Excessive Blood Pressure Research Articles

Asymptomatic acute ischemic lesions in intracerebral hemorrhage: Its frequency, MRI features, and risk factors

BackgroundAsymptomatic acute ischemic lesions (AIL) may be coincidentally found on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) obtained during the acute phase of intracerebral hemorrhage, but its clinical significance has yet to be determined. The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of asymptomatic AIL, its characteristic features of brain MRI and risk factors in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical information of 108 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage who underwent brain MRIs within 30 days of hospitalization between April 2013 and January 2018. We determined the frequency of asymptomatic AIL, its brain MRI features, and risk factors. ResultsAIL was found in 26 of 108 patients; symptomatic in 2 and asymptomatic in 24 (22.2%). Asymptomatic AIL were small, multiple, mainly distributed to the white matter in the anterior circulation (22/24, 91.7%), and occasionally seen in deep watershed areas (15/24, 62.5%). Only 2 patients had severe major vessel stenosis. Asymptomatic AIL was associated with high mean blood pressure (BP) on admission (> 145 mmHg), excessive drug-induced reduction in mean BP (≥ 55 mmHg), and large hemorrhage (> 31 mL in volume). ConclusionsAsymptomatic AIL were found in 22.2% of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage within 30 days of hospitalization. Asymptomatic AIL were often small, multiple and occasionally developed in deep watershed areas despite the absence of major vessel stenosis. High mean BP on admission, excessive drug-induced BP reduction, and larger hemorrhage may be a risk factor for development of asymptomatic AIL.

A high gas transfer efficiency microfluidic oxygenator for extracorporeal respiratory assist applications in critical care medicine.

Advances in microfluidics technologies have spurred the development of a new generation of microfluidic respiratory assist devices, constructed using microfabrication techniques capable of producing microchannel dimensions similar to those found in human capillaries and gas transfer films in the same thickness range as the alveolar membrane. These devices have been tested in laboratory settings and in some cases in extracorporeal animal experiments, yet none have been advanced to human clinical studies. A major challenge in the development of microfluidic oxygenators is the difficulty in scaling the technology toward high blood flows necessary to support adult humans; such scaling efforts are often limited by the complexity of the fabrication process and the manner in which blood is distributed in a three-dimensional network of microchannels. Conceptually, a central advantage of microfluidic oxygenators over existing hollow-fiber membrane-based configurations is the potential for shallower channels and thinner gas transfer membranes, features that reduce oxygen diffusion distances, to result in a higher gas transfer efficiency defined as the ratio of the volume of oxygen transferred to the blood per unit time to the active surface area of the gas transfer membrane. If this ratio is not significantly higher than values reported for hollow fiber membrane oxygenators (HFMO), then the expected advantage of the microfluidic approach would not be realized in practice, potentially due to challenges encountered in blood distribution strategies when scaling microfluidic designs to higher flow rates. Here, we report on scaling of a microfluidic oxygenator design from 4 to 92mL/min blood flow, within an order of magnitude of the flow rate required for neonatal applications. This scaled device is shown to have a gas transfer efficiency higher than any other reported system in the literature, including other microfluidic prototypes and commercial HFMO cartridges. While the high oxygen transfer efficiency is a promising advance toward clinical scaling of a microfluidic architecture, it is accompanied by an excessive blood pressure drop in the circuit, arising from a combination of shallow gas transfer channels and equally shallow distribution manifolds. Therefore, next-generation microfluidic oxygenators will require novel design and fabrication strategies to minimize pressure drops while maintaining very high oxygen transfer efficiencies.

HIGH PREVALENCE OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND EXCESSIVE BLOOD PRESSURE REDUCTION IN PATIENTS WITH “CONTROLLED” ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AFTER MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION AND STROKE

Objective: Arterial hypertension (AH) is important risk factor and its control is a cornerstone of primary and secondary prevention. On the other hand, excessive blood pressure (BP) reduction may be harmful, especially in patients with the history of ischemic events. To assess AH control we performed 24-hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in patients with AH in remote period after myocardial infarction (MI) or ischemic stroke (IS) in whom AH was believed to be controlled accordingly BP office measurements. Design and method: 64 patients with AH and previous (at least 6 months after) MI (39 patients, 64.1% men) and IS (25 patients, 36.0% men) with normal office BP (120–139 mm Hg/60–89 mm Hg) during two consecutive visits were involved into the study. ABPM was performed and mean values of systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were assessed. Excessive BP reduction (EBPR) was considered as SBP below 100 mm Hg at daytime. Prolonged EBPR was considered as EBPR more than 1 hour of consecutive measurements. Results: Groups did not differ significantly in age, body mass index, glomerular filtration rate, number of antihypertensive drugs, prevalence of diabetes. Mean 24-hour SBP was higher in IS group (131.9/76.4 ± 11.7/7.3 mm Hg) comparing to 118.5/71.3 ± 11.0/9.0 mm Hg in MI group (p < 0,00001 for both SBP and DBP). Mean 24-hour SBP higher than 140/90 mm Hg was found in 28.0% patients in IS and only in 2.6% patients in MI group (p = 0.002). Much more episodes of EBPR were detected in MI than in IS group (10.2 ± 10.8 vs 4.0 ± 3.9, p = 0.008) and number of patients with at least one prolonged EBPR was also higher in MI group (23.1% vs 8.0%). Patients with prolonged EBPR did not differ significantly in age, body mass index, glomerular filtration rate, prevalence of diabetes and number of antihypertensive drugs. Conclusions: Around a quarter of patients in remote period after IS had high BP levels whereas similar proportion of patients after MI had prolonged episodes of excessive hypotension during ABPM. Office BP measurements may be not sufficient to detect inadequacy of AH control in secondary prevention.

URINE METABOLITES OF CORTISOL CORRELATES WITH AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE VALUES IN OBESE CHILDREN

Abstract Objective: Obesity is considered a pseudo-Cushing state and often elevated levels of cortisol and its metabolites can be found; however, the relationship between cortisol metabolites and blood pressure (BP) in obese children is understudied. 11b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11b-HSD-2) catalyses the reversible conversion of physiological glucocorticoids (tetrahydrocortisol, THF and allo-tetrahydrocortisol, allo-THF) to inactive products (tetrahydrocortisone, THE). An increase in the THFs/THE ratio reflects 11b-HSD-2 impairment and has been associated with BP elevation. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) provides an accurate measurement of BP during 24 hours. We aimed to investigate the relationship between BP measured by ABPM, urinary cortisol and its metabolites, in a sample of obese children. Design and method: 50 obese children aged between 8 and 17 years (mean age 11.5 ± 3.3 years, 66% males), were included in the present study. Children underwent ABPM. Cortisol, sodium, THF, allo-THF and THE were measured on urinary 24-hour collection. Cortisol urinary metabolites were quantified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (Nexera Shimadzu, 4500 MD Sciex). Results: The THF + alloTHF/THE ratio negatively correlates with 24-hours urinary sodium excretion (p = -0.346; r = 0.015) and to SBP and DBP load (% of measure of PAS > 130mmHg or % of PAD > 80mmHg) (respectively r = 0.283 p = 0.047 and r = 0,284; p = 0.046). No correlation between THFs/THE ratio and daytime or nighttime SPB or DBP were found. The sum of urinary cortisol and its metabolites, a gross index of relative excess of cortisol, is directly correlated with SBP load (r = 0.355; p = 0.029). Conclusions: In our sample of obese children, both the impaired activity of the 11b-HSD-2 and the amount of cortisol and its metabolites excreted by urine are associated with an excessive 24-h BP load. Reduced urinary sodium excretion mediated by increasing of THF/THE ratio could be involved.

Effects of White-coat Hypertension on Heart Rate Recovery and Blood Pressure Response during Exercise Test

Objectives White-coat hypertension is defined as high blood pressure (BP) on clinical assessment but normal BP elsewhere or on ambulatory measurement. Autonomic dysfunction may be one of the mechanisms causing white-coat hypertension. Slowed heart rate recovery and excessive BP response during exercise test are associated with autonomic dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between white-coat hypertension and abnormal autonomic nervous system response. Methods We assessed 295 patients stratified into three groups via 24hr ambulatory BP monitoring, following 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines: normal BP group, white-coat hypertension group, and a hypertension group. We analyzed medical history, blood test, echocardiography, 24hr ambulatory BP monitoring, and exercise test data. Results There was no difference in basement characteristics and echocardiography among the groups. Blunted heart rate recovery of each group showed a significant difference. Control group had 0% blunted heart rate recovery, but 33.3% in white coat group and 27.6% in true hypertension group ( P < 0.001). Also, in the control group, 4.5% showed excessive BP response, but 31.5% in the white coat hypertension group and 29.3% in the true hypertension group ( P < 0.001). Excessive BP response during the exercise test or blunted heart rate recovery, which is an indicator of autonomic nervous system abnormality, was more common in the hypertensive group and white-coat hypertension group than in the normal BP group. Conclusions These results confirmed that white-coat hypertension has an autonomic nervous system risk. Therefore, white-coat hypertension can be a future cardiovascular risk factor.

Linear and Nonlinear Mendelian Randomization Analyses of the Association Between Diastolic Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Events: The J-Curve Revisited.

Recent clinical guidelines support intensive blood pressure treatment targets. However, observational data suggest that excessive diastolic blood pressure (DBP) lowering might increase the risk of myocardial infarction (MI), reflecting a J- or U-shaped relationship. We analyzed 47 407 participants from 5 cohorts (median age, 60 years). First, to corroborate previous observational analyses, we used traditional statistical methods to test the shape of association between DBP and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Second, we created polygenic risk scores of DBP and systolic blood pressure and generated linear Mendelian randomization (MR) estimates for the effect of DBP on CVD. Third, using novel nonlinear MR approaches, we evaluated for nonlinearity in the genetic relationship between DBP and CVD events. Comprehensive MR interrogation of DBP required us to also model systolic blood pressure, given that the 2 are strongly correlated. Traditional observational analysis of our cohorts suggested a J-shaped association between DBP and MI. By contrast, linear MR analyses demonstrated an adverse effect of increasing DBP increments on CVD outcomes, including MI (MI hazard ratio, 1.07 per unit mm Hg increase in DBP; P<0.001). Furthermore, nonlinear MR analyses found no evidence for a J-shaped relationship; instead confirming that MI risk decreases consistently per unit decrease in DBP, even among individuals with low values of baseline DBP. In this analysis of the genetic effect of DBP, we found no evidence for a nonlinear J- or U-shaped relationship between DBP and adverse CVD outcomes; including MI.

Exaggerated blood pressure response at mild exertional intensity is associated with lower exercise capacity and worsening of cardiac structural and functional profile

Abstract Even with normal blood pressure (BP) measured at rest, some individuals may experience excessive BP elevation with exercise, termed as an “exaggerated BP response to exercise” (ExBPR). The most common definition of ExBPR is SBP ≥210 mm Hg in men and ≥190 mm Hg in women at peak exercise intensity (ExBPR-PI). However, evidence exists that increase in SBP ≥150 mm Hg at an early stage of exercise stress test (i.e. at mild exercise intensity, ExBPR-MI) can effectively identify hypertension not diagnosed by conventional methods. No studies exploring the pathophysiological significance of ExBPR-MI have been undertaken to date. Aim To investigate the association of ExBPR-MI with exercise capacity and cardiac morpho-functional characteristics. Methods A group of 109 subjects (mean age 52±13 yrs) with and without a pre-established diagnosis of hypertension, having clinical indications for an exercise stress test, with seated clinic BP &amp;lt;140/90 mm Hg, underwent resting echocardiographic imagining and cardiopulmonary exercise testing using a ramped Bruce protocol. Results Based on the BP response at 3 minutes of exercise, the population was divided into two subsets: ExBPR-MI+ and ExBPR-MI− (SBP ≥ and &amp;lt;150 mmHg, respectively). The ExBPR-MI+ group was characterized by lower peak oxygen uptake, higher LV mass and left atrial size, and more impaired LV diastolic function (lower E/A and e', and higher E/e'). When the study cohort was stratified using peak BP response, significant differences indicating an adverse impact of ExBPR-PI were demonstrated only for LV diastolic parameters but not for peak VO2 and cardiac morphology indices (Table 1). Conclusions ExBPR-MI predisposes to reduced exercise capacity and detrimental alterations in cardiac morphology and function. As mild exercise intensity is more frequently present during routine daily activities than peak exercise intensity, ExBPR-MI may be a more important pathophysiological contributor to target organ damage than peak BP response, and may represent a potential new target for preventive and therapeutic measures. Table 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Science Centre Poland

Correlation between QT Interval with Left Ventricular Mass Index (Using M-Mode Echocardiography) and Blood Pressure in Patients with Hypertension

Background: In patients with hypertension, the excessive blood pressure load correlates with neurohormonalactivities and will lead to left ventricular remodeling. QT interval often occurs in patients with hypertension.The correlation between structural changes and repolarization remains unclear.Method: This study involved 62 patients with hypertension (38 female and 24 male) to whom blood pressure,electrocardiogram and echocardiography examination were performed simultaneously. The correlationbetween QT interval with left ventricle mass index and blood pressure was statistically analyzed usingPearson correlation test.Results: The mean of QTc interval in patients with hypertension was 390.40±30.73 millisecond. Based onthe echocardiography examination results, the mean of left ventricular mass index was 75.38±12.36 withRWT of 0.36±0.06. Pearson correlation statistical analysis shows a correlation between QTc interval withleft ventricular mass index (r=0.277; p value=0.030) and systolic blood pressure (r=0.317; p value=0,014).Conclusion: QT interval correlated with increased left ventricular mass index and systolic blood pressure inhypertension patients with normal geometry and concentric remodeling.

Diabetic Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy, the Handgrip Test and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Parameters: Are There Any Diagnostic Implications?

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. Cardiovascular reflex tests (CARTs) are the gold standard in the diagnosis of CAN, but the handgrip test is no longer recommended to be performed. Previously, the inverse association between the presence of hypertension and handgrip test abnormality was demonstrated and hypertension as major cause for excessive diastolic blood pressure rise during handgrip testing in diabetic individuals proposed. The aim of the present study is to describe more precisely the association between handgrip test and hypertension by performing ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) among diabetic patients. A more comprehensive evaluation of the relationship between cardiovascular autonomic function, hypertension and the handgrip test was targeted using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. Our study involved 163 patients with diabetes. Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy was assessed by the CARTs and sustained handgrip test was performed. All patients underwent ABPM and HRV analysis well. CAN was diagnosed in 69 patients. Significant associations were found between the diastolic blood pressure increase in response to handgrip exercise and the 24-h (rho = 0.245, p = 0.003), daytime (rho = 0.230, p = 0.005) and night-time (rho = 0.230, p = 0.006) mean systolic and 24-h diastolic (rho = 0.176, p = 0.034) blood pressure values, systolic blood pressure load (rho = 0.252, p = 0.003) and systolic (rho = 0.236, p = 0.005) and diastolic (rho = 0.165, p = 0.047) hyperbaric impacts. Higher values of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring parameters are associated with greater increases in diastolic blood pressure during isometric handgrip exercise. Diastolic blood pressure elevations during the handgrip test are also correlated, in order to diminished heart rate variability parameters attributable to parasympathetic dysfunction highlighting the pivotal role of sympathetic overactivity in evolving handgrip test results. Our study provides further evidence on the inverse association between handgrip test abnormality and hypertension in diabetic patients.

Traube-Hering waves are formed by interaction of respiratory sinus arrhythmia and pulse pressure modulation in healthy men.

Excessive blood pressure variation is linked to the development of hypertension and other diseases. This study assesses the relative role of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and pulse pressure (PP) on the amplitude and timing of blood pressure variability with respiration [Traube-Hering (TH) waves]. We analyzed respiratory, electrocardiogram, and blood pressure traces from healthy, supine male subjects (n = 10, mean age = 26.7 ± 1.4) during 20-min epochs of resting, slow deep breathing (SDB), and recovery. Across all epochs, blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were modulated with respiration and the magnitude of RSA; TH waves increased during SDB. The data were deconstructed using a simple mathematical model of blood pressure to dissect the relative roles of RSA and PP on TH waves. We constructed the time series of the R-wave peaks and compared the recorded TH waves with that predicted by the model. Given that cardiac output is determined by both heart rate and stroke volume, it was surprising that the magnitude of the TH waves could be captured by only HR modulation. However, RSA alone did not accurately predict the timing of TH waves relative to the respiratory cycle. Adding respiratory modulation of PP to the model corrected the phase shift showing the expected pattern of BP rising during inspiration with the peak of the TH wave during early expiration. We conclude that short-term variability of blood pressure referred to as TH waves has at least two independent mechanisms whose interaction forms their pattern: RSA and respiratory-driven changes in PP.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Variability in blood pressure has become an important metric to consider as more is learned about the link between excessive blood pressure variability and adverse health outcomes. In this study using slow deep breathing in human subjects, we found that heart rate and pulse pressure variations have comparable effects on the amplitude of blood pressure waves, and it is the common action of the two that defines the phase relationship between respiration and blood pressure oscillations.

Associations of blood pressure levels with clinical events in older patients receiving home medical care.

Some studies reported that excessive blood pressure (BP) control was not appropriate for older people, especially from the viewpoint of quality of life and maintaining sufficient blood flow for tissue perfusion. However, the lower limit of the target BP is still unclear, and there has not yet been a sufficient consensus. Therefore, we investigated the associations of BP levels with clinical events in older patients ~85 years old receiving home medical care. A total of 144 patients were included, who were followed for longer than 3 months in the Osaka Home Care Registry study, a prospective cohort study targeting older patients receiving home medical care in Japan. BP levels were divided into lower and higher groups based on the average systolic blood pressure (SBP). The main outcomes were clinical events, including hospitalizations, falls, and deaths during follow-up. As a result, the hospitalization rate in the SBP below 124 mmHg group was significantly higher than that in the SBP over 124 mmHg group. When comparing the clinical events between the two groups only in participants with hypertension, the same results were obtained. Furthermore, in Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted by age, sex, and current diseases, the SBP below 124 mmHg group showed a significantly higher rate of required hospitalization (hazard ratio: 7.25, 95% confidence interval: 1.79-29.45). Thus, in older and very frail patients requiring home medical care, an SBP level below 124 mmHg could be a predictive marker of clinical events leading to hospitalization.

Improving Hospitalized Children's Sleep by Reducing Excessive Overnight Blood Pressure Monitoring.

Although required for healing, sleep is often disrupted during hospitalization. Blood pressure (BP) monitoring can be especially disruptive for pediatric inpatients and has few clinical indications. Our aim in this pilot study was to reduce unnecessary overnight BP monitoring and improve sleep for pediatric inpatients. The intervention in June 2018 involved clinician education sessions and updated electronic health record (EHR) orders that enabled the forgoing of overnight BP checks. The postintervention period from July 2018 to May 2019 examined patient-caregiver surveys as outcome measures. These surveys measured inpatient sleep and overnight disruptions and were adopted from validated surveys: the Patient Sleep Questionnaire, expanded Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire, and Potential Hospital Sleep Disruptions and Noises Questionnaire. Uptake of new sleep-friendly EHR orders was a process measure. Reported patient care escalations served as a balancing measure. Interrupted time series analysis of EHR orders (npre = 493; npost = 1472) showed an increase in intercept for the proportion of patients forgoing overnight BP postintervention (+50.7%; 95% confidence interval 41.2% to 60.3%; P < .001) and a subsequent decrease in slope each week (-0.16%; 95% confidence interval -0.32% to -0.01%; P = .037). Statistical process control of surveys (npre = 263; npost = 131) showed a significant increase in sleep duration for patients older than 2, and nighttime disruptions by clinicians decreased by 19% (P < .001). Annual estimated cost savings were $15 842.01. No major adverse events in patients forgoing BP were reported. A pilot study combining EHR changes and clinician education safely decreased overnight BP checks, increased pediatric inpatient sleep duration, and reduced nighttime disruptions by clinicians.

Identification of hypertension in hospitalized children prescribed as-needed antihypertensive medication.

Imperfect measurement conditions, transient blood pressure (BP) elevation due to pain or anxiety, and heavy clinical demands complicate hypertension (HTN) diagnosis in hospitalized children, and may prevent recognition of hypertensive episodes for children prescribed as-needed (PRN) antihypertensive medication. The authors sought to describe the incidence and predictors of missed BP elevation among hospitalized children prescribed PRN antihypertensive medication at our hospital. BP data were retrospectively audited for children age 2-18 admitted in 2018 to the general ward, and prescribed PRN oral nifedipine, intravenous [IV] or oral hydralazine, or IV labetalol. Appropriate recognition of BP elevation (exceeding the parameters in the medication order) was defined as administering medication within the ordered dosing interval, administering the medication earlier than planned, or physician documentation of why HTN treatment was withheld. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with recognition of BP elevation. Fifty-six hospitalizations including 616 BP measurements were analyzed. BP elevation was appropriately recognized in 230 (37%) instances, in most of which (n=190) the antihypertensive medication was given after excessive BP was noted. On multivariable analysis, higher systolic BP and BP elevation occurring at night were associated with increased likelihood of appropriate recognition. BP elevations are frequently missed in hospitalized children prescribed PRN antihypertensive medication. Particularly, there was low recognition of diastolic BP elevation and of systolic BP elevation close to but still exceeding the ordered threshold. Further staff education may be needed to raise awareness of lower BP thresholds for HTN in younger and smaller children.

Effectiveness of arterial hypertension control using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in patients in the remote period after myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke

Arterial hypertension is one of the most important modified risk factors and its adequate control is a cornerstone of primary and secondary prevention. On the other hand, excessive lowering of blood pressure can be harmful, especially in patients with a history of ischemic events. The aim: To evaluate daily blood pressure fluctuations with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in patients with controlled hypertension according to office measurements in the remote period after myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke Materials and methods: The study involved 64 patients with hypertension in remote period (at least 6 months) after myocardial infarction (38 patients) and ischemic stroke (26 patients) with systolic blood pressure during the last three months and at least two visits. in the range of 120-139 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure 70–89 mm Hg. Patients with valvular heart disease, severe arrhythmias, significant heart failure (NYHA III-IV) were not included in the study.All patients underwent daily blood pressure monitoring. According to the recommendations of ESC / ESH in 2018, the optimal blood pressure control was considered to be the average daily blood pressure after myocardial infarction 130–140 / 70–79 mm Hg. at the age of >65 years, 120–130 / 70–79 mm Hg at the age of ≤65 years; after ischemic stroke 120–130 / <80 mm Hg. All values below the optimal levels were considered to be low blood pressure, higher than optimal – high blood pressure. Particular attention was paid to excessive reduction of blood pressure with the calculation of the number of excessive reductions and their duration during the day. Results: The average daily blood pressure values corresponded to the definition of optimal in only 23.4 % of patients with ischemic events. In 63.2 % of patients after myocardial infarction, the mean daily values of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were lower than recommended, and in patients after ischemic stroke, this number was significantly lower – 23.1 %. Conversely, in more than half of the patients after ischemic stroke (53.6 %) the average daily blood pressure levels exceeded the recommended ones. In patients after myocardial infarction, this number was only 13.2 %. Excessive reductions in blood pressure were recorded in 58 of 64 patients (90.6 %), in 54 persons such episodes were observed during the day (84.3 %). Persistent (over 1 hour) excessive decrease in blood pressure was registered in 16 people (25.0 %), 8 of whom had persistent excessive blood pressure reductions ≥2/day (12.5 %). Predictors of excessive blood pressure lowering were males, myocardial infarction, beta-blockers. Conclusions: Patients with hypertension after myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke require regular monitoring of blood pressure, even in cases where blood pressure is within the recommended range for some time. It is necessary to take into account the risk not only of increasing but also of excessive lowering of blood pressure

Carbidopa for Afferent Baroreflex Failure in Familial Dysautonomia: A Double-Blind Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial.

Afferent lesions of the arterial baroreflex occur in familial dysautonomia. This leads to excessive blood pressure variability with falls and frequent surges that damage the organs. These hypertensive surges are the result of excess peripheral catecholamine release and have no adequate treatment. Carbidopa is a selective DOPA-decarboxylase inhibitor that suppresses catecholamines production outside the brain. To learn whether carbidopa can inhibit catecholamine-induced hypertensive surges in patients with severe afferent baroreflex failure, we conducted a double-blind randomized crossover trial in which patients with familial dysautonomia received high dose carbidopa (600 mg/day), low-dose carbidopa (300 mg/day), or matching placebo in 3 4-week treatment periods. Among the 22 patients enrolled (13 females/8 males), the median age was 26 (range, 12-59 years). At enrollment, patients had hypertensive peaks to 164/116 (range, 144/92 to 213/150 mm Hg). Twenty-four hour urinary norepinephrine excretion, a marker of peripheral catecholamine release, was significantly suppressed on both high dose and low dose carbidopa, compared with placebo (P=0.0075). The 2 co-primary end points of the trial were met. The SD of systolic BP variability was reduced at both carbidopa doses (low dose: 17±4; high dose: 18±5 mm Hg) compared with placebo (23±7 mm Hg; P=0.0013), and there was a significant reduction in the systolic BP peaks on active treatment (P=0.0015). High- and low-dose carbidopa were similarly effective and well tolerated. This study provides class Ib evidence that carbidopa can reduce blood pressure variability in patients with congenital afferent baroreflex failure. Similar beneficial effects are observed in patients with acquired baroreflex lesions.

The Possibilities of Single-Pill Combinations of Antihypertensive Drugs in Cerebroprotection: Focus on the Combination of Amlodipine with Ramipril

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability both worldwide and in Russia. Acute cerebrovascular events have many risk factors, among them the most important is arterial hypertension (AH), which predisposes to the stroke development through the direct effect of increased hydrostatic blood pressure on the brain vascular system, followed by arterial remodeling and an increase in their stiffness. In addition, excessive blood pressure variability, activation of the tissue renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, as well as target-organ damage - primarily the heart in the form of left ventricular hypertrophy, kidneys in the form of microalbuminuria and decrease in glomerular filtration rates. An additional risk factor for stroke is hyperuricemia, which is included in the current European and Russian guidelines for the management of AH as one of the new risk factors in patients with this disease. The state-of-the-art approach to antihypertensive therapy is the using of antihypertensive single-pill combinations, one of the frontline combinations in the absence of special clinical conditions is a combination of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker. The reference drugs in both classes due to large body of evidence are ramipril and amlodipine, respectively. These drugs provide a high level of brain protection, not only due to the ultra-long and powerful antihypertensive action, but also through a unique potential in target-organ protection via left ventricular hypertrophy regression, antiatherosclerotic effects and improved endothelial function, renal protection, as well as the ability to decrease uric acid in the blood.

Aortic Aneurysm: DIAGNOSIS, MANAGEMENT, EXERCISE TESTING, AND TRAINING.

Some patients who participate in cardiac rehabilitation have aortic abnormalities, including abdominal and thoracic aneurysm (AAA and TAA, respectively). There is scant guidance on implementing exercise training in these individuals. This article reviews the epidemiology, diagnostic process, medical issues, and the available exercise training literature, and provides recommendations for performing regular exercise. Patients with aortic abnormalities are at risk for enlargement, aneurysm development, dissection, and rupture. During exercise, individuals with large aneurysms may be at greater risk of an adverse event. The available literature suggests little increased risk of complications when training at low and moderate intensities in those with an AAA, and exercise may be protective for aneurysm expansion. There is little exercise data for TAA, but the available literature suggests training at lower intensities and avoidance of excessive increases of blood pressure. When exercise testing and training are performed, the intensity should be controlled to avoid complications. It is prudent to keep systolic blood pressure <180 mm Hg in most patients and <160 mm Hg in those at greater risk of dissection or rupture (eg, women and larger sized aneurysm) during aerobic training. During resistance training, patients should avoid sudden excessive blood pressure increases (ie, avoid the Valsalva maneuver), and keep intensity below 40-50% of the 1-repetition maximum. Existing data suggest these patients may improve functional capacity and reduce the rate of aneurysm expansion. Most patients with AAA can safely perform exercise training when conservative guidelines are followed. Additional research is needed to fully determine whether exercise is protective against aneurysm expansion, and the effects of exercise in those who have had surgical repair. More research is necessary to provide specific recommendations for those with a TAA.

Home blood pressure monitoring and e-Health: investigation of patients' experience with the Hy-Result system.

Hy-Result is a validated system designed to help patients complying with the home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) protocol and understanding their blood pressure (BP) readings. It is available as a standalone web application or within a wireless BP monitor app. The aim of the study was to explore patients' experience with Hy-Result. Online survey completed by 512 users of the Hy-Result web application or monitor app, and three focus groups with 24 hypertensive patients who monitor their BP at home and use the Hy-Result web application to record their data. We assessed the experience of patients with the functionalities and medical content of Hy-Result, their feelings and expectations, and the impact of Hy-Result on the physician-patient relationship. (1) Functionalities: Over 90% of survey respondents and all focus group participants found Hy-Result easy to use. The main drawback of the web application is the need to manually enter all BP values at once. (2) Medical content: Hy-Result offers information on arterial hypertension and HBPM that most patients found useful. Users found that Hy-Result triggers appropriate reactions to BP readings, including adequately timed general practitioner visits. (3) Feelings and expectations: Over 90% of survey respondents trust Hy-Result and focus group participants understood that text messages are suggestions, not diagnoses. Hy-Result did not cause anxiety or excessive BP measurements. (4) Physician-patient relationship: Three-quarter of survey respondents agreed that Hy-Result may help when talking with their doctor about their BP values but only one-third of those have shown the report to their physician. For focus group participants, using Hy-Result should ideally be a physician prescription. They were aware that Hy-Result does not replace clinical judgment and that physicians still have a decisive role in BP management. Most of the users described Hy-Result as an easy-to-use and useful tool. Patients are willing to use it on physician request.

Prevalence of office and ambulatory hypotension in treated hypertensive patients with coronary disease

Patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) can be particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of excessive blood pressure (BP) lowering by antihypertensive treatment. The identification of hypotension is thus especially important. This study estimated the prevalence of hypotension among CHD-treated hypertensive patients undergoing ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in routine clinical practice. We performed a cross-sectional study with 2892 CHD-treated hypertensive patients from the Spanish ABPM Registry. Based on previous studies, hypotension was defined as systolic/diastolic BP < 120 and/or 70 mmHg according to office measurements, <115 and/or 65 mmHg according to daytime ABPM, <100 and/or 50 mmHg according to nighttime ABPM, and <110 and/or 60 mmHg according to 24 h ABPM. The participants' mean age was 67.1 years (69.8% men). A total of 19.6% of the patients had office hypotension, 26.5% had daytime hypotension, 9.0% had nighttime hypotension, and 16.1% had 24-hr ABPM hypotension. Low diastolic BP values were responsible for most cases of hypotension. Fifty-eight percent of the cases of hypotension detected by daytime ABPM did not correspond to hypotension according to office BP. The variables independently associated with daytime ambulatory systolic/diastolic hypotension and diastolic hypotension (the latter being the most frequent type of ambulatory hypotension) were age, female sex, and the number of antihypertensive medications. In conclusion, in a large ABPM registry, one out of every four CHD-treated hypertensive patients was potentially at risk because of hypotension according to daytime ABPM, and more than half of them were not identified if office BP was relied on alone. We suggest that ABPM should be performed in these patients.

Impact of aggressive blood pressure reduction on kidney function after renal denervation: long-term outcome

Objective. To investigate the dynamics of renal function in patients with resistant arterial hypertension after renal denervation depending on the degree of central and peripheral blood pressure (BP) reduction and the baseline state of the kidneys.Design and methods. A total of 22 patients (mean age 56,1 ± 10,2 years, 9 males) with treated resistant hypertension undergoing bilateral renal denervation (RDN) (Symplicity RDN System, Medtronic, USA) were included. Office BP measuring, 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) (SpaceLabs 90207, USA), applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor, AtCor Medical, Australia) with the calculation of central aortic blood pressure (CAP), Doppler ultrasonography (Vivid 7 dimension) were obtained at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after RDN. Urine levels of NGAL (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin), KIM-1 (kidney injury molecule 1), L-FABP (Liver-type fatty acid binding protein), albuminuria and serum levels of сystatin C (sCysC) and creatinine (sCr) were measured by quantitative enzyme immunoassay at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after RDN. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated by the level of sCr and sCysC by CKD-EPI formula.Results. All patients were divided into 3 groups according BP reduction: 1 — BP increase above 0 mm Hg; 2 — BP reduction from 0 to –30 mm Hg; 3 — BP reduction by &gt; 31 mm Hg. An increased sCysС was registered in a group with decreased 24-hour systolic BP (1,06 ± 0,41; 0,93 ± 0,18 and 1,22 ± 0,23 ng/mL; F = 2,882; р = 0,04) and increased urine KIM-1 level — in a group with decreased office diastolic BP (2,18 ± 1,94; 1,53 ± 1,02 and 4,41 ± 0,97 pg/mL; F = 3,663; р = 0,03) at 3-month follow-up. An increased sCr level was registered in a group with decreased 24-hour systolic BP (78,3 ± 3,7; 88,2 ± 6,8 and 142,00 ± 8,8 μmol/L; F = 61,987; p = 0,004) and diastolic CAP (83,4 ± 8,2; 82,0 ± 8,0 and 142,0 ± 9,4 μmol/L; F = 23,476; p = 0,01), also an increased urine L-FABP level — in a group with decreased office diastolic BP (3531,3 ± 1795,0; 997,5 ± 1096,8 and 7351,7 ± 3297,0 pg/mL; F = 12,103; p = 0,002) at 6-month follow up.Conclusions. Renal function worsening in patients during the period of maximum BP lowering may be associated with an excessive BP reduction. Therefore, we can suggest the occurrence of the J-curve phenomenon in relation to the kidneys.