Reduction In Mean Blood Pressure Research Articles

SELF-MONITORING OF BLOOD PRESSURE AND FEEDBACK USING APP IN TREATMENT OF UNCONTROLLED HYPERTENSION: SMART APP STUDY

Objective: Self-monitoring of blood pressure (SMBP) is a reliable method used to assess blood pressure (BP) accurately. However, patients do not often know how to respond to the measured BP value. We developed a mobile application-based feedback for tailored recommendations and aimed to evaluate whether this feedback is superior to SMBP alone in terms of BP reduction and drug compliance improvement in patients with hypertension. Design and method: Self-Monitoring of and Feed-back using APP in TReatment of UnconTrolled Blood Pressure (SMART-BP) is a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter trial to evaluate the efficacy of SMBP-App compared with SMBP alone. In the SMBP alone group, the patients performed home BP measurement and receive the standard care, whereas in the SMBP-App group, the patients received additional recommendations from the application using feedback algorithm in response to the obtained BP value. The primary endpoints were mean home BP and adherence of antihypertensive medication. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 12 and 24 weeks after randomization. Results: Among total 173 patients (88 for SBMP-app and 85 for SMBP alone) with full-analysis set, 53% were men, and the mean age was 59.8 years. Baseline characteristics including BP were not significantly different between two groups. At 6 months, mean reduction in home systolic BP was significantly higher in SMBP-App group than SBMP alone group (-20.0±13.5 vs. -14.9±12.9, = 0.012). Also, SMBP-app group showed higher drug adherence value and proportion of adherence over 95% than in SMBP alone group (95.2% vs. 90.4%, P = 0.004; 72/88 vs. 46/85, P = 0.010). Reduction in home systolic BP at 3 months and office systolic BP at 3 months were also higher in SBMP-App, similar with primary end point. Conclusions: SMBP-App is superior to SMBP alone in terms of blood pressure reduction and improved drug adherence in patients with hypertension.

The effect of progressive muscle relaxation technique on physical parameters and anxiety among patients with myocardial infarction

The main aim of the study is to assess the effect of progressive muscle relaxation therapy on physical parameter and anxiety among patient with myocardial infarction admitted at selected hospitals of Durg (C.G). The study was conducted at B.M Shah Hopsital and K. Gurunath Cardiac Hospital for patient with myocardial infacrtion.Quasi experimental pretest posttest control group design was adopted for this study. Convenient sampling technique was used to select the study participants. The patient with myocardial infarction was assigned to experimental group (n=23) and the other to the control group (n=23). Progressive muscle relaxation therapy was given for 20 minutes once daily in the morning between 6-8AM for 7 days. Physical parameter and anxiety measurements were taken from the first day and 7 day and was documented. The study showed a significant reduction of physical parameters mean blood pressure from 5.75 to 5.5 mm of Hg, for pulse 5.5 to 5, for respiration 7 to 5.7, and SPO2 7 to 5.8. calculated ‘t’ value was greater than the table value at 0.001 level of significance. Level of anxiety before and after progressive muscle relaxation among the experimental group was 50and 44.5. respectively. Standard deviation was 7.0, 6.6 and the calculated ‘t’ value was 3.4. While comparing with table value, it showed that the calculated ‘t’ value was greater than the table value at 0.001 level of significance.Hence it is concluded that progressive muscle relaxation therapy is an effective measure to maintain the level of physical parameters and reduce the level of anxiety among patient with myocardial infarction at selected hospitals of Durg (C.G).

A comparative study of clinical effects and recovery characteristics of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion with ketamine versus fentanyl as adjuvants in general anaesthesia.

Intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion decreases the concurrent anaesthetic and analgesic requirement. However, because of slow onset and offset, it is often used with other drugs. Opioids have a depressant effect on the cardiorespiratory system while ketamine has the opposite pharmacodynamics. Hence, it was hypothesised that ketamine will have a better intraoperative haemodynamic profile compared to fentanyl. This study compared the clinical effects and recovery characteristics of ketamine versus fentanyl when used as an adjuvant along with dexmedetomidine infusion intraoperatively. A total of 80 patients (18-60 years) undergoing major surgeries were divided into two groups: Group (D + K) received an intraoperative infusion of ketamine 0.5 mg/kg/h, while group (D + F) received fentanyl 0.5 μg/kg/h along with intravenous dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg/h. Intraoperative heart rate (HR), mean blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were recorded at 0 min, 10 min of induction, and thereafter every 30 min throughout the procedure. Ramsay sedation score (RSS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were measured at the end of the surgery, at 2 hours, 4 hours, and 6 hours. Reduction in HR and mean blood pressure was more with a tendency of developing hypotension in the fentanyl group compared to the ketamine group. Post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) stay, need for muscle relaxant and VAS score for pain were also significantly lesser in the ketamine group. Dexmedetomidine with ketamine provided better haemodynamic stability and reduced PACU stay compared to dexmedetomidine with fentanyl.

Efficacy and Safety of Fixed-Dose Combination of Efonidipine and Telmisartan in Stage II Hypertensive Patients: Results from Randomized Clinical Trial

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-hypertensive efficacy of a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of Efonidipine 40 mg and Telmisartan 40 mg in Stage II hypertensive patients.
 Study Design: Multicentric, randomized, double-blind, parallel, comparative Phase III clinical trial.
 Methodology: This clinical trial was conducted at six geographically distributed sites across India and enrolled 240 Stage II hypertensive patients. They were randomized into two groups in a ratio of 1:1 using computer-generated block randomization to receive E+T (FDC of Efonidipine 40 mg + Telmisartan 40mg) or C+T (FDC of Cilnidipine 10 mg + Telmisartan 40 mg) group intervention once daily for a period of 90 days. The study site staff, investigator and patients were blinded to the treatment allocation. The primary endpoint of the study evaluated the mean reduction in sitting systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) from baseline to day 90 whereas the secondary endpoints assessed were mean reduction in BP from baseline to day 30 & 60, patients achieving target BP (<140/90 mmHg) and the safety and tolerability of the investigational products based on the incidences of adverse events (AEs) reported.
 Results: A total of 118 subjects were randomized to the E+T group wherein the mean (±SD) SBP and DBP at baseline was 167.25 ± 4.68/107.26 ± 5.19 mmHg. After 30 days of treatment with the E+T group, the mean reduction in SBP/DBP of 29.37/18.06 mmHg was observed whereas at Day 60 reduction of 38.55/22.69 mmHg was seen from the baseline. At Day 90, SBP/DBP decreased to 119.41±14.99/81.67±4.29 mmHg with a mean reduction of 47.94/25.89 mmHg in the E+T group. During the study period, the difference in systolic blood pressure between the treatments with E+T and C+T was -0.48 mmHg, with the two-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from -4.54 to 3.58 mmHg. The corresponding difference in diastolic blood pressure was -0.77 (95% CI: -2.60 to 1.06) mm Hg. The upper boundary of the 95% CI was below the margin of 10 mmHg, confirming the non-inferiority of E+T to C+T. A total of 92% of patients who had been assigned to E+T treatment achieved their target BP goal. Only one patient reported an adverse event with E+T treatment. No unexpected AEs were reported in the E+T group suggesting its good safety and tolerability. Overall, the E+T treatment was effective, safe and well-tolerated by the patients for 90 days.
 Conclusion: It was concluded that the FDC of Efonidipine 40 mg and Telmisartan 40 mg was efficacious in the management of Stage II hypertension.

Prospective evaluation of digital therapeutic intervention on blood pressure control in Indian patients with uncontrolled primary hypertension

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Terrals Technologies Private Limited Background Digital therapeutics (DTx) has emerged as a new approach in recent years making use of connected devices, smartphone software and electronic communication tools to help manage chronic cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. Considering its nascent stage, many questions still remain with respect to its applicability, effectiveness and limitations. Purpose Assess the effectiveness of digital therapeutic intervention in controlling blood pressure in Indian patients with primary hypertension Methods We conducted a prospective, 12 week, single arm, interventional study, including 125 subjects at multiple sites in India. Subjects with uncontrolled primary hypertension (≥140 mmHg systolic and/or ≥90 mmHg diastolic) in the age group of 30-65 years who were under routine antihypertensive treatment were enrolled. They were provided supplementary DTx intervention comprising of smartphone application based personalized management of diet, exercise, self monitoring and health education by nutritionists and health coaches. Efficacy endpoints such as blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), lipids, etc. were measured before and after the intervention. Results A total of 122 subjects who completed the trial had mean age of 47.44 ± 9.43 years, comprising 58 (48%) male and 64 (52%) female patients and mean BMI of 27.21 ±4.7 kg/m². Post-intervention change in mean systolic BP (SBP) was -25.61 mmHg (95% CI 22.55 - 28.66, 154.98 mmHg vs 129.37 mmHg, P<.001). The post-intervention change in mean diastolic BP (DBP) was -18.62 mmHg (95% CI 16.29 - 20.96, 100.04 mmHg vs 81.42 mmHg, P<.001). Patients with stage 1 hypertension (69.6%) achieved mean systolic reduction of 20.87 ± 13.9 mmHg, (148.54 mmHg vs 127.67 mmHg, P<.001). The patients with stage 2 (27.04%) and stage 3 (3.27%) hypertension achieved a higher mean SBP reduction of 34.67 ± 15.19 mmHg (167.24 mmHg vs 132.58 mmHg, P<.001) and 51.5 ± 40.45 mmHg (190.75 mmHg vs 139.25 mmHg, P=.084), respectively. Male and female patients showed almost similar reduction in systolic BP of 25.47 ± 14.72 and 25.73 ± 19.39 mmHg, respectively. Also, the subjects with other chronic comorbidities (23.9%) achieved a mean systolic BP reduction of 29.51 ± 15.25 mmHg. A total of 79.51% (n=97) patients achieved the SBP <140 mmHg, while 59.84% (n=73) patients achieved SBP <130 mmHg. Combining both the systolic and diastolic targets together, 65.57% (n=80) patients achieved the target of <140/90 mmHg, while ESC/ESH 2018 recommended BP target of <130/80 mmHg was achieved by 31.15% (n=38) patients. Conclusion The implementation of Digital therapeutic application integrated with primary healthcare resulted in significant reduction in blood pressure in participants with uncontrolled hypertension. Greater improvement was observed in participants with higher baseline blood pressure.

Effectiveness of thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics in advanced chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and objective Thiazide diuretics are first-line drugs for the treatment of hypertension, but hypertension treatment guidelines have systematically discouraged their use in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). For the first time, a systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis were performed to assess the effectiveness of thiazides and thiazide-like diuretics to treat hypertension in patients with stages 3b, 4, and 5 CKD. Design, setting, participants, & measurements A systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis that included a literature search using the following databases were performed: MEDLINE through PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) through the Cochrane Library, Embase, and ISI – Web of Science (all databases). Prospective studies that evaluated the effectiveness of thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics in individuals with a GFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 were included. Results Five clinical trials, totaling 214 participants, were included, and the mean GFR ranged from 13.0 ± 5.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 to 26.8 ± 8.8 mL/min/1.73 m2. There was evidence of a reduction in mean blood pressure and in GFR, as well as in fractional sodium excretion and fractional chloride excretion. Conclusion Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics seem to maintain their effectiveness in lowering blood pressure in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. These findings should spur new prospective randomized trials and spark discussions, particularly about upcoming hypertension guidelines.

Comparison between the Efficacy of Amlodipine with Captopril in the Management of Uncontrolled Blood Pressure in the Emergency Department

Objective: To compare the efficacy of Amlodipine with Captopril in the management of patients presenting to the emergency department with uncontrolled blood pressure.&#x0D; Study Design: Comparative prospective study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Emergency Department, Combined Military Hospital, Malir Pakistan, from Jul to Dec 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 127 individuals presenting to the Emergency Department with two readings of uncontrolled blood pressure (Systolic blood pressure ≥ 160mmHg and Diastolic blood pressure ≥90mmHg) were included. They were administered a tablet of Captopril 12.5mg per oral and a tablet of Amlodipine 10mg per oral on the turn by turn basis. Patients were observed for 3 hours and monitored for the reduction in blood. The efficacy of medication was judged based on the ability to achieve target blood pressure reduction, which was at least a 20-30% reduction in systolic blood pressure.&#x0D; Results: Out of 127 individuals, 65(51.2%) patients were given a tablet of Captopril 12.5mg orally, and 62(48.8%) were given a tablet of Amlodipine 10mg orally. The mean reduction in systolic blood pressure was 20.73±5.17 in all patients. In addition,target blood pressure reduction was achieved in 35(53.8%) individuals of the Captopril-Group and 33(53.2%) of the Amlodipine-Group, with a total of 68(53.5%) individuals achieving target blood pressure within 3 hours after medication.&#x0D; Conclusion: Both medications were efficient in achieving target blood pressure levels. However, no drug was superior to another in reducing blood pressure in an emergency.

PS-C12-8: BLOOD PRESSURE VARIABILITY IN PREVIOUSLY UNTREATED HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS RANDOMIZED TO NIFEDIPINE GITS OR RAMIPRIL. REVERENT STUDY

Blood pressure (BP) variability (BPV) independently predicts adverse outcomes, making it a potential target for treatment. Preliminary data indicate that dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCB) may reduce BPV more than other antihypertensives. Aim of Reverent: (Reducing blood pressure Variability in Essential hypertension with Ramipril vErsus Nifedipine GITS) Trial was to compare changes in either short-, mid- and long-term BPV in patients treated with a CCB (nifedipine GITS) or an ACE inhibitor (ramipril) in a randomised fashion. Methods: Untreated (treatment-naïve or after treatment washout) patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension and elevated basal BPV, were randomized to open label treatment with nifedipine GITS 30 mg or ramipril 10 mg once daily. BPV after 10 weeks and 12 months of treatment was assessed based on home (primary endpoint; validated AND UA-651BLE monitor), 24-hour ambulatory (A&amp;D TM 2430) and office (AND UA-651BLE) measurements and expressed as standard deviation [SD] of obtained readings. Results: 156 patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis of the main study (10 weeks, primary analysis) and 138 of the extension study (12 months, exploratory analysis). No significant differences were observed between groups at baseline. Patient characteristics, BP and BPV values after 10 weeks of treatment are reported in the table. No significant differences between groups were observed in home and office BPV at the end of main study, also after adjusting for mean BP reduction. 24-hour weighted SD of systolic BP after 10 weeks of treatment was lower in the nifedipine GITS group (p = 0.032). Exploratory analysis also revealed lower office BPV after 12 months of treatment in nifedipine GITS group (7.15 ± 3.79 vs 9.00 ± 5.28 mmHg, p = 0.026). Conclusions: The study did not identify differences between nifedipine GITS and ramipril in reducing home BPV, while significant differences in favour of nifedipine GITS were observed in 24-hour BPV and in office BPV after 12 months. Clinical impact of these findings remains to be evaluated in outcome studies.

Comparing the effect of oral ivabradine versus oral propranolol premedication during controlled hypotensive anesthesia in functional endoscopic sinus surgery

ABSTRACT Background Reflex tachycardia that occurs during nitroglycerin-induced hypotensive anesthesia in functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) increases both the risk of intraoperative bleeding and the duration of surgery. Our clinical trial aimed to compare the effect of oral ivabradine versus oral propranolol as a premedication before nitroglycerin-induced hypotensive anesthesia on the reduction of reflex tachycardia in FESS. Methods In this clinical, comparative, prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded study, 40 patients were divided into two equal groups (20 each); group P received oral propranolol (10 mg tablet) and group I received oral ivabradine (5 mg tablet) in the evening before the surgery and 1 hour before the induction of anesthesia. Results The reduction in heart rate (HR) was statistically significantly higher in group I than in group P. Conversely, the reduction in mean blood pressure (MAP) was statistically significantly higher in group P than in group I at baseline (pre-induction). However, after that, MAP reduction was statistically non-significant between both groups. Meanwhile, there was no statistically significant difference between both groups as regards duration of surgery, duration of deliberate hypotension, intraoperative NTG infusion doses, and the amount of bleeding. Conclusion Premedication with oral propranolol 10 mg or oral ivabradine 5 mg before FESS proved to be safe and effective in the reduction of reflex tachycardia that occurs during controlled nitroglycerin induced hypotensive anesthesia in FESS. However, ivabradine was more effective with higher safety profile than propranolol.

Habituation attenuates the sex-specific associations between ischemic pain, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness in young adults.

Cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) during physical stress is prognostic for incident cardiovascular disease. CVR is influenced by perceived pain. However, there is limited data on the effect of sex differences and repeated exposures to painful stimuli on CVR. We measured blood pressure (BP) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV; an index of arterial stiffness) at rest, during isometric handgrip (HG) exercise at 30% of maximum voluntary contraction, and during postexercise circulatory occlusion (PECO) during two identical trials in 39 adults (20M/19F; 18-39 yr). We assessed participants' perceived pain using a visual analog scale after the first minute of each stimulus. We collected BP during minute 2 of each stimulus and cf-PWV during minute 3 of each stimulus. In male participants, we observed moderate associations (Ps ≤ 0.023) between perceived pain and changes in brachial diastolic (ρ = 0.620) and mean BP (ρ = 0.597); central diastolic, mean, and systolic BP (ρs = 0.519-0.654); and cf-PWV (ρ = 0.680) during PECO in trial 1, but not trial 2 (Ps ≥ 0.162). However, in female participants, there were no associations between pain and CVR indices during either trial (Ps ≥ 0.137). Irrespective of sex, reductions in perceived pain during trial 2 relative to trial 1 were weakly to moderately associated (Ps ≤ 0.038) with reductions in brachial diastolic (ρ = 0.346), mean (ρ = 0.379), and systolic BP (ρ = 0.333); central mean (ρ = 0.400) and systolic BP (ρ = 0.369); and cf-PWV (ρ = 0.526). These findings suggest that 1) there are sex differences in pain modulation of CVR in young adults and 2) habituation blunts pain and CVR during PECO, irrespective of sex.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate sex differences in the association between pain perception and cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) during ischemic pain. We also demonstrate habituation to pain and reduced CVR during repeated exposure in a sex-independent manner. Accounting for sex differences and habituation may improve the prognostic utility of CVR.

Abstract 12551: Self-Monitoring of Blood Pressure and Feedback Using App in Treatment of Uncontrolled Hypertension: SMART-BP Study

Introduction: Self-monitoring of blood pressure (SMBP) is a reliable method used to assess blood pressure (BP) accurately. However, patients do not often know how to respond to the measured BP value. We developed a mobile application-based feedback for tailored recommendations and aimed to evaluate whether this feedback is superior to SMBP alone in terms of BP reduction and drug compliance improvement in patients with hypertension. Methods: Self-Monitoring of and Feed-back using APP in TReatment of UnconTrolled Blood Pressure (SMART-BP) is a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter trial to evaluate the efficacy of SMBP-App compared with SMBP alone. In the SMBP alone group, the patients performed home BP measurement and receive the standard care, whereas in the SMBP-App group, the patients received additional recommendations from the application using feedback algorithm in response to the obtained BP value. The primary endpoints were mean home BP and adherence of antihypertensive medication. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 12 and 24 weeks after randomization. Results: Among total 173 patients (88 for SBMP-App and 85 for SMBP alone) with full-analysis set, 53% were men, and mean age was 59.8 years. Baseline characteristics including BP were not significantly different between the two groups. At 24 weeks, mean reduction in home systolic BP was significantly higher in SMBP-App group than SBMP alone group (-22.4±13.5 vs. -17.2±13.3, P=0.019). Also, SMBP-App group showed higher drug adherence value and proportion of ≥95% adherence than in SMBP alone group (100% [97.2%-100.0%] vs. 97.6% [94.0%-100.0%], P=0.025; 86.1% vs. 68.0%, P=0.013). Reduction in home systolic BP at 12 weeks and office systolic BP at 12 or 24 weeks were also higher in SBMP-App, similar with primary end point. Conclusions: SMBP-App is superior to SMBP alone in terms of blood pressure reduction and improved drug adherence in patients with hypertension.

Metabolic effects of the dual SGLT 1/2 inhibitor sotagliflozin on blood pressure and body weight reduction in people with diabetes: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AimTo update the meta-analysis of the metabolic effects of a dual sodium-glucose co-transpoter-1/2 inhibitor, sotagliflozin, on blood pressure (BP) and body weight in people with diabetes. MethodsAn electronic search up to March 8, 2022, were conducted to determine eligible randomized-controlled trials of sotagliflozin-reporting BP and weight change outcomes in adults with diabetes. Results16 trials were included, with a combined cohort of 19,140 patients. Compared with placebo, sotagliflozin had a mean systolic blood pressure reduction (weighted mean differences (WMDs) −2.60 mmHg, 95 % CI: −2.90 to −2.30), mean diastolic blood pressure reduction (WMD -0.96 mmHg, 95 % CI: −1.17 to −0.75), and mean weight loss (WMD −1.88 kg, 95 % CI: −2.16 to −1.59). Metabolic effects on BP-lowering and weight loss were observed across diabetes status, duration of follow-up, and chronic kidney disease comorbidity. Meanwhile sotagliflozin presented significant effects on people with type 1 diabetes and showed a dose-response relationship for BP-lowering and weight loss. ConclusionThis meta-analysis enriches the evidence on the metabolic benefits, including BP-lowering and weight loss, of sotagliflozin, and provide a reasonable therapeutic option for managing diabetes with metabolic syndrome. Further studies will be required to elucidate its long-term effects and role in metabolic syndrome management.PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022323945.

Clinical event reductions in high-risk patients after renal denervation projected from the global SYMPLICITY registry.

Renal denervation has been shown to lower blood pressure in sham-controlled trials and represents a device-based treatment option for hypertension. We sought to project clinical event reductions after radiofrequency renal denervation using a novel modelling approach. The Global SYMPLICITY Registry is a global, prospective all-comer registry to evaluate safety and efficacy after renal denervation. For this analysis, change in office systolic blood pressure from baseline was calculated from reported follow-up in the Global SYMPLICITY Registry. Relative risks for death and other cardiovascular events as well as numbers needed to treat for event avoidance were obtained for the respective blood pressure reductions based on previously reported meta-regression analyses for the full cohort and high-risk subgroups including type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, resistant hypertension, and high basal cardiovascular risk. Average baseline office systolic blood pressure and reduction estimates for the full cohort (N=2651) were 166±25 and -14.8±0.4mmHg, respectively. Mean reductions in blood pressure ranged from -11.0--21.8mmHg for the studied high-risk subgroups. Projected relative risks ranged from 0.57 for stroke in the resistant hypertension cohort to 0.92 for death in the diabetes cohort. Significant absolute reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events over 3 years compared with the projected control (8.6 ± 0.7% observed vs. 11.7 ± 0.9% for projected control; P<0.01) were primarily due to reduced stroke incidence. The robustness of findings was confirmed in sensitivity and scenario analyses. Model-based projections suggest radiofrequency renal denervation for patients with uncontrolled hypertension adds considerable clinical benefit across a spectrum of different cohort characteristics.

Comparison of intravenous labetalol and hydralazine for severe hypertension in pregnancy in Northeastern Nigeria: A randomized controlled trial.

The objectives were to compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous hydralazine and labetalol for acutely lowering severe hypertension in pregnancy. This was a superiority parallel double-blinded randomized controlled trial conducted from October 2018 to June 2019 in two hospitals in Gombe, Nigeria. Pregnant women with a live singleton fetus at gestational age of at least 28weeks with severe hypertension were randomized (60 per group) to receive incremental doses of either intravenous labetalol (20mg; 40mg; 80mg; 80mg; and 80mg) or 10mg of intravenous hydralazine - up to a maximum of 5 doses - until the target blood pressure was achieved or the study was terminated. The main outcome measures were the mean reduction in mean arterial blood pressure and occurrence of persistent hypertension. Other endpoints were maternal side-effects, perinatal death, Apgar score at birth and SCBU admission. One hundred and thirteen patients' data were analyzed (fifty-six [56] in the hydralazine group and fifty-seven [57] in the labetalol group). There were no significant differences in the fall of the mean arterial blood pressure (labetalol; 24.19mmHg/hydralazine; 27.68mmHg) (p=0.192), maternal side effects, perinatal deaths, Apgar scores and SCBU admission between the two groups. Hydralazine, however, produced a more marked reduction in diastolic blood pressure than labetalol (p=0.012). Both labetalol and hydralazine are effective for acute blood pressure control in pregnancy with a similar safety profile. This study was self-funded and registered in the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (www.pactr.orgPACTR202010738538062).

Effect of cycle ergometry on peripheral blood flow, vascular conductance, and vascular resistance in young people

IntroductionThe study aimed to evaluate haemodynamic changes in peripheral blood flow, vascular conductance (VC), and peripheral vascular resistance (PVR) in healthy individuals undergoing passive and active lower limb cycle ergometry.MethodsThis was a prospective, controlled, randomized study with a crossover design, in which 14 normotensive volunteers were allocated to receive: (1) assessment without intervention (control group); (2) passive lower limb cycle ergometry; and (3) active cycle ergometry of lower limbs. In the physical exercise session of the active and passive lower limb cycle ergometry protocol, the volunteers were placed in the supine position and then performed aerobic exercise for 20 minutes. Forearm blood flow was measured with a venous occlusion plethysmograph, blood pressure was evaluated with oscillometric and automatic equipment, and heart rate was monitored continuously through lead II of electrocardiogram.ResultsActive cycle ergometry was able to promote hypotension after physical exercise owing to a reduction in mean blood pressure (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.000), with an improvement in vascular function as reflected by a reduction in PVR (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.000) and an increase in VC (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.000). Although the reduction in mean blood pressure in the passive cycle ergometry group was not significant, it was sufficient to promote an increase in VC (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.049) and a reduction in PVR (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.008).ConclusionsA single session of 20 minutes of physical exercise with passive or active cycle ergometry of the lower limbs was sufficient to promote haemodynamic changes in normotensive individuals.

EFFECT OF NIFEDIPINE GITS OR RAMIPRIL ON BLOOD PRESSURE VARIABILITY IN PREVIOUSLY UNTREATED HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS: RESULTS OF REVERENT RANDOMIZED TRIAL

Objective: Blood pressure (BP) variability (BPV) independently predicts adverse outcomes, making it a potential target for treatment. Preliminary data indicate that dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCB) may reduce BPV more than other antihypertensives but data from ad hoc andomised trials are missing. Aim of REVERENT (Reducing blood pressure Variability in Essential hypertension with Ramipril andom Nifedipine GITS) Trial was to compare changes in short-, mid- and long-term BPV in patients treated with a CCB (nifedipine GITS) or an ACE inhibitor (ramipril). Design and method: Untreated (treatment-naïve or after treatment washout) patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension and elevated basal BPV (SD of home SBP&gt; 7 mmHg and/or SD of daytime ambulatory SBP&gt; 12 mmHg), were andomised to open label treatment with nifedipine GITS 30 mg or ramipril 10 mg once daily. BPV after 10 weeks and 12 months of treatment was assessed based on home (primary endpoint; validated A&amp;D UA-651BLE monitor), 24-hour ambulatory (A&amp;D TM 2430) and office (A&amp;D UA-651BLE) measurements and expressed as standard deviation (SD) of obtained readings. Results: 156 patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis of the main study (10 weeks, primary analysis) and 138 of the extension study (12 months, exploratory analysis). No significant differences were observed between groups at baseline. Patient characteristics, BP and BPV values after 10 weeks of treatment are reported in the table (Table). No significant differences between groups were observed in home and office BPV at the end of main study, also after adjusting for mean BP reduction. 24-hour weighted SD of systolic BP after 10 weeks of treatment was lower in the nifedipine GITS group (p = 0.032) (Table). Exploratory analysis also revealed lower office systolic BPV after 12 months of treatment in nifedipine GITS group (7.2 ± 3.8 vs 9.0 ± 5.3 mmHg, p = 0.026). Conclusions: The study did not identify differences between nifedipine GITS and ramipril in their effect on home BPV, while significant differences in favour of nifedipine GITS were observed in 24-hour and office systolic BPV after 12 months. Clinical impact of these findings remains to be evaluated in outcome studies.

Suppression of angiotensin II-activated NOX4/NADPH oxidase and mitochondrial dysfunction by preserving glucagon-like peptide-1 attenuates myocardial fibrosis and hypertension

This study aims to investigate whether stabilization of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) level reduces angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiac fibrosis and -elevated blood pressure accompanying with inhibition of NADPH oxidase (NOX) expression and preservation of mitochondrial integrity. The study was performed in Sprague-Dawley rat model of Ang II infusion (500 ng/kg/min) using osmotic minipumps for 4 weeks. GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide (0.3 mg/kg, injected subcutaneously twice daily) and dipeptidyl peptides-4 inhibitor, linagliptin (8 mg/kg, administered via oral gavage) were selected to preserve GLP-1 level. Blood pressure was measured noninvasively. Heart and aorta were saved for histological analysis. Relative to the animals with Ang II infusion, in the heart, liraglutide and linagliptin comparatively reduced the protein levels of NOX4 and TGFβ1 and expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and attenuated the proliferation of myofibroblasts (15 ± 4 and 13 ± 3 vs. 42 ± 22/HPF in Ang II group). The number of distorted mitochondria in both groups was significantly reduced (8 ± 4 and 10 ± 6 vs. 27 ± 13/HPF in Ang II group), in company with a significant reduction in cardiac fibrosis. In the aorta, treatment with liraglutide and linagliptin significantly downregulated the expression of NOX4 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and enhanced endothelial NOS expression. Aortic wall thickness was reduced comparatively (267 ± 22 and 286 ± 25 vs. 339 ± 40 μm in Ang II group). The area of fibrotic aorta was also reduced (13 ± 6 and 14 ± 5 vs. 38 ± 24 mm2 in Ang II group), respectively, in coincidence with a significant reduction in mean blood pressure. Taken together, these results suggest that the conservation of GLP-1 level with exogenous supply of liraglutide or the prevention of endogenous degradation of GLP-1 with linagliptin protects against Ang II-induced injury in the heart and aorta, potentially associated with inhibition of NOX4 expression and preservation of mitochondrial integrity.

P84 RENAL DENERVATION IN RESISTANT ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION: OUR CENTER‘S EXPERIENCE

Abstract Introduction The renal denervation procedure (RDN) represents an innovative alternative in patients with resistant arterial hypertension, in addition to medical therapy and lifestyle changes. This document presents our experience at the Cardiology department of the “Fatebenefratelli di Benevento” hospital where 19 effective RDN procedures were performed. Methods 19 RDNs were performed at the “Fatebenefratelli di Benevento” Hospital in patients with resistant arterial hypertension (defined as failure to control blood pressure values using three or more drugs, including a diuretic). The long–term efficacy of the technique was evaluated by comparing blood pressure measurements using ECG–holter before and after the RDN (follow–up visit – 12 months). In addition, patients underwent a clinical–instrumental evaluation before the procedure and at the follow–up visit. Results The analysis of the collected data revealed a significant reduction in systolic, mean (p–value &amp;lt;0.001) and diastolic (p–value = 0.001) blood pressure. The mean variation was –13 ± 8 for systolic blood pressure, –7 ± 7 for diastolic blood pressure, and –11 ± 9 for mean pressure. The procedure was completed in all patients without peri–procedural and post–procedural complications. During the 12 months of observation, no fatal or non–fatal cardiovascular events, hospitalization or death from any cause were reported. Conclusions In our experience, renal denervation has been a safe and efficacy procedure in reducing blood pressure and the amount of drugs taken in high–risk cardiovascular patients with resistant arterial hypertension. It will be necessary to confirm the results benefits through a longer follow up.

Long-term effect of obstructive sleep apnea and CPAP treatment on blood pressure control in patients after acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) (PI10/02763, PI10/02745, PI18/00449, PI19/00907), co-funded by FEDER “Una manera de hacer Europa”, SEPAR, Catalonian Cardiology Society, ResMed Ltd. (Australia), EsteveTeijin (Spain), Oxigen Salud (Spain), Associació Lleidatana de Respiratori (ALLER), CIBERES. MS received financial support from a "Ramón y Cajal" grant (RYC2019-027831-I) from the“Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación - Agencia Estatal de Investigación” co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF)/“Investing in your future”. AZ held the predoctoral fellowship “Ajuts 2021 de Promoció de la Recerca en Salut-9ª edició” from IRBLleida/Diputació de Lleida. JdB acknowledges receiving financial support from ISCIII (Miguel Servet 2019: CP19/00108), co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), “Investing in your future”. Rationale Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients and is a cause of secondary hypertension. Objectives To evaluate the long-term effects of OSA and CPAP treatment on blood pressure (BP) control in patients discharged after an ACS. Methods Post hoc analysis of the ISAACC study included 1803 patients admitted for ACS (NCT01335087). Patients with OSA (apnea-hypopnea index ≥15 events/h) were randomly assigned to receive either CPAP or/and usual care and followed up for one to 5 years. Office BP was determined at each visit. Measurements and Main Results We included 596 patients without OSA, 605 patients in the CPAP group, and 602 patients in the usual care group. 52% of the patients had a diagnosis of hypertension at baseline. Median age and body mass index were 59 [52.0;67.0] years and 28.2 [25.6;31.2] kg/m2, respectively. After a median [25th;75th percentile] follow-up of 41.2 [18.3;59.6] months, BP changes were similar between OSA and non-OSA groups. However, we observed an increase in BP in the third tertile of the AHI (AHI&amp;gt;40 events/h) with a maximum difference in mean BP of +3.3 mmHg at 30 months. OSA patients with good CPAP adherence (≥4 hours/night) reduced mean BP after 18 months compared to non-OSA and poor CPAP adherence patients, maximum mean difference (95% CI) of -4.7 (-6.7,-2.7) mmHg. In patients with severe OSA we observed a maximum mean difference of -7.1 (-10.3,-3.8) mmHg. Conclusions In patients discharged after an ACS, severe OSA is associated with a long-term increase in BP, which is reduced by good CPAP adherence.

Estrogen Metabolite 2-Methoxyestradiol Attenuates Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Rats by Downregulating Angiotensin Type 1 Receptor.

The therapeutic potential of 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME2) is evident in cardiovascular disease. Our laboratory has previously demonstrated the mechanism involved in the 2ME2 regulation of angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) in vitro. However, 2ME2 regulation of angiotensin receptors and its effects on blood pressure (BP) and resting heart rate (RHR) are uncertain. In this study, male and female Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats infused with angiotensin II (65 ng/min) and male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were surgically implanted with telemetric probes to continuously assess arterial BP and RHR. In both male and female WKY rats, 2ME2 treatment (20 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks) resulted in a significant reduction of Ang II-induced systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BP. Moreover, significant weight loss and RHR were indicated in all groups. In a separate set of experiments, prolonged 2ME2 exposure in male SHR (20 mg/kg/day for 5 weeks) displayed a significant reduction in diastolic and mean arterial BP along with RHR. We also found downregulation of angiotensin receptors and angiotensinogen (AGT) in the kidney and liver and a reduction of plasma Ang II levels. Collectively, we demonstrate that 2ME2 attenuated BP and RHR in hypertensive rats involves downregulation of angiotensin receptors and body weight loss.