive patients. Conclusion LF-ABPM may more correctly reflect the resting blood pressure in patients with moderate and severe hypertension.