Effects Of Antihypertensive Therapy Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of The Effectiveness of Antihypertensive Therapy Including Spironolactone and Eplerenone in Patients With Essential Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation.

To perform a comparative analysis of the efficacy of antihypertensive therapy (AHT) containing spironolactone or eplerenone in patients with essential arterial hypertension (AH) and atrial fibrillation (AF). The study included 99 male and female patients with essential AH complicated by permanent AF, who were receiving the outpatient treatment at the National Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Cardiology (Tashkent). The patients aged 61.3±9.5 years, the mean duration of AH was 12.9±8.3 years. All patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, patients who completed a 6-month combination AHT containing spironolactone (n=51); Group 2, patients who completed a 6-month combination AHT containing eplerenone (n=48). AF was diagnosed by electrocardiogram (ECG) and/or 24-hour ECG monitoring according to standard diagnostic criteria. The ECG study was performed in compliance with the American Society of Echocardiography Guidelines in M- and B-modes. The degree of structural vascular alterations was determined by the intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery by duplex scanning and microalbuminuria in morning urine. The concentrations of sex hormones were measured by the enzyme immunoassay. The serum concentrations of lipids, glucose, creatinine, and uric acid were measured by the enzymatic method. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated with the EPI formula. Results of all studies were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. The proportion of patients who achieved the target diastolic blood pressure (BP) values was significantly greater in the eplerenone-containing treatment group than in the spironolactone-containing treatment group: 87.8% vs. 67.5% (p=0.043). The proportion of patients who simultaneously achieved the target systolic and diastolic BP values was slightly greater in the eplerenone-containing treatment group than in the spironolactone-containing group (100% vs. 92.1%, p=0.060). The best cardioprotective efficacy was observed in the group of combination AHT containing eplerenone. Specifically, in Group 2, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly improved compared to Group 1: from 55.4±10.6% at baseline to 52.6±9.1% in Group 1 (p>0.05) and from 54.8±8.8% at baseline to 58.2±6.4% in Group 2 (p<0.02). Only in Group 2, the left atrial volume index (LAVI) was significantly decreased compared to Group 1. Thus, in Group 1, the LAVI changed from 42.2±15.1 ml/m2 at baseline to 40.4±12.2 ml/m2 (p>0.05) and in Group 2, from 41.2±15.3 ml/m2 at baseline to 37.3±13.5 ml/m2 after the treatment (p<0.05); the ∆% LAVI in the eplerenone group was -5.9% vs. -0.36% in the spironolactone group. In men of Group 1, estradiol significantly increased from 13.9±12.6 pmol/l at baseline to 22.7±12.4 pmol/l (p<0.001). The good antihypertensive efficacy of the 6-month combination therapy containing eplerenone was significantly superior to spironolactone in achieving the target BP values. The eplerenone-containing treatment significantly improved LVEF and decreased LAVI compared to the spironolactone-containing treatment. A trend towards a beneficial effect of the AHT containing eplerenone on concentrations of sex hormones was noted in both women and men.

Effects of Antihypertensive Therapy During Pregnancy on Postpartum Blood Pressure Control.

To compare differences in postpartum blood pressure (BP) control (BP below 140/90 mm Hg) for participants with hypertension randomized to receive antihypertensive treatment compared with no treatment during pregnancy. This study was a planned secondary analysis of a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial (The CHAP [Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy] trial). Pregnant participants with mild chronic hypertension (BP below 160/105 mm Hg) were randomized into two groups: active (antihypertensive treatment) or control (no treatment unless severe hypertension, BP 160/105 mm Hg or higher). Study outcomes were BP control below 140/90 mm Hg (primary) and medication nonadherence based on a composite score threshold (secondary) at the 6-week postpartum follow-up visit. Participants without follow-up BP measurements were excluded from analysis of the BP control outcome. Participants without health care professional-prescribed antihypertensives at delivery were excluded from the analysis of the adherence outcome. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders. Of 2,408 participants, 1,684 (864 active, 820 control) were included in the analysis. A greater percentage of participants in the active group achieved BP control (56.7% vs 51.5%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.22, 95% CI, 1.00-1.48) than in the control group. Postpartum antihypertensive prescription was higher in the active group (81.7% vs 58.4%, P<.001), and nonadherence did not differ significantly between groups (aOR 0.81, 95% CI, 0.64-1.03). Antihypertensive treatment of mild chronic hypertension during pregnancy was associated with better BP control below 140/90 mm Hg in the immediate postpartum period.

Cardiac response to hypertension treatment: an advanced echocardiographic evaluation.

Hypertension is the most common reversible cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide and more than one billion individuals suffer from the disease. Constant heart exposure to increased afterload progresses to maladaptive remodeling, leading to cardiac dysfunction. In this study, we aimed to evaluate cardiac function in response to hypertension treatment. One hundred patients diagnosed with hypertension were evaluated two times, with 3 to 6months intervals, before and after antihypertensive therapy. Patients underwent clinical and echocardiographic evaluation in both visits and the interest effect of antihypertensive therapy on cardiac function was studied. 58 men and 42 women with a mean age of 60.81 ± 11.8 years were studied. Mean systolic and diastolic pressure in the first visit was 163.05 ± 20.6 and 95.40 ± 10.4, respectively. On the second visit, mean systolic and diastolic pressure was 129.95 ± 10.4 and 82.35 ± 7.2 respectively (P value for both < 0.001). The mean value of Global Longitudinal Strain as the main parameter for evaluating left ventricular systolic function was -15.54% on the first visit and changed to -16.95% on the second visit (P value 0.025). According to the results of this study, changes in parameters, indicator of systolic and diastolic function, after 3-6months of antihypertensive therapy are significant. The most important point is that maladaptive remodeling of the heart is reversible if hypertension is diagnosed timely. To follow-up patients under antihypertensive therapy, GLS and parameters indicator of diastolic dysfunction, have the best diagnostic value in terms of detecting early stages of cardiac injury.

#1182 Arterial hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—problems of choice of therapy

Abstract Background and Aims The development of hypertension in COPD is based on the early formation of endothelial dysfunction in the small and large circulatory circles, increased sympathetic activity with an imbalance in the synthesis of catecholamines, a violation of the role of the lungs in the metabolism of vasoactive substances, oxidative stress, chronic systemic inflammation, an imbalance in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). There are few studies confirming the role of RAAS components in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular changes in patients COPD. The activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) increases with hypoxia, which may play an important role in increasing the degree of systemic hypertension. An increase in the function of the RAAS is possible both under the direct influence of hypoxia and indirectly through activation of the sympathoadrenal system. To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist valsartan (Nortivan) at a dose 80-160 mg per day in patients with hypertension of 1-2 degrees and COPD of stage II-IV. Method The study design is a local, open, incomparable study on the efficacy and safety of the drug Nortivan in patients with hypertension in combination with COPD. We examined 18 patients with stage II-IV in remission, suffering from grade I and II hypertension, determined in accordance with the generally accepted classification of blood pressure levels (VNOK, 2010). Results The criteria for exclusion from the study were the presence in patients of complications of hypertension, coronary heart disease, decompensated chronic pulmonary heart, endocrine diseases requiring drug correction, kidney pathology, chronic heart failure, oral steroid therapy. 10 days in the last 6 months before inclusion in the study, oncological diseases and any other conditions that could interfere with the interpretation and evaluation of the results of the study. Patients who had not previously received antihypertensive treatment were included in the study immediately, and the rest underwent a washing period for 2 weeks. Patients received Nortivan as antihypertensive therapy for 24 weeks. The effectiveness of therapy was controlled by daily monitoring blood pressure. The choice of quality criteria for the effectiveness of therapy parameters SMAD is associated with literature data and own observations on the prevalence of diurnal blood pressure profiles in patients with hypertension and COPD with no decrease or increase in blood pressure at night, when office blood pressure figures are to a lesser extent reflect the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy. The initial dosage was 80 mg/day. With insufficient hypotensive effect, the dose of the drug was doubled at the 4th week of treatment. The basic COPD therapy did not change throughout the study period and included anticholinergic drugs (ipratropium bromide, tiotropium bromide), beta2-adrenomimetic (fe-noterol) or a combination thereof. Initially and after 24 weeks of treatment, a complete laboratory examination was performed: a clinical blood test, a biochemical blood test. The thickness of the intima-media complex of the carotid arteries and ECG was also studied. The criterion The safety of the therapy was assessed by the indicators of respiratory function, daily pulse oximetry. Conclusion The use of the drug Nortivan has shown high efficacy and safety in patients Grade I–II hypertension in combination with stage II-IV COPD. A statistically and clinically significant normalization of SMAD indicators with correction of pathological types of daily curves due to a decrease in the number of patients with an increase in or the absence of a decrease in blood pressure during the night period. The safety of using the drug in the clinical group with bronchial obstruction syndrome was confirmed by the dynamics of ventilation indicators according to spirometry and the results of daily pulse oximetry, which showed the absence of exacerbation of hypoxia during therapy.

АРТЕРИАЛЬНАЯ ГИПЕРТЕНЗИЯ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ СТАРШИХ ВОЗРАСТНЫХ ГРУПП: КЛИНИКО-ПАТОГЕНЕТИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ, ВЫБОР ОПТИМАЛЬНОЙ ГИПОТЕНЗИВНОЙ ТЕРАПИИ

Arterial hypertension is one of the main risk factors for the development of complications of diseases of the cardiovascular system, the prevalence of which increases with age. The mechanisms of increasing blood pressure in old age are different, the most significant of them is an increase in the stiffness of the artery wall. Isolated systolic arterial hypertension holds a distinct place in elderly and senile patients. The treatment of hypertension in patients of older age groups is much more difficult than in young and middleaged patients, due to the more frequent development of side effects of antihypertensive therapy, as well as the lack of sufficient studies conducted in this category of patients.

Changing Concepts About Optimal Target Blood Pressure and the Therapeutic Advantages of Azilsartan for Achieving it

The article discusses current issues of the treatment of arterial hypertension. According to presented data, so-called therapeutic nihilism is becoming one of the main barriers to achieving target blood pressure (BP). This nihilism is that despite evidence of the effectiveness of achieving lower BP values, practitioners do not intensify antihypertensive therapy sufficiently to achieve such values. The article specially addresses new criteria for the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy, which reflect the therapy sustainability. The most commonly used indicator is the duration of the period, during which systolic BP remains in the therapeutic range. The prognostic significance of such indicators is discussed. In these conditions, it is very important to use the most effective antihypertensive drugs for initial antihypertensive therapy, including as a part of combination therapy. This tactic provides more frequent achievement of BP goals without the need for dose adjustment. In this regard, a systematic review was performed, which included sufficiently large randomized studies of the antihypertensive effectiveness of azilsartan medoxomil. This systematic review will provide comprehensive information on a possible role of using the angiotensin II receptor blocker azilsartan as a basic drug for the treatment of a wide range of patients with high BP. Most of the studies included in the systematic review assessed the effectiveness of combination therapy including azilsartan.

Assessment of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Incidence and Antihypertensive Therapy Efficacy in Hypertensive Patients

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the incidence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in hypertensive individuals in Karachi, Pakistan, and to evaluate the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy in preventing LVH. Methodology: A total of 200 hypertensive patients were referred from the Cardiac OPD to the Radiology department of Medicare Cardiac and General Hospital, Karachi, for echocardiography. Echocardiographic measurements of cardiac chambers were performed by expert echocardiographers, and left ventricular mass (LVM) was calculated using the formula recommended by the American Society of Echocardiography. Results: Among the hypertensive patients, 100 had uncontrolled blood pressure (≥140/90 mmHg) while 100 had controlled blood pressure (≤130/80 mmHg). The female-to-male ratio was 3:1, with ages ranging from 21 to 80 years. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension exhibited a higher mean body mass index (29 ± 5 kg/m2) and significantly elevated LVM (mean 154 ± 4 g/m2). Angiotensin receptor inhibitors were the most commonly prescribed and effective antihypertensive agents, either as monotherapy or in combination therapy (60%), demonstrating utility in preventing LVH. Conclusion: This study highlights a high incidence of LVH in uncontrolled hypertensive individuals compared to those with controlled hypertension. Transthoracic echocardiography emerged as a highly valuable, non-invasive tool for measuring LVM and assessing the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy.

Влияние генетического полиморфизма генов, кодирующих мишень действия, на эффективность антигипертензивной терапии

Arterial hypertension is one of the main modifiable factors of cardiovascular events, which affects an increasing number of people around the world. In addition to the low adherence of patients to treatment, the wrong choice of medications, the presence of concomitant diseases and an unhealthy lifestyle, the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy may be associated with genetic polymorphism. Genetic polymorphisms can influence through genes involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension, which are able to modify the effects of drugs; modifications in the mechanisms of interaction of drugs with genes; polymorphisms in metabolic enzymes; genes associated with drug carriers, and genes involved in complex cascades and metabolic reactions. The article reviews the results of studies of the relationship of polymorphic alleles of genes responsible for the pharmacodynamic response to therapy with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers as the main drugs for the treatment of hypertension according to clinical guidelines for the treatment of hypertension in adults.

Fibroblasts under pressure: cardiac fibroblast responses to hypertension and antihypertensive therapies.

Approximately 50% of Americans have hypertension, which significantly increases the risk of heart failure. In response to increased peripheral resistance in hypertension, intensified mechanical stretch in the myocardium induces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibroblast activation to withstand increased pressure overload. This changes the structure and function of the heart, leading to pathological cardiac remodeling and eventual progression to heart failure. In the presence of hypertensive stimuli, cardiac fibroblasts activate and differentiate to myofibroblast phenotype capable of enhanced extracellular matrix secretion in coordination with other cell types, mainly cardiomyocytes. Both systemic and local renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation lead to increased angiotensin II stimulation of fibroblasts. Angiotensin II directly activates fibrotic signaling such as transforming growth factor β/SMAD and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling to produce extracellular matrix comprised of collagens and matricellular proteins. With the advent of single-cell RNA sequencing techniques, heterogeneity in fibroblast populations has been identified in the left ventricle in models of hypertension and pressure overload. The various clusters of fibroblasts reveal a range of phenotypes and activation states. Select antihypertensive therapies have been shown to be effective in limiting fibrosis, with some having direct actions on cardiac fibroblasts. The present review focuses on the fibroblast-specific changes that occur in response to hypertension and pressure overload, the knowledge gained from single-cell analyses, and the effect of antihypertensive therapies. Understanding the dynamics of hypertensive fibroblast populations and their similarities and differences by sex is crucial for the advent of new targets and personalized medicine.

ТЕРАПЕВТИЧЕСКИЙ ПОДХОД К ЛЕЧЕНИЮ ХРОНИЧЕСКОЙ АРТЕРИАЛЬНОЙ ГИПЕРТЕНЗИИ БЕРЕМЕННЫХ: МЕСТО β-АДРЕНОБЛОКАТОРОВ

Abstract. The purpose of the clinical trial was to study the state of the cardiorenal system in pregnant women with chronic arterial hypertension in the second trimester of gestation under the influence of β-blocker therapy. A comprehensive assessment of the cardiorenal system was performed. The results obtained showed the positive effect of antihypertensive therapy on central and peripheral hemodynamics and the functional state of the kidneys.

Modern ideas about the consequences of sympathoadrenal hyperactivation in hypertensive patients with metabolic disorders: modulation possibilities

The prevalence of hypertension (HTN) in the Russian Federation and the world continues to grow. This is largely due to the epidemic of obesity and related conditions — metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The most common and proven hypothesis of the relationship between hypertension and obesity is the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. However, modern research shows that the consequences of sympathetic hyperactivation are not limited only to hemodynamic effects, but extend to many organs and systems. Long-term sympathetic hyperactivation can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Neurotransmitters affect fat cells by increasing lipolysis and leading to increased fatty acid release, the liver by increasing gluconeogenesis, and pancreatic β-cells by decreasing insulin secretion. The sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in energy management by regulating metabolic rate. Obese individuals have significantly less pronounced postprandial thermogenesis, despite a higher insulin response, while the hemodynamic response to isometric or heterometric exercise is reduced. Chronic stress serves not only as a trigger for behavioral disorders, but also directly leads to various physiological disorders, including through sympathetic activation. However, the choice of antihypertensive agents affecting the sympathetic activity in patients with obesity and metabolic disorders is very limited. According to current guidelines, β-blockers are not the drugs of choice in patients with uncomplicated HTN, since it has a weaker evidence base compared to other classes of drugs and have metabolic and other side effects. Therefore, selective I1-imidazoline receptor agonists, and in particular, moxonidine may be the drugs of choice in this category of patients. Moxonidine in combination therapy of patients with HTN and metabolic disorders, including metabolic disorders in menopause, as well as with a physiological estrogen decrease, significantly improves the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy and increases the achievement of target blood pressure. In addition, its metabolic effects improve prognosis of such patients.

The Effect of Antihypertensive Therapy on Skeletal Muscle Mass and Bone Mineral Density in Patients With End-Stage Kidney Disease

ObjectiveSarcopenia and osteoporosis substantially influence health and lifespan. However, the variables affecting skeletal muscle mass (SMM) or bone mineral density (BMD) remain unknown. Design and MethodsFrom August 1, 2018, to July 31, 2019, we conducted a single-center, observational cohort study with 291 Japanese adult patients on maintenance hemodialysis due to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), who had their femoral neck BMD measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. After 1-year follow-up, we measured annual changes of BMD (ΔBMD) and SMM (ΔSMM), which was calculated through a modified creatinine index (mg/kg/day) using age, sex, serum creatinine, and single-pooled Kt/V for urea. The factors associated with ΔSMM/ΔBMD or progressive loss of SMM/BMD, defined as ΔSMM/ΔBMD <0 per year respectively, were analyzed with multivariable, linear regression or logistic regression models. ResultsThe median age of the patients was 66 years and 33% were female. Dialysis vintage and β-blocker-use were inversely correlated to ΔSMM. In comparison to nonusers, β-blockers users had 2.5-fold-higher SMM loss odd ratios [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3–4.8]. The risk for SMM loss caused by β-blockers was not increased in users of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASis). The ΔBMD was negatively correlated to the usage of calcium channel blockers (CCBs). The risk of developing osteosarcopenia, which was defined as annual loss of both SMM and BMD, increased in CCBs users. ConclusionThe use of β-blockers is associated with an elevated risk of developing sarcopenia, whereas RASis may minimize this effect in patients with ESKD. The CCB therapy was associated with a faster decline of BMD.

Features and Comparative Characteristics of Fucosylated Glycans Expression in Endothelial Glycocalyx of Placental Terminal Villi in Patients with Preeclampsia Treated with Different Antihypertensive Regimens.

Antihypertensive therapy is an essential part of management of patients with preeclampsia (PE). Methyldopa (Dopegyt®) and nifedipine (Cordaflex®) are basic medications of therapy since they stabilize blood pressure without affecting the fetus. Their effect on the endothelium of placental vessels has not yet been studied. In this study, we analyzed the effect of antihypertensive therapy on the expression of fucosylated glycans in fetal capillaries of placental terminal villi in patients with early-onset PE (EOPE) and late-onset PE (LOPE), and determined correlation between their expression and mother's hemodynamic parameters, fetoplacental system, factors reflecting inflammatory response, and destructive processes in the endothelial glycocalyx (eGC). A total of 76 women were enrolled in the study: the comparison group consisted of 15 women with healthy pregnancy, and the main group comprised 61 women with early-onset and late-onset PE, who received one-component or two-component antihypertensive therapy. Hemodynamic status was assessed by daily blood pressure monitoring, dopplerometry of maternal placental and fetoplacental blood flows, and the levels of IL-18, IL-6, TNFα, galectin-3, endocan-1, syndecan-1, and hyaluronan in the blood of the mother. Expression of fucosylated glycans was assessed by staining placental sections with AAL, UEA-I, LTL lectins, and anti-LeY MAbs. It was found that (i) expression patterns of fucosylated glycans in eGC capillaries of placental terminal villi in EOPE and LOPE are characterized by predominant expression of structures with a type 2 core and have a similar pattern of quantitative changes, which seems to be due to the impact of one-component and two-component antihypertensive therapy on their expression; (ii) correlation patterns indicate interrelated changes in the molecular composition of eGC fucoglycans and indicators reflecting changes in maternal hemodynamics, fetoplacental hemodynamics, and humoral factors associated with eGC damage. The presented study is the first to demonstrate the features of placental eGC in women with PE treated with antihypertensive therapy. This study also considers placental fucoglycans as a functional part of the eGC, which affects hemodynamics in the mother-placenta-fetus system.

L-Arginine-eNOS-NO Functional System in Brain Damage and Cognitive Impairments in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease.

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a significant cause of cognitive impairment (CI), disability, and mortality. The insufficient effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy in curbing the disease justifies the search for potential targets for modifying therapy and indicators supporting its use. Using a laser-assisted optical rotational cell analyzer (LORRCA, Mechatronics, The Netherlands), the rheological properties and deformability of erythrocytes before and after incubation with 10 μmol/L of L-arginine, the nitric oxide (NO) donor, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability assessed by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, clinical, and MRI signs were studied in 73 patients with CSVD (48 women, mean age 60.1 ± 6.5 years). The control group consisted of 19 volunteers (14 women (73.7%), mean age 56.9 ± 6.4 years). The erythrocyte disaggregation rate (y-dis) after incubation with L-arginine showed better performance than other rheological characteristics in differentiating patients with reduced NO bioavailability/NO deficiency by its threshold values. Patients with y-dis > 113 s-1 had more severe CI, arterial hypertension, white matter lesions, and increased BBB permeability in grey matter and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). A test to assess changes in the erythrocyte disaggregation rate after incubation with L-arginine can be used to identify patients with impaired NO bioavailability. L-arginine may be part of a therapeutic strategy for CSVD with CI.

Evaluation of office and ambulatory blood pressure in the practice of a primary care physician. Guidelines

The guidelines contain data on modern approaches to blood pressure assessment, the basic rules for its measurement, data interpretation, making conclusion, including with combined evaluation of clinical and ambulatory measurement data. Information on the diagnosis of hypertension, evaluation of the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy using clinical and ambulatory blood pressure measurement, both with their separate and combined use, is reflected. Aspects related to the measurement of blood pressure when standing and the diagnosis of hypotension are briefly covered. The guidelines are intended for primary care physicians (internists, general practitioners, cardiologists, neurologists and other specialists), students of medical universities and postgraduate education institutions.

Hemodynamic effects of antihypertensive therapy in patients with hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis comorbidity

Hemodynamic effects of antihypertensive therapy in patients with hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis comorbidity

Gender features of left ventricular myocardial remodeling in patients with arterial hypertension and anxiety and depressive disorders and possibilities of complex antihypertensive and psychocorrective pharmacotherapy

Relevance. Anxiety-depressive disorders are a frequent companion of arterial hypertension (AH). It is known about the deterioration of the prognosis in patients with a combination of these conditions. At the same time, it is unclear whether complex antihypertensive therapy (AHT) with the inclusion of an antidepressant will improve the control of hypertension, slow down target organ damage, and whether it will be equally effective in men and women.The aim of the study – identify gender characteristics of the structural and functional state of the myocardium of the left ventricle (LV) and the effect of antihypertensive therapy with and without the inclusion of an antidepressant on left ventricular myocardial remodeling in patients with AH and ADD, taking into account the gender of the patient.Materials and methods. The study included 182 patients: 62 with AH (32 men and 30 women) and 120 – with AH and anxiety-depressive disorders (30 men – group 1, 30 women – group 2). Patients with AH and anxiety-depressive disorders were randomized into 2 subgroups (A and B). Patients of subgroup A received a fixed combination of an angiotensin II receptor blocker and a diuretic, a beta-blocker and an antidepressant, patients of subgroup B received similar antihypertensive therapy without including an antidepressant. All patients at inclusion in the study and after 24 weeks underwent a general clinical examination, office measurement of blood pressure (also after 4,8,12 weeks), 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, echocardiography, testing on the HADS, CES-D scales, and a psychiatrist's consultation.Results. Men and women with AH and anxiety-depressive disorders, the negative changes in the main parameters of the LV structural and functional state were more significant than in patients with a normal psychoemotional status. At the same time, in women with anxiety-depressive disorders, LV hypertrophy (LVH) was more pronounced than in men. Target levels of blood pressure were achieved faster in the groups treated with antidepressant, however, intergroup differences reached the level of statistical significance only in women. Complex pharmacotherapy led to a more significant improvement in LV structural and functional state than traditional AHT, especially in women. The use of an antidepressant led to a reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms, which was not observed in patients only with AHT groups.Conclusions. Patients with AH and anxiety-depressive disorders develop more pronounced remodeling of the LV myocardium than patients with AH with a normal psychoemotional status, especially in women. The combined use of sertraline and antihypertensive drugs contributes to a more rapid achievement target levels of blood pressure, a significant improvement in LV structural and functional state, which is more pronounced in women than in men. It is also important to normalize the psycho-emotional status against the background of an integrated approach to the pharmacotherapy of patients with AH and anxiety-depressive disorders.

Effect of Nitrendipine and Amlodipine on Cognitive Functions of Patients with Arterial Hypertension

Background: Arterial hypertension (AH) is one of the main factors causing a high risk of cardiovascular complications and mortality. The existence of a relationship between high blood pressure (BP) and the risk of developing central nervous system pathology, primarily stroke, and cognitive impairment, has been shown. The purpose of this study was a comparative assessment of the effect of 12-month antihypertensive therapy (AHT) with the inclusion of nitrendipine (NIT) or amlodipine (AML) on cognitive functions (CF) in hypertensive patients. Methods and Results: The study included 111 patients of both genders aged 30-75 years with AH Grades 1-3 (ESC/ESH, 2018). All patients underwent the following examinations: assessment of traditional risk factors, physical examination, clinical and biochemical laboratory methods, 12-lead ECG, echocardiography, pulse contour analysis, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, neuropsychological tests (Mini-Cog test, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and self-assessment questionnaire for memory, attention, thinking, ability to cope with one's affairs, and ability to make decisions). After the screening stage, all patients were discontinued from previous therapy and assigned to the 2 regimes of AHT. Group 1 included 58 AH patients who received NIT as monotherapy or as part of combination AHT; Group 2 included 53 patients who received AML as monotherapy or as part of combination AHT. Correlation analysis between the parameters of DBPP and the MoCA test revealed a weak but statistically significant negative correlation between the total MoCA score and the average 24-h SBP (rs=-0.33, P=0.015). In addition, there was a weak but statistically significant negative correlation between the total MoCA score and the daytime SBP variability and daytime DBP variability (rs=-0.40 and rs=-0.35, respectively, P=0.000 in both cases). A weak but statistically significant negative correlation was found between the total Mini-Cog score and PWV and PPc (rs=-0.24, P=0.01 and rs=-0.27, P=0.007, respectively). Analysis of the office BP indicators showed high antihypertensive efficacy of 12-month therapy in both groups, regardless of the therapy regimens. A comparative analysis of the effect of AHT with the inclusion of NIT or AML on CF in AH patients showed the advantages of combined AHT with the inclusion of NIT. Amlodipine treatment did not significantly affect any test score. Thus, in Group 1, after 12 months of therapy, there was an increase in the total Mini-Cog score from 3.8±1.08 points to 4.55±0.75 points (P&lt;0.001), while in Group 2, there was a non-significant decrease in this score from 4.26±0.98 points to 3.92±0.95 points (P&gt;0.05). There was also an increase in the total MoCA score in Group 1 from 23.3±2.8 points to 25.08±2.6 points (P&lt;0.001), while in Group 2, there was a non-significant decrease in this score from 24.06±2.73 points to 23.07±2.7 points (P&gt;0.05). It should be noted that only in Group 1 did we find a significant improvement in CF, such as abstraction, delayed recall, memory, and attention, as well as a significant improvement in work-coping and decision-making. In Group 1, the HADS Depression score decreased from 4.6±3.7 points to 3.32±2.95 points (P&lt;0.05), HADS Anxiety score decreased from 7.01±5.37 points to 4.95±3.75 points (P&lt;0.02). At the same time, in Group 2, in contrast, the HADS Depression score and the HADS Anxiety score did not significantly change. Conclusion: A weak but statistically significant negative correlation was found between the total MoCA score and the daytime SBP/DBP variability in AH patients. A weak but statistically significant negative correlation was found between the total Mini-Cog score and pulse wave velocity and central pulse pressure. A pronounced antihypertensive efficacy of 12-month combination therapy was noted, with the inclusion of both NIT and AML. The NIT-based treatment contributed to a significant increase in the total Mini-Cog score and the total MoCA score and a substantial improvement in CF. Abstraction, delayed recall, memory, attention, work-coping, and decision-making significantly improved, compared to AML-based treatment. The presented data allow a differentiated approach to tactics for treating AH patients with severe cognitive impairment.

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE EFFICACY OF A STRATEGY FOR SWITCHING FROM FREE COMBINATIONS TO A FIXED TRIPLE COMBINATION AS ASSESSED BY VASCULAR STIFFNESS PARAMETERS

Objective: To evaluate the 24-hour blood pressure (BP) control and the effect of the triple fixed combination (TFC) amlodipine/indapamide/perindopril on the arterial stiffness parameters according to 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) data in patients with uncontrolled hypertension (HTN). Design and method: The study involved 78 patients with insufficient BP control, against the background of previous combination therapy. All patients received TFC amlodipine/indapamide/perindopril. The patients were divided into three amlodipine/indapamide/perindopril therapy groups: 1-5/1.25/5mg, 2-5/2.5/10mg, 3-10/2.5/10mg. Control visits were after 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks of therapy. At each visit, the achievement of the target BP level &lt;130/80mmHg was assessed, as well as the effect of therapy on the parameters of arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity (PWVao), pulse pressure (PP), agumentation index (Aix), arterial stiffness index (ASI) and central aortic pressure parameters (systolic aortic pressure (SBPao), diastolic pressure in the aorta (DBPao), central pulse pressure (PPao)) according to ABPM. Results: When screening, AHT included 2 drugs - 12 (15.3%) patients, 3 or more - 66 (84.6%), free combinations of drugs 56 (71.8%), FC - 32.1%, respectively. Data analysis showed a decrease PWVao (11.39 ± 1.32 m/s vs 9.98 ± 0.91 m/s, p &lt; 0,05) as well as ASI (174 (138,253) vs 139 (107,196) mmHg; p &lt;0.001) and Aix -29,9(-41,12) vs - 33,7(-53, 9) p&lt;0,05. There was a statistically significant decrease in the parameters the central pressure in the aorta. In the analyzed group of patients, the initial blood pressure was 160.8 ± 10.3/91.5 ± 8.1 mm Hg, after 24 weeks the blood pressure decreased to 121.3 ± 3.5/73.6 ± 4.2mm Hg.st. (p &lt;0.001). According to ABPM data, daily BP significantly (p &lt;0.001) decreased from 153.9 ± 9.04/8.38 ± 9.18 to 120.3 ± 4.7/73.4 ± 4.7 mm Hg after 24 weeks of TFC therapy. Similar patterns were received for the night BP. Conclusions: Indicators of vascular stiffness, together with target BP figures, can serve as criteria for monitoring the quality of blood pressure and have been used to assess the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy when switching patients to TFC amlodipine/indapamide/perindopril.

The dynamics of hypertension and renal function in CKD and non-CKD patients affected with COVID-19 – final results of BIRCOV trial

Introduction and aim. There is evidence in the literature about a change in the effectiveness of inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system (iRAS) in people with COVID-19. Considering different mechanisms of pressure reduction by different iRAS groups, one can expect differences in people with COVID-19 receiving these drugs. The aim of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) and direct renin inhibitors (DRi) usage in COVID-19 (BIRCOV study) was to pinpoint clinical and laboratory differences in people with hypertension who received iRAS and suffered coronavirus infection. Material and methods. An open prospective trial of 108 patients was performed in subjects suffering from COVID-19 who have been receiving iRAS: ACEi, ARB or DRi as basic antihypertensive therapy. The disease follow-up was 12 and 24 weeks. A blood pressure (BP) measurement was performed the week before COVID-19 and up to 24 weeks from the disease onset. Subanalysis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) was performed. Results. In patients with COVID-19, a change in the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy depending on the type of drug in the iRAS group has been documented in the first 4 weeks from the onset of the disease. The use of ACEi had significantly increased the risk of severe hypotension, unlike ARBs that do not cause hypotension. The synchronous decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and systolic BP was more pronounced in CKD patients followed by albuminuria incidence. The greatest decrease in eGFR was in people taking ACEi. Conclusion. People with grade 1-2 hypertension who are constantly receiving RAS inhibitors suffering from COVID-19 may develop hypotension with ACEi. COVID-19 leads to transient albuminuria and decreased glomerular filtration rate, which is especially dangerous for people with CKD 4-5.