Pressure In Hypertensive Subjects Research Articles

Relationship Between Pulse Wave Velocity and Nocturnal Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Subjects: A Retrospective Study

Relationship Between Pulse Wave Velocity and Nocturnal Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Subjects: A Retrospective Study

Cardiac Remodeling According to the Nocturnal Fall of Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Subjects: The Whole Assessment of Cardiac Abnormalities in Non-Dipper Subjects with Arterial Hypertension (Wacanda) Study.

Objective: Several epidemiological studies suggest that the preservation of the physiological circadian rhythm of blood pressure or its disruption affects the extent of the organ damage developed by the patient. If we classify the circadian rhythm of blood pressure into four nocturnal profiles, significant differences emerge in terms of organ damage burden and prognosis: reverse dippers have the worst prognosis while dippers and mild dippers fall into an intermediate risk range. The risk profile of extreme dippers is still debated, and the available data are very conflicting and inconclusive. Starting from this gap of knowledge, we aimed to evaluate, retrospectively, in a cohort of hypertensive subjects, the degree of cardiac involvement in relation to the different nocturnal blood pressure profiles. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 900 patients with essential hypertension, of whom 510 met our study criteria. We graded the 510 patients in relation to the percentage of reduction in mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) at night-time compared with day-time, considering this as a continuous variable, and then compared the extreme quintiles with each other and with the middle quintile (considered as reference). Results: Patients with less (or no) reduction in nocturnal SBP (reverse dipper) showed a higher level of organ damage and comorbidities. With regard to echocardiographic indexes, patients with maximum nocturnal pressure reduction (extreme dipper) showed a lower level of remodeling and/or impairment of E/e’ ratio, Right Atrium Area, Basal Right Ventricular Diameter, Inferior Vena Cava Average Diameter, and Tricuspidal Anular Plane Systolic Excursion compared also with hypertensive patients with a physiological nocturnal pressure reduction, even after correction for the main confounders. Conclusions: These data suggest that extreme dippers may constitute the subgroup of hypertensive patients with the lowest 24-h pressure load and, therefore, less cardiac remodeling.

Influences of smoking on central blood pressure in hypertensive subjects

Abstract Background/Introduction Smoking is known to induce systemic vascular damage, leading to cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies demonstrated that central blood pressure has a greater impact on cardiovascular events than brachial blood pressure. Purpose We investigated influences of habitual smoking on central systolic blood pressure (CSBP) in hypertensive subjects. Methods A total of 5630 subjects (male = 2622, 51.7±12.0 year-old at baseline), who visited our hospital for a physical check-up at least twice during the last 10 years and underwent CSBP measurement at each visit, were enrolled, and they were divided into three groups; normotensive (n=4634), non-treated hypertensive (n=91) and treated hypertensive subjects (n=905). Then, the influences of smoking on the average and yearly changes of CSBP (median follow-up 5 years) were analyzed. Brachial blood pressure (oscillometer) and radial artery pressure waveforms (tonometer) were recorded using an automated device, and the pressure corresponding to the second systolic peak of radial pressure waveforms was taken as CSBP (HEM-9000AI, Omron Healthcare, Kyoto). Hypertension was defined as brachial BP ≥140/90mmHg or the use of antihypertensive medications. A yearly change in CSBP was calculated in each subject by linear regression analysis using longitudinal data. Results The average CSBP was higher in habitual smokers than in non-smokers when analyzed in normotensive (109.1±11.7 vs. 107.6±12.8 mmHg, p<0.001) and non-treated hypertensive subjects (150.7±14.8 vs. 142.8±16.7 mmHg, p<0.05), whereas in hypertensive subjects under medication the average CSBP was lower in smokers than in non-smokers (124.6±12.4 vs. 127.8±13.6 mmHg, p<0.01). Smoking status did not affect yearly changes of CSBP in normotensive (habitual smokers vs. non-smokers; 1.38±6.00 vs. 1.44±6.04 mmHg/year), treated hypertensive (−0.16±7.08 vs. −0.66±8.24 mmHg/year), and non-treated hypertensive subjects (4.09±15.1 vs. −0.53±10.3 mmHg/year). Conclusions Habitual smoking increases CSBP, however, antihypertensive medications counteract the unfavorable effects of smoking on CSBP. These results imply a new pathway underlying the development of cardiovascular diseases in smokers. Unfavorable changes in the cardiovascular system caused by smoking may quite slowly progress that short period of observation in the present study could not have detected enhanced yearly increases of CSBP by smoking. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Increased Maximal Expiratory Pressure, Abdominal and Thoracic Respiratory Expansibility in Healthy Yoga Practitioners Compared to Healthy Sedentary Individuals

Abstract Background Increasing thoracic expansion is effective at reducing blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. Yoga prescribes many respiratory techniques with a growing number of practitioners. However, very little is known whether sedentary or yoga practitioners show measurable differences in their respiratory patterns. Objective This study aims to demonstrate differences between healthy sedentary individuals and healthy yoga practitioners regarding maximal respiratory pressures and thoracic and abdominal respiratory expansibility. Methods Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP, respectively) were evaluated by [...]

Time-evolving coupling functions for evaluating the interaction between cerebral oxyhemoglobin and arterial blood pressure with hypertension.

This study aimed to investigate the network coupling between arterial blood pressure (ABP) and changes in cerebral oxyhemoglobin concentration (Δ [O2 Hb]/Δ [HHb]) oscillations based on dynamical Bayesian inference in hypertensive subjects. Two groups of subjects, consisting of 30 healthy (Group Control, 55.1±10.6y), and 32 hypertensive individuals (Group AH, 58.9±8.7y), participated in this study. A functional near-infrared spectroscopy system was used to measure the Δ [O2 Hb] and Δ [HHb] signals in the bilateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC/RPFC), motor cortex (LMC/RMC), and occipital lobe (LOL/ROL) during the resting state (12min). Based on continuous wavelet analysis and coupling functions, the directed coupling strength (CS) between ABP and cerebral hemoglobin was identified and analyzed in three frequency intervals (I: 0.6-2Hz, II: 0.145-0.6Hz, III: 0.01-0.08Hz). The Pearson correlations between the CS and blood pressure parameters were calculated in the hypertension group. In interval I, Group AH exhibited a significantly higher CS for the coupling from ABP to Δ [O2 Hb] than Group Control in LMC, RMC, LOL, and ROL. In interval III, the CS from ABP to Δ [O2 Hb] in LPFC, RPFC, LMC, RMC, LOL, and ROL was significantly higher in Group AH than in Group Control. For the patients with hypertension, diastolic blood pressure was negatively and pulse pressure was positively related to the CS from ABP to Δ [O2 Hb] oscillations in interval III. The higher CS from ABP to Δ [O2 Hb] in interval I indicated that the components of cardiac activity in cerebral hemoglobin oscillations were more directly responsive to the changes in systematic ABP in patients with hypertension than in healthy subjects. Meanwhile, the higher CS from ABP to Δ [O2 Hb] in interval III indicated that the cerebral hemoglobin oscillations were susceptible to changes in blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. The results may serve as evidence of impairment in cerebral autoregulation after hypertension. The Pearson correlation results showed that diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure might be regarded as predictors of cerebral autoregulation function in patients with hypertension, and may be useful for hypertension stratification. This study provides novel insights into the interaction mechanism between ABP and cerebral hemodynamics and could help in the development of new assessment techniques for cerebral vascular disease.

Impact of supervised beego, a traditional Chinese water-only fasting, on thrombosis and haemostasis

Beego is a traditional Chinese complete water-only fasting practice initially developed for spiritual purposes, later extending to physical fitness purposes. Beego notably includes a psychological induction component that includes meditation...

SUN-568 Elevation of Serum Kisspeptin in Hypertensive Women

Kisspeptin and leptin have been shown to have an effect on the cardiovascular system. This study aimed to compare serum kisspeptin and leptin levels between the non-hypertensive (non-HT) and the hypertensive (HT) groups with or without body mass index matching, and determine correlations between systolic blood pressure or diastolic blood pressure with serum kisspeptin and leptin levels as well as clinical and adipocyte parameters. 30 female patients who underwent abdominal surgery were recruited. Blood samples, anthropometric data, and tissue samples of visceral and subcutaneous fat were obtained. Serum kisspeptin levels (ng/ml) (non-HT=1.01±0.1 vs. HT=1.53±0.19), body weight (kg) (non-HT=55.45±3.37 vs. HT=63.69±2.42), waist circumference (cm) (non-HT=78.01±2.49 vs. HT=84.89±2.40), hip circumference (cm) (non-HT=92.94±2.18 vs. HT=99.43±1.85), plasma glucose (mg/ml) (non-HT=55.45±3.37 vs. HT=63.69±2.42), plasma insulin (μM/ml) (non-HT=4.64±0.92 vs. HT=7.13±0.85), the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (non-HT=0.94±0.20 vs. HT=1.72±0.22), and height of visceral adipocytes (μm) (non-HT=72.64±6.75 vs. HT=90.25±4.52) were significantly higher but the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (non-HT=0.41±0.01 vs. HT=0.36±0.01) was significantly lower in hypertensive compared to non-hypertensive subjects (p<0.05 all). Systolic blood pressure had significantly positive correlations with diastolic blood pressure(R=0.568), glucose (R=0.526), the HOMA-IR (R=0.387), and serum kisspeptin (R=0.569), but has a significantly negative correlation with the QUICKI (R=-0.414). Diastolic blood pressure had positive correlations with body weight (R=0.477), waist circumference (R=0.517), hip circumference (R=0.578), glucose (R=0.533), the HOMA-IR (R=0.415), and width (R=0.436) and height (R=0.439) of visceral adipocytes, but has a negative correlation with the QUICKI (R= -0.464). In conclusion, kisspeptin, obesity especially visceral adiposity, and insulin resistance might contribute to increased blood pressure in hypertensive subjects.

Guided walking reduces blood pressure in hypertensive sedentary subjects including those with resistant hypertension.

Hypertension poorly responsive to medications is defined resistant hypertension. We have previously shown that 1-year of guided walking is followed by highly significant reduction of systolic blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. Aim of this study was to assess the effect of a 1-year of guided walking on the blood pressure of sedentary hypertensive subjects including patients with resistant hypertension. Two hundred and fifty-nine sedentary subjects with systolic pressure ≥130 mmHg were subdivided in a group without blood pressure medications and in a group taking three or more antihypertensive drugs, including diuretics. Blood pressure, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and walking speed were determined at enrollment and after 1-year of walking, supervised by exercise physiologists. At baseline, systolic pressure was significantly higher in the subjects under therapy (144.6 ± 12.2 vs. 140.2 ± 10.7). Two hundred and three subjects (124 without and 79 with therapy) completed the program. During the 1-year program each subject walked ~220 h. After 1-year a significant decrease (P < 0.0001) of systolic pressure was observed in both groups. The decrease was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in the subjects under therapy. The decrease of systolic pressure was directly proportional to baseline values. Diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in both groups. In conclusion, habitual walking may lead to clinically significant reductions of blood pressure in therapy resistant hypertensive subjects.

Therapeutic Implications of Nitrite in Hypertension.

Nitrite, an anion produced from the oxidative breakdown of nitric oxide (NO), has traditionally been viewed as an inert molecule. However, this dogma has been challenged with the findings that nitrite can be readily reduced to NO under pathological conditions, hence representing a physiologically relevant storage reservoir of NO either in the blood or tissues. Nitrite administration has been demonstrated to improve myocardial function in subjects with heart failure and to lower the blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. Thus, extensive amount of work has since been carried out to investigate the therapeutic potential of nitrite in treating cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension. Studies done on several animal models of hypertension have demonstrated the efficacy of nitrite in preventing and ameliorating the pathological changes associated with the disease. This brief review of the current findings aims to re-evaluate the use of nitrite for the treatment of hypertension and in particular to highlight its role in improving endothelial function.

Garlic lowers blood pressure in hypertensive subjects, improves arterial stiffness and gut microbiota: A review and meta-analysis.

Garlic supplements have shown effectiveness in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients, similarly to first-line standard anti-hypertensive medications. Kyolic garlic has also shown promise in improving cardiovascular health by reducing arterial stiffness, elevated cholesterol levels and blood ‘stickiness’. In addition, the prebiotic properties in garlic increase gut microbial richness and diversity. This article systematically reviews previously published trials investigating the effects of garlic on blood pressure, and provides an updated meta-analysis of hypertensive participants. In addition, we summarise the findings of recent clinical trials investigating the effects of Kyolic aged garlic extract on arterial stiffness, and gut microbiota in hypertensive subjects. We searched online electronic databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published between 1955 and December, 2018 examining the effects of garlic on high blood pressure. The meta-analysis of 12 trials and 553 hypertensive participants confirmed that garlic supplements lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) by an average of 8.3±1.9 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP, n=8 trials, n=374 subjects) by 5.5±1.9 mmHg, similarly to standard anti-hypertensive medications. This reduction in blood pressure was associated with a 16–40% reduction in the risk of suffering from cardiovascular events. Additionally, this review summarises new evidence for the vitamin B12 status playing an important role in the responsiveness of blood pressure to garlic. Furthermore, Kyolic aged garlic extract significantly lowered central blood pressure, pulse pressure, pulse wave velocity and arterial stiffness, and improved the gut microbiota, evidenced by higher microbial richness and diversity, with a marked increase in the numbers of Lactobacillus and Clostridia species found following 3 months of supplementation. Thus, Kyolic aged garlic extract is considered to be highly tolerable with a high safety profile either as a stand-alone or adjunctive anti-hypertensive treatment, with multiple benefits for cardiovascular health.

The Effect of Aerobic Training with Vitamin C Supplementation on Myeloperoxidase, Asymmetric Dimethyl Arginine and Blood Pressure in Middle-Age Hypertensive Overweight Men

Background: Cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension are global health concerns. Objectives: The purpose of this study was the effect of intensive aerobic training with vitamin C supplementation on myeloperoxidase (MPO), asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA), and blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive men. Methods: Forty hypertensive men (age: 44.6 ± 3.5 y, body mass index: 28.2 ± 1.2 kg.m-2) volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly divided into four groups of aerobic training with vitamin C (ATV; N = 10), aerobic training with placebo (ATP; N = 10), vitamin C group (VC; N = 10) and control (Con; N = 10). The exercise training consisted of running training, which was done three times a week for 10 weeks, with the intensity of 75% - 85% HR max, and the duration of 20 - 45 minutes. ATP and VC groups consumed daily 500 mg of vitamin C or placebo. Fasting blood samples were measured before the start training protocol and 24 hour after last training sessions to measure MPO and ADMA in the serum. Results: The results of present study showed that ADMA and BP were significantly decreased only in ATV and ATP (P ≤ 0.05). However, MPO did not change significantly (P > 0.05). Also, were seen that no significant difference between ATV and ATP groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: It can be concluded that, aerobic training caused to decrease of dimethyl arginine, that can be a good strategy for control or decrease of blood pressure in hypertensive subjects, however intensive aerobic training with vitamin C may have better efficacy.

Effects of an ethanolic extract of mulberry fruit on blood pressure and vascular remodeling in spontaneous hypertensive rats

ABSTRACTMulberry (Morus alba) has been used in traditional oriental medicine since ages. Recently, it has been reported that mulberry produces hypotensive effects through the eNOS signaling pathway. However, the mechanism underlying the hypotensive effects of mulberry is not entirely clear. Moreover, the effects of mulberry on vascular remodeling events such as hyperplasia, an important etiology in the pathogenesis of hypertension and arteriosclerosis, are also ambiguous. Here, we hypothesized that an ethanolic extract of mulberry fruit (EMF) has beneficial effects on vascular remodeling and produces hypotensive effects. The effects of a 6-week oral administration of EMF were examined in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The animals were divided into four groups: normotensive control (Wistar Kyoto rats), non-treated SHR, low-dose (100 mg/kg) EMF-treated SHR, and high-dose (300 mg/kg) EMF-treated SHR. Our results showed that the EMF-diet normalizes hypertension in SHRs in a dose-dependent manner, by preventing smooth muscle proliferation, thickening of the tunica media, and vascular hyper-reactivity. The endothelial functions were not substantially affected by the EMF diet in our experimental setting. In conclusion, we suggest that the mulberry fruit could act as a food supplement for reducing blood pressure in hypertensive subjects through its effects on smooth muscle proliferation and vascular contractility.

Cacao as a Globalised Functional Food: Review on Cardiovascular Effects of Chocolate Consumption

Polyphenols have increasingly been studied for their influence on cardiometabolic health. Since cacao and chocolate can be a rich source of polyphenols, they too have been investigated for their supposed health benefits. In the first part of this paper the history of the food and medicinal uses of the cacao plant was briefly examined. A particular emphasis has been placed on the analysis of the process of transformation of the cacao seed into chocolate, since many of the processing steps involved have important consequences on the final product’s content in polyphenols and flavanols, and hence on the purported beneficial activity of chocolate. This evaluation is also of great importance in interpreting the results of the epidemiological and clinical studies. The relevant literature was surveyed in the second part of the paper, and the results for the consumption of polyphenol-rich chocolate are that it is well correlated to a reduction of the overall cardiovascular risk, and of arterial blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. Less corroborated are the positive effects on vascular endothelial health, on blood lipids and on lipid peroxidation. There are also preliminary but promising results for a positive action on insulin sensitivity, platelet function and inflammation. It remains to be seen whether and how these results can be translated into pragmatic guidelines on the health benefits of the consumption of commercial chocolate bars or products.

Effect of seabuckthorn seed oil in reducing cardiovascular risk factors: A longitudinal controlled trial on hypertensive subjects

The present study aimed at investigating whether dietary supplementation of seabuckthorn seed oil which is rich in omega fatty acids at an oral dose of 0.75ml could affect cardiovascular risk factors and reduce hypertension and systolic blood pressure. Toxicological evaluation and efficacy of seabuckthorn seed oil in reducing high fat diet induced dyslipidemia was initially conducted on adult male Sprague Dawley rats. 32 normal and 74 hypertensive and hypercholestrolemic human subjects participated in the randomized, controlled, double blind longitudinal study. Seabuckthorn seed oil or sunflower oil placebo was orally supplemented at a daily dose of 0.75ml for 30 days. Supplementation of seabuckthorn seed oil at a daily dose of 0.75ml for 30 days resulted in normalization of blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. Dietary supplementation of seabuckthorn seed oil markedly reduces cholesterol, oxy-LDL and triglycerides in hypercholesterolemic subjects though it's effect on subjects with normal blood pressure and cholesterol is less pronounced. Seabuckthorn seed oil supplementation also improves circulatory antioxidant status in both normal and hypertensive subjects. The present study demonstrates the efficacy of seabuckthorn seed oil in reducing dyslipidemia, cardiovascular risk factors and hypertension in human population which may be due to presence of omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids in the oil. The improvement in antioxidant status can be attributed to presence of beta carotene and vitamin E in seabuckthorn seed oil. The trial was registered with Clinical Trial Registry of India (Clinical trial registration number - CTRI/2015/11/006368).

Low-frequency and very low-intensity ultrasound decreases blood pressure in hypertensive subjects with type 2 diabetes

BackgroundDespite lifestyle interventions and various types of anti-hypertension agents, hypertension remains difficult to control in some patients with type 2 diabetes. As a noninvasive device-based approach for the treatment of clinic hypertension, we examined the effects of low-frequency and low-intensity ultrasound (500 or 800kHz, 25mW/cm2) applied to the forearm on blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate in Japanese subjects with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. MethodsWe examined the effects of low-frequency and low-intensity ultrasound (500 or 800kHz, 25mW/cm2) applied to the forearm on BP, pulse rate, and pulse pressure in 212 Japanese subjects (82 men and 130 women; mean age±SE, 65±1years) with type 2 diabetes and hypertension (systolic BP>140mmHg). The subjects were treated with anti-hypertension agents. ResultsSystolic and diastolic BP, pulse rate, pulse pressure in the 800-kHz ultrasound treatment group were significantly lower than the baseline values in hypertensive subjects with type 2 diabetes, and lower than those of placebo controls. In addition, systolic and diastolic BP, pulse rate, and pulse pressure in the 500-kHz ultrasound treatment group were significantly lower than the baseline values in hypertensive subjects with type 2 diabetes, and systolic BP, pulse rate, and pulse pressure were significantly lower than those of placebo controls. ConclusionsLow-frequency (800kHz or 500kHz) and low-intensity (25mW/cm2) ultrasound irradiation to the forearm might have potential usefulness as a therapeutic application for clinic hypertension in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Association between respiratory muscle strength and reduction of arterial blood pressure levels after aerobic training in hypertensive subjects

[Purpose] The purpose of present study was associate the increase of respiratory muscle strength with blood pressure levels in hypertensive subjects who underwent an aerobic exercise program. [Subjects and Methods] 90 hypertensive subjects were divided in two groups: intervention and control. All participants had an interview with a physiotherapist and were evaluated by 6-minute walk test, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, before and after the 8 weeks. In the intervention group, the subjects underwent aerobic exercise program, 2 times a week for 8 weeks [Results] After the program, the levels of blood pressure were significantly reduced and the distance walked in the 6-minute walk test and the respiratory muscle strength were increased, compared to pre intervention and control group values. However, there was no correlation between the results provided by 6-minute walk test, maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure with systolic arterial blood pressure levels. Nonetheless, the distance walked correlated with respiratory muscle strength values, in the intervention group. [Conclusion] The present study demonstrated that the aerobic training was effective in reducing the arterial blood pressure in hypertensive subjects associated with an improvement of physical conditioning and respiratory muscle strength.

Long-term antihypertensive effect of a soluble cocoa fiber product in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Background and MethodsThis study evaluates the antihypertensive effect of long-term intake of a soluble cocoa fiber product (SCFP). Different doses of SCFP were evaluated (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg/day) and a dose of 800 mg/kg/day of beta-glucan 0.75 (BETA-G) was used as a standard fiber. Water, a neutral vehicle, was used as negative control, and 50 mg/kg/day captopril was used as positive control. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured weekly by the tail cuff method. Body weight, food, and liquid intake were also registered weekly in the rats from 10 to 24 weeks of life. Glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels; redox status; and the angiotensin-converting enzyme activity were also studied in the plasma samples of these animals.ResultsThroughout the 10 weeks of treatment, captopril and SCFP (400 mg/kg/day) demonstrated blood pressure lowering effects in the spontaneously hypertensive rats (p<0.05; n=8). Paradoxically, neither the highest dose (800 mg/kg/day) of SCFP decreased SBP nor 800 mg/kg/day BETA-G (p>0.05; n=8). When the corresponding antihypertensive treatment, was disrupted the SBP values of the 400 mg/kg/day SCFP treated animals returned to control values (p>0.05; n=8). In addition, the SCFP significantly decreased (p<0.05; n=4) the glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and also the liver and plasma malondaldehyde levels. Moreover, the SCFP slightly increased the reduced glutathione levels in the liver.ConclusionThe SCFP could be used to control the blood pressure of hypertensive subjects for a long period of time and could improve metabolic complications associated to cardiovascular diseases.

Effect of long term supplementation of active garlic allicin in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive subjects

Background: Researchers all over the world have independently shown the effect of allicin in reducing blood pressure depends on its extraction and concentration. Among the active constituents in garlic, the principal component is allicin. It is not present in the intact garlic clove but is produced together with pyruvate and ammonia from the odourless precursor alliin (S-allyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide) in the presence of the enzyme alliinase; Allin and allinase are found in different compartments of the garlic clove and are brought into contact to produce allicin only by cutting or crushing the clove. If garlic is processed and extracted, using oil, the activity of the sulphur compounds is sealed which could not be readily used by the body. Study aim to use pure raw and active form of sulphur from garlic and observe the effect of associated allicin on hypertensive subjects . Methods: Extracted active sulphur chemicals and allicin from garlic by crushing fresh garlic cloves using water as extracting medium. Raw crushed 25 gm. garlic clove with water was given twice daily to 100 hypertensive subjects, 60 males and 40 females of 30-55 years of age for the period of six months. Health records of each subjects was individually maintained. Blood pressure was measured initially, after three months and finally after six months. Statistically comparison was made between initial, three months and six months blood pressure data of the subjects . Results: This simple extraction method produce allicin yield of 100%, which reduced up to 10% (5mmHg) systolic and diastolic Blood pressure in subjects who were supplemented with garlic–allicin paste . Conclusions: Extraction quality and activity of allicin is dependent of mode of processing and extraction medium. Garlic is a basic food that augments the body health and lowers blood pressure as well as blood cholesterol. Garlic is an ideal herb for several cardiovascular supplements. It would be of value to further examine these effects of allicin in humans with hypertension. Future research will enable in vivo measurement of allicin and its pharmacological properties; physiological effects and mechanisms of action should be investigated further.

A constitutive modeling interpretation of the relationship among carotid artery stiffness, blood pressure, and age in hypertensive subjects

Aging has a profound influence on arterial wall structure and function. We have previously reported the relationship among pulse wave velocity, age, and blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. In the present study, we aimed for a quantitative interpretation of the observed changes in wall behavior with age using a constitutive modeling approach. We implemented a model of arterial wall biomechanics and fitted this to the group-averaged pressure-area (P-A) relationship of the "young" subgroup of our study population. Using this model as our take-off point, we assessed which parameters had to be changed to let the model describe the "old" subgroup's P-A relationship. We allowed elastin stiffness and collagen recruitment parameters to vary and adjusted residual stress parameters according to published age-related changes. We required wall stress to be homogeneously distributed over the arterial wall and assumed wall stress normalization with age by keeping average "old" wall stress at the "young" level. Additionally, we required axial force to remain constant over the cardiac cycle. Our simulations showed an age-related shift in pressure-load bearing from elastin to collagen, caused by a decrease in elastin stiffness and a considerable increase in collagen recruitment. Correspondingly, simulated diameter and wall thickness increased by about 20 and 17%, respectively. The latter compared well with a measured thickness increase of 21%. We conclude that the physiologically realistic changes in constitutive properties we found under physiological constraints with respect to wall stress could well explain the influence of aging in the stiffness-pressure-age pattern observed.

Comparison of an in-pharmacy automated blood pressure kiosk to daytime ambulatory blood pressure in hypertensive subjects

The objective of this study was to compare serial readings from an in–pharmacy automated blood pressure (BP) kiosk to mean daytime ambulatory BP. A total of 100 community–dwelling adults with hypertension underwent (1) three baseline automated office readings; (2) three in–pharmacy readings on each of four visits (12 total) using the PharmaSmart PS–2000 kiosk; and (3) 24–hour ambulatory BP monitoring between in–pharmacy visits two and three. Paired t–tests, Bland–Altman plots, and Pearson correlation coefficients were used for analysis. Mean BPs were 137.8 ± 13.7/81.9 ± 12.2 mm Hg for in–pharmacy and 135.5 ± 11.7/79.7 ± 10.0 mm Hg for daytime ambulatory (difference of 2.3 ± 9.5/2.2 ± 6.9 mm Hg [P ≤ .05]). Bland–Altman plots depicted a high degree of BP variability but did not show clinically important systematic BP differences. With ambulatory BP as the reference standard, in–pharmacy device results were similar to automated office results. The PharmaSmart PS–2000 closely approximated mean daytime ambulatory BP, supporting the use of serial readings from this device in the assessment of BP.