Mean Systolic Blood Pressure Levels Research Articles

Trend, Level, and Predictors of Glycemic Control among Iranians with Type 2 Diabetes: A 12-Year Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract Objective We aimed to determine the trend, level, and predictors of glycemic control among adult type 2 diabetes on regular follow-up. Material and Method A 12-year unmatched retrospective cohort study was conducted at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Statistical Analysis Descriptive statistics was computed for most variables, such as sociodemographic factors, medication-related factors, and disease-related factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the functional independent predictors of good glycemic control among type 2 diabetes. Results A total of 297 patients with regular follow-up were included in this study. Patients' mean body mass index was 28.51 ± 4.61 kg/m2. The mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c %) was 7.4 ± 1.25%. One hundred thirteen (30%) patients achieved the glycemic control target (i.e., HbA1c < 7.0%). The mean systolic blood pressure level was 132.88 ± 16.23 mm Hg. The mean diastolic blood pressure level was 76.58 ± 9.2 mm Hg. The mean level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol was 79.23 ± 28.69 mg/dL. The highest trend of glycemic control was recorded in 2014 to 2015 (49.5%). Age less than 50 years, taking oral antidiabetic monotherapy, having blood pressure (BP) less than 140/90 mm Hg, and having LDL-cholesterol level < 70 mg/dL were independently associated with good glycemic control. Conclusion Glycemic control levels among type 2 diabetes on regular follow-up were low. Young age was negatively associated with good glycemic control. Taking oral antidiabetic monotherapy, achieving BP, and meeting LDL-cholesterol targets were positively associated with good glycemic control. Therefore, addressing these factors can improve glycemic control and reduce associated complications.

P210 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FOLLOW-UP BLOOD PRESSURE AND BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL: A META-REGRESSION ANALYSIS

Background: Blood pressure (BP) control is typically defined as BP values under certain thresholds, most commonly <140/90 mmHg – but there is widespread uncertainty about how mean BP is related to BP control, and what mean BP is required to achieve BP control in 80% of patients. Objective: To assess the association between follow-up mean systolic BP (SBP) and BP control from randomised clinical trials (RCTs). Methods: We systematically searched multiple databases for relevant RCTs. We included double-blind individual RCTs (iRCTs) of adults with hypertension, randomised to BP-lowering drugs from five major antihypertensive classes for ≥2 to ≤ 26 weeks, and which reported data for follow-up mean SBP and BP control (clinic BP <140/90 mmHg) at the last follow-up visit. We also included cluster RCTs (cRCTs), of adults with hypertension, randomised to any BP-lowering intervention, for any duration. The association between follow-up mean SBP and BP control at the last follow-up visit was assessed using a linear regression model. The coefficient was interpreted as the increase in percentage of patients with BP control for every 1 mmHg decrease in follow-up mean SBP. Results: Seventy iRCTs (45,836 participants) and 36 cRCTs (28,154 participants) were included. Each 1 mmHg decrease in follow-up mean SBP was associated with about 2% improvement in BP control in both iRCTs and cRCTs (R2= 78% and 76%, respectively). This finding was broadly consistent in the subgroups of BP-lowering drug classes, baseline SBP categories, and pre-trial BP-lowering treatment status in iRCTs, and country income and baseline SBP categories in cRCTs. Mean SBP levels of 125, 130, and 135 mmHg were associated with BP control rates of 78%, 67%, and 55%, respectively, in iRCTs and 80%, 68%, and 56% in cRCTs. Conclusion: Mean SBP levels of 125 mmHg are required for achieving BP control of <140/90 mmHg in about 80% of the patients. These findings should inform clinical care, guideline recommendations and hypertension control programs.

Inter-arm blood pressure difference in post-stroke patients with hemiparesis.

The aim of this study was to investigate that inter-arm blood pressure (BP) difference (IAD) and reference arm in 420 post-stroke patients with hemiparesis. Synchronous bilateral-arm BP was measured with two automatic BP devices, and the systolic BP difference of ≥10 mm Hg was recorded as increased sIAD. The arm with higher systolic BP (SBP) was assigned as the reference arm. Our results showed that the prevalence of sIAD was 18.1% in the total group. The paretic arms had similar mean SBP levels (133.6±18.4 vs. 133.8±18.4 mm Hg, NS) and DBP (77.8±11.5 vs. 77.2±10.9 mm Hg, NS) as compared with the unaffected arms. The detection rate of hypertension or uncontrolled hypertension on the SBP values of the reference arm was higher than that on the unaffected arm (41.8% vs. 36.3%). It is concluded that in the post-stroke patients with hemiparesis in the rehabilitation period, the prevalence of sIAD ≥10 mmHg was relatively higher, and using the unaffected arm, rather than the unaffected arm, for BP measurement could induce correctly detection of hypertension.

EFFECTS OF SMOKING ON CIRCADIAN ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE PROFILE IN PATIENTS WITH NON-ST-SEGMENT ELEVATION ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME AND CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

The paper presents the results of a study of the effects of smoking on circadian arterial blood pressure (ABP) profile in patients with Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome (NSTE-ACS) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
 Aim. The research aims at studying the features of circadian blood pressure monitoring (CBPM) in patients with NSTE-ACS and CKD, smoking-dependent.
 Materials and Methods. The study includes 70 patients with NSTE-ACS and CKD aged 35 to 75 years. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group I - 35 smokers (mean age - 60.09±1.66 years), Group II - 35 individuals who have never smoked (mean age - 62.31±1.04 years). The circadian blood pressure monitoring was carried out on the second day of hospital admission after stabilization of the patient's condition. The following indicators have been determined: systolic blood pressure (SBP) - daytime, nighttime, and average daily (24 hours) (SBPd, SBPn, and SBPav); diastolic blood pressure (DBPd, DBPn, and DBPav); pulse pressure (PBPd, PBPn, and PBPav); time index (TI) for SBPd and SBPn (SBPd TI and SBPn TI) and DBP (DBPd TI and DBPn TI); heart rate (HR). To study the renal functional status in the examined patients, the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) was determined using the semi-quantitative method. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the CKD-EPI Creatinine Equation.
 Results. Mean SBP, DBP, and PBP levels were significantly higher in Group I patients compared to Group II patients: SBPd - by 5.10% (p<0.05), SBPn - by 6.60% (p<0.05); DBPd - by 9.60% (p=0.01), DBPn - by 14.10% (p<0.05); PBPd - by 7% (p=0.05), PBPn - by 8.50% (p<0.05). The mean TI value also turned out to be significantly higher in the group of smokers (I) versus non-smokers (II): SBPd TI - by 55.50% (p<0.01), SBPn TI - by 58.90% (p<0.01), DBPd TI - by 57.50% (p<0.01), DBPn TI - by 46.30% (p<0.01). The HR was higher by 10.80% in Group I patients compared to Group II patients (p<0.01). The mean GFR level in smokers is 13.00% lower than in non-smokers (p<0.05). A 57% significantly higher ACR level was found in the group of smokers (Group I) compared to non-smokers (Group II) (p<0.01).
 Conclusions. Mean SBP, DBP, PBP, TI, and HR levels were significantly higher in the group of smokers with NSTE-ACS and CKD. In the same Group, more distinct signs of kidney injury were found, namely, lower GFR values and higher ACR values, which indicates the probable adverse effect of smoking on ABP regulation and renal microvasculature.

Prevalence, age and gender features of chronic kidney disease in patients with diabetes mellitus

To study the prevalence, age and gender characteristics of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). In a case-control study, clinical and laboratory data were analyzed in 683 patients with DM (4.6% of patients with type 1 DM and 95.4% with type 2 DM) and kidney damage. The indicators of anthropometry, hemodynamics and biochemistry were studied. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the CKD-EPI formula. The proportion of middle-aged and elderly patients with CKD was the most numerous, amounting to 39 and 38%, respectively. At the same time, anemia was more common in young people, and hypercholesterolemia (35.0%), proteinuria (47.5%) and signs of renal failure (45.0%) - in middle-aged patients with CKD. 47.0% study participants had C1 and C2 categories of changes in renal function. Mean levels of systolic blood pressure (BP), the prevalence of proteinuria were statistically significantly higher in women. When evaluating the correlations, we found statistically significant relationships between the calculated GFR and the level of body mass index, systolic BP, venous blood glucose and Hb in the subgroup of men. Among females, a significant relationship between the calculated GFR value was revealed with indicators of systolic and diastolic BP, venous blood glucose and Hb concentration. Our data indicate the existence of differences in the prevalence of CKD and associated risk factors for the progression of renal failure, depending on gender differences and living conditions of patients. In urban residents, CKD was most often associated with arterial hypertension and renal failure, while overweight, obesity, and proteinuria were significantly more common in rural areas. The incidence of proteinuria and mean levels of systolic BP were significantly higher in females. Further study of the issue under discussion seems promising from the standpoint of a personalized approach and the search for a new preventive strategy to combat both end-stage renal failure and its complications.

Trends in prevalence, treatment and control of hypertension in 38,825 adults over 36 years in Tromsø prospective study.

Serial blood pressure surveys in cohort studies can inform public health policies to control blood pressure for prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Mean levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP) were collected in six sequential surveys, involving 38,825 individuals aged 30-79 years (51% female), between 1979 and 2015 in the Tromsø Study in Norway. Mean levels of SBP, prevalence of hypertension and use of blood pressure-lowering treatment were estimated by age, sex and calendar year of survey. Age-specific mean levels of SBP in each decade of age increased by 20-25 mmHg in men and 30-35 mmHg in women and the prevalence of hypertension increased from 25% to 75% among adults aged 30-79 years. Among successive cohorts of adults aged 40-49 years at the time of the six surveys between 1979 and 2015, the mean levels of SBP declined by about 10 mmHg and the prevalence of hypertension declined from 46% to 25% in men and from 30% to 14% in women. The proportion of individuals with hypertension who were treated increased sixfold (from 7% to 42%) between 1979 and 2015, and the proportion of adults with hypertension that were successfully controlled also increased sixfold from 10% to 60% between 1979 and 2015. Although this study demonstrated a halving in the age-specific prevalence of hypertension in men and women and a sixfold increase in treatment and control of hypertension, the burden of hypertension remains high among older people in Norway.

РАСПРОСТРАНЕННОСТЬ АРТЕРИАЛЬНОЙ ГИПЕРТЕНЗИИ В АЛТАЙСКОМ КРАЕ ПО ДАННЫМ ЭПИДЕМИОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ПО МЕТОДУ STEPS

Purpose of the study. The study of the prevalence of arterial hypertension in the Altai Territory aged 18 years and older. Materials and methods. The study included 2 638 people aged 18 years and older, selected by random sampling among the Altai Krai. The criterion for arterial hypertension (AH) was the level of systolic blood pressure (SBP) equal to or greater than 140 mm Hg. Art., diastolic blood pressure (DBP) - 90 mm Hg. Art., or the history of taking antihypertensive drugs according to the results of the questionnaire. Results. The study involved 1291 men (49%) and 1347 women (51%). The mean level of SBP was 127 mm Hg. Art., the average level of DBP is 81 mm Hg. Art. The average prevalence of hypertension among the adult population in the region was 44.1%. The prevalence of hypertension among men is 40.8%, and among women 47.3%. Most residents of the region with AH are informed about it. 85% of all people with hypertension take antihypertensive drugs, of which only half are effectively treated. Conclusion. For the first time, based on the results of an epidemiological study using the STEPS method, a detailed analysis of the prevalence of hypertension was carried out among residents of Altai Krai aged 18 years and older. The distinctive characteristics of the region are increased awareness of the presence of hypertension and adherence to the regimen of taking antihypertensive drugs among people with hypertension. However, it should be noted that only half of the monitoring participants receive effective treatment.

Correlation Air CO Level with HbCo Level, Hemoglobin, and Blood Pressure to Street Vendors in The Gading Fajar Sidoarjo Street Vendor Area

Motor vehicles emit exhaust gas emissions that produce pollutants, one of the compounds contained is carbon monoxide (CO). CO may cause intoxication in humans if exposed for a long time especially street vendors because the work area is filled with vehicle fumes containing CO gas. High CO levels in the air indicate HbCO levels to increase. The increased of HbCO levels will cause abnormal hemoglobin levels and induce vasoconstriction which makes blood pressure increase. The purpose of this study was to prove the correlation between CO levels in the air with HbCO, hemoglobin, and blood pressure levels to street vendors in the Gading Fajar Sidoarjo Street Vendor Area. This research uses the Conway diffusion cell method and is an analytic observational study with a cross sectional design implemented at the Surabaya Health Laboratory Center and the Hematology Laboratory of Medical Laboratory Technology Department Poltekkes Kemenkes Surabaya in March 2022. Blood tests was carried out on 25 street vendors using random sampling technique. The results showed that average air CO level was 11.0 ppm and 13.3 ppm; mean HbCO levels 0.87%; mean hemoglobin levels 14.4 g/dL; mean systolic blood pressure levels 128 mmHg; and the mean of diastolic blood pressure levels 80 mmHg. The data were analyzed using SPSS. The outcome of normality test showed that the data was not normally distributed. Statistical tests was performed using Spearman correlation. The conclusion showed there was correlation between air CO level with HbCO level, hemoglobin level, and blood pressure level on street vendors in the Gading Fajar Sidoarjo Street Vendor Area. If CO levels in the air increase, then HbCO levels and blood pressure also increase. Street vendors are expected to always use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as mouth masks when working to reduce the risk of exposure to CO gas and doing a healthy lifestyle as a preventive effort to avoid health problems.

Abstract 10180: Systolic Blood Pressure Time in Target Range and Cognitive Outcomes: Insights From the SPRINT Trial

Introduction: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) time in target range (TTR) was proven to be a new parameter to predict cardiovascular outcomes. However, the prognostic value for cognitive function is unclear. Hypothesis: Higher TTR was associated with lower incidence of cognitive outcomes. Methods: We performed a post hoc analysis from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT), a randomized controlled trial comparing intensive (<120 mm Hg) and standard (<140 mm Hg) SBP interventions in 9361 individuals with hypertension. SBP target range was defined as 110 to 130 mm Hg for the intensive group and 120 to 140 mm Hg for the standard group. Participants who had less than 3 SBP measurements during this period or no cognitive assessment in the follow-up were excluded. TTR was calculated by linear interpolation using SBP from baseline to the first 3 months of follow-up. Cognitive outcomes were probable dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and a composite of probable dementia or MCI. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between TTR and cognitive outcomes. Results: A total of 8415 patients were included in this study. In univariate Cox regression analysis, higher time in target range was associated with lower risk of probable dementia. After adjustment for age, sex and race, a 1-SD increase in TTR was independently associated with a 16% lower risk of probable dementia (hazard ratio [HR] =0.84, 95% CI 0.75-0.93, P =0.002) (Figure). When we further added demographics, medical history and mean SBP to the multivariate Cox regression model, TTR remained significantly associated with a decreased risk of probable dementia (HR =0.84, 95% CI 0.74-0.96, P =0.012). No significant relationship was found between TTR and MCI or a composite of probable dementia or MCI. Conclusions: In this post hoc analysis of the SPRINT trial, SBP time in target range was an independent predictor of probable dementia beyond mean SBP levels.

Blood Pressure and Later-Life Cognition in Hispanic and White Adults (BP-COG): A Pooled Cohort Analysis of ARIC, CARDIA, CHS, FOS, MESA, and NOMAS.

Ethnic differences in cognitive decline have been reported. Whether they can be explained by differences in systolic blood pressure (SBP) is uncertain. Determine whether cumulative mean SBP levels explain differences in cognitive decline between Hispanic and White individuals. Pooled cohort study of individual participant data from six cohorts (1971-2017). The present study reports results on SBP and cognition among Hispanic and White individuals. Outcomes were changes in global cognition (GC) (primary), executive function (EF) (secondary), and memory standardized as t-scores (mean [SD], 50 [10]); a 1-point difference represents a 0.1 SD difference in cognition. Median follow-up was 7.7 (Q1-Q3, 5.2-20.1) years. We included 24,570 participants free of stroke and dementia: 2,475 Hispanic individuals (median age, cumulative mean SBP at first cognitive assessment, 67 years, 132.5 mmHg; 40.8% men) and 22,095 White individuals (60 years,134 mmHg; 47.3% men). Hispanic individuals had slower declines in GC, EF, and memory than White individuals when all six cohorts were examined. Two cohorts recruited Hispanic individuals by design. In a sensitivity analysis, Hispanic individuals in these cohorts had faster decline in GC, similar decline in EF, and slower decline in memory than White individuals. Higher time-varying cumulative mean SBP was associated with faster declines in GC, EF, and memory in all analyses. After adjusting for time-varying cumulative mean SBP, differences in cognitive slopes between Hispanic and White individuals did not change. We found no evidence that cumulative mean SBP differences explained differences in cognitive decline between Hispanic and White individuals.

The Correlation between Serum Sclerostin Level and Arterial Stiffness in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

Objective To study the correlation between serum sclerostin (SO) and arterial stiffness in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods The study included 50 Parkinson's disease (PD) patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for more than 6 months at the nephrology department of our hospital. Without regard for age, the eligible patients were assigned to a low PWV group and a high PWV group with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (Ba PWV) of 1400 cm/s as the cutoff value. Patient characteristics such as age, gender, height, weight, BMI, smoking history, dialysis age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), urea clearance index (Kt/V), residual renal function (RRF), and diabetes mellitus (DM) were analyzed. Biochemical indices for analysis include hemoglobin (Hb), albumin (ALB), total cholesterol (TC), urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CREA), triglyceride (TG), uric acid (UA), parathyroid hormone (PTH), blood phosphorus(P), fasting blood glucose (GLU), corrective calcium (Ca), calcium-phosphorus product, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), SO, and arterial stiffness. Results There were 9 males and 16 females in the low PWV group and 12 males and 13 females in the high PWV group. Statistical significance was absent in patient characteristics despite more males in the high PWV group (P=0.055). The low PWV group had significantly lower mean age, SBP, SO, and PWV level, fewer diabetic patients, and higher CREA than the control group. Analysis of PWV-related factors showed that PWV was positively correlated with age, P, Ca, GLU, SBP, PTH, and SO while negatively correlated with CREA. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that age, SO, and SBP demonstrated great potential to predict PWV (P < 0.05). Conclusion The degree of vascular sclerosis is highly correlated with SO level in Parkinson's disease patients, which might provide a theoretical basis for the evaluation of cardiovascular illness in Parkinson's disease patients. High serum sclerostin level is a risk factor for deteriorated arterial stiffness. Given the limited sample size, the relevant results require further validation by expanding the sample size.

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

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

Dietary Intake and Metabolic Syndrome in Kolagur Tribal Women, Yercaud

With increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome among tribal population in India, the present study aimed to assess the incidence of metabolic syndrome and examine the differences in the dietary intake of tribal women residing in Kolagur, a hamlet in Yercaud block, Salem district, Tamil Nadu, India. One hundred women between the age of 18-60 years were randomly selected and information pertaining to their socio-demographic profile were elicited using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric, biochemical, clinical and dietary parameters were assessed using appropriate validated tools. Nutrient intake was computed using Diet Cal software and the statistical analysis was done using ‘R' statistical software. Of the 100 tribal women, 26% were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome majorly prevalent among the age group of 40-60 years (53.8%). The most common feature of metabolic syndrome was low HDL cholesterol (88.5%). There were no significant differences in the socio-demographic profile of tribal women from both groups. Women with metabolic syndrome were found to have significant difference in all the anthropometric parameters with higher mean BMI (p&lt;0.000), mean waist-to-hip ratio (p&lt;0.000) and mean body fat (p&lt;0.000) than those without metabolic syndrome. The mean fasting plasma glucose (p&lt;0.000), mean triglycerides (p&lt;0.000), mean total cholesterol: HDL cholesterol ratio (p=0.0007), mean systolic blood pressure level (p&lt;0.000) and mean diastolic blood pressure level (p&lt;0.000) were significantly higher and mean HDL - cholesterol was significantly lower (p=0.011) among those with metabolic syndrome. With respect to dietary intake, the mean intake of energy (p=0.012) and carbohydrates (p=0.034) of women with metabolic syndrome were significantly lesser than those without metabolic syndrome. These results imply the need for a cohort with larger sample size to gain more insight into the plausible diet-disease relationship. Long term interventions aimed to treat women with metabolic syndrome is crucial to prevent the onset of non-communicable diseases.

Systolic Blood Pressure and Outcomes in Stable Outpatients with Recent Symptomatic Artery Disease: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study.

Objectives: The most appropriate targets for systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with symptomatic artery disease remain controversial. We compared the rate of subsequent ischemic events or death according to mean SBP levels during follow-up. Design: Prospective cohort study. FRENA is an ongoing registry of stable outpatients with symptomatic coronary (CAD), cerebrovascular (CVD) or peripheral artery disease (PAD). Setting: 24 Spanish hospitals. Participants: 4789 stable outpatients with vascular disease. Results: As of June 2017, 4789 patients had been enrolled in different Spanish centres. Of these, 1722 (36%) had CAD, 1383 (29%) CVD and 1684 (35%) PAD. Over a mean follow-up of 18 months, 136 patients suffered subsequent myocardial infarction, 125 had ischemic stroke, 74 underwent limb amputation, and 260 died. On multivariable analysis, CVD patients with mean SBP levels 130–140 mm Hg had a lower risk of mortality than those with levels <130 mm Hg (hazard ratio (HR): 0.39; 95% CI: 0.20–0.77), as did those with levels >140 mm Hg (HR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.26–0.84). PAD patients with mean SBP levels >140 mm Hg had a lower risk for subsequent ischemic events (HR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.39–0.83) and those with levels 130–140 mm Hg (HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.29–0.78) or >140 mm Hg (HR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.21–0.50) had a lower risk of mortality. We found no differences in patients with CAD. Conclusions: In this real-world cohort of symptomatic arterial disease patients, most of whom are not eligible for clinical trials, the risk of subsequent events and death varies according to the levels of SBP and the location of previous events. Especially among patients with large artery atherosclerosis, PAD or CVD, SBP <130 mm Hg may result in increased mortality. Due to potential factors in this issue, Prospective, well designed studies are warranted to confirm these observational data.

Blood Pressure Level and Variability During Long-Term Prasugrel or Clopidogrel Medication After Stroke: PRASTRO-I.

High blood pressure increases bleeding risk during treatment with antithrombotic medication. The association between blood pressure levels and the risk of recurrent stroke during long-term secondary stroke prevention with thienopyridines (particularly prasugrel) has not been well studied. This was a post hoc analysis of the randomized, double-blind, multicenter PRASTRO-I trial (Comparison of Prasugrel and Clopidogrel in Japanese Patients With Ischemic Stroke-I). Patients with noncardioembolic stroke were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive prasugrel 3.75 mg/day or clopidogrel 75 mg/day for 96 to 104 weeks. Risks of any ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, combined ischemic events, and combined bleeding events were determined based on the mean level and visit-to-visit variability, including successive variation, of systolic blood pressure (SBP) throughout the observational period. These risks were also compared between quartiles of mean SBP level and successive variation of SBP. A total of 3747 patients (age 62.1±8.5 years, 797 women), with a median average SBP level during the observational period of 132.5 mm Hg, were studied. All the risks of any stroke (146 events; hazard ratio, 1.318 [95% CI, 1.094-1.583] per 10-mm Hg increase), ischemic stroke (133 events, 1.219 [1.010-1.466]), hemorrhagic stroke (13 events, 3.247 [1.660-6.296]), ischemic events (142 events, 1.219 [1.020-1.466]), and bleeding events (47 events, 1.629 [1.172-2.261]) correlated with increasing mean SBP overall. Similarly, an increased risk of these events correlated with increasing successive variation of SBP (hazard ratio, 3.078 [95% CI, 2.220-4.225] per 10-mm Hg increase; 3.051 [2.179-4.262]; 3.276 [1.172-9.092]; 2.865 [2.042-4.011]; 2.764 [1.524-5.016], respectively). Event rates did not differ between the clopidogrel and prasugrel groups within each quartile of SBP or successive variation of SBP. Both high mean SBP level and high visit-to-visit variability in SBP were significantly associated with the risk of recurrent stroke during long-term medication with either prasugrel or clopidogrel after stroke. Control of hypertension would be important regardless of the type of antiplatelet drugs. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.jp; Unique identifier: JapicCTI-111582.

E Health initiatives for screening and management of hypertension in Rural Rajasthan.

Context:Electronic health (e health) initiatives are being employed in various health programs for disease monitoring. Very few such studies have been conducted in India, so this study was planned.Aims:Assess feasibility and usefulness of e health interventions for health workers, ASHA (accredited social health activist) in screening and management of hypertension.Setting and Design:Prospective observational cohort study. ASHA's were recruited in two selected villages of Rajasthan and trained to use this technology.Methods and Material:A web-based application was developed for use on portable device (tablet) to screen and diagnose hypertension, provide health education focused on diet, physical exercise and promote adherence to therapies by repeated sessions of one-to-one health education. Statistical analysis was done by Excel.Results:With the use of e health initiatives, among population above 18yrs, we found 19.1% hypertensives (464/2430) with 46.5% new cases of hypertension and 38.9 % (945/2430) prehypertensive. Mean age of hypertensives was 52.6 yrs. ± 15.2 and 36.8 yrs. ± 14.2 for prehypertensive and highly significant (p < 0.001). Mean systolic blood pressure level of hypertensives decreased from 147.14 Hg ±13.86 to 133.3 Hg ±13.07 and for prehypertensive from 123.18 mm Hg ± 4.5 to 117.55 mm Hg ± 6.9 after follow up, the difference in change was highly significant (P < 0.001). Also, could start 27.4% hypertensives on treatment, while 50.2% were already on treatment.Conclusion:Training ASHA worker in e health technology is feasible and can assist in screening and management of diseases.

Correlation Between Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure Levels Among Hypertensive Patients: A Gender-Based Comparison.

ObjectiveBlood pressure (BP) has been found to rise among populations due to the high body mass index (BMI). Overweight and persons who have high BP are prone to develop heart diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between BMI and BP among hypertensive patients in both males and females aged 18 years and above.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was carried out among patients with a self-reported history of hypertension and anti-hypertensive medication. After taking ethical approval, a total of 337 patients aged 18 or above were selected by using convenience sampling. The duration of the study was six months. A detailed history was taken from each patient about hypertension associated symptoms with the help of a self-designed questionnaire. The BMI of the patients was assessed. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used to analyze the collected data. Spearman correlation was used, and p-value <0.05 was considered significant.ResultsIn a total of 337 patients, the mean age of the patients was 45.87±13.38 years. In which 176 (52.2%) were males and 161 (47.8%) were females. Their mean BMI level was 26.83±5.83 kg/m2, and the mean systolic blood pressure level was 141.78±13.00 mm Hg whereas the diastolic blood pressure was 85.21±10.03 mm Hg. The results also showed that among males the BMI had a significant negative correlation with both systolic blood pressure level (ρ = -0.212, p = 0.011) and diastolic blood pressure level (ρ = -0.208, p = 0.013), while in females the correlation was insignificant.ConclusionOur study results concluded that the BMI of the patients had a significant weak negative correlation with both systolic blood pressure level and diastolic blood pressure level in males; however, no significant correlation was found in females.

Association Between Blood Pressure and Later-Life Cognition Among Black and White Individuals

Black individuals are more likely than white individuals to develop dementia. Whether higher blood pressure (BP) levels in black individuals explain differences between black and white individuals in dementia risk is uncertain. To determine whether cumulative BP levels explain racial differences in cognitive decline. Individual participant data from 5 cohorts (January 1971 to December 2017) were pooled from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study, Cardiovascular Health Study, Framingham Offspring Study, and Northern Manhattan Study. Outcomes were standardized as t scores (mean [SD], 50 [10]); a 1-point difference represented a 0.1-SD difference in cognition. The median (interquartile range) follow-up was 12.4 (5.9-21.0) years. Analysis began September 2018. The primary outcome was change in global cognition, and secondary outcomes were change in memory and executive function. Race (black vs white). Among 34 349 participants, 19 378 individuals who were free of stroke and dementia and had longitudinal BP, cognitive, and covariate data were included in the analysis. The mean (SD) age at first cognitive assessment was 59.8 (10.4) years and ranged from 5 to 95 years. Of 19 378 individuals, 10 724 (55.3%) were female and 15 526 (80.1%) were white. Compared with white individuals, black individuals had significantly faster declines in global cognition (-0.03 points per year faster [95% CI, -0.05 to -0.01]; P = .004) and memory (-0.08 points per year faster [95% CI, -0.11 to -0.06]; P < .001) but significantly slower declines in executive function (0.09 points per year slower [95% CI, 0.08-0.10]; P < .001). Time-dependent cumulative mean systolic BP level was associated with significantly faster declines in global cognition (-0.018 points per year faster per each 10-mm Hg increase [95% CI, -0.023 to -0.014]; P < .001), memory (-0.028 points per year faster per each 10-mm Hg increase [95% CI, -0.035 to -0.021]; P < .001), and executive function (-0.01 points per year faster per each 10-mm Hg increase [95% CI, -0.014 to -0.007]; P < .001). After adjusting for cumulative mean systolic BP, differences between black and white individuals in cognitive slopes were attenuated for global cognition (-0.01 points per year [95% CI, -0.03 to 0.01]; P = .56) and memory (-0.06 points per year [95% CI, -0.08 to -0.03]; P < .001) but not executive function (0.10 points per year [95% CI, 0.09-0.11]; P < .001). These results suggest that black individuals' higher cumulative BP levels may contribute to racial differences in later-life cognitive decline.

Association of Blood Pressure With Outcomes in Acute Stroke Thrombectomy.

Limited data exist evaluating the effect of blood pressure (BP) on clinical outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We sought to evaluate the association of BP levels on clinical outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion treated with MT. Studies were identified that reported the association of systolic BP (SBP) or diastolic BP levels before, during, or after MT on the outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with MT. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses of studies reporting odds ratios (ORadj) per 10 mm Hg BP increment were performed. Our analysis included 25 studies comprising 6474 patients. Higher pre-MT mean SBP (P=0.008) and post-MT maximum SBP (P=0.009) levels were observed in patients who died within 3 months. Patients with 3-month functional independence were noted to have lower pre-MT (P<0.001) and post-MT maximum SBP levels (P<0.001). In adjusted analyses, increasing post-MT maximum SBP and diastolic BP levels were associated with 3-month mortality (ORadj, 1.19 [95% CI,1.00-1.43]; I2=78%, P value for Cochran Q test: 0.001) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ORadj, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.11-2.44]; I2=0%, P value for Cochran Q test: 0.80), respectively. Increasing pre- and post-MT mean SBP levels were associated with lower odds of 3-month functional independence (ORadj, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.77-0.96]; I2=18%, P value for Cochran Q test: 0.30) and (ORadj, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.72-0.89]; I2=0%, P value for Cochran Q test: 0.51), respectively. In conclusion, elevated BP levels before and after MT are associated with adverse outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion.

Association of Physician Education and Feedback on Hypertension Management With Patient Blood Pressure and Hypertension Control

Elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) is the most important risk factor for premature death worldwide. However, hypertension detection and control rates continue to be suboptimal. To assess the association of education and feedback to primary care physicians with population-level SBP and hypertension control rates. This pooled series of 108 population-based cohort studies involving 283 079 patients used data from primary care centers in 2 counties (Västerbotten and Södermanland) in Sweden from 2001 to 2009. Participants were individuals aged 18 years or older who had their blood pressure (BP) measured and recorded in either county during the intervention period. All analyses were performed in February 2019. An intervention comprising education and feedback for primary care physicians in Västerbotten County (intervention group) compared with usual care in Södermanland County (control group). Difference in mean SBP levels between counties and likelihood of hypertension control in the intervention county compared with the control county during 24 months of follow-up. A total of 136 541 unique individuals (mean [SD] age at inclusion, 64.6 [16.1] years; 57.0% female; mean inclusion BP, 142/82 mm Hg) in the intervention county were compared with 146 538 individuals (mean [SD] age at inclusion, 65.7 [15.9] years; 58.3% female; mean inclusion BP, 144/80 mm Hg) in the control county. Mean SBP difference between counties during follow-up, adjusted for inclusion BP and other covariates, was 1.1 mm Hg (95% CI, 1.0-1.1 mm Hg). Hypertension control improved by 8.4 percentage points, and control was achieved in 37.8% of participants in the intervention county compared with 29.4% in the control county (adjusted odds ratio, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.29-1.31). Differences between counties increased during the intervention period and were more pronounced in participants with higher SBP at inclusion. Results were consistent across all subgroups. This study suggests that SBP levels and hypertension control rates in a county population may be improved by educational approaches directed at physicians and other health care workers. Similar strategies may be adopted to reinforce the implementation of clinical practice guidelines for hypertension management.