Higher Pulse Pressure Research Articles

Phenotypes of hemodynamic response to fluid challenge during anesthesia: a cluster analysis.

The fluid challenge (FC) response is usually evaluated as binary, which may be inadequate to describe the complex interactions between heart function and vascular tone response after fluid administration. We applied a clustering approach to assess the different phenotypes of cardiovascular responses to FC administration, considering the associations of all the baseline variables potentially influencing pressure and flow response to a FC. Secondarily, we evaluated the reliability of baseline hemodynamic variables in discriminating fluid responsiveness, which is considered the standard approach at the bedside. Five merged datasets from elective surgical patients receiving a FC dose ≥4 mL/kg, infused over 10 minutes. In a principal component approach, hierarchical clustering was used to define hemodynamic phenotypes of response to FC administration. Hierarchical cluster analysis with Ward linkage was carried out to define similar patient groups using the Gower distance for the mixed combination of continuous and categorical variables. No a priori criteria of fluid responsiveness were applied. The area (AUC) under the pre-FC variables' receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) was also built to predict fluid responsiveness, defined as SVI ≥10% after FC. We analyzed 223 patients. The cluster analysis identified three hemodynamic clusters of patients: cluster 1 (98 patients, 44.0%) showed an average increase of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and Stroke Volume Index (SVI) of 17.3% (11.9-23.1) and 13.1% (0.5-23.4) at the end of FC, respectively. These patients showed baseline flow and pressure variables slightly below physiological ranges, with high pulse pressure variation (PPV). Cluster 2 (68 patients, 30.5%) showed no increase of MAP and SVI at the end of FC. These patients showed baseline flow and pressure variables within physiological ranges, with low hear rate (HR) and PPV. Cluster 3 (57 patients, 25.5%) showed no MAP increase and an SVI increase of 13.1 (2.1-19.6). These patients showed baseline pressure variables within physiological ranges, low flow variables associated to high HR and PPV. The pulse pressure variation (PPV) showed an AUC of 0.82 (0.03), with a grey zone ranging from 6% to 12%, including 86 (38.5%) patients. Clustering analysis identified three hemodynamic clusters with different response phenotypes to FC. This promising approach may enhance the ability to detect fluid responsiveness at the bedside, by considering the specific association of parameters and not the presence of a single one, such as the PPV. In fact, in our cohort the reliability of the PPV was limited, showing high sensibility and specificity only above 12% and below 6%, respectively, and a grey zone including 38.5% of patients.

Abstract P181: Impact of Blood Pressure on Longitudinal Patterns of Pre-Heart Failure in a Hispanic/Latino Population-Based Cohort: Results From the Echocardiographic Study of Latinos (ECHO SOL)

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) is a modifiable risk factor for heart failure (HF) and a common antecedent for pre-HF, but its effect on pre-HF is not well known. Hypothesis: Variations in blood pressure (BP) will be related to distinct patterns of pre-HF (prevalent and incident). Methods: Two echocardiograms were performed ∼4.3 years apart on 1643 adults in the Hispanic/Latino cohort ECHO SOL. Pre-HF was defined as systolic dysfunction (LVEF <50%/ global longitudinal strain >15%) or diastolic dysfunction (≥ Grade 1) or left ventricular remodeling (left ventricular mass index >115 for men, >95 for women/ relative wall thickness >0.42). At visit 1 (V1), 953 were normotensives, and 690 hypertensives [controlled and uncontrolled]. Groups were subdivided at visit 2 (V2) based on maintenance or changes from V1 BP status. Logistic regression models were used to determine the association of BP with pre-HF. All analyses were weighted due to complex survey design. Results: Higher BP at baseline (linear and by tertiles) was significantly associated with prevalent pre HF (table 1). Higher pulse pressure was significantly associated with incident pre-HF (table 1). Normotensives at V1 who later developed HTN (≥ 130/80 mmHg) at V2 had higher odds of having prevalent (2.05 [95% CI, 1.24 - 3.39]) and incident (2.42 [95% CI, 1.07 - 5.51]) pre-HF than those who remained with BP <130/80 mmHg at V2. When defining uncontrolled HTN as BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg, we found that uncontrolled hypertensives at V1 who remained uncontrolled at V2 had higher odds (2.75 [95% CI, 1.18 - 6.41]) of having prevalent pre-HF compared to uncontrolled hypertensives who progressed to controlled HTN at V2 (<130/80 mmHg). Conclusion A significant association exists between BP and prevalent/incident pre-HF in the Hispanic/Latino population. Additionally, those who progress from normal BP to hypertension face an increased risk of developing prevalent/incident pre-HF compared to those who remain normotensives. Blood pressure control of <130/80 mmHg could result in less prevalent pre-HF.

Ascending aorta dilatation reduces the influence of elevated pulse pressure on left ventricular hypertrophy: findings from a Chinese elderly hypertensive population.

To determine the role of ascending aorta dilatation in the relationship between pulse pressure (PP) and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. A total of 1556 Chinese elderly hypertensive patients were retrospectively studied. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to obtain the aortic and cardiac structure measurements. In addition, brachial blood pressure was measured, and total arterial compliance, systemic vascular resistance, arterial elastance, and end-systolic LV elastance were calculated. The participants were divided into four groups according to the status of ascending aortic diameter and PP. LV mass index increased in succession in the four groups, i.e., the group with the normal aorta and lower PP, with the normal aorta and higher PP, with aortic dilatation and lower PP, and with aortic dilatation and higher PP (P trend < 0.001). Total arterial compliance-1, arterial elastance, and end-systolic LV elastance were slightly higher in the individuals with normal aorta compared to those with aortic dilatation, regardless of PP being lower or higher (P < 0.01). Compared to the group with the normal aorta and lower PP, individuals with aortic dilatation had a significantly increased multivariable adjusted risk of LV hypertrophy, and higher PP further exacerbated this risk [aortic dilatation with lower PP (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.01-3.04) and aortic dilatation with higher PP (OR = 3.42, 95% CI: 2.03-5.77)]. In the relation between PP and LV mass index (β = 0.095, P < 0.001), -41.3% of the total effect was attributable to mediation by ascending aortic diameter (P < 0.0001). In Chinese elderly patients with hypertension, ascending aorta dilatation could reduce the influence of elevated PP on LV hypertrophy.

High pulse pressure impairs cerebral artery endothelial function in young, but not old, mice

One of the hallmarks of vascular aging is increased pulse pressure. This elevated pulse pressure is associated with deleterious effects on cerebral vascular function; however, it is unknown if age modulates the susceptibility to high pulse pressure. To examine the effects of age on the cerebral artery response to pulse pressure, we studied isolated cerebral arteries collected from young (6.1 ± 0.2 mo) and old (26.7 ± 0.5 mo) male C57BL/6 mice. Isolated cerebral arteries were exposed ex vivo to static pressure, low pulse pressure (25 mmHg), and high pulse pressure (50 mmHg). In cerebral arteries from young mice, endothelium-dependent dilation was similar between the static and low pulse pressure conditions. Exposure to high pulse pressure impaired endothelium-dependent dilation in cerebral arteries from young mice, mediated by less nitric oxide bioavailability and greater oxidative stress. Cerebral arteries from old mice had impaired cerebral artery endothelium-dependent dilation at static pressure compared with young cerebral arteries. However, exposure to low or high pulse pressure did not cause any further impairments to endothelium-dependent dilation in old cerebral arteries compared with static pressure. The old cerebral arteries had less distension during exposure to high pulse pressure and greater stiffness compared with young cerebral arteries. These results indicate that acute exposure to high pulse pressure impairs endothelium-dependent dilation in young, but not old, cerebral arteries. The greater stiffness of cerebral arteries from old mice potentially protects against the negative consequences of high pulse pressure.

Distinct components of cardiovascular health are linked with age-related differences in cognitive abilities

Cardiovascular ageing contributes to cognitive impairment. However, the unique and synergistic contributions of multiple cardiovascular factors to cognitive function remain unclear because they are often condensed into a single composite score or examined in isolation. We hypothesized that vascular risk factors, electrocardiographic features and blood pressure indices reveal multiple latent vascular factors, with independent contributions to cognition. In a population-based deep-phenotyping study (n = 708, age 18–88), path analysis revealed three latent vascular factors dissociating the autonomic nervous system response from two components of blood pressure. These three factors made unique and additive contributions to the variability in crystallized and fluid intelligence. The discrepancy in fluid relative to crystallized intelligence, indicative of cognitive decline, was associated with a latent vascular factor predominantly expressing pulse pressure. This suggests that higher pulse pressure is associated with cognitive decline from expected performance. The effect was stronger in older adults. Controlling pulse pressure may help to preserve cognition, particularly in older adults. Our findings highlight the need to better understand the multifactorial nature of vascular aging.

PS-P04-9: PULSE PRESSURE AND MEAN ARTERIAL PRESSURE IN HYPERTENSIVES WITH MULTI-MORBIDITY: AN ANALYSIS USING GLOBAL DATA FROM MAY MEASUREMENT MONTH (MMM)

Background: The increasing prevalence of people living with multimorbidity is an increasing challenge for health systems. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) serves as the steady component in a patient's arteries during one cardiac cycle while pulse pressure (PP) is recognized as the pulsatile component. Along with systolic blood pressure (BP) and diastolic BP, both MAP and PP are established risk factors for the development of major adverse cardiovascular events. The knowledge of how PP and MAP vary among hypertensives according to the presence of one or more long-term conditions (LTCs) is limited. May Measurement Month (MMM) is the largest contemporary global BP screening campaign designed to raise awareness of high BP. Purpose: To identify the association between BP parameters and number of LTCs (diabetes, myocardial infarction and stroke) in participants with hypertension. Design and methods: MMM is an opportunistic cross-sectional survey with over 4.8 million volunteers aged over 18 years recruited between 2017–2019, and 2021 in 106 countries. Three sitting BP readings were taken for each participant on a single occasion, with data on demographics, lifestyle, hypertension and LTCs collected. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP greater than 140mmHg and/or diastolic BP greater than 90mmHg (average of the second and third readings) and/or taking antihypertensive medication(s). Mixed-effects linear regression models were applied to compare the BP parameters with different numbers of LTCs, assuming random intercepts for country to account for clustering. Multivariable models were adjusted for age and sex (with an interaction term), medication use, current smoking and alcohol consumption. Findings: We analysed data from 1,107,432 individuals with hypertension, recorded data on LTCs and with all three BP readings. Overall, 860,376 (77.7%) had no LTCs, 188,306 (17.0%) had one, 40,592 (3.7%) had two, and 18,158 (1.6%) had three LTCs. After adjustment for potential confounders, the average PP of hypertensives without LTCs was 52.9mmHg. Compared to those with no LTCs, the PPs were significantly higher at 54.4mmHg, 54.9mmHg, and 53.6mmHg, in hypertensives with one, two or three LTCs, respectively (all p &lt; 0.001). A strong inverse relationship was seen between MAP and numbers of LTCs, with mean MAPs of 104.1mmHg, 103.8mmHg, and 101.5mmHg in those with one, two or three LTCs respectively, compared to participants without (104.4 mmHg) (all p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Our study highlights that the presence of one or more LTCs is associated with higher PP and lower MAP. These differences in PP and particularly reduced MAP may have implications for optimal BP management in people with multimorbidity.

Sex disparity of cerebral white matter hyperintensity in the hypertensive elderly: The Shanghai Changfeng study.

White matter hyperintensity (WMH) is associated with vascular hemodynamic alterations and reflects white matter injury. To date, the sex difference of tract-specific WMH and the relationship between high blood pressure (BP) and tract-specific WMH remain unclear. We recruited 515 subjects from the Shanghai Changfeng study (range 53-89 years, mean age 67.33 years). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were collected and used to calculate pulse pressure (PP). Magnetic resonance T1 and T2 FLAIR images were acquired to measure WMH and calculate WMH index. The ANCOVA test was performed to test the difference between sexes, and the linear regression model was used to examine the associations between BP and WMH index. Men showed higher WMH index than women in all white matter tracts (p < .001, respectively) except for the bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) and its left temporal part (tSLF). High SBP and PP was associated with a lower WMH index on the left corticospinal tract (CST), SLF, tSLF and right cingulum in hippocampus (p ≤ .001, respectively) in women, while high DBP was associated with a higher WMH index on the bilateral CST (left p < .001; right p=.001), left inferior longitudinal fasciculus (p < .001) and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (p=.002) in men. Men tend to have more WMH compared to women. A high SBP/PP relates to a lower WMH burden in women. This suggests that women could benefit from higher blood pressure in older age.

High pulse pressure is associated with an increased risk of diabetes in females but not in males: a retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveAccumulating evidence suggests a close relationship between metabolic disturbance and increased arterial stiffness. However, whether there is an association between pulse pressure (PP) and diabetes and how this association might be impacted by sex is not clear.MethodsA total of 209,635 adult Chinese individuals > 20 years old across 32 sites and 11 cities in China (Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Suzhou, Shenzhen, Changzhou, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hefei, Wuhan, Nantong) were included in the study; participants were free of diabetes at baseline. In the present study, we analyzed the relationship between PP at baseline and incident diabetes using the Cox proportional hazard model.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 2.99 years, a total of 3971 participants (2885 men and 1086 women) developed diabetes, and the incidence was 6.3 per 1000 person-years. With each 10 mmHg increase in PP, the multivariable adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval) for incident diabetes was 1.117 (1.061, 1.176) in females and 0.981 (0.951, 1.012) in males. Using the lowest quartile of PP as the reference category, the hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) of the highest quartile of PP for incident diabetes was 1.494 (1.225, 1.822) in females and 0.939 (0.843, 1.045) in males. Smooth plots revealed a significant difference between males and females in the HRs for new-onset diabetes according to PP.ConclusionHigher PP was related to future diabetes development in females but not in males and further research is needed to explore the mechanism.

Pulse pressure trajectories predict brain microstructure in an APOE‐dependent manner among cognitively normal older adults

AbstractBackgroundArterial stiffness is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults; however, the mechanisms by which arterial stiffness impacts brain health remain unclear. We examined whether trajectories of pulse pressure (PP), a surrogate marker of arterial stiffness, beginning in midlife predicted brain microstructure at older age, using the multicompartment diffusion MRI technique restriction spectrum imaging (RSI). We assessed whether effects of PP on executive function were mediated by brain microstructure, and whether APOE genotype modified associations between PP and microstructure.MethodWe included 146 cognitively normal adults (mean age=76.6, SD=6.8 years) who underwent RSI and cognitive testing in 2014‐2016 and measurements of PP up to eight times before MRI, from 1984‐2016. Participants were classified according to PP trajectory using latent class growth modeling. Restricted isotropic diffusion (RI), neurite density, isotropic free water (IFW), and hindered isotropic diffusion (HI) were computed in five subcortical regions and 15 white matter tracts. Multiple linear regression examined associations between PP trajectories and microstructure, and between microstructure and Trails B performance. Mediation analyses, adjusted for covariates, evaluated whether microstructure mediated effects of PP trajectories on executive function. Age‐and‐sex‐adjusted partial correlations tested associations between continuous PP and RSI metrics by APOE genotype (ε4 carriers versus non‐carriers).ResultParticipants with high PP trajectories (n=50) had lower RI and higher HI and IFW in multiple subcortical regions and fiber tracts compared to those with low PP trajectories (n=96), and of these, eight were also associated with Trails B performance. Associations between high PP trajectories and worse executive function were mediated by lower RI in the amygdala (βa*βb=4.13, 95%CI=0.91‐11.01) and in several fiber tracts including the parachippocampal cingulum (βa*βb=3.77, 95%CI=0.95‐9.93) and fornix (βa*βb=3.71, 95%CI=0.59‐10.19). High PP more strongly correlated with lower RI in the hippocampus, uncinate fasciculus, and inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus (IFO); with high IFW in the IFO and superior corticostriatal fasciculus, and with high amygdala HI, among APOE4 ε4 carriers than non‐carriers (Figure).ConclusionProlonged elevated PP predicts subcortical and white mater microstructural abnormalities, particularly for those at greater risk for dementia, and may contribute to impaired executive function via microstructural injury.

High Pulse Pressure Decreases Cardiopulmonary Ability among Older Chinese Patients with Primary Hypertension.

There is limited information regarding the reference values for cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) variables in patients with primary hypertension. Our aim was to provide such values. In this single-center, retrospective study, we included 635 patients (male, 53.7%; mean ± standard deviation age, 62.1 ± 12.6 years) who completed maximal ramp incremental CPX using cycle ergometry at the Rui An Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from August 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021. The patients were classified into two groups based on pulse pressure (PP): (1) patients with a low PP ≤ 60 mmHg (n = 324) and (2) patients with a high PP > 60 mmHg (n = 311). Stepwise linear regression was used to fit the equations of the key CPX variables. CPX was self-interrupted owing to fatigue by 64.5% (low PP) and 72.0% (high PP) of patients (χ2 analysis, P = 0.05). The anaerobic threshold (AT) could not be determined in 3.7% and 7.7%, respectively (χ2 analysis, P = 0.038). Peak oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production, ventilation/minute, work rate, and VO2 at the AT were associated with age, weight, and sex. Moreover, a high PP was associated with impaired anaerobic exercise ability, as indicated by the reduced peak VO2, peak VE, and absolute peak work rate. Compared with prior research of a healthy population, patients with primary hypertension in this study exhibited impaired cardiopulmonary ability both at rest and during exercise, especially in the high PP group. The reference values and predictive equations for CPX variables provide a framework for interpreting the response to maximal ramp incremental cycle ergometry among older Chinese patients with primary hypertension.

The association between organophosphate insecticides, blood pressure dysregulation, and metabolic syndrome among U.S. Adults: NHANES 2015-2016

Organophosphate (OP) insecticides represent some of the most common environmental contaminants in the United States. Organophosphate insecticide use has been associated with numerous adverse health outcomes, including hypertension (HTN) and metabolic syndrome (MetS), but results from current studies are conflicting and inconclusive. In a study of 916 U.S. adults from the 2015–2016 NHANES cycle, we investigated the association between five dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolites of OP insecticides and blood pressure parameters (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, HTN), as well the association between total body burden of DAPs with HTN and MetS. Weighted, multivariable linear regression revealed significant, inverse associations between diethylphosphate and systolic blood pressure (β= -0.16 p = 0.02), diethylthiophosphate and systolic blood pressure (β= -0.91 p = 0.01), total DAP exposure and systolic blood pressure (β= -0.13, p = 0.04), and between dimethylphosphate and diastolic blood pressure (β= -0.15, p = 0.0075). No significant associations were observed between total DAP exposure and odds of HTN. We additionally modeled the odds of abnormally high pulse pressure given specific quartile of total DAP exposure. Results showed a significant association between diethylphosphate and odds of abnormal pulse pressure (OR=1.29, 95% CI[1.01,1.65]), and between total DAP exposure and odds of abnormal pulse pressure (OR=1.05, 95% CI[1.03,1.10]). Lastly, we found that adults in the 3rd quartile of OP metabolite exposure had a 3.61 increased odds of having MetS when compared to individuals in the 1st quartile (OR=3.61, 95% CI[1.32,9.85]).Our preliminary findings support data from previous studies suggesting a role for OP insecticides in the pathogenesis of blood pressure dysregulation and MetS. Future studies are warranted to corroborate these findings, determine population-level clinical significance, and to elucidate potential mechanisms explaining these associations.

Pulse pressure trajectories predict brain microstructure in community-dwelling older adults: Associations with executive function and modification by APOE.

Effects of chronic arterial stiffness on brain aging remain unclear. We, therefore, examined whether long-term trajectories of pulse pressure (PP) predicted brain microstructure, microstructure mediated PP-executive function associations, and APOE genotype modified PP-microstructure associations. We examined associations of PP trajectories with brain microstructure measured using restriction spectrum imaging in 146 community-dwelling older adults, whether microstructure mediated PP trajectory-executive function associations, and whether PP-restriction spectrum imaging correlations were modified by APOE-ε4 status. Participants with trajectories of high PP had lower restricted isotropic diffusion (RI) compared to those with low PP trajectories and PP-executive function associations were mediated by subcortical and white matter RI. High PP more strongly correlated with lower RI and higher hindered diffusion among APOE-ε4 carriers than non-carriers. Prolonged elevated PP predicts microstructural abnormalities which may contribute to impaired executive function. APOE-ε4 carriers may be most vulnerable to the adverse effects of PP on brain microstructure.

Abstract 14746: Pulse Pressure More Strongly Associates With Subclinical Myocardial Injury Than Do Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressures

Introduction: Long-standing hypertension is associated with subclinical myocardial injury expressed as chronically elevated cardiac troponin concentrations. Subclinical myocardial injury and subsequent diffuse myocardial fibrosis may represent important intermediaries between hypertension and risk of heart failure and cardiovascular (CV) death. The relative strength of the associations between systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP and pulse pressure and subclinical myocardial injury is unknown. Aim: To assess the relative impact of systolic BP, diastolic BP and pulse pressure on subclinical myocardial injury. Methods: Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) was measured by a high-sensitivity assay (Abbott Diagnostics) in 32,968 participants of the fourth wave of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT4) from 2017 to 2019. The longitudinal substudy included participants from HUNT4 who also had BP measurements from the third wave of HUNT (HUNT3) from 2006 to 2008. This included 18,681 study participants. All study participants with a history of CV disease were excluded prior to analysis. We defined subclinical myocardial injury as cTnI ≥4ng/L for women and ≥6ng/L for men, and used logistic regression models adjusted for established CV risk factors. Results: The mean age was 52 (SD±17) years, and 56.9% were female. Cross-sectionally, pulse pressure was more strongly associated with subclinical myocardial injury (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.10) compared to systolic BP (aOR 1.05, 95% CI 1.04-1.06) and diastolic BP (aOR 1.02, 95% CI 0.99-1.04). Longitudinally, change in diastolic BP was the only BP variable associated with subclinical myocardial injury (aOR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06), compared to change in systolic BP (aOR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99-1.02) and change in pulse pressure (aOR 0.99, 95% 0.97-1.01, p for all comparisons &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: At a given time, pulse pressure is the superior BP variable in predicting subclinical myocardial injury. Over time, only change in diastolic BP is associated with subclinical myocardial injury. High pulse pressure and longitudinal changes in diastolic BP could represent hypertension phenotypes at high risk for subclinical myocardial injury and subsequent increased CV risk.

Attenuation by habitual alcohol drinking of the associations of obesity with blood pressure and pulse pressure.

Obesity and alcohol drinking are known to be risk factors for hypertension. However, it remains to be determined whether alcohol affects the relationships of obesity with blood pressure and pulse pressure. The participants in this study were 29 171 men who had received annual health checkups. Relationships of BMI with blood pressure and pulse pressure were investigated in four subject groups divided by average daily alcohol consumption (grams of ethanol/day), non-, light (<22), moderate (≥22 and <44) and heavy (≥44) drinkers. BMI was significantly correlated with SBP and DBP levels both in nondrinkers and drinkers. The strength of the correlations was significantly weaker in drinkers than in nondrinkers. Odds ratios for hypertension in subjects with vs. subjects without obesity tended to be lower with an increase in alcohol intake (odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals: 4.09 (3.69-4.52) in nondrinkers; 3.11 (2.62-3.68) in light drinkers; 2.87 (2.61-3.16) in moderate drinkers; 2.81 (2.49-3.18) in heavy drinkers). Pulse pressure was weakly but significantly associated with BMI and obesity, and these associations were significantly weaker in heavy drinkers than in nondrinkers. There were significant odds ratios for hypertension and high pulse pressure of the interaction term between obesity and alcohol drinking. The associations of BMI with blood pressure and pulse pressure and the associations of obesity with hypertension and high pulse pressure were weaker in drinkers than in nondrinkers. Thus, alcohol drinking attenuates the associations of obesity with hypertension and high pulse pressure.

Biomass using tribal women exhibited respiratory symptoms, hypertensive risks and abnormal pulmonary function

In rural areas of developing countries, solid fuels are still widely used for cooking, heating, and lighting purposes. This study investigates the effects of household air pollutants (HAPs) exposure on the occurrence of respiratory symptoms, blood pressure, and lung function. In this study, we randomly selected 123 (83 biomass and 40 clean fuel user) subjects to assess the impact of smoke generated from solid biomass fuel by assessing their health status along with the ventilation pattern of the kitchens and living rooms. HAPs (PM10, PM2.5, and CO) and different health parameters were measured along with monitoring of self-reported health symptoms for a consecutive period of eight months. Results revealed that the concentration of CO, PM2.5, and PM10 were found highest in biomass using households. Higher odds of the upper respiratory symptoms, runny nose (OR: 4.08, 95% CI: 1.22–22.14, p < 0.03), nasal congestion (OR: 9.07, 95% CI: 1.39–97.89, p < 0.01) and the odds of the lower respiratory symptoms like wheezing (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.23–10.94, p < 0.01), breathlessness (OR: 4.44, 95% CI: 1.3–14.75, p < 0.01), chest tightness (OR: 4.89, 95% CI: 1.23–22.14, p < 0.03) and dry cough (OR: 3.661, 95% CI: 1.05–12.25, p < 0.04) were significantly higher in biomass fuel user. Similarly higher systolic (+11.41 mmHg), higher diastolic pressure (+3.3 mmHg), higher pulse pressure (+8.11 mmHg), and a 6 mmHg higher mean arterial pressure among biomass fuel using tribal women. The risk of hypertension was significantly (p < 0.03) higher (OR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.18–7.89) among solid biomass fuel users. The lung abnormality was recorded 28.91% (OR: 5.02, 95% CI: 1.50 to 16.56, p < 0.01) among biomass fuel user. Finally, it is suggested that the use of efficient cookstoves, increase in cross ventilation, and cleaner fuel are urgently needed to curb the pollution load.

Lower serum magnesium is a predictor of left ventricular hypertrophy in patients on dialysis.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) represents one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular mortality in dialysis patients. Low serum magnesium Mg is related with increased mortality in general and dialysis population. Aim of our study was to evaluate the association of Mg with LVH and cardiac geometry in dialysis patients. Hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients from nine nephrology departments were included. Echocardiographic LVH was defined by LV mass index > 95g/m2 in women and > 115g/m2 in men. Four LV geometric patterns were defined: normal, concentric remodeling, eccentric LVH and concentric LVH. Demographic and laboratory data were collected. 133 patients (68 HD, 65 PD) with a median age of 63years (IQR 52-74) were studied. Mg correlated positively with creatinine, HDL and negatively with CRP levels and BMI. There were no significant differences in Mg between the modality groups. 80 patients presented LVH (43 HD and 37 PD patients). Patients with LVH were older (median age 68 vs 55years, p < 0.001), with higher BMI (median 26.9 vs 24.7kg/m2, p = 0.009), had a history of PVD or CAD (55% vs 30.2%, p = 0.003), had higher pulse pressure (median 60 vs 50, p = 0.017), MIS score (median 5 vs 4, p = 0.011), lower albumin (median 3.5 vs 3.8g/dl, p = 0.011) and Mg levels (median 2.1 vs 2.4mg/dl, p < 0.001). In univariate analysis age, CVD comorbidities, pulse pressure, CRP, BMI, albumin, Mg, MIS and use of b-blockers or calcium blockers were LVH predictors. In multivariate analysis, Mg was an independent predictor of LVH, adjusted for age, MIS and b-blockers. Considering LV geometry, lower Mg levels were mainly correlated with concentric LVH. Low serum magnesium levels seem to be an independent factor for LVH in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients.

Prediction of cardiovascular events by central blood pressure using radial tonometry in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

BackgroundHigh blood pressure (BP) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are major causes of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and heart failure (HF). Central blood pressure (CBP) is more predictive of ASCVD than is brachial BP; however, an association of CBP with ASCVD has not been found in T2DM patients. We evaluated the impact of CBP and the association between optimal level of noninvasively measured CBP and office BP in T2DM patients based on composite outcome of ASCVD, HF, and complications of hypertension.MethodsPatients were enrolled from June 2011 to December 2015 and were followed up through December 2019. CBP was measured using radial tonometry. The primary endpoints were composite outcome of ASCVD, HF, and hypertension-induced complications such as left ventricular hypertrophy, retinopathy, and proteinuria.ResultsDuring the 6.5-year follow-up period, 515 patients were enrolled in the study. A total of 92 patients (17.9%) developed primary endpoints. The mean age of subjects was 61.3 ± 12.1 years and 55% (n = 283) were male. Patients who developed primary endpoints were older (65.3 ± 9.5 years vs. 60.5 ± 12.4 years) and had lower high-density lipoprotein (36.6 ± 9.4 mg/dL vs. 41.8 ± 11.1 mg/dL), higher CBP (123.6 ± 20.6 mmHg vs. 118.0 ± 20.6 mmHg), and higher pulse pressure (61.3 ± 16.6 mmHg vs. 56.5 ± 15.1 mmHg) than subjects without primary endpoint development. After adjustment for various risk factors, CBP was an independent predictor for primary endpoints (hazard ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.27; P = 0.016). In addition, the association of CBP and primary endpoints showed a U-shaped curve with the lowest incidence at CBP 118 mmHg and systolic BP about 128 mmHg.ConclusionsWe show the importance of CBP measurements in T2DM patients and present a cutoff value for ASCVD events and hypertension-induced complications.

Pulse pressure and all-cause mortality in ischaemic heart failure patients: a prospective cohort study

Background Whether the association between pulse pressure (PP) and mortality varies with systolic blood pressure (SBP) in ischaemic heart failure (HF) with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) is unknown. Objective To evaluate the association between PP and all-cause mortality in ischaemic HF patients with SBP status at admission. Patients and methods This prospective cohort study included 1581 ischaemic HF patients with LVSD. A total of 23.3% (n = 368) and 22.2% (n = 351) of the participants had SBP <110 mmHg and SBP >140 mmHg, respectively, with more than 80% of participants being male. Restricted cubic spline was performed to determine whether a nonlinear relationship existed between PP and all-cause mortality risk. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the association between PP and all-cause mortality. Results After a median of follow-up of 3.0 years, 257 events (16.4%) were observed in the cohort. There was a J-shaped relationship between PP and all-cause mortality (P value for nonlinearity = 0.020), with a risk nadir of approximately 46–49 mmHg. All-cause mortality risk varied with SBP status. Higher PP was associated with worse prognosis when the SBP was ≥110 mmHg, whereas the relationship did not reach statistical significance when the SBP was <110 mmHg. Conclusion A J-shaped relationship between PP and all-cause mortality was observed in ischaemic HF patients with LVSD, and higher PP was associated with worse prognosis only in those with SBP ≥110 mmHg. Further studies are needed to corroborate these findings. KEY MESSAGES A J-shaped relationship between pulse pressure and all-cause mortality was observed in ischaemic heart failure patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, with a risk nadir of approximately 46–49 mmHg. All-cause mortality risk varied with systolic blood pressure status, and higher pulse pressure was associated with worse prognosis when systolic blood pressure was above 110 mmHg.

Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 at King Fahad University Hospital, Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is considered a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM-II) are at twice as high risk for the development of cardiovascular diseases than the general population. Thus, we aimed to assess the most prevalent cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors among DM-II patients in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia.MethodThis is a cross-sectional, retrospective, and observational study conducted on DM-II patients at King Fahad University Hospital (KFUH) Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, from January 2016 to December 2021. The total number of participants was 373 who were patients with DM-II. The patients' demographic information (age, sex, marital status, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist, hip circumference, and waist-hip ratio were calculated or obtained from hospital electronic records as were the CVR factors, age, gender, smoking habits, physical activity, BMI, haemodynamic measurements, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) levels and lipid profile.The collected data were analyzed by using SPSS Statistics v.28 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). The descriptive statistics were reported using mean±SD for numerical data and relative frequencies (%) for categorical data. P < 0.05 were counted significant. Quantitative data were analyzed using the ANOVA test to compare the means of the three groups. Qualitative data were analyzed and compared using the chi-square test. Fisher’s exact test was also used to study the statistical significance of variables. Spearman rank correlation was used to study the relationship between HbA1C and other CV risk factors. ResultsThe mean age was 58 (± 13) years; females were 57% of the sample. Around 92% were smokers, 84% had a sedentary lifestyle, 72% had dyslipidemia, 58% were obese, 30% were overweight, 58% reported poorly control of their diabetes, 50% had hypertension and 32% had pre-hypertension. Furthermore, 89% of participants had two or more CVR factors other than DM-II. We found a significant association between high body mass index, dyslipidemia, high systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure (p<0.05) with HbA1C.ConclusionThe majority of participants had two or more cardiovascular risk factors in addition to DM-II. Poor control of DM-II and cardiovascular risk factors cannot be ignored and primary to tertiary prevention must be the top priority when managing the diabetic population in order to prevent devastating outcomes and progression of reversible morbidity.

Elevated pulse pressure correlated with reduced retinal peripapillary capillary in thyroid-associated ophthalmology with visual field defect.

PurposeTo quantify the retinal vessel density in thyroid-associated ophthalmology (TAO) patients with visual field (VF) defect and examine its associations with mechanical and system vascular risk factors for underlying pathogenesis of VF defect in TAO.MethodsThe cohort was composed of 62 TAO eyes (39 with VF defect and 23 without VF defect). The pulse pressure (PP), intraocular pressure (IOP), ophthalmic rectus muscular index (MI), superficial retinal capillary plexus (SRCP), radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) density, and other related parameters were measured. The associations among these factors and VF mean deviation (MD) were analyzed.ResultsIn TAO patients with VF defect, reduced RPC density, higher PP, and larger horizontal and vertical MI were found (all P < 0.03) when compared to TAO patients without VF defect. The RPC density was correlated with VF MD value (r = 0.242, P = 0.029), while SRCP density was not (P = 0.419). In univariable general estimating equation (GEE) analysis with RPC density as the outcome, PP and its fluctuation showed a significant association (both P < 0.04). In the final RPC model with multivariable GEE analysis, only PP (β = -0.082, P = 0.029) showed significance while PP fluctuation (P = 0.080) did not.ConclusionsThe elevated PP was correlated with reduced retinal peripapillary perfusion in TAO resulting in VF defect. These data suggested that the system vascular factor may be important in the pathogenesis of reduced retinal perfusion resulting in visual impairment in TAO.