Postural Blood Pressure Changes Research Articles

Orthostatic blood pressure changes do not influence cognitive outcomes following intensive blood pressure control.

Effects of intensive blood pressure (BP) control on cognitive outcomes in patients with excess orthostatic BP changes are unclear. We aimed to evaluate whether orthostatic BP changes modified the effects of BP intervention on cognitive impairment. We analyzed 8547 participants from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial Memory and cognition IN Decreased Hypertension. Associations between orthostatic BP changes and incident cognitive outcomes were evaluated by restricted cubic spline curves based on Cox models. The interactions between orthostatic BP changes and intensive BP intervention were assessed. The U-shaped associations were observed between baseline orthostatic systolic BP changes and cognitive outcomes. However, there were insignificant interactions between either change in orthostatic systolic BP (P for interaction=0.81) or diastolic BP (P for interaction=0.32) and intensive BP intervention for the composite outcome of probable dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The hazard ratio of intensive versus standard target for the composite cognitive outcome was 0.82 (95% CI 0.50-1.35) in those with an orthostatic systolic BP reduction of >20mmHg and 0.41 (95% CI 0.21-0.80) in those with an orthostatic systolic BP increase of >20mmHg. Results were similar for probable dementia and MCI. The annual changes in global cerebral blood flow (P for interaction=0.86) consistently favored intensive BP treatment across orthostatic systolic BP changes. Intensive BP control did not have a deteriorating effect on cognitive outcomes among hypertensive patients experiencing significant postural BP changes.

Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 - An Atypical Presentation Having Symmetric Parkinsonism and Early Proximal Muscle Involvement.

Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 - An Atypical Presentation Having Symmetric Parkinsonism and Early Proximal Muscle Involvement.

Skin Temperature Circadian Rhythms and Dysautonomia in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Role of Endothelin-1 in the Vascular Tone Dysregulation.

There is accumulating evidence of autonomic dysfunction in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS); however, little is known about its association with circadian rhythms and endothelial dysfunction. This study aimed to explore the autonomic responses through an orthostatic test and analysis of the peripheral skin temperature variations and vascular endothelium state in ME/CFS patients. Sixty-seven adult female ME/CFS patients and 48 healthy controls were enrolled. Demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed using validated self-reported outcome measures. Postural changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and wrist temperature were recorded during the orthostatic test. Actigraphy during one week was used to determine the 24-h profile of peripheral temperature and activity. Circulating endothelial biomarkers were measured as indicators of endothelial functioning. Results showed that ME/CFS patients presented higher blood pressure and heart rate values than healthy controls in the supine and standing position (p < 0.05 for both), and also a higher amplitude of the activity rhythm (p < 0.01). Circulating levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were significantly higher in ME/CFS (p < 0.05). In ME/CFS, ET-1 levels were associated with the stability of the temperature rhythm (p < 0.01), and also with the self-reported questionnaires (p < 0.001). This suggests that ME/CFS patients exhibited modifications in circadian rhythm and hemodynamic measures, which are associated with endothelial biomarkers (ET-1 and VCAM-1). Future investigation in this area is needed to assess dysautonomia and vascular tone abnormalities, which may provide potential therapeutic targets for ME/CFS.

Orthostatic hypotension in dementia with Lewy bodies: a meta-analysis of prospective studies.

Orthostatic hypotension (OH), one of the supportive clinical features in the diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), is a significant problem in advanced age because of its severe negative consequences. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the prevalence and risk of OH in patients with DLB. The indexes and databases cited to identify relevant studies were PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and Web of Science. The keywords for the search were "Lewy body dementia" and "autonomic dysfunction" or "dysautonomia" or "postural hypotension" or "orthostatic hypotension." English-language articles published from January 1990 to April 2022 were searched. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was applied to evaluate the quality of the studies. Odds ratios (OR) and risk ratios (RR) were extracted with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and combined using the random effects model after logarithmic transformation. The prevalence in the patients with DLB was also combined using the random effects model. Eighteen studies (10 case controls and 8 case series) were included to evaluate the prevalence of OH in patients with DLB. Higher rates of OH were found to be associated with DLB (OR7.71, 95% CI 4.42, 13.44; p < 0.001), and 50.8% of 662 patients had OH. DLB increased the risk of OH by 3.62- to 7.71-fold compared to healthy controls. Therefore, it will be useful to evaluate postural blood pressure changes in the follow-up and treatment of patients with DLB.

BLOOD PRESSURE VARIATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH AGEING IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Elderly persons who live in communities and appear to be in good health frequently experience postural hypotension, which is frequently asymptomatic. Uncertainty exists regarding the relationship between postural changes in blood pressure and numerical factors including age, gender, and body mass index. The goal of the current study is to identify the orthostatic blood pressure (OBP) changing patterns, symptoms, and related factors in various age groups. In this study, sixty participants ranging in age from 20 to 75 years old were used. To check for orthostatic hypotension in these groups, various blood pressure readings are taken in the lying and standing positions at intervals of one minute and three minutes. The findings demonstrated that in the elderly groups, symptoms of headache, blurred vision, dizziness, and lightheadedness were unrelated to orthostatic hypotension. These subjects' Body Mass Indexes were calculated based on their nutritional condition, and they were found to be 60% well-nourished, 6% under-nourished, and 34% overweight. The elderly person had systolic hypotension (P&amp;lt;0.01) more frequently than diastolic hypotension (P&amp;gt;0.05). In the senior group, standing hypotension was equally common in both sexes. BMI declines with aging in males as well, n=60. In all four groups, heart rate readings in the standing position were greater than the supine measurement. In the older population of Ndola which was the subject group of the study, 16.7% had OH. Age and the decline in diastolic blood pressure after three minutes of standing were positively correlated in all males. In all females, a positive link was seen between body mass index and a reduction in diastolic blood pressure after three minutes of standing. After 3 minutes of standing, all males showed a positive link between body mass index and a decrease in systolic blood pressure. Therefore, there is a link between body mass index and a drop in blood pressure readings when standing. On the basis of the current study, we draw the conclusion that orthostatic hypotension rises with age and that symptoms are unrelated to physical measurements.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0202/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Cardiovascular concentration-effect relationships of amodiaquine and its metabolite desethylamodiaquine: Clinical and preclinical studies.

Amodiaquine is a 4-aminoquinoline used extensively for the treatment and prevention of malaria. Orally administered amodiaquine is largely converted to the active metabolite desethylamodiaquine. Amodiaquine can cause bradycardia, hypotension, and electrocardiograph QT interval prolongation, but the relationship of these changes to drug concentrations is not well characterized. We conducted a secondary analysis of a pharmacokinetic study of the cardiac safety of amodiaquine (10mg base/kg/day over 3days) in 54 Kenyan adults (≥18 years) with uncomplicated malaria. Nonlinear mixed effects modelling was used to assess amodiaquine and desethylamodiaquine concentration-effect relationships for vital sign (pulse rate, blood pressure) and electrocardiograph interval (QT, QRS, PR) outcomes. We also measured the spontaneous beating heart rate after cumulative dosing of amodiaquine and desethylamodiaquine in isolated mouse atrial preparations. Amodiaquine and desethylamodiaquine caused concentration-dependent mean decreases in pulse rate (1.9 beats/min per 100 nmol/L; 95% confidence interval: 1.5-2.4), supine systolic blood pressure (1.7mmHg per 100 nmol/L; 1.2-2.1), erect systolic blood pressure (1.5mmHg per 100 nmol/L; 1.0-2.0) and erect diastolic blood pressure (1.4mmHg per 100 nmol/L; 1.0-1.7). The mean QT interval prolongation was 1.4 ms per 100 nmol/L irrespective of correction factor after adjustment for residual heart rate dependency. There was no significant effect of drug concentration on postural change in blood pressure or PR and QRS intervals. In mouse atria, the spontaneous beating rate was significantly reduced by amodiaquine (n= 6) and desethylamodiaquine (n= 8) at 3μmol/L (amodiaquine: 10±2%; desethylamodiaquine: 12 ±3%) and 10μmol/L (amodiaquine: 50 ±7%; desethylamodiaquine: 46 ±6%) concentrations with no significant difference in potency between the 2 compounds. Amodiaquine and desethylamodiaquine have concentration-dependent effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and ventricular repolarization.

Relations of postural change in blood pressure with hypertension-mediated organ damage in middle-aged adults of the Framingham heart study: A cross-sectional study.

Dysregulation of compensatory mechanisms to regulate blood pressure (BP) upon postural change is a phenotype of BP variability and an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular outcomes. We assessed postural change in BP (starting 2 min after standing from a supine position), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), and markers of hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) in the heart, kidney, and brain in Framingham Third Generation, Omni-2, and New Offspring Spouse Cohort participants. We related vascular measures (postural change in BP measures and cfPWV) with HMOD in 3,495 participants (mean age 47 years, 53% women) using multivariable logistic and linear regression models. In multivariable-adjusted models, we did not observe significant associations of vascular measures with presence of left ventricular hypertrophy, albuminuria, covert brain infarcts, or white matter hyperintensities (Bonferroni-adjusted P-values > 0.05/20 > 0.0025). In multivariable models, greater cfPWV (est. β = 0.11 ± 0.03; P < 0.001), but not postural change in BP measures (Bonferroni-adjusted P-values > 0.05/20 > 0.0025), was associated with higher white matter free water using brain magnetic resonance imaging. In multivariable models, greater postural change in pulse pressure was associated with higher urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (est. β = 0.07 ± 0.02; P < 0.001). No other postural change in BP measure was associated with urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (Bonferroni-adjusted P-values > 0.05/20 > 0.0025). In sex-specific analyses, higher cfPWV was associated with higher urinary albumin-creatinine ratio in men (est. β: 0.11 ± 0.04; P = 0.002) but not in women (est. β: 0.03 ± 0.03; P = 0.44). We also observed marginal to strong effect modification by above vs. at/below median postural change in BP for the association of cfPWV with urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (Bonferroni-adjusted interaction P < 0.001-0.01). Vascular measures were not related to left ventricular mass index or fractional anisotropy (Bonferroni-adjusted P-values > 0.05/20 > 0.0025). Baroreflex dysfunction is associated with greater subclinical kidney damage. Additionally, relations of higher aortic stiffness with greater kidney damage may be modified by associated baroreflex dysregulation.

Association of general and abdominal adiposity with postural changes in systolic blood pressure: results from the NAKO pretest and MetScan studies

The association between anthropometric measurements and postural changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) has not been frequently reported. This study aimed to investigate the association of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with postural changes in SBP in two German cross-sectional studies. Data were derived from 506 participants of the population-based German National Cohort (NAKO) pretest and from 511 participants of the convenience sample-based MetScan studies. Linear regression models were used to estimate the association between BMI and WC with the difference between standing and sitting SBP (dSBP). Odds ratios (ORs) for an increase (dSBP > 10 mmHg) or decrease (dSBP ≤ −10 mmHg) in dSBP were calculated using logistic regression. The results were pooled by meta-analysis using an inverse variance model. In pooled analysis, a 5 kg/m2 higher BMI was associated with a 1.46 mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98–1.94) higher dSBP, while a 5 cm higher WC was associated with a 0.51 mmHg (95% CI 0.32–0.69) higher dSBP. BMI or WC were associated with a higher odds of an increase in dSBP (adjusted OR, 1.71; 95% CI 1.36–2.14 per 5 kg/m2 higher BMI and 1.22; 95% CI 1.05–1.40 per 5 cm higher WC) but with a reduced odds of a decline in dSBP (adjusted OR, 0.67; 95% CI 0.44–1.00 per 5 kg/m2 higher BMI and 0.84; 95% CI 0.72–0.99 per 5 cm higher WC). The associations between WC and dSBP were no longer statistically significant after BMI adjustments. In conclusion, higher BMI and higher WC were associated with higher postural increases in SBP; however, WC was not related to postural changes in SBP once adjusted for BMI.

High-intensity interval training for 12 weeks improves cardiovascular autonomic function but not somatosensory nerve function and structure in overweight men with type 2 diabetes

Aims/hypothesisIt remains unclear whether and which modality of exercise training as a component of lifestyle intervention may exert favourable effects on somatosensory and autonomic nerve tests in people with type 2 diabetes.MethodsCardiovascular autonomic and somatosensory nerve function as well as intraepidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) were assessed in overweight men with type 2 diabetes (type 2 diabetes, n = 20) and male glucose-tolerant individuals (normal glucose tolerance [NGT], n = 23), comparable in age and BMI and serving as a control group, before and after a supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention programme over 12 weeks. Study endpoints included clinical scores, nerve conduction studies, quantitative sensory testing, IENFD, heart rate variability, postural change in systolic blood pressure and spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS).ResultsAfter 12 weeks of HIIT, resting heart rate decreased in both groups ([mean ± SD] baseline/12 weeks: NGT: 65.1 ± 8.2/60.2 ± 9.0 beats per min; type 2 diabetes: 68.8 ± 10.1/63.4 ± 7.8 beats per min), while three BRS indices increased (sequence analysis BRS: 8.82 ± 4.89/14.6 ± 11.7 ms2/mmHg; positive sequences BRS: 7.19 ± 5.43/15.4 ± 15.9 ms2/mmHg; negative sequences BRS: 12.8 ± 5.4/14.6 ± 8.7 ms2/mmHg) and postural change in systolic blood pressure decreased (−13.9 ± 11.6/−9.35 ± 9.76 mmHg) in participants with type 2 diabetes, and two heart rate variability indices increased in the NGT group (standard deviation of R–R intervals: 36.1 ± 11.8/55.3 ± 41.3 ms; coefficient of R–R interval variation: 3.84 ± 1.21/5.17 ± 3.28) (all p<0.05). In contrast, BMI, clinical scores, nerve conduction studies, quantitative sensory testing, IENFD and the prevalence rates of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy remained unchanged in both groups. In the entire cohort, correlations between the changes in two BRS indices and changes in dot{V}{mathrm{O}}_{2max } over 12 weeks of HIIT (e.g. sequence analysis BRS: r = 0.528, p=0.017) were observed.Conclusions/interpretationIn male overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes, BRS, resting heart rate and orthostatic blood pressure regulation improved in the absence of weight loss after 12 weeks of supervised HIIT. Since no favourable effects on somatic nerve function and structure were observed, cardiovascular autonomic function appears to be more amenable to this short-term intervention, possibly due to improved cardiorespiratory fitness.Graphical abstract

Orthostatic hypotension in patients with Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis of prospective studies.

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a clinical sign associated with severe adverse health outcomes in older adults. It has been reported to be common in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk of OH in AD patients. English-language articles published from January 1990 to August 2020 were searched in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and Web of Science with the keywords "Alzheimer" and "autonomic dysfunction" or "dysautonomia" or "postural hypotension" or "orthostatic hypotension." All prospective clinical studies (case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies, and randomized controlled trials) that were regarded as pertinent were included in this study. For quality assessment, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used. Odds ratios (OR) and risk ratios (RR) were extracted with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and combined using the random effects model after logarithmic transformation. The prevalence in the AD patients was also combined using the random effects model. The meta-analysis involved 11 studies (7 case-control and 4 case series) to assess the risk of OH in AD. It was found that AD increased the risk of OH with an RR of 1.98 (95% CI: 0.97-4.04) and an OR of 2.53 (95% CI:1.10-5.86) compared to healthy controls, and OH was present in 28% (95% CI: 0.17-0.40) of 500 AD patients. There is an elevated risk of OH in AD by nearly 2.5-fold. Therefore, the evaluation of postural blood pressure changes should definitely be among the follow-up and treatment goals of AD.

Postural blood pressure changes and arterial stiffness: a vicious circle?

Postural blood pressure changes and arterial stiffness: a vicious circle?

Postural changes in blood pressure among patients with diabetes attending a referral hospital in southwestern Uganda: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOrthostatic hypotension (OH) and orthostatic hypertension (OHT) are often unrecognized in clinical care for diabetic individuals, yet they are associated with increased risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We aimed to determine the prevalence of the abnormal orthostatic blood pressure (BP) responses, and associated factors among diabetic individuals in ambulatory care for diabetes in southwestern Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among diabetic individuals aged 18–65 years at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, southwestern Uganda from November 2018 to April 2019. We obtained demographic and clinical data including a detailed medical history, and glycemic profile. BP measurements were taken in supine position and within 3 min of standing. We defined OH in participants with either ≥ 20 mmHg drop in systolic BP (SBP) or ≥ 10 mmHg drop in diastolic BP (DBP) after assuming an upright position. OHT was defined in participants with either a ≥ 20 mmHg rise in SBP, or ≥ 10 mmHg rise in DBP after assuming an upright position. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with OH and OHT.ResultsWe enrolled 299 participants, with a mean age of 50 years (SD ± 9.8), and mean HbA1c of 9.7% (SD ± 2.6); 70% were female. Of the 299 participants, 52 (17.4%; 95% CI 13.3–22.2%) met the definition of OH and 43 (14.4%; 95% CI 10.6–18.9%) were classified as having OHT. In multivariable models, factors associated with diabetic OH were older age (OR = 2.40 for 51–65 years vs 18–50 years, 95% CI 1.02–5.67, P = 0.046), diabetic retinopathy (OR = 2.51; 95% CI 1.14–5.53, P = 0.022), higher resting SBP ≥ 140 mmHg (OR = 3.14; 95% CI 1.31–8.7.56, P = 0.011), and history of palpitations (OR = 2.31; 95% CI 1.08–4.92, P = 0.031). Self-report of palpitations (OR = 3.14; 95% CI 1.42–6.95, P = 0.005), and higher resting SBP ≥ 140 mmHg (OR = 22.01; 95% CI 1.10–4.42, P = 0.043) were associated with OHT.ConclusionOH and OHT are common among diabetic individuals in ambulatory diabetes care in southwestern Uganda. Orthostatic BP measurements should be considered as part of routine physical examination to improve detection of OH and OHT, especially among older diabetics with complications of the disease. Future studies to assess the health and prognostic implications of OH and OHT among diabetics in the region are warranted.

ORTHOSTATIC BLOOD PRESSURE CHANGES AND SUBCLINICAL MARKERS OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN NORMOTENSIVE ADULTS. RESULTS FROM A NATIONAL-REPRESENTATIVE SURVEY

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between orthostatic upright postural blood pressure (BP) changes and subclinical markers of atherosclerosis in normotensive subjects using a simple 3-minutes standing up test. Design and method: A total of 1081 normotensive subjects enrolled in SEPHAR III national-representative survey, aged 18–80 years (42,4 ± 16.7 years, 55,3% females) underwent a simple 3 standing-up test involving BP measurement in supine position followed by BP measurements at 1 minute and 3 minutes after standing. We measured: aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao) using a sfigmomanometric method (Arteriograph), body mass index (BMI), serum lipids, glyceated hemoglobin (HbA1c), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in morning spot urine and mean carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) by B-mode Doppler ultrasound. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) was defined by SBP decrease of at least 20mmHg and/or DBP decrease of at least 10mmHg, at 3 minutes after standing. Results: SBP and DBP increased when standing, with an average increase of SBP/DBP values when changing position of 3.7 ± 19.5 mm Hg / 9.6 ± 13.5 mm Hg at 1 minutes and 2.9 ± 19.2 mm Hg / 10.1 ± 13.2 mm Hg. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) was recoded in 130 subjects representing 12,4% of the study sample. The PWVao was significantly higher in OH subjects than in those without OH (9,12 ± 2.13m/s vs 8.08 ± 1.86m/s, p = 0,032). Stepwise regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, BMI, baseline SBP, triglycerides, HDL- cholesterol, LDL- cholesterol, fasting glucose, HbA1c, IMT, UACR and PWVao confirmed that PWVao, LDL-cholesterol and TG were independently related to orthostatic BP changes. Multiple regression analyses showed that age, baseline SBP, decrease in SBP at 3-minutes, BMI and fasting glucose were independent determinants of PWVao. Conclusions: Our results have shown that increased arterial stiffness is associated with OH during a 3- minutes standing-up test. Also, arterial stiffness may contribute to greater BP responses to postural changes from standing in normotensive subjects.

Comparative Evaluation of Orthostatic Hypotension in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy

Introduction: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) affects 5–20% of the population. Our study investigates the presence of OH in diabetic nephropathy (DNP) patients and the factors affecting OH in comparison with nondiabetic chronic kidney disease (NDCKD) patients. Method: Patients presented to the nephrology clinic, and those who consented were included in the study. DNP was defined by kidney biopsy and/or clinical criteria. NDCKD patients of the same sex, age, and eGFR were matched to DNP patients. Demographic parameters and medications were obtained from the records. OH was determined by Mayo clinic criteria. The same researcher used an electronic device to measure blood pressure (BP). All samples were taken and analyzed the same day for biochemical and hematologic parameters and albuminuria. Results: 112 (51 F, 61 M, mean age: 62.56 ± 9.35 years) DNP and 94 (40 F, 54 M, mean age: 62.23 ± 10.08 years) NDCKD patients were included. There was no significant difference between DNP and NDCKD groups in terms of OH prevalence (70.5 vs. 61.7%, p = 0.181). Male patients had significantly higher OH prevalence than female patients (74.7 vs. 60.0%, p = 0.026). There was no significant difference in change in systolic BP between the groups (24.00 [10.00–32.00] mm Hg vs. 24.00 [13.75–30.25] mm Hg, p = 0.797), but the change in diastolic BP was significantly higher in the DNP group (8.00 [2.00–13.00] mm Hg vs. 6.00 [2.00–9.00] mm Hg, p = 0.025). In the DNP group, patients with OH had significantly higher uric acid levels than those without OH (7.18 ± 1.55 vs. 6.36 ± 1.65 mg/dL, p = 0.017). And, 73.7% of patients on calcium channel blockers developed OH (p = 0.015), and OH developed in 80.6% of 36 patients on alpha-blockers (p = 0.049). Conclusion: OH prevalence is very high in CKD, and etiology of CKD does not have a statistically significant effect on the frequency of OH, despite a difference that could be meaningful clinically. Therefore, patients with CKD are checked for OH, with or without concurrent diabetes mellitus. Evaluation of postural BP changes should be a part of nephrology practice.

Cardiac and Blood Pressure Safety of Transdermal Rivastigmine in Elderly Patients With Dementia With Lewy Bodies.

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common dementia. Features of DLB include postganglionic cardiac sympathetic denervation and autonomic instability. Rivastigmine therapy, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, is widely used in the primary treatment of DLB; however, the cardiovascular safety and tolerability of transdermal rivastigmine needs to be reviewed. To evaluate whether transdermal rivastigmine has an effect on blood pressure, heart rate, and electrocardiography measurements. A total of 722 patients diagnosed with dementia were retrospectively screened. Fifty-seven of 98 DLB patients who received transdermal rivastigmine treatment with available serial electrocardiography and blood pressure measurements were included in the study. Baseline and follow-up measurements were compared for patients on the 9.5 to 13.3 mg/d rivastigmine dose for at least 4 weeks. The mean age of the patients was 80.77±6.04, and the majority were women (63%). A total of 8 cases with bradycardia and 5 with orthostatic hypotension were detected during follow-up, and rivastigmine patch was stopped in one of those 8 patients due to symptomatic bradycardia. Nonetheless, there was no difference between baseline and follow-up measurements of the patients, including heart rate, cardiac rhythm, electrocardiographic intervals, blood pressure, pulse pressure, and postural blood pressure changes. Transdermal rivastigmine therapy is not associated with arrhythmogenic or hypotensive effects in the elderly patients with DLB. However, when prescribing transdermal rivastigmine, physicians should pay attention to newly emerging orthostatic hypotension during the follow-up in these patients.

Postural blood pressure changes in the elderly: orthostatic hypotension and hypertension.

Orthostatic hypotension is a well-known disorder, but orthostatic hypertension (OHT) still remains unclear in older adults. The aim of this study was to determine the comparison orthostatic hypotension with OHT according to fall risk and geriatric assessment parameters. A total of 741 patients who were admitted to the geriatric clinic and underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment were reviewed. Orthostatic blood pressure changes were measured by head-up-tilt Table test within the first three minutes. Orthostatic hypotension was defined as 20 or 10-mmHg drop in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure from supine to standing position. OHT was defined as an increase in systolic blood pressure of 10 mmHg or more while the patient was standing up from the supine position. The mean age was 75 ± 8 and 65. About 65% of all participants were female. The rate of orthostatic hypotension and OHT was 17.3 and 7.2%, respectively. The falls and dementia were more frequent, and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) score was lower in orthostatic hypotension group than in OHT and control groups (P < 0.05). These variables were similar between OHT and control groups (P > 0.05). The rates of falls [odds ratio (OR) = 2.02; 95% confidence interval (CI), (0.94-4.33); P = 0.044] and dementia [OR = 2.65; 95% CI, (1.08-6.48); P = 0.032] in orthostatic hypotension group were still higher than in OHT group, even after adjusting for age, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate and drugs. Orthostatic hypotension may be more significant in terms of falls, dementia and impaired IADLs scores in older adults than in OHT and control groups. It seems that OHT may be of no clinical importance in geriatric practice.

Effects of meditation compared with effects of meditation with autosuggestion on cardiovascular variables and autonomic functions - An analytical study

Background: Primordial prevention of hypertension is a public health concern. Health benefits of meditation in reducing blood pressure (BP) are well documented by various studies. However, effects of autosuggestion a form of self-hypnosis are not much studied. Aim and Objective: Our study intends to know the effects of meditation and added autosuggestion on cardiovascular variables and autonomic functions. Materials and Methods: About 60 students aged 17–20 years were selected and divided into two groups randomly. Group A was made to practice meditation and Group B meditation with autosuggestion for 3 months. Physiological parameters such as heart rate, BP, postural changes in BP, and R-R interval were recorded before and after 3 months of practice. Results: We found a statistically significant change in both groups in all the physiological parameters after the practice of meditation and also with practice of meditation with autosuggestion. The group that practiced meditation with autosuggestion showed a greater effect on postural changes in BP. Conclusion: These observations suggest that meditation helps to improve the cardiovascular efficiency and homeostatic control of the body, meditation with autosuggestion has an added benefit.

DOES GENDER INFLUENCE RISK FOR ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION IN OLDER ADULTS WITH SARCOPENIA?

Older adults with sarcopenia may be at risk for unstable postural blood pressure due to diminished lean mass that plays a role in maintaining fluid volume. Males have greater lean mass, so risk may be mediated by gender. We compared postural blood pressure changes in older men (77.1 ± 2.0 years; n = 15) and women (79.6 ± 2.0 years; n = 13) with sarcopenia before and after an overnight fast. Sarcopenia was defined using the Lean Mass Index (males ≤ 19.0 kg/m2; females ≤ 15.0 kg/m2). Body composition was measured using multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance, and blood pressure was measured lying, sitting, and standing. On Day 1 (normally hydrated) there were significant drops in systolic blood pressure, with an overall decrease of -9.1 ± 2.2 mmHg (p < 0.001) between lying and standing. On Day 2 (overnight fast), postural changes were more profound, with an overall decrease of -14.1 ± 2.8 mmHg (p < 0.001). However, when compared by gender, postural changes between lying and standing remained significant but did not differ between men and women (Day 1: men -8.9 ± 2.5 vs. women -9.3 ± 2.5 mmHg; Day 2: men -14.6 ± 4.6 vs. women -13.6 ± 3.1 mmHg). On both days diastolic blood pressure remained stable. In this group of older adults, significant decreases in postural systolic blood pressure were observed in the early morning fasted condition, increasing the risk for orthostatic hypotension (drop in systolic blood pressure -20.0 mmHg). Interestingly, gender did not influence risk.

Orthostatic blood pressure changes and physical, functional and cognitive performance: the MELoR study.

Consensus definitions currently define initial orthostatic hypotension (IOH) as ≥40mmHg systolic (SBP) or ≥20mmHg in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) reductions within 15s of standing, while classical orthostatic hypotension (COH) is defined as a sustained reduction ≥20mmHg SBP or ≥10mmHg SBP within 3 min of standing. The clinical relevance of the aforementioned criteria remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine factors influencing postural blood pressure changes and their relationship with physical, functional and cognitive performance in older adults. Individuals aged ≥55 years were recruited through the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR) study and continuous non-invasive BP was monitored over 5min of supine rest and 3min of standing. Physical performance was measured using the timed-up-and-go test, functional reach, handgrip and Lawton's functional ability scale. Cognition was measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Participants were categorized according to BP responses into four categories according to changes in SBP/DBP reductions from supine to standing: <20/10 mmHg within 3 min (no OH), ≥20/10 mmHg from 15s to 3 min (COH), ≥40/20 mmHg within 15s and ≥20/10 mmHg from 15s to 3 min (COH + IOH) and ≥40/20 mmHg within 15s and <20/10 mmHg within 3 min (IOH). A total of 1245 participants were recruited, COH + IOH 623 (50%), IOH 165 (13%) and COH 145 (12%). Differences between groups existed in age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, use of alpha-blocker and/or beta-blocker, ACE-inhibitors, diuretics, biguanides, and baseline systolic BP. In univariate analyses, differences between groups were present in physical performance and cognition. Multivariate comparisons revealed better physical performance in IOH compared to no OH, better physical and cognitive performance in COH + IOH compared to no OH, and cognition in COH than no OH. Our findings suggest that older adults who fulfil current consensus definitions for IOH had better physical performance and cognitive scores. This indicates that an initial postural BP drop in people aged ≥55 years may not necessarily be associated with increased frailty, as suggested by previously published literature.

Peripheral neuropathy in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy: Does it impact function?

HIV-associated distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP), with or without neuropathic symptoms, can develop after anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Symptoms frequently involve small fibres but reports on autonomic dysfunction in HIV-DSP are sparse. We studied an HIV-infected cohort after 5 years of ART, and report on the frequency and severity of autonomic symptoms and the impact of DSP on everyday function. This cross-sectional study comprised of participants from a community-based South African HIV-clinic. The Brief Peripheral Neuropathy Screen and reduced Total Neuropathy Score evaluated neuropathic symptoms/signs. DSP was defined as ≥2 symmetrical DSP-signs, and symptomatic DSP when accompanied by neuropathic symptoms. Autonomic symptoms questionnaires, heart rate variability and postural blood pressure changes were assessed. The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) was completed. The 67 participants had a median age of 42 years and median ART exposure of 7 years with viral suppression in 84%. Most (81%) met our criteria for DSP and 36% had additional neuropathic symptoms. Autonomic symptoms and signs (above normative values) were present in 15% and more likely in those with symptomatic DSP (P < .001). Participants with DSP, even without symptoms, had lower LEFS scores (P ≤ .039) than those without. HIV-DSP is prevalent and impacts on daily living.