Nighttime Systolic Ambulatory Blood Pressure Research Articles

DETERMINANTS AND ASSOCIATIONS OF COMMON CAROTID INTIMA-MEDIA ROUGHNESS IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION AND TYPE 2 DIABETES

Objective: Carotid atherosclerosis, including increased intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque, is associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. The role of the irregularity of the carotid intima-media surface in terms of total CV risk has been insufficiently investigated. This study investigated determinants and associations of common carotid intima-media roughness in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Design and method: Adults with type-2 diabetes and hypertension were evaluated with (i) 24h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring (20 min intervals, Microlife WatchBPO3), (ii) carotid ultrasonography for the calculation of the common carotid IMT (use of automated software that allows the calculation of the average value of multiple measurements), carotid plaque score (CPS), and standard deviation (SD) of the common carotid intima-media (derived for the multiple measurements performed for the calculation of the IMT), and (iii) ultrasound estimation of left ventricular mass index (LVMI). Results: Ninety-five individuals were analyzed [age 66.3±8.9 years, 61 men, body mass index (BMI) 30.8±4.8 kg/m2, HbA1c 6.6±0.8%, 24-hour ABP (systolic/diastolic) 123±13/69.4±7.3 mmHg, IMT 0.83±0.16 mm, SD IMT 0.07±0.03 mm, CPS 5.5±4.8 mm]. SD IMT was correlated with IMT (r=0.49, p<0.001), nighttime systolic ABP (r=0.21, p<0.05), 24h weighted SD of systolic ABP (r=0.26, p<0.05), CPS (r=0.30, p<0.01) and LVMI (r=0.39, p<0.001). In stepwise multivariable regression analysis with age, nighttime systolic ABP, 24h weighted SD of systolic ABP, total number of IMT measurements and IMT as independent variables, the SD IMT was determined by IMT (β=0.08, p<0.001) and 24h weighted SD of systolic ABP (β=0.003, p<0.05). Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that in patients with type-2 diabetes and hypertension, carotid intima-media roughness is determined by IMT and the variability of 24h systolic ABP, and is associated with the severity of carotid atherosclerosis and left ventricular hypertrophy.

Abstract P202: The Effects of Sodium (Na) Reduction and the Dash Diet on Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Black and Non-Black Individuals: Results From the DASH-Na Trial

Background: Black individuals compared to White individuals tend to have higher nighttime BP. It has been hypothesized that lifestyle changes will reduce and potentially eliminate this disparity. Objectives: To determine the effect of reduced Na and the DASH diet, alone and combined, on ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) in Blacks (B) and Non-Blacks (NB, mostly white). Methods: Participants (n=335, 58% B) were randomly assigned to eat a control diet or the DASH diet. On their assigned diet, each participant had three, randomly ordered, 30d feeding periods with different Na levels (low, medium, and high). ABP was measured at the end of each period. Results: Before feeding, mean office SBP was similar in B and NB (135.5 and 134.5 mmHg, respectively). On the reference diet (control diet with high Na), daytime and nighttime SBP were higher in B than NB adults (Table). Compared to the ref diet, reducing Na and consuming the DASH diet, alone and combined, substantially lowered daytime and nighttime systolic ABP in Black and Non-Black individuals. The DASH diet combined with low Na reduced daytime SBP in B and NB with no significant B-NB difference, i.e. no racial disparity in daytime SBP; otherwise, B-NB differences were present in daytime SBP for Na reduction alone and DASH diet alone. For nighttime SBP, there was a consistent pattern such that Na reduction alone, DASH diet alone, and the DASH diet with low Na reduced nighttime SBP in B and NB, but in each case, B had significantly higher nighttime SBP levels than NB. For DBP, Na reduction alone, DASH diet alone, and combined DASH with low Na reduced daytime and nighttime BP in B and NB, but significant B-NB differences persisted (data not shown). Conclusions: Reducing dietary Na and consuming the DASH diet, alone and combined, substantially lowered ABP in Black and Non-Black individuals. However, racial disparities in ABP mostly persisted. These results highlight the importance of implementing both the DASH diet and Na reduction as a means to reduce BP throughout the day, regardless of racial background.

Effect of Tai Chi vs Aerobic Exercise on Blood Pressure in Patients With Prehypertension

Prehypertension increases the risk of developing hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Early and effective intervention for patients with prehypertension is highly important. To assess the efficacy of Tai Chi vs aerobic exercise in patients with prehypertension. This prospective, single-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted between July 25, 2019, and January 24, 2022, at 2 tertiary public hospitals in China. Participants included 342 adults aged 18 to 65 years with prehypertension, defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 120 to 139 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP (DBP) of 80 to 89 mm Hg. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to a Tai Chi group (n = 173) or an aerobic exercise group (n = 169). Both groups performed four 60-minute supervised sessions per week for 12 months. The primary outcome was SBP at 12 months obtained in the office setting. Secondary outcomes included SBP at 6 months and DBP at 6 and 12 months obtained in the office setting and 24-hour ambulatory BP at 12 months. Of the 1189 patients screened, 342 (mean [SD] age, 49.3 [11.9] years; 166 men [48.5%] and 176 women [51.5%]) were randomized to 1 of 2 intervention groups: 173 to Tai Chi and 169 to aerobic exercise. At 12 months, the change in office SBP was significantly different between groups by -2.40 (95% CI, -4.39 to -0.41) mm Hg (P = .02), with a mean (SD) change of -7.01 (10.12) mm Hg in the Tai Chi group vs -4.61 (8.47) mm Hg in the aerobic exercise group. The analysis of office SBP at 6 months yielded similar results (-2.31 [95% CI, -3.94 to -0.67] mm Hg; P = .006). Additionally, 24-hour ambulatory SBP (-2.16 [95% CI, -3.84 to -0.47] mm Hg; P = .01) and nighttime ambulatory SBP (-4.08 [95% CI, -6.59 to -1.57] mm Hg; P = .002) were significantly reduced in the Tai Chi group compared with the aerobic exercise group. In this study including patients with prehypertension, a 12-month Tai Chi intervention was more effective than aerobic exercise in reducing SBP. These findings suggest that Tai Chi may help promote the prevention of cardiovascular disease in populations with prehypertension. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR1900024368.

Agreement Between Guideline Thresholds Using an "All-in-One" Device to Measure Office, Home, and Ambulatory Blood Pressures.

Blood pressure (BP) thresholds for diagnosing and managing hypertension vary for office, home, and ambulatory readings, and between guideline documents. This analysis determined corresponding office, home, and ambulatory BP thresholds using baseline data from the HI-JAMP (Home-Activity Information and Communication Technology-Based Japan Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Prospective) study, which used a validated "all-in-one" BP monitoring device. Data from 2322 treated patients with hypertension who underwent office BP measurement, then 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring, then home BP monitoring for 5 days were analyzed. Corresponding BP thresholds for office, home, and ambulatory measurements were determined using Deming regression. Values equivalent to office systolic BP (SBP) of 120 and 140 mm Hg were as follows: 115.9 and 127.7 mm Hg for 24-hour ambulatory SBP; 120.8 and 134.0 mm Hg for daytime ambulatory SBP; 104.9 and 117.9 mm Hg for nighttime ambulatory SBP; and 122.0 and 134.2 mm Hg for morning-evening average home SBP. Deming regression showed that morning-evening average home SBP and daytime ambulatory SBP were almost the same (home SBP=0.99×daytime ambulatory SBP+0.27 mm Hg; r=0.627). Morning-evening average home SBP values of 120 and 135 mm Hg were equivalent to daytime ambulatory SBP values of 119.1 and 133.9 mm Hg, respectively. A home SBP threshold of 130 mm Hg corresponded to 24-hour and nighttime ambulatory SBP values of 123.5 and 113.6 mm Hg, whereas a home SBP threshold of 135 mm Hg corresponded to 24-hour and nighttime ambulatory SBP values of 128.0 and 119.2 mm Hg. Ambulatory and home BP thresholds in this analysis were similar to those proposed by existing guidelines. The similarity between the home BP and daytime ambulatory BP thresholds was a clinically relevant finding.

Bloodletting has no effect on the blood pressure abnormalities of hyperandrogenic women taking oral contraceptives in a randomized clinical trial

Normoferritinemic women with functional hyperandrogenism show a mild iron overload. Iron excess, hyperandrogenism, and cardioautonomic dysfunction contribute to blood pressure (BP) abnormalities in these patients. Furthermore, combined oral contraceptives (COC) prescribed for hyperandrogenic symptoms may worse BP recordings. Iron depletion by phlebotomy appears to lower BP in other acquired iron overload conditions. We aimed to determine the effect of iron depletion on the office BP, ambulatory BP monitoring, and frequency of hypertension in patients with functional hyperandrogenism submitted to standard therapy with COC. We conducted a phase 2 randomized, controlled, parallel, open-label clinical trial (NCT02460445) in adult women with functional hyperandrogenism including hyperandrogenic polycystic ovary syndrome and idiopathic hyperandrogenism. After a 3-month run-in period of treatment with 35 µg ethinylestradiol plus 2 mg cyproterone acetate, participants were randomized (1:1) to three scheduled bloodlettings or observation for another 9 months. Main outcome measures were the changes in office BP, 24-h-ambulatory BP, and frequency of hypertension in both study arms. From June 2015 to June 2019, 33 women were included in the intention-to-treat analyses. We observed an increase in mean office systolic BP [mean of the differences (MD): 2.5 (0.3–4.8) mmHg] and night-time ambulatory systolic BP [MD 4.1 (1.4–6.8) mmHg] after 3 months on COC. The percentage of nocturnal BP non-dippers also increased, from 28.1 to 92.3% (P < 0.001). Office and ambulatory BP did not change throughout the experimental period of the trial, both when considering all women as a whole or as a function of the study arm. The frequency of the non-dipping pattern in BP decreased during the experimental period [OR 0.694 (0.577–0.835), P < 0.001], regardless of the study arm. Decreasing iron stores by scheduled bloodletting does not override the BP abnormalities caused by COC in women with functional hyperandrogenism.

Comparing differences and correlation between 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure and office blood pressure monitoring in patients with untreated hypertension.

ObjectiveWe assessed differences and correlations between 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) and office blood pressure (OBP) monitoring.MethodsWe conducted an observational study among 85 untreated patients with essential hypertension and measured 24-hour ABP, OBP, target organ damage (TOD) markers, and metabolism indexes. Variance analysis and the Pearson method were used to compare differences and correlation between the two methods. The Spearman or Pearson method was applied to compare the correlation between TOD markers, blood pressure index, and metabolism index. Linear regression analysis was applied to estimate the quantitative relationship between the blood pressure index and TOD markers.ResultsThere were significant differences in the mean and variance of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure and a positive correlation between ABP and OBP. Correlations between the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and average ambulatory SBP, daytime ambulatory SBP, nighttime ambulatory SBP, and fasting blood glucose were significant. Correlations between left intima-media thickness (IMT) and average ambulatory SBP, nighttime ambulatory SBP, right IMT, and nighttime ambulatory SBP were significant. In linear regression analysis of the LVMI (y) and ambulatory SBP (x), the equation was expressed as y = 0.637*x.ConclusionNighttime ambulatory SBP may be an optimal predictor of TOD.

Nighttime Home Blood Pressure in Children: Association with Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Preclinical Organ Damage.

[Figure: see text].

DIRECT COMPARISON OF HOME VERSUS AMBULATORY DEFINED NOCTURNAL HYPERTENSION FOR PREDICTING CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS: THE J-HOP STUDY

Objective: The home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) method that measures blood pressure during sleep hours was reported to be comparable to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in measuring night-time blood pressure and detecting nocturnal hypertension. The aim of this study was to directly compare the prognostic power of nocturnal hypertension detected by HBPM versus ABPM for predicting future cardiovascular events. Design and method: We analyzed night-time blood pressure (measured by HBPM and ABPM) data of 1005 participants who were included in the Japan Morning Surge-Home Blood Pressure (J-HOP) study. Results: During a follow-up period of 7.6 ± 3.4 years, 80 cardiovascular disease events occurred. The majority (91.8%) of our study population were hypertensive and 80.7% participants were using antihypertensive medication. Night-time home systolic blood pressure (SBP) was higher compared to night-time ambulatory SBP (123.0 ± 14.6 versus 120.3 ± 14.4, p &lt; 0.001). Nocturnal hypertension was defined as night-time home or ambulatory SBP of 120 mmHg or more. The number of participants with nocturnal hypertension defined by HBPM and ABPM was 564 (56.1%) and 469 (46.7%), respectively. Nocturnal hypertension defined by HBPM was associated with increased risk of future cardiovascular events; total cardiovascular events (coronary artery disease and stroke events) [1.83 (1.00; 3.37)] and stroke [2.87 (1.17; 7.03)], independent of office SBP and night-time ambulatory SBP. These results were absent with nocturnal hypertension defined by ABPM. Conclusions: This is the first comparison prospective study illustrating that uncontrolled nocturnal hypertension defined by HBPM (independent of office SBP and night-time ambulatory SBP) is a predictor of future cardiovascular events.

EFFECT OF RENAL DENERVATION ON AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE IN PATIENTS WITH UNCONTROLLED HYPERTENSION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED, SHAM-CONTROLLED TRIALS

Objective: Untreated and uncontrolled hypertension remains among the most important cardiovascular risk factors worldwide, while hypertension treatment and control rates remain low in many countries. The aim of this study was to meta-analyze the effects of renal denervation (RDN) on ambulatory blood pressure levels in patients with untreated or uncontrolled hypertension. Design and method: PubMed and CENTRAL, along with grey literature sources, were searched from their inception to May 2019 for randomized, sham-controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of RDN on the management of hypertension, irrespective of study blinding, setting and sample size. Results: Six randomized, sham-controlled trials were identified and included in the meta-analysis. In total, 981 patients with hypertension were randomized in all 6 trials to undergo either RDN (n = 585) or sham-procedure (n = 396). Compared to sham, RDN resulted in a decrease in 24-h systolic ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) by 3.62 mmHg (95% CI: -5.28 to -1.96; I^2 = 0%) and in 24-h diastolic ABP by 1.92 mmHg (95% CI: -3.65 to -0.20; I^2 = 46%). Grade of evidence was rated as low for both outcomes. Further analysis documented that RDN decreased daytime systolic ABP by 5.51 mmHg (95% CI: -7.79 to -3.23; I2 = 0%), nighttime systolic ABP by 3.06 mm Hg (95% CI: -8.69 to 2.56; I^2 = 73%), daytime diastolic ABP by 1.90 mmHg (95% CI: -3.48 to -0.32; I^2 = 4%) and nighttime diastolic ABP by 0.80 mmHg (95% CI: -3.61 to 2.02; I2 = 57%), compared to sham procedure. No major safety issues were identified. Conclusions: RDN is associated with a significant reduction in both 24-h systolic and diastolic ABP levels. Importantly, RDN decreases significantly daytime ABP levels, while it does not consistently induce a substantial reduction in nighttime ABP levels.

Safety and efficacy of empagliflozin in elderly Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A post hoc analysis of data from the SACRA study.

Elderly diabetic patients are likely to have uncontrolled nocturnal hypertension, which confers higher risks of cardiovascular events and heart failure. To investigate the efficacy and safety of empagliflozin in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), a sub‐analysis was performed of data from the SGLT2 inhibitor and Angiotensin receptor blocker Combination theRapy in pAtients with diabetes and uncontrolled nocturnal hypertension (SACRA) study, a multi‐center, double‐blind, randomized, parallel study of T2DM patients who were treated with empagliflozin for 12 weeks. In the present analysis, we compared efficacy and safety outcomes in participants aged <75 and ≥75 years. At baseline, 44 participants were ≥75 years and 87 were <75 years. Nighttime ambulatory systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased by 4.2 mm Hg in the ≥75‐year‐old group and by 7.9 mm Hg in the <75‐year‐old group (p = .884 for the between‐age group difference in the change between baseline and week 12) [primary endpoint]. Empagliflozin, but not placebo, significantly reduced mean 24‐h SBP (−8.7 mm Hg in ≥75‐year‐olds vs. −11.0 mm Hg in <75‐year‐olds) and daytime SBP (−10.8 mm Hg in ≥ 75‐year‐olds vs. −12.3 mm Hg in <75‐year‐olds) between baseline and week 12, with no significant differences between the groups. In addition, there were significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin, body weight, and uric acid during 12 weeks of empagliflozin treatment in the two age groups. The incidences of hypoglycemic episodes, hypotension, and metabolic adverse events were similar in the two groups. Thus, empagliflozin was effective and well tolerated in elderly diabetic patients with uncontrolled nocturnal hypertension when administered for 12 weeks.

Efficacy and safety of renal denervation for the management of arterial hypertension: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized, sham‐controlled, catheter‐based trials

Despite the availability of a numerous antihypertensive agents, hypertension treatment and control rates remain low in many countries. The role of the sympathetic nervous system has long been recognized, but recent sham control renal denervation studies demonstrated conflicting results. In this reviewe paper, the authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine outcomes of sham-controlled studies utilizing new technologies and procedures. Six published randomized, sham-controlled studies were included in this meta-analysis. Of those, three trials used the first-generation radiofrequency renal denervation device and technique and the other three used second-generation devices and techniques. In total, 981 patients with hypertension were randomized in all 6 trials to undergo renal denervation (n=585) or sham procedure (n=396). Overall, renal denervation resulted in a decrease of 24-hours systolic ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) by 3.62mmHg (95% CI: -5.28--1.96; I2 =0%), compared to sham procedure (GRADE: low). Renal denervation also reduced daytime systolic ABP by 5.51mmHg (95% CI: -7.79--3.23; I2 =0%), compared to sham procedure but not nighttime systolic ABP. Office systolic blood pressure was reduced by 5.47mmHg (95% CI -8.10--2.84; I2 =0%), compared to sham control. Further analysis demonstrated that second-generation devices were effective in reducing blood pressure, whereas the first-generation devices were not. These results indicate that effective renal denervation can result in significant and clinically meaningful blood pressure reduction. The second-generation devices provide better renal nerve ablation.

Night-time ambulatory blood pressure is the best pretreatment blood pressure predictor of 11-year mortality in treated older hypertensives.

Numerous studies have shown a stronger relationship between ambulatory blood pressure (ABP), particularly night ABP, and cardiovascular events/mortality than for office blood pressure (OBP). A previous clinical trial (Syst-Eur) showed that pretreatment ABP was only a better predictor of outcome than OBP in placebo-treated participants. The current study in treated elderly hypertensives from the Second Australian National Blood Pressure study (ANBP2) examined whether pretreatment ABP was a better predictor of mortality than OBP over long-term (∼11 years) follow-up. ANBP2 was a comparative outcome trial in 6083 off-treatment or previously untreated elderly hypertensives. In the ABP substudy, at study entry, participants had ABP and nurse-performed OBP measurements. Cox proportional hazards analysis assessed the relationships between both OBP and ABP at study entry and 11-year all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, with results pooled from both active treatment phases. In 702 participants, over a median of 10.8 years, including 6.7 years after the trial, 167 died (82 cardiovascular). Pretreatment 'night' systolic ABP and pulse pressure were the best predictors of '11-year' cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratios: 1.26; 95% confidence intervals: 1.10-1.45, P=0.001 and 1.18; 1.06-1.31, P=0.003, respectively) and all-cause mortality (hazard ratios: 1.15; 95% confidence intervals:1.05-1.28, P=0.005 and 1.09; 1.10-1.31, P=0.03, respectively). OBP was not a significant predictor of mortality. In actively treated elderly hypertensives participating in ANBP2, all-cause or cardiovascular deaths were significantly related to pretreatment ABP, particularly to night-time systolic ABP and pulse pressure, but not to OBP.

Acute Effects of Heated Water Based Exercise on Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Variability in Long Term Treated Elderly Hypertensive Patients

PURPOSE: Although heated water-based exercise (HEx) training has shown to largely reduce blood pressure (BP) in patients with resistant hypertension, the effect of a single exercise bout on ambulatory BP (ABP) in elderly subjects is unknown. Our purpose was to evaluate the acute effect of HEx versus land-based exercise (LEx) on ABP and heart rate variability (HRV) in long-term treated elderly hypertensive patients. METHODS: Twelve sedentary elderly hypertensive patients (6 women) aged 60±10 yr, under drug therapy for 15±3 yr, underwent a 30 min of HEx (walking inside the pool), LEx (walking on a treadmill) and nonexercise control session (CON) in random order (2-5 days between interventions). HEx and LEx intensity was set at 11-13 in the 6-20 RPE scale. HRV was analyzed before and after each intervention, and twenty-four hour (24-h) ABP monitoring was performed after each intervention. RESULTS: There was a tendency toward (P = 0.06) increase in low-frequency (pre = 43±7.3 n.u.; post = 57.9±5.5 n.u.) and decrease in high-frequency (pre = 56.7±7.3 n.u.; post = 42±5.5 n.u.) HRV after LEx, but no changes were observed after HEx and CON. However, 24-h (-6 mmHg), daytime (-6 mmHg) and nighttime (-6 mmHg) systolic ABP were significant lower (P < 0.05) after HEx than after LEx and CON. Although daytime (-3 mmHg) and nighttime (-4 mmHg) diastolic ABP was lower after HEx than after LEx and CON, this reduction was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was an improvement in HRV after LEx, 24-h, daytime and nighttime systolic ABP reduced only after HEx. This result suggest that HEx may be superior than LEx to manage BP hypertension in long-term treated elderly hypertensive patients.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Characteristics and Long-Term Risk for Atrial Fibrillation.

We hypothesized that elevated nighttime systolic ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) yields additional information compared with daytime systolic ABP for the long-term risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and perhaps should be taken into account in treatment strategies for preventing the increasing burden of AF during aging. A total of 903 subjects with or without hypertension aged 40 to 59 years, who were recruited to the Oulu Project Elucidating Risk of Atherosclerosis (OPERA) study, underwent ABP monitoring, thorough clinical examinations and laboratory tests. After an average of 16.4 ± 3.6 years of follow-up, 91 (10%) of the study subjects had experienced a new-onset AF requiring a hospital emergency room or hospital visit. Of the components of baseline ABP, the nighttime mean systolic blood pressure had the strongest univariable association with the occurrence of AF (120.8 ± 15.9 vs. 116.4 ± 14.1 mm Hg, P = 0.006, in subjects with vs. without the occurrence AF). When the univariable predictors of AF, such as age, sex, body mass index, height, smoking history, alanine aminotransferase, uric acid, and fasting plasma glucose, were entered in the multivariable Cox hazards model, age (P < 0.001), and body mass index (P = 0.014) retained their significant predictive power. After adjustments in this clinical hazards model, the nighttime mean systolic blood pressure still predicted the occurrence of AF (hazards ratio = 1.07 per every 5 mm Hg increase, 95% confidence intervals = 1.004-1.15, P = 0.038). Of the baseline ABP characteristics, the nighttime systolic blood pressure is a significant independent contributor to the long-term risk of new-onset AF requiring a hospital visit.

Differences in night-time and daytime ambulatory blood pressure when diurnal periods are defined by self-report, fixed-times, and actigraphy: Improving the Detection of Hypertension study.

To determine whether defining diurnal periods by self-report, fixed-time, or actigraphy produce different estimates of night-time and daytime ambulatory blood pressure (ABP). Over a median of 28 days, 330 participants completed two 24-h ABP and actigraphy monitoring periods with sleep diaries. Fixed night-time and daytime periods were defined as 0000-0600 h and 1000-2000 h, respectively. Using the first ABP period, within-individual differences for mean night-time and daytime ABP and kappa statistics for night-time and daytime hypertension (systolic/diastolic ABP≥120/70 mmHg and ≥135/85 mmHg, respectively) were estimated comparing self-report, fixed-time, or actigraphy for defining diurnal periods. Reproducibility of ABP was also estimated. Within-individual mean differences in night-time systolic ABP were small, suggesting little bias, when comparing the three approaches used to define diurnal periods. The distribution of differences, represented by 95% confidence intervals (CI), in night-time systolic and diastolic ABP and daytime systolic and diastolic ABP was narrowest for self-report versus actigraphy. For example, mean differences (95% CI) in night-time systolic ABP for self-report versus fixed-time was -0.53 (-6.61, +5.56) mmHg, self-report versus actigraphy was 0.91 (-3.61, +5.43) mmHg, and fixed-time versus actigraphy was 1.43 (-5.59, +8.46) mmHg. Agreement for night-time and daytime hypertension was highest for self-report versus actigraphy: kappa statistic (95% CI) = 0.91 (0.86,0.96) and 1.00 (0.98,1.00), respectively. The reproducibility of mean ABP and hypertension categories was similar using each approach. Given the high agreement with actigraphy, these data support using self-report to define diurnal periods on ABP monitoring. Further, the use of fixed-time periods may be a reasonable alternative approach.

Efficacy of Low-Dose Chlorthalidone and Hydrochlorothiazide as Assessed by 24-h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring

BackgroundThiazide and thiazide-like diuretic agents are being increasingly used at lower doses. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in the 12.5-mg dose remains the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive agent in the United States. ObjectivesThis study compared chlorthalidone, 6.25 mg daily, with HCTZ, 12.5 mg daily, by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring and evaluated efficacy. Because HCTZ has been perceived as a short-acting drug, a third comparison with an extended-release formulation (HCTZ-controlled release [CR]) was added. MethodsThis 12-week comparative, double-blind, outpatient study randomized 54 patients with stage 1 hypertension to receive either chlorthalidone, 6.25 mg, (n = 16); HCTZ 12.5 mg (n = 18); or HCTZ-CR 12.5 mg (n = 20). ABP monitoring was performed at baseline and after 4 and 12 weeks of therapy. ResultsAll 3 treatments significantly (p < 0.01) lowered office BP at weeks 4 and 12 from baseline. At weeks 4 and 12, significant reductions in systolic and diastolic 24-h ambulatory and nighttime BP (p < 0.01) were observed with chlorthalidone but not with HCTZ. At weeks 4 (p = 0.015) and 12 (p = 0.020), nighttime systolic ABP was significantly lower in the chlorthalidone group than in the the HCTZ group. With HCTZ therapy, sustained hypertension was converted into masked hypertension. In contrast to the HCTZ group, the HCTZ-CR group also showed a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in 24-h ABP. All 3 treatments were generally safe and well tolerated. ConclusionsTreatment with low-dose chlorthalidone, 6.25 mg daily, significantly reduced mean 24-h ABP as well as daytime and nighttime BP. Due to its short duration of action, no significant 24-h ABP reduction was seen with HCTZ, 12.5 mg daily, which merely converted sustained hypertension into masked hypertension. Thus, low-dose chlorthalidone, 6.25 mg, could be used as monotherapy for treatment of essential hypertension, whereas low-dose HCTZ monotherapy is not an appropriate antihypertensive drug. (Comparative Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of Hydrochlorothiazide CR with Hydrochlorothiazide and Chlorthalidone in Patients With Stage I Essential Hypertension; CTRI/2013/07/003793)

Efficacy and Safety of LCZ696, a First-in-Class Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor, in Asian Patients With Hypertension

Abstract— LCZ696 (Japanese adopted name: sucabitril valsartan sodium hydrate), a first-in-class angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor, concomitantly inhibits neprilysin and blocks angiotensin type 1 receptor. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the first in Asia for this drug, evaluated the dose-related efficacy and safety of LCZ696 in patients with hypertension using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring. Asian patients aged ≥18 years (n=389) with hypertension were randomized to receive LCZ696 100 mg (n=100), 200 mg (n=101), 400 mg (n=96), or placebo (n=92) for 8 weeks . The primary end point was mean difference across the 3 single-dose pairwise comparisons of LCZ696 versus placebo in clinic diastolic BP after 8-week treatment. Key secondary efficacy variables included changes in clinic systolic BP and pulse pressure and changes in 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime ambulatory BPs and pulse pressure. Safety assessments included recording all adverse events and serious adverse events. A total of 362 patients completed the study. Reductions in clinic systolic BP, diastolic BP ( P &lt;0.0001), and pulse pressure ( P &lt;0.001) were significantly greater with all doses of LCZ696 than with placebo. There were also significant reductions in 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime ambulatory systolic BP, diastolic BP, and pulse pressure for all doses of LCZ696 compared with placebo ( P &lt;0.0001). LCZ696 was well tolerated, and no cases of angioedema were reported. In conclusion, LCZ696 is effective for the treatment of hypertension in Asian population and, in general, is safe and well tolerated. Clinical Trial Information— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01193101.

Hypovitaminosis D and nocturnal hypertension in obese children: an interesting link

In adults, low levels of vitamin D are associated with hypertension. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between 24-h blood pressure (BP) patterns and vitamin D levels in obese children. We recorded anthropometric parameters, took blood samples for 25-hydroxivitamin D measurements and monitored ambulatory BP (ABP) in 32 obese children (male/female: 21/11, age 7-16 years). Subjects in the lower tertiles had higher homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, nighttime systolic and diastolic ABP, nighttime systolic and diastolic ABP load, 24-h ABP index and nighttime systolic and diastolic ABP index than those in the higher tertile. Vitamin D correlated negatively with 24-h and nighttime systolic ABP, 24-h systolic ABP load, nighttime systolic and diastolic ABP load, 24-h systolic ABP index and nighttime systolic ABP index. The percentage of subjects with pathological 24-h systolic BP (SBP) load, nighttime SBP load, nighttime diastolic BP (DBP) load, nighttime SBP index and nighttime DBP index increased progressively as the vitamin deficiency categories increased (χ(2)=10.26, P<0.05; χ(2)=16.34, P<0.01; χ(2)=10.23, P<0.05; χ(2)=10.38 and χ(2)=10.06, P <0.01). Low levels of vitamin D in obese children were associated with a higher BP burden, especially at night.

Blood pressure measurements, blood pressure variability and endothelial function in renal transplant recipients

Background/Aims: Hypertension is an important cardiovascular risk factor in renal transplant recipients. Elevated blood pressure variability (BPV) during 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is associated with increased risk of target organ damage and cardiovascular events, independent of mean blood pressure levels. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between endothelial function, blood pressure levels obtained by various measurement methods, and BPV in renal transplant recipients.Methods: In total, 73 hypertensive renal transplant recipients were included in the study. Office blood pressure measurements, central blood pressure measurements, home blood pressure measurements and 24-h ABPM were obtained from the subjects. BPV was calculated using the average real variability index. All patients underwent brachial flow-mediated vasodilatation tests. Predictive values of blood pressures obtained by different measurement techniques and BPV on endothelial functions were investigated.Results: Endothelial dysfunction was present in 68.5% of the patients. No difference was found between the group with and without endothelial dysfunction with regard to office systolic or diastolic blood pressure, central blood pressure or home systolic blood pressure. In the group with endothelial dysfunction, 24-h ambulatory systolic blood pressure and night-time ambulatory systolic blood pressure were higher. In patients with endothelial dysfunction, the 24-h systolic, diastolic and mean BPV were all higher. There was also a negative correlation between the percentage of flow-mediated vasodilatation with 24-h mean and systolic BPV.Conclusion: Patients with endothelial dysfunction had significantly higher ambulatory blood pressure values and higher BPV. There was a significant negative correlation between endothelial function and BPV.

Nighttime Home Blood Pressure and the Risk of Hypertensive Target Organ Damage

In ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring, nighttime BP has a superior ability to predict hypertensive target organ damage than awake BP. We evaluated whether nighttime BP, assessed by a home BP monitor, was associated with hypertensive target organ damage. We measured clinic BP, out-of-clinic BP including nighttime home BP, and the urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR) in 854 patients who had cardiovascular risk factors. Nighttime home BP was measured at 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 am, in addition to clinic, awake ambulatory, nighttime ambulatory, and awake home BP. Nighttime home systolic BP (SBP) was slightly higher than nighttime ambulatory SBP (difference, 2.6 mm Hg; P<0.001). Clinic (r=0.186), awake ambulatory (r=0.173), nighttime ambulatory (r=0.194), awake home (r=0.298), and nighttime home (r=0.311) SBPs were all associated with log-transformed UACR (all P<0.001). The correlation coefficient for the relationship between nighttime home SBP and log-transformed UACR was significantly greater than that for the relationship between nighttime ambulatory SBP and log-transformed UACR (P<0.001). The goodness of fit of the association between SBP and UACR was improved by adding nighttime home SBP to the other SBPs (P<0.001). Nighttime home diastolic BP also improved the goodness-of-fit of the association between diastolic BP and UACR (P=0.001). Similar findings were observed for the left ventricular mass index in the subgroup (N=594). In conclusion, nighttime home BP is slightly different from (but comparable to) nighttime ambulatory BP. The addition of nighttime home BP to other BP measures improves the association of BP with hypertensive target organ damage.