Essential Hypertensive Patients Research Articles

Cardioprotective efficacy of combined therapy with azilsartan, indapamide, and nitrendipine in patients with essential hypertension

Abstract Objective To conduct a comparative assessment of the six-month cardioprotective efficacy of combined therapy using azilsartan with indapamide and nitrendipine in patients with essential hypertension (EH). Materials and Methods The study included 101 male and female patients with grade I–II arterial hypertension (AH) according to the classification (ESC/ESH, 2018), who were undergoing outpatient treatment at the Republican Specialized Scientific-Practical Medical Center of Cardiology. The mean age of the patients was 53.1±11.2 years, and the mean duration of AH was 8.5±7.2 years. Initially and after 6 months of therapy, echocardiography was performed to determine the left ventricular myocardial mass index (LVMMI) and left ventricular (LV) echo geometry types. Echocardiography (ECHO) was performed using the "En VisorC" ultrasound system (Philips, Netherlands). Statistical significance was considered for all analyses with p <0.05. Results All patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 - patients on combined antihypertensive therapy (AHT) with azilsartan and indapamide (n=50) and Group 2 - patients on therapy with azilsartan and nitrendipine (n=51). The mean daily dose of azilsartan was 49.3±6.0 mg, nitrendipine was 10.88±4.3 mg, and indapamide was 1.69±0.5 mg. In Group 1, the LVMMI initially was 127.4±32.9 g/m2, and after treatment, it was 110.3±29.0 g/m2 (p<0.001); in Group 2, it was 138.7±31.9 g/m2 and 116.6±30.3 g/m2, respectively (p<0.001). The degree of LVMMI reduction in Group 1 was -13.3±15.6% compared to Group 2, which was -14.4±17.9% (p>0.05). During therapy with azilsartan, indapamide, and nitrendipine, the reduction of LVMMI in EH patients was associated with a decrease in the concentric type of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in both therapy groups: in both groups, a significant increase in the LV diastolic filling pattern index/LVMMI was observed, which was 0.51±0.07 ml/g before treatment and 0.57±0.14 ml/g after treatment in Group 1 (p<0.001), and 0.50±0.11 ml/g before treatment and 0.54±0.12 ml/g after treatment in Group 2 (p<0.02). Significant regression of LVH with 6-month combined therapy in both groups was accompanied by an improvement in LV echo geometry. Initially, there were 12 patients (11.9%) with unchanged LV echo geometry, concentric remodeling was detected in 9 patients (8.91%), eccentric LVH in 30 patients (29.7%), and concentric LVH in 50 patients (49.5%). In the dynamics, the number of patients with normal LV echo geometry increased to 41 patients (40.6%), with concentric LVH decreased to 34 patients (33.6%), with concentric remodeling decreased to 7 patients (7%), and with eccentric LVH decreased to 19 patients (18.8%) (χ2=21.635, p<0.001). Conclusion Achieving target blood pressure levels provided high cardioprotective efficacy of combined therapy with azilsartan, indapamide, and nitrendipine with improvement in LV echo geometry in both groups.

Degree of joint risk factor control and incident all cause dementia in hypertensive patients

Abstract Background Hypertension (HT) is a known modifiable risk factor for dementia. This study evaluates the impact of effectively controlling multiple modifiable risk factors in HT patients on the incidence of dementia. Methods Data from the UK Biobank (2006-2010) were used in this longitudinal study, including essential HT patients and non-HT participants, excluding those with pre-existing dementia or less than two years of follow-up. The study focused on seven risk factors: physical activity, smoking status, blood pressure, body mass index, glycosylated hemoglobin levels, lipids, and urinary Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio. The Cox model evaluated the association between the degree of risk factor control and the incidence of dementia, while linear regression models analyzed the brain abnormalities among different risk factor control groups. Results Of 291,720 participants, 86,675 had HT. Over a median follow-up of 14.3 years, dementia developed in 2,002 HT and 1,379 non-HT participants. Compared with non-HT individuals, a gradual decrease in dementia risk in HT patients with the number of well-controlled risk factors was observed (hazard ratio: 2.01 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.73-2.34] to 1.25 [95% CI 1.13-1.40]). While within HT patients, with the highest level of control lowering the risk to 0.63 (95% CI [0.54-0.73]). Moreover, HT patients with better well-controlled risk factors had lower geometric mean for white matter hyperintensity volume and increased total brain parenchymal volume, gradually narrowing the gap with non-HT individuals. Conclusion In HT patients, a higher degree of well-controlled risk factors seemed to be associated with progressively lower risks of dementia and brain abnormalities.HRs of all-cause dementia in patientsGMRs of different risk factors on target

The influence of the daily salt-intake on the antihypertensive action and atrial natriuretic peptide level in patietns with angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibition

Abstract Background The angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) is a drug which acts through angiotensin receptor blocking effect and the increase in atrail natriuretic peptide (ANP) through neprilysin inhibitor in hypertension (HT). These combined effects result in a reduced risk of hospitalization for heart failure or death from cardiovascular causes. ANP is also known for its various cardioprotective effects including vasodilator and natriuretic action. Acording to Guyton's pressure-natriuresis curve, the efficacy of angiotensin receptor blocker drugs is diminished in HT cases with high daily salt inatke. However, whether the effect of ARNI on HT is attenuated in patients with high daily salt intake remains unclear. Purpose The present study investigated the influence of a daily salt intake on the antihypertensive action and ANP level in patients with ARNI. Methods Fourty-four consecutive essential HT patients on ARNI were enrolled. Blood pressure and ANP level were measured at baseline (before taking ARNI) and 3 weeks later. ARNI (200mg) was prescribed and maintained during the study. In addtion, the daily salt intake was calculated using creatinine and natrium levels in urine, age, and body weight according to Japanese hypertensive guideline at baseline and 3 weeks later. Results The average age was 70±8 years old. About 50% (N=23) was male. The mean sytolic and diastolic blood pressure was 148±14mmHg and 89±10mmHg, respectively. The mean daily salt intake was 9.5±2.2 g/day at baseline. The mean ANP level was 529±300pg/ml. At follow up (3 weeks later), the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure significanly went down to 132± 18 mmHg and 70± 9 mmHg, respectively (p=0.03). ANP level also increased from 529±300pg/ml to 793±580pg/ml. However, the mean daily salt intake was almost same as the baseline at 9.4±3.2 g/day. The patients were divided into 2 groups; high daily salt intake (N=20 with mean daily salt intake 10.5±1.7g/day)) and low daily salt intake (N=24 with 8.4±3.1g/day) groups compared to the baseline. The absolute and percentage changes in systolic blood pressure were almost same in the high and low daily salt intake groups (-12.7±15.8mmHg vs -13.7±14.2mmHg, p=0.75; -5.8±6.5% vs.-7.0±9.6%, p=0.58, respectively). However, the change rate in ANP level was significantly higer in the high daily salt intake group than in the low daily salt intake group (155±63 vs. 12±16%, p=0.01). Conclusion ARNI demonstrates effectiveness in lowering the blood pressure even in patients with higher salt intake, unlike angiotensin receptor blocker. In cases with high salt intake, the notable increase in ANP levels may contribute to decreasing blood pressure through vasodilator and natriuretic action.

Role of KLF4 and SIAT7A interaction accelerates myocardial hypertrophy induced by Ang II.

Sialylation catalysed by sialyltransferase 7A (SIAT7A) plays a role in the development of cardiac hypertrophy. However, the regulatory mechanisms upstream of SIAT7A in this context remain poorly elucidated. Previous study demonstrated that KLF4 activates the SIAT7A gene in ischemic myocardium by binding to its promoter region. Nevertheless, the potential involvement of KLF4 in regulating SIAT7A expression in Ang II-induced hypertrophic cardiomyocytes remains uncertain. This study seeks to deepen the underlying mechanisms of the KLF4 and SIAT7A interaction in the progression of Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy. The results showed a concurrent increase in SIAT7A and KLF4 levels in hypertrophic myocardium of essential hypertension patients and in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes stimulated by Ang II. Invitro experiments revealed that reducing KLF4 levels led to a decrease in both SIAT7A synthesis and Sialyl-Tn antigen expression, consequently inhibiting Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Intriguingly, reducing SIAT7A levels also resulted in decreased KLF4 expression and suppression cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Consistent with this, elevating SIAT7A levels increased KLF4 expression and exacerbated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in both invivo and invitro experiments. Additionally, a time-course analysis indicated that KLF4 expression preceded that of SIAT7A. Luciferase reporter assays further confirmed that modulating SIAT7A levels directly influenced the transcriptional activity of KLF4 in cardiomyocytes. In summary, KLF4 expression is upregulated in cardiomyocytes treated with Ang II, which subsequently induces the expression of SIAT7A. The elevated levels of SIAT7A, in turn, enhance the transcription of KLF4. These findings suggest a positive feedback loop between KLF4 and SIAT7A-Sialyl-Tn, ultimately promoting Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Renin and CYP P450 gene variations significantly associated with essential hypertension: A prospective pharmacogenomics study

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the association between Renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) and Cytochrome P450 gene polymorphisms in hypertension patients of the South Indian population using pharmacogenomics profile. MethodsHypertension cases (N = 147) and control subjects (n = 150) were collected from Tamil Nadu, India. A case-control association study was conducted to assess the involvement of RAAS gene polymorphisms (REN rs397514691, REN rs544315427, REN rs567667202) and CYP gene polymorphisms (CYP2D6 rs754164689, CYP2D6 rs1058172, CYP3A4 rs765598920) in essential hypertensive patients. Genotyping was performed using the PCR-RFLP method, and significant results were validated through RT-PCR analysis. ResultsThe genotype and allele distribution of REN rs397514691 and rs544315427 variants significantly associated with hypertensive patients (Variant Allele Frequency (VAF) = 0.11; VAF = 0.27, respectively). CYP2D6 polymorphisms rs754164689 and rs1058172 variant alleles were significantly associated with female hypertensive patients, suggesting a potential risk allele for essential hypertension in the South Indian population. REN and CYP3A4 variants, highly connected in pharmacology action, were validated through RT-PCR amplification studies, providing new insights into their role in the development of hypertension. Association confirmation was achieved through multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis. ConclusionThe genes associated with specific variants, particularly REN and CYP2D6, may serve as potential markers for the early diagnosis of hypertension and as new drug targets, particularly in the female population.

NT-pro-BNP Level is Related to Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients With Primary Aldosteronism.

To assess the relationship between the left ventricular remodeling parameters of cardiac magnetic resonance and NT-pro-BNP in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA). Seventy-four PA and 39 essential hypertension patients were prospectively recruited and underwent cardiac magnetic resonance. Plasma NT-pro-BNP was measured before patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance. Left ventricular remodeling parameters were defined as left ventricular function parameters, T1 mapping parameters, and strain parameters. Differences in continuous variables between two groups were analyzed using Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Differences in categorical variables between two groups were analyzed by chi-squared test. Spearman's correlation and linear regression were used to analyze the relationships between left ventricular remodeling parameters and plasma NT-Pro-BNP level. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Patients with PA demonstrated higher NT-pro-BNP [86.0 (49.5, 145.5) vs. 45.0 (28.5, 73.5) pg/mL, P=0.001] and Native T1 (1227±41 vs. 1206±43 ms, P=0.015) level than essential hypertension patients. Compared to patients with normal NT-pro-BNP levels, those with abnormal levels demonstrated different left ventricular remodeling parameters. NT-pro-BNP level was independently related to native T1 (β=0.316, P=0.006), extracellular volume (β=0.419, P<0.001), short-axis global circumferential strain (β=0.429, P<0.001), four-chamber global longitudinal strain (β=0.332, P=0.002), and four-chamber global radial strain (β=-0.334, P=0.004) in patients after adjusting for baseline characteristics. NT-pro-BNP level was related to left ventricular remodeling parameters derived from cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with PA. This result implies that clinicians should pay attention to NT-pro-BNP assessment in patients with PA in routine clinical assessment.

Abstract P325: Additive effect of nighttime blood pressure on left ventricular strain in patients with primary aldosteronism evaluated via cardiac magnetic resonance tissue tracking

Background: Primary aldosteronism (PA) induces left ventricular (LV) remodeling and increases the risk of high nighttime blood pressure (BP), which causes further heart damage. This study aimed to investigate whether nighttime BP aggravates LV deformation dysfunction and to identify independent factors affecting the global peak strain (PS) of LV remodeling in patients with PA compared to patients with essential hypertension (EH). Methods: A total of 280 patients with PA and 280 age- and sex-matched patients with EH who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance examination at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College were included. According to the results of adrenal computed tomography and/or adrenal venous sampling, there were 154 patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and 126 patients with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA). Twenty-four-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), LV function, global strain parameters, and other clinical medical data were compared, and multivariate analysis was performed to identify the independent indicators of the LV PS. Results: No differences in age, sex, body mass index, clinical BP, 24-h mean BP, daytime BP, or duration of hypertension were found between the groups. Nighttime systolic BP (132 ± 17 vs. 126 ± 18 mm Hg, P &lt; 0.05) and diastolic BP (85 ± 11 vs. 80 ±10 mm Hg, P &lt; 0.05) were greater in PA patients than in EH patients. Compared with the EH controls, the PA patients had a lower LV global PS and peak diastolic strain rate (PDSR) in three directions. No significant differences were found in the PS (radial or longitudinal) or PDSR in the three directions between the APA and IHA groups. Furthermore, nighttime BP was an independent predictor of LV global radial, circumferential, and longitudinal PS. Conclusions: High nighttime BP may aggravate LV stiffness in patients with PA, resulting in decreased LV strain and function. Nighttime BP was independently correlated with LV global PS in patients with PA.

SALT SENSITIVITY AND CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION: CLINICAL SYMPTOMS

The purpose of the research to assess the frequency of salt sensitivity and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in population of essential arterial hypertension (EAH) patients and some clinical symptoms based on salt sensitivity/salt resistance and CKD appearance.Material and methods. 100 patients with EAH II stage participated in the study. All participant underwent a complex of clinical and laboratory examinations. Salt sensitivity / salt resistance was determined by Weinberger M.H. based method. CKD was defined by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) according to the CKD-EPI equation taking into account creatinine and Cystatin-C blood level (KDIGO, 2024).Results. EAH patients with CKD (GFR ≤60 ml/min/1.73m2, for ≥3 months), as well as salt-sensitive patients, more often complain of breath’ shortness, cardiac pain - by 17.5-18.8% (р≤0.05-0.022), peripheral edema - by 41.7-52.1% (р&lt;0.001), headache and sleep impairment – by 24.2-32.0% (р≤0.016-0.001), rhythm and conduction disturbances – by 28.8- 34.1% (р≤0.004-0.001), show signs of depression – by 17.4-33.7% (р≤0.039-0.001). The risk of cardialgia, arrhythmias/blockades, signs of depression, suffocation, impaired sleep, headaches in EAH patients increases 2.4-4.2 times in salt-sensitive subjects (OR95%CI:1.0-10.33; p≤0.044), for CKD – 2.3-3.8 times (OR95%CI:1.04-8.86; p≤0.031). The probability of peripheral edema increases twice as much in salt-sensitive patients – almost 14 times (OR95%CI:4.73-41.06; p&lt;0.001), than in CKD patients – 6.3 times (OR95%CI:2.60-15.37; p&lt;0.001). The risk of gastrointestinal disorders increases almost three times (p=0.03) in salt-sensitive individuals and the CKD presence elevates the chances of fatigue and general weakness almost 4 times (p=0.001).Conclusion. Salt sensitivity and CKD appearance worsen the EAH clinical course.

Relationship between rs1410996 polymorphism of CFH gene and essential hypertension patients of Han from Yunnan Province.

To explore the relationship between rs1410996 polymorphism of CFH gene and essential hypertension (EH) in the Yunnan Han population. rs1410996 of CFH gene was genotyped based on the collected clinical phenotypes of the EH patients (n = 520) and healthy people (n = 494). On the genotype model and dominance model, there was no relationship between rs1410996 of CFH gene and EH after adjustment (P > 0.05). On the dominance model of male EH patients, the pulse pressure (PP) level of CC genotype carriers was higher than that of (CT + TT) genotype carriers after adjustment (P < 0.05). rs1410996 of CFH gene has no correlation with the genetic susceptibility to EH in the Yunnan Han population, but it is related to the PP level in male patients.

Associations between thyroid function, thyroid diseases, and primary aldosteronism.

Previous studies focusing on primary aldosteronism (PA) and thyroid diseases were controversial. Hence, this study aimed to examine associations between thyroid function, thyroid diseases, and PA and its subtypes. This was a cross-sectional study, which enrolled 1023 patients with PA and 6138 patients with essential hypertension (EH) admitted to Hypertension Center of People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from August 2011 to June 2022. All patients with PA were accurately classified into aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA) by adrenal vein sampling (AVS). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship of thyroid function, thyroid nodules, and PA and its subtypes. A total of 7161 patients (327 APA and 696 IHA, and 6138 EH) were included with a mean age of 48.20 ± 8.83 years. PA patients and PA subtypes showed lower FT4, FT3, TT4, TT3, and prevalence of positive TPOAb, meanwhile higher prevalence of thyroid nodules than EH patients (PA: 56.10%, IHA: 56.90%, APA: 54.80%, and EH: 48.90%, respectively). PA (adjusted OR: 1.290, 95% CI: 1.035-1.607, P = .02) and its subtype (IHA) (adjusted OR: 1.316, 95% CI: 1.005-1.724, P = .04) were significantly associated with thyroid nodules. Compared to patients with lower plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) levels (<12 ng/dL), patients with PAC levels ≥ 12 ng/dL presented a higher prevalence of thyroid nodules. PA patients had lower thyroid function and higher prevalence of thyroid nodules compared to EH patients. Therefore, the screening of thyroid function and thyroid nodules may be indispensable for PA patients.

Long term worsening of arterial stiffness from monitoring of QKD interval predicts the occurrence of cardiovascular events.

Arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in different populations. Destiffening appears to be possible through the control of the main cardiovascular risk factors, with however important individual variations. There are so far too few data available on the prognostic importance of changes in arterial stiffness. We tested the consequences of changes in arterial stiffness assessed with the QKD method on the incidence of cardiovascular events in a cohort of hypertensive patients. The change of QKD100-60 was calculated as the difference between baseline and last follow-up value. Patients were classified as group 0 with stable or increased QKD100-60 and group 1 with decreased QKD100-60 (increased arterial stiffness). The prognostic of these two groups was analysed with a Cox model including age, baseline QKD100-60, 24 h SBP (baseline and change), delay between first and last recording, sex, diabetes, smoking, and hypercholesterolemia. We included 555 essential hypertensive patients with 24 h ambulatory measurement of BP and QKD at baseline and follow-up. The follow-up period was 12.28 ± 7.38 years with an average time between baseline and last recording of 8.86 ± 6.48 years. 94 cardiovascular events occurred. The group with increased arterial stiffness shows the double risk of occurrence of cardiovascular event than the group with stable or reduced arterial stiffness independently of other factors including changes in 24 h SBP.

Effect of early endothelial function improvement on subclinical target organ damage in hypertensives

Endothelial dysfunction is acknowledged as a marker for subclinical target organ damage (STOD) in hypertension, though its therapeutic potential has not yet been clarified. This study assessed whether early endothelial function improvement (EEFI) reduced STOD in patients with essential hypertension (EH). We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 456 EH patients initially free from STOD. Endothelial function was assessed using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), with values ≤ 7.1% indicating dysfunction. Patients were initially categorized by endothelial status (dysfunction: n = 180, normal: n = 276), and further divided into improved or unimproved groups based on changes within three months post-enrollment. During a median follow-up of 25 months, 177 patients developed STOD. The incidence of STOD was significantly higher in patients with initial dysfunction compared to those with normal function. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that the improved group had a lower cumulative incidence of STOD compared to the unimproved group (p < 0.05). Multivariable Cox regression confirmed EEFI as an independent protective factor against STOD in EH patients (p < 0.05), regardless of their baseline endothelial status, especially in those under 65 years old, non-smokers, and with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ≤ 3.4 mmol/L. In conclusion, EEFI significantly reduces STOD incidence in EH patients, particularly in specific subgroups, emphasizing the need for early intervention in endothelial function to prevent STOD.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein predicts microalbuminuria progression in essential hypertensive patients: a 3-year follow-up study.

To determine the independent effect of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the combined effects of hs-CRP and other traditional risk factors on microalbuminuria in hypertensive patients during the 3-year follow-up period. Baseline hs-CRP levels and other risk factors were measured in 280 adults in 2007. In the third year of examination, 199 patients (mean age 62.5 ± 9.5, men 59.3%) were approached for the measurement of microalbuminuria. The subjects were classified into two groups by the median of baseline hs-CRP. Compared to the patients with baseline hs-CRP below the median group ( n = 99, 50%), the group with baseline hs-CRP above the median ( n = 100, 50%) had higher urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) ( P = 0.007) at the end of follow-up period. ACR at the end of follow-up period was significantly correlated with baseline diabetes ( β = 0.342; P < 0.001), baseline SBP ( β = 0.148; P = 0.02), and baseline log-transformed hs-CRP ( β = 0.169; P = 0.01), while adversely correlated with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ( β = -0.163; P = 0.02) in multivariate stepwise linear analysis. In addition, ACR change during follow-up period was significantly correlated with baseline diabetes ( β = 0.359; P < 0.001) and baseline log-transformed hs-CRP ( β = 0.190; P = 0.004) in multivariate stepwise linear analysis. The combined effects of baseline hs-CRP and conventional risk factors, such as male sex, diabetes, smoking status, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, and mildly reduced eGFR had a greater risk for microalbuminuria progression. There was no difference in eGFR changes during the follow-up period between two groups. Our findings offer a new piece of evidence on the predictive value of baseline hs-CRP for microalbuminuria progression in essential hypertensive patients, and highlight those who combined with traditional cardiovascular risk factors had a greater risk for developing microalbuminuria.

Evaluation of Drug Management of Essential Hypertension in Patients in the Sikar District (Rajasthan)

Evaluation of Drug Management of Essential Hypertension in Patients in the Sikar District (Rajasthan)

Daytime plasma cortisol and cortisol response to dexamethasone suppression are associated with a prothrombotic state in hypertension.

A prothrombotic state was demonstrated in patients with Cushing's syndrome and is involved in the development and progression of cardiovascular and renal damage in hypertensive patients. This study was designed to examine the relationships between cortisol secretion and the hemostatic and fibrinolytic systems in hypertension. In 149 middle-aged, nondiabetic, essential hypertensive patients free of cardiovascular and renal complications, we measured hemostatic markers that express the spontaneous activation of the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems and assessed daily cortisol levels (8 AM, 3 PM, 12 AM; area under the curve, AUC-cortisol) together with the cortisol response to dexamethasone overnight suppression (DST-cortisol). Plasma levels of D-dimer (D-dim), prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2), and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were progressively and significantly higher across tertiles of AUC-cortisol and DST-cortisol, whereas no differences were observed in fibrinogen, tissue plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, antithrombin III, protein C, and protein S. D-dim, F1+2, and vWF were significantly and directly correlated with age and both AUC-cortisol and DST-cortisol. Multivariate regression analysis showed that both AUC-cortisol and DST-cortisol were related to plasma D-dim, F1+2, and vWF independently of age, body mass index, blood pressure, and renal function. Greater daily cortisol profile and cortisol response to overnight suppression are independently associated with a prothrombotic state in hypertensive patients and might contribute to the development of organ damage and higher risk of cardiovascular complications.

Heart rate deceleration and acceleration capacities associated with circadian rhythm of blood pressure in essential hypertension

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the potential association between the circadian rhythm of blood pressure and deceleration capacity (DC)/acceleration capacity (AC) in patients with essential hypertension.MethodsThis study included 318 patients with essential hypertension, whether or not they were being treated with anti-hypertensive drugs, who underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Patients were categorized into three groups based on the percentage of nocturnal systolic blood pressure (SBP) dipping: the dipper, non-dipper and reverse dipper groups. Baseline demographic characteristics, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring parameters, Holter recordings (including DC and AC), and echocardiographic parameters were collected.ResultsIn this study, the lowest DC values were observed in the reverse dipper group, followed by the non-dipper and dipper groups (6.46 ± 2.06 vs. 6.65 ± 1.95 vs. 8.07 ± 1.79 ms, P < .001). Additionally, the AC gradually decreased (-6.32 ± 2.02 vs. -6.55 ± 1.95 vs. -7.80 ± 1.73 ms, P < .001). There was a significant association between DC (r = .307, P < .001), AC (r=-.303, P < .001) and nocturnal SBP decline. Furthermore, DC (β = 0.785, P = .001) was positively associated with nocturnal SBP decline, whereas AC was negatively associated with nocturnal SBP (β = -0.753, P = .002). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, deceleration capacity [OR (95% CI): 0.705 (0.594–0.836), p < .001], and acceleration capacity [OR (95% CI): 1.357 (1.141–1.614), p = .001] were identified as independent risk factors for blood pressure nondipper status. The analysis of ROC curves revealed that the area under the curve for DC/AC in predicting the circadian rhythm of blood pressure was 0.711/0.697, with a sensitivity of 73.4%/65.1% and specificity of 66.7%/71.2%.ConclusionsAbnormal DC and AC density were correlated with a blunted decline in nighttime SBP, suggesting a potential association between the circadian rhythm of blood pressure in essential hypertension patients and autonomic nervous dysfunction.

Association of T-cell receptor repertoires and arterial stiffness in patients with essential hypertension.

Abnormal immune responses, particularly T-cell activity, are linked to vascular complications in hypertension, but mechanisms remain unknown. Our study aims to explore the association between arterial stiffness, assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoires in essential hypertension patients, focusing on understanding the role of T cells in the development of arterial stiffness in this population. The study included 301 essential hypertension patients and 48 age-matched normotensive controls. Essential hypertension patients were stratified into high (baPWV ≥1400 cm/s, n = 213) and low (baPWV <1400 cm/s, n = 88) baPWV groups. High-throughput sequencing analyzed peripheral TCRβ repertoires. Significant TCRβ repertoire differences were observed between essential hypertension and normotensive groups, as well as between high and low baPWV essential hypertension subgroups. Specifically, patients in the high baPWV group exhibited notable variations in the utilization of specific TCR beta joining (TRBJ) and variable (TRBV) genes compared to the low baPWV group. These alterations were accompanied by reduced TCRβ diversity (represented by diversity 50 s), increased percentages of the largest TCRβ clones, and a higher number of TCRβ clones exceeding 0.1%. The presence of specific TCRβ clones was detected in both groups. Furthermore, reduced diversity 50s and elevated percentages of the largest TCRβ clones were independently correlated with baPWV, emerging as potential risk factors for increased baPWV in essential hypertension patients. TCR repertoires were independently associated with arterial stiffness in patients with essential hypertension, implicating a potential role for dysregulated T-cell responses in the pathogenesis of arterial stiffness in this patient population.Trial registration: ChiCTR2100054414.

Association between Abdominal Aortic Calcification and Coronary Heart Disease in Essential Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study from the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

This study aimed to investigate the association between abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and coronary heart disease (CHD) in essential hypertension (EH). This study included patients diagnosed with EH during the 2013-2014 NHANES survey cycle. The study cohort was categorized into the following four groups based on their AAC-24 score: no AAC (0); mild AAC (1-4); moderate AAC (5-15); and severe AAC (16-24). Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between AAC and CHD. Restricted cubic spline curves (RCS) were used to explore possible nonlinear relationships between AAC and CHD. The prevalence of CHD was found to be higher in the moderate AAC and severe AAC groups than in the group without AAC (40.1% versus 30.9%, 47.7% versus 30.9%). On a continuous scale, the fully adjusted model showed a 7% increase in the risk of CHD prevalence per score increase in AAC [OR (95% CI) = 1.07 (1.03-1.11)]. On a categorical scale, the fully adjusted model showed the risk of CHD prevalence in EH patients with moderate AAC and severe AAC was 2.06 (95%CI, 1.23-3.45) and 2.18 (1.09-5.25) times higher than that in patients without AAC, respectively. The RCS curve suggested a dose-response linear relationship between AAC and CHD. These findings highlight that in patients with EH, a higher severity of AAC is associated with a higher risk of CHD prevalence.

The Relationship Between Changes of Left Heart Structure and Function and the Risk of Future Renal Damage in Patients with Essential Hypertension.

In essential hypertensive patients, cardiac remodeling may be associated with the risk of renal damage in the future which can be reflected by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Through retrospective analysis, we evaluated the potential of cardiac remodeling based on echocardiographic measurements to predict the risk of renal damage in the future with hypertensive patients. We retrospectively analyzed the relationship between the changes of left heart structure and function and renal damage for 510 patients with hypertension, who were diagnosed between 2016 to 2022. Demography data, clinical data, blood samples and echocardiographic variables were used for survival analysis, and the Cox proportional hazards regression model was used. In our study, we found that age, serum creatinine (SCR), creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK MB), abnormal high-sensitivity troponin I (TNI), interventricular septum thickness (IVST) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) could be used as independent predictors in risk of renal impairment in hypertensive patients (p<0.05). Combined in a score where one point was given for the presence of each of the parameters above, this score could strongly predict renal function damage in the future (p<0.05). In receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses, the area under the curve of the risk factor score was 0.849 (P<0.001). In essential hypertensive patients, LVEF and IVST can predict the risk of future adverse renal outcomes. Moreover, combining risk variables into a simplified score may enable to assess the risk of renal impairment in hypertensive patients at an early stage.

EVALUATION OF THYROID FUNCTION AND THYROID DISEASES IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY ALDOSTERONISM

Objective: To explored the thyroid function and prevalence of thyroid diseases in primary aldosteronism (PA) and PA subtypes. Design and method: Patients with PA and Essential hypertension (EH) in our hypertension center between August 2011 to June 2022 were enrolled in this observational study. All PA patients underwent adrenal venous sampling (AVS), thus receiving the most accurate subtype diagnosis available. The differences of thyroid function and the prevalence of thyroid diseases between PA and EH patients were analyzed. Results: 7161 participants were included in the study with a mean age of 48.20±8.83 years and a mean BMI of 26.52±3.45 kg/m2. Two groups: PA patients showed lower FT4, FT3, TT4, TT3, positive TPOAb and higher prevalence of thyroid nodules (22.5%) than EH patients. PA was significantly associated with thyroid nodules (OR: 1.245, 95%CI: 1.052-1.473, P= 0.011). Three groups: statistical differences in FT4, FT3, TT4, TT3, and positive TPOAb levels were found in APA, IHA and EH. Thyroid nodules are most prevalent in APA (26.00%), followed by IHA (20.80%) and EH (17.80%). APA showed a significant association with thyroid nodules (OR: 1.345, 95%CI: 1.015-1.781, P=0.039). Additionally, it was found that FT4, FT3, TT4, and TT3 were negatively correlated with the PAC levels in patients. The stratification analysis showed that the prevalence of thyroid nodules was higher in subjects with PAC levels great than or equal to 12ng/dL. Conclusions: Compared to EH groups, PA patients had lower thyroid function and higher prevalence of thyroid nodules.