Normotensive Participants Research Articles

Increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is associated with a high prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension in community-dwelling persons

The aim of this article was that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) reduces blood vessel injury through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. However, the effect of HDL-C on blood pressure may be controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to address whether HDL-C level is associated with blood pressure, and we examined cross-sectional data from community-dwelling persons. A total of 859 men [58 ± 15 (mean ± standard deviation); 20-89 (range) (years) and 1,169 women (61 ± 13; 19-88 years)] participants not on medication for hypertension were recruited from a single community at the time of their annual health examination. We examined the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure status. Multiple linear regression analysis using systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) as an objective variable showed that HDL-C was significantly and independently associated with both SBP (β = 0.138), and DBP (β = 0.144). Compared to normotensive participants with the lowest quartile of HDL-C, multivariate-adjusted odds ratio (OR) for pre-hypertension was 1.72 (1.22-2.45) for the second quartile, 1.51 (1.07-2.15) for the third quartile, and 1.52 (1.04-2.22) for the highest quartile. Moreover, compared with normotensive participants with the lowest quartile, the multivariate-adjusted ORs for hypertension were 2.37 (1.63-3.45), 2.24 (1.54-3.28), 3.15 (2.10-4.74), respectively. There were no interactions between the two groups stratified by gender, age, BMI, drinking status, TG, FPG, and medication. Therefore, we concluded that HDL-C levels were positively associated with blood pressure in Japanese dwelling-community persons.

Dietary sodium intake deleteriously affects blood pressure in a normotensive population

Western dietary pattern, and particularly high dietary sodium intake (DSI), is recognized for its detrimental impact on blood pressure (BP). This paper examined the association of DSI with BP in Nunavik Inuit (Québec), a population known to have an optimal BP on average. In a population-based study, we recruited 421 normotensive participants aged 18-74 years from 14 coastal villages, situated north of the 55th parallel. BP, biochemistry and anthropometry were obtained. DSI was assessed by a 24-h dietary recall. Mean (s.e.) DSI was higher in men than in women (2358 (101) vs. 1702 (100) mg/d, P<0.0001). Similar gender difference was found in systolic BP (118 (0.7) vs. 111 (0.6) mm Hg; P<0.0001). After adjustment for confounders, we found a positive association between BP and DSI (all P<0.05). In a normotensive population, BP shows a linear relationship with DSI. Our results emphasize the potent deleterious impact of DSI on BP.

A systematic review of fish-oil supplements for the prevention and treatment of hypertension

Fish oils are widely believed to promote cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure (BP) but the evidence supporting this is not conclusive. We aimed to systematically review existing evidence. We undertook a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and crossover trials that evaluated the effectiveness of fish-oil supplements. We included trials enrolling adults who were given fish-oil supplements with at least 8 weeks' follow up. Effects on systolic and diastolic BP were assessed using meta-analysis. Meta-regression was undertaken to explore the relationship between dose of fish oil and BP outcomes. We included 17 studies, with a total of 1524 participants. We explored the effects of fish-oil supplements in both normotensive and hypertensive participants with BP 140/85 mmHg at least. Meta-analyses were performed using the inverse-variance method. Data from eight studies in hypertensive participants found a statistically significant reduction in systolic and diastolic BP; 2.56 mmHg (95% CI 0.58 to 4.53) and 1.47 mmHg (95% CI 0.41 to 2.53), respectively. Nine studies in normotensive participants showed a non-significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic BP. Meta-regression showed no significant relationship between dose of fish oil and the effect on BP. The small but statistically significant effects of fish-oil supplements in hypertensive participants in this review have important implications for population health and lowering the risk of stroke and ischaemic heart disease. Their modest effects, however, mean that they should not be recommended as an alternative to BP-lowering drugs where guidelines recommend treatment.

Abstract 9349: Wave Reflection but Not Arterial Stiffness is Much Highly Correlated with Ambulatory Blood Pressure Parameters Including Blood Pressure Variability and Morning Blood Pressure Surge

Background: With growing evidences that blood pressure (BP) variability, daily BP peak or morning BP surge are independently related to organ damage and future cardiovascular events. We try to invest the role of arterial stiffness and wave reflection, cardiac output in the association of those ambulatory BP parameters. Methods: A sample of 1156 normotensive and untreated hypertensive Taiwanese participants (546 women aged 30-79 years) was drawn from a community-based survey. All participants were recorded with 24 hours ambulatory blood pressure monitors. Besides, serum laboratory data, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV, current gold standard for arterial stiffness), amplitude of the backward pressure wave decomposed from a calibrated tonometry-derived carotid pressure waveform (Pb, a transit-time independent index for wave reflections), and hemodynamic data include cardiac output were collected. Results: Mean 24 hours, day, and night systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), SBP standard deviation (SBPsd), DBP standard deviation (DBPsd), are all highly correlated to Pb, PWV, cardiac output (CO) and augmented pressure (r=0.506,0.274, 0.167, 0.419, all p&lt;0.01 with regard to 24 hour SBPsd). At multi-variates regression models, Pb remains the strongest predictor for early morning BP surge, SBPsd, and DBPsd even after adjusting possible confounders include age, sex, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, and body weight index. Conclusion: Reflective wave Pb is the strongest independent factor for predicting daily BP variability, (SBPsd, DBPsd) and even mean-SBP, DBP, morning BP surge but not central arterial stiffness.

P-005 Wave Reflection But Not Arterial Stiffness Is Much Highly Correlated With Ambulatory Blood Pressure Parameters Including Blood Pressure Variability And Morning Blood Pressure Surge

Background With growing evidences that blood pressure (BP) variability, daily BP peak or morning BP surge are independently related to organ damage and future cardiovascular events. We try to invest the role of arterial stiffness and wave reflection, cardiac output in the association of those ambulatory BP parameters. Methods A sample of 1156 normotensive and untreated hypertensive Taiwanese participants (546 women aged 30–79 years) was drawn from a community-based survey. All participants were recorded with 24 hours ambulatory blood pressure monitors. Besides, serum laboratory data, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV, current gold standard for arterial stiffness), amplitude of the backward pressure wave decomposed from a calibrated tonometry-derived carotid pressure waveform (Pb, a transit-time independent index for wave reflections), and hemodynamic data include cardiac output were collected. Results Mean 24 hours, day, and night systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), SBP standard deviation (SBPsd), DBP standard deviation (DBPsd), are all highly correlated to Pb, PWV, cardiac output (CO) and augmented pressure (r = 0.506,0.274, 0.167, 0.419, all p < 0.01 with regard to 24 hour SBPsd). At multi-variates regression models, Pb remains the strongest predictor for early morning BP surge, SBPsd, and DBPsd even after adjusting possible confounders include age, sex, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, and body weight index. Conclusions Reflective wave Pb is the strongest independent factor for predicting daily BP variability, (SBPsd, DBPsd) and even mean-SBP, DBP, morning BP surge but not central arterial stiffness.

Norms and reference values for pulse wave velocity: one size does not fit all

Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a gold standard non-invasive marker of arterial stiffness, but its clinical utility has been limited due to the need for normative and reference group data for specific measurement devices. Our community-based sample (N = 502) ranged in age from 40 to 93 years after exclusion of individuals with a history of acute stroke, probable dementia, and diabetes. PWV was assessed with the SphygmoCor® system. Means, medians, SD and 95 th percentile values were presented in ten-year age groups for normotensive and hypertensive participants. From among multiple cardiovascular risk factors, a parsimonious regression equation for predicting PWV was developed. Results were compared with the Reference Values for Arterial Stiffness Collaboration (RVASC) study featuring mathematically standardized reference values for an aggregate of clinic sites and measurement devices. As in the RVASC study, a systematic rise in PWV with age was observed with a more pronounced rise for hypertensive individuals, but our specific point estimates of PWV differed from theirs. Our regression models accounted for 48 percent of the variance in PWV using variables routinely available to practicing physicians: age, hypertension status, height, weight, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, creatinine, and glucose. It is important to make available PWV norms and reference group data for specific measurement devices. Development of reference group data for smaller samples is feasible and prediction equations for PWV can be developed from diagnostic information readily available to the practicing physician.

Lifestyle changes for prehypertension with other cardiovascular risk factors: Findings from Thailand

To evaluate a model for community pharmacists to screen and recommend lifestyle changes for patients with prehypertension/hypertension and other elevated modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. Descriptive, exploratory, nonexperimental study. One accredited community pharmacy in Hat Yai, Thailand, between October 2008 and January 2009. Individuals 35 years or older without any previous diagnosis of hypertension and other cardiovascular disease. Measurement of blood pressure, blood glucose, total cholesterol, and body mass index; history taking for smoking and physical exercise; laboratory referral; assessment of readiness to adopt lifestyle changes; and provision of verbal advice and an education pamphlet on cardiovascular risk factors and recommended lifestyle modifications. Number of prehypertensive/hypertensive participants, patient return rate at 3-month follow-up, rate of laboratory referral uptake, confirmed glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia, and changes from baseline in blood pressure level. 263 of 400 people eligible for screening were found to have prehypertension or hypertension. Of these patients, 57% returned at 3-month follow-up. Mean (±SE) systolic (6.5 ± 0.89 mm Hg [95% CI 4.7-8.2], P < 0.001) and diastolic (2.2 ± 0.82 [0.54-3.77], P = 0.009) blood pressure were lowered. Compared with baseline (39.3%), the percentage of normotensive participants increased significantly at 3-month follow-up (51.8%; P < 0.001). The overall laboratory referral uptake was 36% (50 of 138). Glucose intolerance was confirmed in 2 of 21 participants. Of the 42 patients accepting laboratory confirmation, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were confirmed to be above the normal range in 100% and 78.6%, respectively. Among these participants, those who returned at follow-up were rescreened for blood glucose and total cholesterol. Both values were found to be in the normal range. Although more participants reported lifestyle changes at 3 months, the smoking rate and amount of physical exercise were not changed. Community pharmacists, through the use of point-of-care testing and referrals for laboratory testing, can detect patients who are at risk of developing or already have hypertension, diabetes, and/or dyslipidemia. Lifestyle advice from pharmacists can have a positive effect on these risk factors.

Prevalence of prehypertension and its relationship to risk factors for cardiovascular disease in community of Chengdu

Objective: In this paper we estimate the prevalence of prehypertension in community of Chengdu and evaluate the relationship between prehypertension and other risk factors for CVD and multiple metabolic disorders. Methods: The study used data from participants of three communities in Chengdu. A sample of 3524 persons, aged 18 years and over, completed an interviewer administered questionnaire and blood pressure measurements, physical examination and blood samples were obtained and analyzed for all individuals. Results: (1) The prevalence of prehypertension in Chengdu was 34.07% and increased with age up to 30–39 (39.93%) and then declined in the older age groups. Prehypertension was more common in males than females (41.16% vs 23.89%, P<0.05). (2) Prevalence of some cardiovascular risk factors in prehypertensives was significantly higher than that in normotensives (P<0.05). (3) Odds of hyperglycemia, increased fasting blood glucose, hyperuricemia and obesity, overweight, and increased waist circumference were significantly higher among prehypertensive participants when compared to normotensive participants. Conclusions: Prehypertension occurs in 34.07% of Chengdu and is associated with increased prevalence of other CVD risk factors. Health-care providers should recognize the increased CVD risk of prehypertension and should seek to identify and treat modifiable risk factors in these persons.

Relation of obesity to circulating B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations in blacks: the Jackson Heart Study.

Lower plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations in obese individuals ("natriuretic handicap") may play a role in the pathogenesis of obesity-related hypertension. Whether this phenomenon may contribute to hypertension in blacks is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that body mass index is inversely related to BNP concentrations in blacks. We examined the relation of plasma BNP to body mass index in 3742 Jackson Heart Study participants (mean age, 55 ± 13; 62% women) without heart failure using multivariable linear and logistic regression, adjusting for clinical and echocardiographic covariates. The multivariable-adjusted mean BNP was higher for lean participants compared with obese participants in both normotensive (P<0.0001) and hypertensive (P<0.0012) groups. In sex-specific analyses, the adjusted mean BNP was higher in lean hypertensive individuals compared with obese hypertensive individuals for both men (20.5 versus 10.9 pg/mL, respectively; P=0.0009) and women (20.0 versus 13.8 pg/mL; P=0.011). The differences between lean and obese participants were more pronounced in normotensive participants (men, 9.0 versus 4.4 pg/mL; P<0.0001; women, 12.8 versus 8.4 pg/mL; P=0.0005). For both hypertensive and normotensive individuals in the pooled sample, multivariable-adjusted BNP was significantly related to both continuous body mass index (P<0.05 and P<0.0001, respectively) and categorical body mass index (P for trend <0.006 and <0.0001, respectively). Our cross-sectional study of a large community-based sample of blacks demonstrates that higher body mass index is associated with lower circulating BNP concentrations, thereby extending the concept of a natriuretic handicap in obese individuals observed in non-Hispanic whites to this high-risk population.

Glutathione S-transferase variants as risk factor for essential hypertension in Italian patients

Involvement of genetic polymorphisms in arterial hypertension has already been reported, including GST genes, with contrasting results. The present research evaluates the possible association between GST gene polymorphisms and essential hypertension (EH) in an Italian population sample. 193 hypertensive subjects and 210 healthy controls were recruited. Buccal cells were collected from each subject using an oral swab and DNA was extracted using the phenol:chloroform:isoamilic alcohol method. GST SNPs were determined using the PCR-RFLP method, while GST null polymorphisms were determined using a Multiplex PCR. Among GST polymorphisms, only the frequency of the GSTT1 null phenotype was significantly higher in hypertensive patients than in normotensive participants. GSTT1 null individuals were significantly associated with increased risk of hypertension [P < 0.001; adjusted OR 2.24 (1.43-3.50)]. In sex-based analysis, the risk was significantly higher in female hypertensives [P < 0.001; adjusted OR 3.25 (1.78-5.95)] but not in male subjects. This study analyzed all GST gene that, in other research, have been studied in relation to arterial hypertension and the GSTO polymorphisms, showing an association only with GSTT1. The results for the GSTO genes represent the first analysis of this GST class in relation to blood pressure regulation. The association between the GSTT1 null phenotype and EH was confirmed in the overall population and in women, but not in men. These data suggest that GSTT1 could be a sex-specific candidate gene for EH.

Health-related quality of life is worse in individuals with hypertension under drug treatment: results of population-based study

Patients with hypertension usually report lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but it is unclear whether this is secondary to high blood pressure (BP) per se, drug treatment or awareness of disease. In a cross-sectional study using a multistage population-based sample, participants were interviewed and examined at home. Hypertension was defined by BP ≥140/90 mm Hg or use of BP-lowering drugs. HRQoL was assessed through the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) and presented as the physical component summary (PCS), mental component summary (MCS) and the SF-12 eight-domain scale. In total, 1858 individuals were evaluated, being 60.1% women, aged 52.5 ± 4.1 years old, and 39.9% men, aged 47.2 ± 9.1 years old. Prevalence of hypertension was 34.2% (95% CI 31.5-36.9). The PCS scores for hypertensive and normotensive participants were 49.4 (CI 48.6-50.2) and 51.06 (CI 50.4-51.7) (P=0.01), respectively, and the MCS scores were 49.1 (CI 47.9-50.3) and 50.5 (CI 49.6-51.2) (P=0.06), respectively. Participants with hypertension and not using BP drugs had higher HRQoL scores (PCS 49.6; MCS 51.9) than those using BP drugs either with uncontrolled (PCS 45.3; MCS 49.4) or controlled BP (PCS 46.2; MCS 47.7; P<0.05). We concluded that individuals with hypertension have worse quality of life, particularly when their BP is controlled by drugs. This perception may lead to lower rates of adherence to treatment.

Brain lesions, hypertension and cognitive ageing in the 1921 and 1936 Aberdeen birth cohorts

The objectives of this study are to model the relative effects of positive (childhood intelligence) and negative (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived white matter hyperintensities (WMH)) predictors of late-life intelligence in two well-characterised normal cohorts aged 68 and 78 and to measure the influence of hypertension on WMH and lifelong cognitive change. The Scottish Mental Surveys of 1932 and 1947 tested the intelligence of almost all school children at age 11. One hundred and one participants born in 1921 and 233 participants born in 1936 had brain MRI, with measurement of WMH using Scheltens' scale, and tests of late-life fluid intelligence. Structural equation models of the effect of childhood intelligence and brain WMH on the general intelligence factor 'g' in late life in the two samples were constructed using AMOS 18. Similar models were constructed to test the effect of hypertension on WMH and lifelong cognitive change. Fluid intelligence scores were lower and WMH scores were higher in the older samples. Hypertensive participants in both samples had more WMH than normotensive participants. The positive influence of childhood intelligence on 'g' was greater in the younger sample. The negative effect of WMH on 'g' was linear and greater in the older sample due to greater WMH burden. The negative effect of hypertension on lifelong cognitive ageing was all mediated via MRI-derived brain WMH. The positive relationship between childhood and late-life intelligence decreases with age. The negative relationship between WMH and late-life intelligence is linear and increases with age.

Association of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy With Incident Hypertension: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Increased left ventricular (LV) mass and changes in LV geometry may precede hypertension onset. The authors examined the associations of LV mass and geometry, assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, with hypertension incidence in 2,567 normotensive participants enrolled in 2000-2002 in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, an ethnically diverse, population-based, US study. Over a median follow-up of 4.8 years, 745 (29%) participants developed hypertension. In a fully adjusted model including baseline blood pressure, the relative risks of incident hypertension from the lowest to highest LV mass quartile were 1.00 (referent), 1.13 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89, 1.43), 1.28 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.63), and 1.78 (95% CI: 1.38, 2.30) (P < 0.001 for linear trend). Higher levels of LV concentric geometry, defined by higher LV mass to end-diastolic volume quartiles, were associated with higher risk of incident hypertension in a fully adjusted model (P = 0.044 for linear trend). In a final model containing both quartiles of LV mass and LV mass/volume along with all covariates including baseline blood pressure, higher LV mass quartiles were associated with incident hypertension (P < 0.001 for linear trend), whereas higher LV mass/volume quartiles were not (P = 0.643 for linear trend). In this multiethnic cohort, alterations in LV mass preceded hypertension onset among normotensive individuals.

Cardiovascular Effects of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Hypertensive Patients

Background: Several animal and clinical studies have shown that thoracic spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may decrease mean arterial pressure (MAP). A previous study in normotensive participants demonstrated a small reduction in MAP during SCS at the T5-T6 spinal level. It has also been demonstrated that chronic SCS at the subthreshold stimulation level significantly improved angina attacks and 6 minute hall walk distance in drug refractory angina patients. Objectives: To determine if thoracic SCS at 2 different stimulation strengths would decrease blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) during baseline conditions and during activation of the sympathetic system by the cold pressor test (CPT). Methods: Six hypertensive participants and 9 normotensive participants were evaluated. The SCS leads were implanted under sedation (midazolam and fentanyl) 3 days prior to the study. The SCS device was not implanted at the time of lead implantation; the exteriorized leads were connected to an external programmer at the time of the study. MAP was measured at the finger using beat-to-beat photoplethysmographic recordings at rest and during CPT with a Finometer (Model 1, Finapress Medical Systems, Amsterdam, The Netherlands). SCS at threshold (100%, SCS100) and subthreshold (80%, SCS80) intensities were randomly performed in the T5-T6 region of the spinal cord during normal conditions as well as during CPT. Each participant had 3 CPTs with the placebo (control, no SCS) CPT always performed first. CPT was performed by immersing the right hand into ice water for 90 seconds. Thirty seconds of beat-to-beat data prior to starting each CPT (baseline) was analyzed. During the 90 second CPT, the median values of the last 30 seconds of data were used for analysis. Heart rate variability (HRV) during baseline and SCS was computed using Kubios HRV Version 2.0 software (University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland). Since the median values of HR, MAP and their changes did not follow a normal distribution, groups were compared with a non-parametric Friedman’s or Wilcoxon’s signed rank test. The HRV data were normally distributed and a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. Results: SCS did not significantly alter MAP or HR at baseline nor did it appear to blunt changes in MAP or HR in response to CPT. In the normotensive group, MAP was significantly elevated by a median value of 16 mmHg (P&lt;0.001) during the placebo phase, and by 18 and 10.5 mmHg during the SCS80 and SCS100 phases, respectively. In the hypertensive group, an enhanced response to the CPT was observed. In these participants, the MAP was significantly elevated by a median value of 26.8 mmHg (P&lt;0.001) during the placebo phase, and by 20 and 17 mmHg during the SCS80 and SCS100 phases, respectively. There was a non-significant trend for the CPT-induced increase in BP to be attenuated during SCS80. HRV tended to decrease in both the time and frequency domain in hypertensive participants, although this decrease was not statistically significant. Limitations: This was a pilot study including a limited number of participants Conclusions: Acute SCS at the T5-T6 region did not significantly alter MAP or HR compared to baseline (no SCS) in participants without sedation, supporting our previous findings in sedated patients. Hypertensive participants had a heightened response to transient cold stress, consistent with the literature. The observation of the tendency for a reduction in HRV in both the time and frequency domain in hypertensive participants is also consistent with the literature. In contrast to acute SCS, the hemodynamic effects of chronic SCS should be explored in the future. Key words: Spinal cord stimulation, hemodynamics, cold pressor test, heart rate variability, hypertension

Prehypertension and Clustering of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Adults in Suburban Beijing, China

BackgroundPrehypertension is common in China and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The present study estimated the current prevalence of prehypertension and its association with clustering of other modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) among adults in suburban Beijing.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of 19 003 suburban adults aged 18 to 76 years was carried out in 2007. Questionnaire data and information on blood pressure, anthropometric characteristics, and laboratory measurements were collected.ResultsThe age-standardized prevalence of prehypertension was 35.7% (38.2% in men and 31.8% in women) among adults in suburban Beijing. The prevalence of overweight/obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and physical inactivity was higher in participants with prehypertension (26.7%, 4.8%, 34.3%, and 60.4%, respectively) as compared with normotensive participants (15.9%, 2.7%, 20.5%, and 29.1%, respectively), and in participants with hypertension as compared with those with prehypertension. Overall, 85.3%, 49.8%, and 17.8% of prehypertensive men had 1 or more, 2 or more, and 3 or more CRFs (overweight/obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, current smoking, and physical inactivity). These proportions were higher than those in normotensive men (81.5%, 45.1%, and 13.4%) and lower than those in men with hypertension (91.7%, 56.4%, 19.2%). Similar results were found when women with prehypertension were compared with women who were normotensive or hypertensive.ConclusionsA high prevalence of prehypertension and clustering of other modifiable CRFs are common among prehypertensive adults in suburban Beijing. More-effective population-based lifestyle modifications are required to prevent progression to hypertension and reduce the increasing burden of cardiovascular disease in China.

The combined influence of hypertension and common mental disorder on all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality

Common mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are risk factors for mortality among cardiac patients, although this topic has gained little attention in individuals with hypertension. We examined the combined effects of hypertension and common mental disorder on mortality in participants with both treated and untreated hypertension. In a representative, prospective study of 31 495 adults (aged 52.5 ± 12.5 years, 45.7% men) we measured baseline levels of common mental disorder using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and collected data on blood pressure, history of hypertension diagnosis, and medication use. High blood pressure (systolic/diastolic >140/90 mmHg) in study members with an existing diagnosis of hypertension indicated uncontrolled hypertension and, in undiagnosed individuals, untreated hypertension. There were 3200 deaths from all causes [943 cardiovascular disease (CVD)] over 8.4 years follow-up. As expected, the risk of CVD was elevated in participants with controlled [multivariate hazard ratio = 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-2.12] and uncontrolled (multivariate hazard ratio = 1.57, 95% CI 1.08-2.27) hypertension compared with normotensive participants. Common mental disorder (GHQ-12 score of ≥4) was also associated with CVD death (multivariate hazard ratio = 1.60, 95% CI 1.35-1.90). The risk of CVD death was highest in participants with both diagnosed hypertension and common mental disorder, especially in study members with controlled (multivariate hazard ratio = 2.32, 95% CI 1.70-3.17) hypertension but also in uncontrolled hypertension (multivariate hazard ratio = 1.90, 95% CI 1.18-3.05). The combined effect of common mental disorder was also apparent in participants with undiagnosed (untreated) hypertension, especially for all-cause mortality. These findings suggest that the association of hypertension with total and CVD mortality is stronger when combined with common mental disorder.

The effects of pre-ejection period on post-exercise systolic blood pressure estimation using the pulse arrival time technique

Pulse arrival time (PAT) is comprised of the vascular transit time (TT) through the arterial system and the pre-ejection period (PEP) in the heart. It has been used to predict arterial blood pressure (BP) without using a cuff. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of including the PEP on the accuracy of cuffless systolic BP (SBP) estimation using the PAT technique in post-exercise recovery. Experiments were conducted on 22 normotensive participants. PAT, TT and PEP were determined from simultaneous measurements of the electrocardiogram, photoplethysmogram and impedance cardiogram. Moderate exercise induced significant (p<0.05) increases in SBP and heart rate and significant (p<0.05) decreases in PEP and PAT. Diastolic blood pressure and TT only varied insignificantly (p>0.05). SBP was moderately correlated with PEP (r=-0.61) and PAT (r=-0.81). PAT and PEP were moderately correlated (r=0.67). When SBP was estimated using least-squares methods, the differences between the measured and predicted SBP using PEP, PAT and TT were 0.0±6.6, 0.0±4.9 and 0.0±9.3mmHg, respectively. The findings suggested that PAT gives the best SBP prediction and PEP has some potential to predict blood pressure. The inclusion of PEP in the PAT measurement is necessary to facilitate accurate cuffless blood pressure prediction after exercise.

Orthostatic hypotension and long‐term incidence of atrial fibrillation: the malmö preventive project

Orthostatic hypotension (OH), a common manifestation of autonomic dysfunction, has been identified as an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality and incident cardiovascular disease. However, the role of OH in the development of atrial fibrillation has not been studied. We investigated the incidence of atrial fibrillation in relation to baseline presence of OH according to international consensus criteria in the Swedish population-based prospective cohort of the Malmö Preventive Project. The study sample consisted of 33,346 individuals (67.3% men; mean age, 45.6 ± 7.4 years; range, 26-61 years). The association between OH and incidence of atrial fibrillation during follow-up was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, taking into account conventional risk factors for atrial fibrillation. At baseline, 1987 participants (6.1%) met the diagnostic criteria for OH. Over a follow-up period of approximately 24 years, 2312 individuals (3.0 events/1000 person-years) were diagnosed with new-onset atrial fibrillation. Of these, 196 had OH at baseline (4.6 events/1000 person-years amongst all OH-positive individuals). In a multivariable Cox regression analysis, OH predicted incidence of atrial fibrillation independently of other risk factors (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-1.61; P = 0.016), and this association was significant in hypertensive (HR: 1.44; 95%CI: 1.10-1.88; P = 0.008), but not in normotensive participants (HR: 1.10; 95%CI: 0.77-1.58; P = 0.60). The presence of OH predicts the incidence of atrial fibrillation in middle-aged hypertensive individuals, independently of conventional risk factors. Further studies of the association of autonomic dysfunction and OH with atrial fibrillation are needed.

Structural alterations in subcutaneous small resistance arteries predict changes in the renal function of hypertensive patients

We have previously demonstrated that structural alterations in subcutaneous small resistance arteries of hypertensive patients, as indicated by an increased media to lumen ratio (M/L), are a potent predictor of cardiovascular events, and that a close correlation exists between serum creatinine and M/L. The aim of the present study was to assess whether M/L of subcutaneous small resistance arteries may predict subsequent changes in renal function in hypertensive patients. Sixty participants (13 normotensive participants and 47 hypertensive patients) underwent a biopsy of subcutaneous fat. Resistance-sized arteries were dissected and mounted on a wire myograph, and M/L was measured. Patients were re-evaluated after a mean follow-up period of 8.6 years. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and uric acid were measured; glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated according to Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. At baseline, we observed significant correlations between M/L and serum creatinine, eGFR, blood urea nitrogen, systolic, diastolic, mean, and pulse pressure. In addition, we observed significant correlations between M/L and serum creatinine at follow-up (r = 0.57; P < 0.001), percentage changes in serum creatinine (r = 0.46; P < 0.001), eGFR at follow-up (r = -0.43; P < 0.001); percentage changes in eGFR, yearly changes in eGFR, blood urea nitrogen at follow-up, and uric acid at follow-up. A multivariate analysis in which all common cardiovascular risk factors were included showed that M/L ratio is the most potent predictor of changes in renal function. Our data suggest that structural alterations in subcutaneous small arteries may predict the time course of changes in renal function during a follow-up period of about 9 years.

Relation of flow-mediated dilation to global arterial load: Impact of hypertension and additional cardiovascular risk factors

BackgroundEndothelial dysfunction may be related to increased left ventricular (LV) mass due to an association between endothelial dysfunction with increased arterial load. Therefore, we evaluated whether brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is related to global arterial load. MethodsPulse pressure/stroke index (PP/SVi, global arterial stiffness, prognostically validated), stroke volume/PP (SV/PP, global arterial compliance), and % of the predicted SV/PP by heart rate, age and body weight (confounder-adjusted global compliance, prognostically validated) were used as LV geometry-related indices of global arterial load. ResultsCompared to normotensive participants (NT, n=50), those with hypertension (HTN, n=51) had lower FMD (8.3%±5.4 vs. 12.8%±6.5), higher PP/SVi (1.24±0.34 vs. 1.04±0.28mmHg m2/ml), higher LV mass and higher relative wall thickness (all p<0.01); in contrast, SV/PP and % of predicted SV/PP did not differ between NT and HTN (all p>0.1). Impaired FMD was 3–4-fold more prevalent than LV hypertrophy or increased arterial load both in NT and in HTN. Within NT and HTN separately, PP/SVi, SV/PP and % of predicted SV/PP were comparable among tertiles of FMD. Only in NT, lower FMD was associated with higher peak exercise systolic BP (p<0.05). In multivariable regression models, FMD was not associated with indices of arterial load independently (all p>0.1). ConclusionsIn young-to-middle-age subjects with cardiovascular risk factors, impaired FMD is more prevalent than traditional preclinical manifestation of cardiovascular disease, and may exist independent to increased arterial load. Thus, endothelial dysfunction assessment may refine cardiovascular risk profile and risk-reduction strategies based on detection of traditional target organ damage.