Risk Factor For Incident Hypertension Research Articles

Associations of TSH, free T3, free T4, and conversion ratio with incident hypertension: results from the prospective Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

To evaluate the association of TSH, free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4), and conversion (FT3:FT4) ratio values with incident hypertension. The study included data from participants of the ELSA-Brasil study without baseline hypertension. Serum TSH, FT4 and FT3 levels, and FT3:FT4 ratio values were assessed at baseline, and incident hypertension (defined by blood pressure levels ≥ 140/90 mmHg) was estimated over a median of 8.2 years of follow-up. The risk of incident hypertension was evaluated considering a 1-unit increase in TSH, FT4, FT3, and conversion ratio values and after dividing these variables into quintiles for further analysis using Poisson regression with robust variance. The results are presented as relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) before and after adjustment for multiple variables. The primary analysis incorporated data from 5,915 euthyroid individuals, and the secondary analysis combined data from all euthyroid individuals, 587 individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism, and 31 individuals with subclinical hyperthyroidism. The rate of incident hypertension was 28% (95% CI: 27%-29.3%). The FT4 levels in the first quintile (0.18-1.06 ng/dL) were significantly associated with incident hypertension (RR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.06) at follow-up. The association between FT4 levels in the first quintile and incident hypertension was also observed in the analysis of combined data from euthyroid individuals and participants with subclinical thyroid dysfunction (RR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07). The associations were predominantly observed with systolic blood pressure levels in euthyroid individuals. However, in the combined analysis incorporating euthyroid participants and individuals with subclinical thyroid dysfunction, the associations were more pronounced with diastolic blood pressure levels. Low FT4 levels may be a mild risk factor for incident hypertension in euthyroid individuals and persons with subclinical thyroid dysfunction.

High-normal systolic blood pressure in early midlife is a stronger risk factor for incident hypertension later in life for women than men

Abstract Background We have previously found that having high-normal blood pressure (BP) in early midlife is a stronger risk factor for incident hypertension later in life for women than for men. Whether this risk is related both to high-normal systolic and diastolic BP is not known. Purpose To explore whether there is a sex difference in risk of incident hypertension related to high-normal systolic and diastolic BP in early midlife. Methods In the community-based Hordaland Health Study, 1025 women and 703 men were examined at age 42 years (baseline) and re-examined after 26 years. Patients with hypertension at baseline were excluded. Attended BP was measured in triplets, and clinic BP taken as the average of the two last measurements. High-normal systolic BP was identified as systolic BP of 130-139 mmHg and high normal diastolic BP as diastolic BP 85-89 mmHg. Incident hypertension was identified as BP ≥140/90 mmHg or patient reported use of antihypertensive drugs on the follow-up visit. The associations of systolic and diastolic BP at baseline with incident hypertension at follow-up were explored in sex specific multivariable logistic regression analyses. Multivariable analysis looking at high-normal diastolic BP was adjusted for baseline BMI, systolic BP, high-normal diastolic BP , heart rate, physical activity, daily smoker, cholesterol, triglycerides. Multivariable analysis looking at high-normal systolic BP was adjusted for baseline BMI, diastolic BP, high normal systolic BP , heart rate, physical activity, daily smoker, cholesterol, triglyceride. Results are presented as odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and p-values. Results At baseline, average BP was 119/73 mmHg in women and 126/76 mmHg in men (p<0.001). A high-normal systolic BP was found in 16% of women and 35% of men (p< 0.001). A high-normal diastolic BP was found in 7% of women and 11% of men(p=0.008). After 26 years of follow-up, 39% of women and 45% of men had developed hypertension (p<0.05). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, high-normal systolic and diastolic BP at baseline predicted incident hypertension at follow up in both sexes (Table 1). High-normal systolic BP was a significantly stronger predictor for incident hypertension in women (OR 2.32, CI 1.5-3.5) with p<0.01 for sex interaction (Table 1). In men, high-normal diastolic BP at baseline, was the strongest predictor of incident hypertension (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.7), but no sex-interaction was found for high-normal diastolic BP, possibly due to low numbers. Conclusions Having a high-normal systolic BP in early midlife is a greater risk for developing hypertension later in life for women than men.Table 1

The effect of nonrestorative sleep on incident hypertension 1–2 years later among middle-aged Hispanics/Latinos

BackgroundInsomnia is known to be a major risk factor for incident hypertension. Nonrestorative sleep (NRS), which refers to insufficiently rested sleep, has reported to associate with various diseases. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between insomnia-related symptoms including NRS and incident hypertension 1–2 years later by age group (young, 18–39 years and middle-age, 40–64 years) using existing cohort data involving Hispanics/Latinos.MethodsThis study included 1100 subjects who had participated in both the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos and its follow-up study, the Sueño Ancillary Study, and met additional eligibility criteria. Incident hypertension was assessed by self-reported history and/or the use of antihypertensives. The Women’s Health Initiative Insomnia Rating Scale (WHIIRS) was used to evaluate insomnia-related symptoms (difficulty initiating sleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, early morning awakening, difficulty returning to sleep, and NRS). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the degree to which insomnia-related symptoms at baseline predicted incident hypertension.ResultsAmong the participants (64% middle-aged, 36% young adults), 140 (12.7%) developed hypertension during the follow-up period. Among the sleep-related symptoms, only NRS predicted incident hypertension after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and physical condition (odds ratio: 1.88, 95% confidence interval: 1.10–3.21, p = 0.022) in middle-aged adults. None of the insomnia-related symptoms were associated with incident hypertension in the young adults. No association was found between WHIIRS-defined insomnia (total score ≥ 9) and incident hypertension in middle-aged adults or young adults.ConclusionThe present findings suggest the importance of focusing on NRS to help prevent the development of hypertension in middle-aged adults.

Obstructive sleep apnoea heterogeneity and cardiovascular disease.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), characterized by recurrent periods of upper airway obstruction and intermittent hypoxaemia, is prevalent in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), and is therefore important to consider in the prevention and management of CVD. Observational studies indicate that OSA is a risk factor for incident hypertension, poorly controlled blood pressure, stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death and all-cause death. However, clinical trials have not provided consistent evidence that treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) improves cardiovascular outcomes. These overall null findings might be explained by limitations in trial design and low levels of adherence to CPAP. Studies have also been limited by the failure to consider OSA as a heterogeneous disorder that consists of multiple subtypes resulting from variable contributions from anatomical, physiological, inflammatory and obesity-related risk factors, and resulting in different physiological disturbances. Novel markers of sleep apnoea-associated hypoxic burden and cardiac autonomic response have emerged as predictors of OSA-related susceptibility to adverse health outcomes and treatment response. In this Review, we summarize our understanding of the shared risk factors and causal links between OSA and CVD and emerging knowledge on the heterogeneity of OSA. We discuss the varied mechanistic pathways that result in CVD that also vary across subgroups of OSA, as well as the potential role of new biomarkers for CVD risk stratification.

High-normal blood pressure in midlife is a stronger risk factor for incident hypertension 26 years later in women than men: the Hordaland Health Study

PurposeTo identify modifiable risk factors in early midlife associated with incident hypertension 26 years later in women and men.Materials and methodsWe used data from 1025 women and 703 men in the community-based Hordaland Health Study examined at the mean age of 42 years (baseline) and after a 26-year follow-up. Patients with hypertension at baseline were excluded. Blood pressure (BP) was classified according to European guidelines. Factors associated with incident hypertension were identified in logistic regression analyses.ResultsAt baseline, women had a lower average BP and a lower prevalence of high-normal BP (19% vs 37%, p < .05). Overall, 39% of women and 45% of men developed hypertension during follow-up (p < .05). Among those with high-normal BP at baseline, 72% of women and 58% of men developed hypertension (p < .01). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, high-normal BP at baseline was a stronger predictor of incident hypertension in women (odds ratio, OR 4.8, [95% confidence interval, CI 3.4–6.9]) than in men (OR 2.1, [95% CI 1.5–2.8]), p < .01 for sex interaction. A higher baseline body mass index (BMI) was associated with incident hypertension in both sexes.ConclusionsHigh-normal BP in midlife is a stronger risk factor for developing hypertension 26 years later in women than in men, independent of BMI.

S-43-6: HYPERTENSION FROM CHILDHOOD TO ADULTHOOD: THE BT20+ STUDY

Background: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and its prevalence among the Sub-Saharan African population has risen extremely in the last decades. Moreover, there is growing evidence that suggest that hypertension has its roots in childhood and adolescence and persist into adulthood. However, the epidemiology of hypertension in the young in a Low to Middle Income Country (LMIC) setting is not fully understood due to paucity of longitudinal data. Thus, we sought to investigate prevalence and new cases of hypertension and to identify risk factors that predict the incidence of hypertension from early childhood in urban black South-African children. Methods: We used data from the Birth to Twenty (BT20+) cohort in Johannesburg, South Africa. This cohort comprised of children born in 1990 and who had their growth, development and blood pressure measured at six follow-up periods over the course of 13 years. Hypertension status was classified using the fourth report of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program. Hypertension incidence rate was calculated using staggered entry survival analysis. We identified risk factors for incident hypertension using multivariable cox proportional hazard regressions. Results: Over a follow-up period of 13 years, the overall point prevalence of hypertension ranged from 8.4 to 24.4 % and cumulative incidence of hypertension was 54.3% (95% CI: 51.8 to 56.8). The overall hypertension incidence rate was 57.0 cases per 1000 person-years (95% CI: 53.2 to 61.1). Furthermore, the risk for incident hypertension increased with a rapid relative weight gain in early childhood (aHR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.22), in mid childhood (aHR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.24) and in adolescence (aHR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.47). An increase in maternal parity significantly increased the risk for incident hypertension (aHR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.15). Conclusion: Rapid weight gain relative to height and higher parity are prominent risk factors for incident hypertension in urban black South African children and adolescents. In order to reduce the high incidence and the disease burden of hypertension, national health programs should focus on promoting healthy lifestyle in early stages of life to curb rapid weight gain. Further research is required to check whether incident hypertension in childhood predict clinical outcomes in adulthood.

Validation of age- and sex-dependent association of uric acid and incident hypertension in rural areas

BackgroundA previous study based on urban areas suggested the age- and sex-dependent association of uric acid (UA) and incident hypertension. We aimed to investigate whether this association is valid even in rural areas with different lifestyle.MethodsData from the cardiovascular disease association study, a prospective cohort study based on rural residents, was analyzed. A total of 4,592 subjects (mean age, 60.1 ± 9.5 years; men, 37.7%) without hypertension were included. We first investigated whether UA was a risk factor for incident hypertension using Cox regression, and then compared the relative risk by stratification according to age and sex.ResultsDuring the follow-up period (mean, 2.0 years), 579 subjects (12.6%) were newly diagnosed with hypertension. The risk factors for incident hypertension were age (Hazard ratios [HR] for ≥ 65, 1.26), systolic blood pressure (HR per 1 mmHg increase, 1.07), and serum UA concentration (HR per 1 mmHg increase, 1.10). The risk of UA-related incident hypertension was higher in the non-elderly than in the elderly for both men and women (HR, 1.74 for non-elderly men; 1.88 for non-elderly women; 1.66 for elderly men; 1.10 for elderly women). Even after adjusting for multiple confounders, the risk of UA-related incident hypertension was significantly higher in non-elderly women (HR, 1.59; P < 0.05).ConclusionsAge- and sex-dependent association of UA with incident hypertension suggested in cohort study based on urban areas was consistently found in rural areas as well. In particular, non-elderly women were at a higher risk for UA-related incident hypertension.

Risk Factors for Incident Hypertension Within 1 Year of Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy Among People with HIV.

Hypertension (HTN) is a common comorbidity among people with HIV and associated with an increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. The relationship of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation to incident HTN remains a clinical question. We determined HTN incidence at 48 weeks of follow-up among ART-naive participants without HTN and not taking antihypertensive medications at ART initiation through randomized clinical trials through the AIDS Clinical Trial Group between 1999 and 2011. We assessed the association of baseline characteristics, including randomized ART agents with HTN incidence at 48 weeks using Poisson regression models. Incident HTN was defined as blood pressure ≥130/80 mmHg, or use of antihypertensive medication. Among 2,614 participants, mean age was 37 ± 10 years, 79% male sex, and 36% African American race. After 48 weeks, 839 participants (32%) developed HTN. Receiving a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) was associated with an increased relative risk (RR) of incident HTN, while the risk was lower for protease inhibitor use. Stavudine and efavirenz were associated with an increased RR of developing HTN, while tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, darunavir/ritonavir, and atazanavir/ritonavir were associated with a decreased risk of developing HTN. Additionally, older age, higher body mass index (BMI), and having hepatitis C were associated with an increased risk for developing HTN, while women and participants with a higher baseline CD4 count were at a decreased risk of developing HTN at 48 weeks. One third of these ART naive participants developed HTN after ART initiation. NNRTIs, notably efavirenz, and stavudine were associated with an increased risk of HTN. Additional factors associated with HTN included traditional factors like older age and higher BMI, and advanced HIV disease (lower CD4 count). (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00001137).

Poor Physical Capacity Combined With High Body Fat Percentage as an Independent Risk Factor for Incident Hypertension in Chinese Suburb-Dwelling Older Adults.

BackgroundThis study examined the effects of poor physical capacity and high body fat percentage (BF%) on the incidence of hypertension in Chinese suburb-dwelling older adults.MethodsThis study was conducted on 368 Chinese suburb-dwelling participants aged ≥ 60 years without hypertension (mean age: 66.74 ± 5.59 years, 48.9% men). Poor physical capacity is defined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria as grip strength < 26 kg for men and < 18 kg for women or walking speed <0.8 m/s. High BF% was defined as values that are greater than the upper tertile for BF% as stratified by sex. The outcome was the incidence of hypertension.ResultsOverall, 5.7% of subjects had both poor physical capacity and high BF%. After the average follow-up duration of 2 years, the incidence of hypertension was 39.7%, and those experiencing both poor physical capacity and high BF% had the highest incidence (81.0%). After multivariate adjustments, the incidence of hypertension was associated with the combination of poor physical capacity and high BF% [odds ratio (OR) = 6.43, 95% CI = 1.91–21.64] but not solely with poor physical capacity (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.55–2.25) or only high BF% (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 0.80–2.34).ConclusionThe combination of poor physical capacity and high BF% can significantly increase the incidence of hypertension in Chinese suburb-dwelling older adults. For hypertension prevention, ideally, we should strive toward decreasing body fat mass while simultaneously improving physical capacity.

Abstract P092: Cell Adhesion Molecules And Incident Hypertension In Black And White Adults: The REasons For Geographic And Racial Differences In Stroke (REGARDS) Study

Background: High C-reactive protein (a nonspecific inflammatory biomarker) is a risk factor for incident hypertension. The role of specific inflammation pathways in hypertension’s origins are unresolved. E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM are cell adhesion molecules expressed by endothelial cells that aid leukocyte adhesion during inflammation. Their association with incident hypertension is unclear. Objective: To determine risk of incident hypertension by level of E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM. Methods: REGARDS enrolled 30,239 Black and White US adults aged ≥45 years from across the continental US in 2003-2006, with a second exam in 2013-2016. The Biomarkers as Mediators of Racial Disparities in Risk Factors (BioMedioR) study included 4,400 REGARDS participants who attended both exams. We excluded participants with hypertension or missing biomarkers of interest at baseline. Hypertension was defined using a 140/90 mm Hg threshold or self-reported use of blood pressure (BP) lowering medications. Modified Poisson regression estimated relative risk (RR) of incident hypertension by baseline E-Selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM. Results: Among 1,923 normotensive participants (mean [SD] age 71 [8] years, 36% Black race, 51% women) with 9 years median follow up, 37% developed hypertension. Baseline E-selectin and ICAM-1 but not VCAM were higher among Black participants and obese participants. In multivariable adjusted models, higher E-selectin was associated with greater risk of incident hypertension among White but not Black adults (P interaction = 0.05) in all but the final model ( Table ). Higher ICAM-1 and VCAM were not associated with risk of hypertension in any model. Conclusion: In a prospective study of Black and White US adults, E-selectin was associated with incident hypertension among White adults except when adjusting for medical comorbidities, including baseline systolic BP. Modification of E-selectin through behavioral interventions or medical therapies might be tested to lower risk of hypertension development.

Abstract 056: Inflammatory Cytokines And Incident Hypertension In The REasons For Geographic And Racial Differences In Stroke (REGARDS) Study

Background: Higher C-reactive protein (CRP) is a risk factor for incident hypertension, but this non-specific inflammatory biomarker does not provide insight into specific immune pathways of hypertension. Here, we studied the role of selected cytokines in risk of incident hypertension to better elucidate these pathways. Objective: To determine the risk for incident hypertension disease among adults by level of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. Methods: REGARDS recruited 30,239 Black and White adults aged ≥45 years from the 48 contiguous states in 2003-07. The Biomarkers as Mediators of Racial Disparities in Risk Factors (BioMedioR) substudy included 4,400 sex-race stratified REGARDS participants who also attendd a visit in 2013-16. We excluded those in BioMedioR with prevalent hypertension: 140/90 mm Hg threshold or self-reported antihypertensive medication use. Serum ELISAs assessed cytokines. Modified Poisson regression estimated relative risk (RR) of incident hypertension by detectable threshold (IL-1β; &gt;0.06 pg/mL) or cytokine tertiles (tertile thresholds [33 rd &amp; 66 th %iles] in pg/mL: IL-6, 0.56 &amp; 0.94; TNF-α, 1.30 &amp; 1.69; IFN-γ, 4.01 &amp; 6.56). IL-1β was stratified on race because of a statistically significant interaction. Results: Among the 1,877 participants at risk for incident hypertension (mean [SD] age 62 [8] years, 36% Black race, 51% women), incident hypertension occurred in 31% of White adults and 45% of Black adults. With full adjustment ( Figure ), higher TNF-α and IFN-γ in everyone, and detectable IL-1β in White but not Black adults, were associated with greater incident hypertension risk. There was no association of higher IL-6 with incident hypertension. Conclusions: Among Black and White adults without prevalent hypertension, higher TNF-α, and IFN-γ, and detectable IL-1β (among White but not Black adults), were associated with greater risk of incident hypertension. Future basic and clinical research should study these inflammatory pathways toward developing hypertension prevention strategies.

Cardiorespiratory effect of Swedish back massage in hypertensive patients: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Chronic stress is one of the main risk factors for incident hypertension. Behavioral methodologies, such as unwinding and rub, have a dramatic effect on controlling the individuals’ reaction to stress, diminishing hypertension and heart rate, as well as changing temperature and respiration rate. Material and methods: 90 patients with primary hypertension were enrolled to this open-label study. The patients have been haphazardly classified into an affect and an intervention cluster. In the two groups, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and respiratory rate) were measured and recorded two times a week before and after a ten-min Swedish back massage and relaxation for six weeks. The records have been accrued using a questionnaire which includes demographic records, a checklist of vital signs (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiratory) record, a fixed manometer and thermometer. Results: Within the experimental group, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory levels reduced to 6.44 and 4.77 mm Hg, 2.9 bpm, 0.94 breaths per minute, respectively (p &lt; 0.001) and temperature increased to 0.08°C after the back massage (p = 0.004). Conclusion: The obtained results show the effectiveness of back massage in reducing blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory as well as increased temperature in the study participants.

Association of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio with risk of incident hypertension.

The triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio is considered a simple surrogate of insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to explore the association of the TG/HDL-C ratio with the risk of incident hypertension and whether the TG/HDL-C ratio mediates the obesity-incident hypertension association. The study analyzed 9679 participants from a rural Chinese population. Demographic and anthropometric and laboratory data were collected at baseline (2007-2008) and follow-up (2013-2014) examinations. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the association of the TG/HDL-C ratio with incident hypertension, estimating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Mediation analysis was performed to examine the contribution of the TG/HDL-C ratio to obesity-related incident hypertension. During a median follow-up of 6.00 years, hypertension developed in 1880/9679 participants (19.42%). The risk of incident hypertension was higher in the highest TG/HDL-C ratio quartile than in the lowest quartile (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.02-1.42). Subgroup analyses showed that the risk of incident hypertension was increased by 30%, 36%, and 33% among women, participants < 60 years old and those with prehypertension at baseline, respectively. The TG/HDL-C ratio partially mediated the obesity-incident hypertension association (indirect effect: OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07; direct effect: OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.16-1.62). The TG/HDL-C ratio may be a risk factor for incident hypertension, especially in women, participants < 60 years old and those with prehypertension. The TG/HDL-C ratio may also play a mediating role in obesity-related incident hypertension.

Incident hypertension after menopause is mostly associated with obesity and insulin resistance

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of hypertension in healthy, non-diabetic recently postmenopausal Greek women with normal renal function. Furthermore, to identify potential predictive risk factors for incident hypertension after menopause.

Diet-Related Risk Factors for Incident Hypertension During an 11-Year Follow-Up: The Korean Genome Epidemiology Study.

Using long-term follow-up cohort data from the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study, we assessed the dietary risk factors for incident hypertension (HTN). In total, 6792 subjects (3300 males and 3492 females) aged 40–69 years were included in the study. Physician-diagnosed HTN self-reported by the participants was used as the outcome. Daily intake of 20 food groups was assessed while using a dish-based semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. After controlling for known risk factors, the food groups that were most closely associated with HTN were identified by forward stepwise selection while using the Cox proportional hazards model. The median follow-up period was 11.5 years (interquartile range, 6.0–11.7 years) and the incidence of HTN was 20 per 1000 person-years. Older age, obesity, lower education level, high alcohol intake, and having at least one parent with HTN were associated with the risk for HTN. In addition, a high intake of salted seafood and a low intake of eggs and meat were independently associated with the incidence of HTN after controlling for the known risk factors. Those in the top quartile of salted seafood intake had a 28% greater risk for incident HTN than those in the bottom quartile. The population-attributable fraction of three dietary factors accounted for 29.0% of the incidence of HTN. A high intake of salted seafood and a low intake of eggs and meat were associated with a greater risk for HTN.

Bidirectional association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hypertension from the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort study

The relation between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hypertension is not fully understood. To examine the effect of the change in NAFLD status on the risk of incident hypertension, and vice versa, 6704 eligible hypertension-free subjects and 9328 NAFLD-free subjects from the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort study at baseline were enrolled in the study. Among the hypertension-free subjects, development and persistence of NAFLD were associated with an increased odds ratio (OR) for incident hypertension (OR: 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26–1.76, P < .0001; OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.27–1.78, P < .0001). However, the resolution of NAFLD was not a risk factor for incident hypertension. Among the NAFLD-free subjects, the risk of new-emerging NAFLD was robust for hypertension status both in no-yes (OR: 1.45, CI: 1.23–1.71) and yes-yes (OR: 1.61, CI: 1.35–1.92). Moreover, stratified analysis by diabetes and overweight/obese for the risk of incident NAFLD showed that incident hypertension (no-yes) and persistent hypertension (yes-yes) were associated with risk of incident NAFLD in subjects without diabetes or overweight/obesity. In the overweight/obese participants, persistent hypertension (yes-yes) was a risk factor for incident NAFLD (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01–1.64, P = .0387). Conclusively, incidence and persistence of NAFLD are associated with increased risk of hypertension, and vice versa.

Primary aldosteronism in the primary care setting.

The aim of the present manuscript is to provide an overview of the most updated studies on the prevalence of primary aldosteronism in primary care and to compare these figures with the actual rate of diagnosis in clinical practice and with the prevalence of primary aldosteronism in specific subgroup of patients. Over the last 20 years the clinical spectrum of low renin hypertension and primary aldosteronism has changed dramatically. Once considered only in the presence of severe hypertension and hypokalemia, it is now well known that primary aldosteronism is not uncommon even in patients with mild forms of hypertension and/or normokalemia. Moreover, recent evidence points toward a large proportion of normotensive study participants as being affected by subclinical primary aldosteronism, which represents a strong risk factor for incident hypertension. Moreover, primary aldosteronism patients are exposed to an increased risk of cardio and cerebrovascular events and metabolic comorbidities compared with patients affected by essential hypertension. Disappointingly, primary aldosteronism remains a largely underdiagnosed and undertreated disorder. These recent findings further highlight the importance of widening the spectrum of patients who should be screened for primary aldosteronism, to reduce the cardiovascular risk associated with this medical condition.

Relationship between subtle urinary albumin excretion and risk of incident hypertension: modification by glomerular filtration rate

It has been reported that an increase in urinary albumin excretion (UAE) within the normal range could be a risk factor for incident hypertension. However, it remains unclear how the subtle increases in UAE and renal function interact in the development of hypertension. We examined the modification of UAE as a risk factor for incident hypertension by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the Japanese population. We prospectively followed 1281 normotensive individuals from Watari town (34.3% men; mean age, 58.0±12.3 years old) whose UAE was <30 mg g−1· Cr. Hypertension was diagnosed as a systolic blood pressure (BP)⩾140 mm Hg and/or a diastolic BP⩾90 mm Hg, or antihypertensive medication use. The relationship between sex-specific quartiles of UAE and incident hypertension was examined with Cox proportional hazard analysis. During a mean follow-up of 3.7 years, 315 individuals developed hypertension. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that a subtle increase in UAE was a risk factor for incident hypertension, but there was a significant interaction between UAE and estimated GFR (eGFR) (P=0.018). The risk of incident hypertension dose dependently increased in the highest eGFR quartile (⩾90 ml min−1 per 1.73 m2). Decline in renal function alone increased the risk of incident hypertension but the increased risk with a subtle increase in UAE became smaller and less clear in the lower eGFR quartiles. The present data suggest that UAE as a risk factor for incident hypertension is largely dependent on eGFR levels.

Impaired fasting glucose predicts the development of hypertension over 6 years in female adults: Results from the rural Chinese cohort study

AimsTo investigate whether impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is an independent risk factor for incident hypertension in a rural Chinese population. MethodsWe selected 9583 eligible participants 18 to 75years old, who were without hypertension and diabetes at baseline (from 2007 to 2008) and were from a rural area in the middle of China. Concentration of fasting glucose at baseline was assessed in quartiles to predict hypertension risk by gender. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for IFG (fasting glucose of 100 to 125mg/dl) associated with hypertension were estimated by logistic regression models. ResultsRisk of hypertension was increased for females with glucose levels in quartile 2 (90–96mg/dl), quartile 3 (96–102mg/dl), and quartile 4 (102–125mg/dl) versus quartile 1 (<90mg/dl): OR=1.27 (95% CI=1.01–1.60), 1.30 (1.04–1.63), and 1.55 (1.24–1.93), respectively. During the 6-year follow-up, the cumulative incidence of hypertension was greater for people with IFG than normal fasting glucose (NFG) at baseline (23.9% vs 18.4%, p<0.001 for males and 23.8% vs 16.4%, p<0.001 for females). Risk of incident hypertension was significantly increased for females with IFG versus NFG (OR=1.23 95% CI=1.05–1.45). ConclusionsIFG may be an independent risk factor for hypertension in normotensive nondiabetic Chinese females.

Incidence and risk factors for hypertension among HIV patients in rural Tanzania - A prospective cohort study.

IntroductionScarce data are available on the epidemiology of hypertension among HIV patients in rural sub-Saharan Africa. We explored the prevalence, incidence and risk factors for incident hypertension among patients who were enrolled in a rural HIV cohort in Tanzania.MethodsProspective longitudinal study including HIV patients enrolled in the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort between 2013 and 2015. Non-ART naïve subjects at baseline and pregnant women during follow-up were excluded from the analysis. Incident hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg on two consecutive visits. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association of baseline characteristics and incident hypertension.ResultsAmong 955 ART-naïve, eligible subjects, 111 (11.6%) were hypertensive at recruitment. Ten women were excluded due to pregnancy. The remaining 834 individuals contributed 7967 person-months to follow-up (median 231 days, IQR 119–421) and 80 (9.6%) of them developed hypertension during a median follow-up of 144 days from time of enrolment into the cohort [incidence rate 120.0 cases/1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval (CI) 97.2–150.0]. ART was started in 630 (75.5%) patients, with a median follow-up on ART of 7 months (IQR 4–14). Cox regression models identified age [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.34 per 10 years increase, 95% CI 1.07–1.68, p = 0.010], body mass index (aHR per 5 kg/m2 1.45, 95% CI 1.07–1.99, p = 0.018) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (aHR < 60 versus ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 3.79, 95% CI 1.60–8.99, p = 0.003) as independent risk factors for hypertension development.ConclusionsThe prevalence and incidence of hypertension were high in our cohort. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors predicted incident hypertension, but no association was observed with immunological or ART status. These data support the implementation of routine hypertension screening and integrated management into HIV programmes in rural sub-Saharan Africa.