Significant Improvement In Systolic Blood Pressure Research Articles

Effects of dietary polyphenol curcumin supplementation on metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress indices in patients with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis for assessing the effectiveness and safety of dietary polyphenol curcumin supplement on metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress indices in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). A comprehensive search for clinical trials was conducted in the following scientific databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and China Biological Medicine. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of curcumin supplement for MetS were identified. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using inverse variance, and efficacy was expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The metabolic syndrome markers that were evaluated in the present study included waist circumference (WC), fasting blood sugar (FBS), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), ultrasensitive c-reactive protein (hsCRP), and malondialdehyde (MDA). By employing the Cochrane tool, RCTs were assessed for bias risk. A total of 785 participants from 13 RCTs were included, with intervention durations ranging from 4 to 12 weeks. Compared with the control group, the curcumin group had positive effects on WC (MD = -2.16, 95% CI: -3.78 to -0.54, p= 0.009, seven studies), FBS (MD = -8.6, 95% CI: -15.45 to -1.75, p = 0.01, nine studies), DBP (MD = -2.8, 95% CI: -4.53 to - 1.06, p = 0.002, five studies), HDL-C (MD = 4.98, 95% CI: 2.58 to 7.38, p < 0.0001, eight studies), TNF-a (MD = -12.97, 95% CI: -18.37 to -7.57, p < 0.00001, two studies), CRP (MD = - 1.24, 95% CI: -1.71 to -0.77, p < 0.00001, two studies), and MDA (MD = -2.35, 95% CI: -4.47 to -0.24, p = 0.03, three studies). These improvements were statistically significant. Meanwhile, there was no significant improvement in SBP (MD = -4.82, 95% CI: -9.98 to 0.35, p = 0.07, six studies), TG (MD = 1.28, 95% CI: -3.75 to 6.30, p=0.62, eight studies), IL-6 (MD = -1.5, 95% CI: -3.97 to 0.97, p = 0.23, two studies), or hsCRP (MD = -1.10, 95% CI: -4.35 to 2.16, p < 0.51, two studies). FBS, SBP, HDL-C, IL-6, CRP, hsCRP, and MDA had a relatively high heterogeneity. Curcumin exhibited promising potential in enhancing markers associated with metabolic syndrome, including inflammation. However, additional studies are required to confirm such findings since the included evidence is limited and has a relatively high heterogeneity. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42022362553.

The Safety and Efficacy of Clonidine in Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Clonidine is a frequently prescribed long-term antihypertensive medication in hemodialysis (HD) patients in the USA, but its safety and efficacy has not been clearly established in the HD population. Objective: To evaluate, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the safety and efficacy of clonidine in HD patients. Methods: Keyword search of “clonidine” and “dialysis” was conducted through April 2021 in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Inclusion criteria were as follows – study design: randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, prospective studies, retrospective studies, or case series; subjects: adult HD patients; main outcome: blood pressure (BP) and safety; language: English; and article type: peer-reviewed publications. Studies that examined the effects of clonidine in populations other than adult HD patients were excluded. Meta-analysis was performed on BP reduction outcomes. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, including prospective pre-post studies (2), double-blind controlled trial (1), single-blinded placebo-controlled trial (1), crossover open-label clinical trial (1), retrospective analysis (1), and case report series (2). Three studies included in the meta-analysis ranged from 2 to 12 weeks duration, with a collective sample size of 24 (ages 12–77 years). Risk of bias, assessed using the ROBINS-1 tool, was high for all included studies. Significant adverse effects reported included hypotension, light-headedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, rebound hypertension, and contact dermatitis from patch application. Short-term clonidine use was associated with significant improvement in systolic BP (pooled effect: −12.985 mm Hg, 95% CI [−7.878, −18.092], p < 0.001), while changes in diastolic BP were not statistically significant (−11.119 mm Hg, 95% CI [−22.725, 0.487], p = 0.060). No data currently support the long-term efficacy of clonidine in HD patients. This study was unfunded and was developed using PRISMA guidelines and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42018112042). Conclusions: There is no evidence supporting the long-term use of clonidine in the HD population and a significant side-effect profile. There is low-quality evidence demonstrating the efficacy of clonidine in lowering BP in HD patients in short-term use, but significant safety concerns remain. Fluid removal strategies and other antihypertensives should be used over clonidine for long-term BP control in the HD population.

MHealth guideline training for non-communicable diseases in primary care facilities in Nigeria: a mixed methods pilot study

ObjectiveTo pilot the use of a scalable innovative mobile health (mHealth) non-communicable diseases (NCDs) training application for nurses at the primary care level.DesignMixed methods pilot of mHealth training on NCD...

Hemodynamics in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) Patients Undergoing Rapid Sequence Intubation With Etomidate or Ketamine.

Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is performed by helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) providers to establish airway control. Common induction agents are etomidate and ketamine, both touted to have relatively stable hemodynamic profiles. Limited data comparing these medications in the air medical setting exist. Compare administration of ketamine and etomidate on peri-intubation hemodynamics. A retrospective chart review of intubations performed by a HEMS program over 69 months was completed. Heart rate (HR) change, systolic blood pressure (SBP) change, and hypotension with etomidate or ketamine use were measured. There were 258 patients induced with etomidate and 48 with ketamine. Etomidate patients showed a +1.161% change in HR (SD ± 22.7) and -0.49% change in SBP (SD ± 25.0). Ketamine patients showed a -4.7% change in HR (SD ± 16.7) and 17.2% change in SBP (SD ± 43.4). The p-values for percentage change in HR and SBP between etomidate and ketamine were 0.0830 and 0.0018, respectively. Twenty-five episodes of postadministration hypotension occurred with etomidate, and two with ketamine (p=0.028). Both ketamine and etomidate are appropriate for intubation of HEMS patients. Ketamine was preferentially selected for hypotensive patients with statistically significant improvement in SBP. Although statistically significant, both ketamine and etomidate had relative low incidences of hypotension.

Benefits of different combinations of aerobic and resistance exercise for improving plasma glucose and lipid metabolism and sleep quality among elderly patients with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Exercise has beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the exercise prescriptions that best support plasma glucose and lipid control remain unknown. We evaluated the effects of different combinations of aerobic and resistance training programs on plasma glucose and lipid metabolism and sleep quality in elderly MS patients. Eighty-five elderly MS patients were randomly assigned to five groups: aerobic training (AT), resistance training (RT), high aerobic with low resistance training (HALRT), high resistance with low aerobic training (HRLAT), or control. The exercise groups performed supervised moderate-intensity exercise during three 50-min sessions per week for 12 weeks. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), handgrip strength (HGS), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (2hPG), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and sleep quality were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks. All intervention groups showed significant improvements in SBP, HGS, FPG, 2hPG, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores compared to baseline (all p < 0.05), while DBP, TC, TG, and LDL-C levels were significantly improved only in the HRLAT and HALRT groups (p < 0.05). The HALRT group showed the largest improvements in WC, SBP, DBP, HGS, FPG, 2hPG, and PSQI score (p < 0.001). The largest improvements in BMI, TC, and LDL-C were observed in the HRLAT group (p < 0.001). The combined exercise prescriptions were more effective than aerobic or resistance training alone at improving plasma glucose and lipid metabolism and sleep quality in elderly MS patients.

Abstract 11904: Heart Health for South Asians: Improved Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Outcomes With a Culturally Tailored Health Education Program

Introduction: The Kaiser Permanente (KP) Northern California Heart Health for South Asians (HHSA) Program is a two-hour educational class offered at KP Santa Clara, California. The class provides culturally relevant lifestyle and dietary recommendations to South Asian patients, in an effort to reduce the known disproportionate burden of cardiovascular (CV) disease in this population. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the HHSA Program on CV risk factors and major adverse CV events (MACE). Methods: A retrospective cohort study identified 1517 participants of South Asian descent, age ≥ 18 years old from 2006-2019. We evaluated the change in individual risk factors with program attendance (median follow up of 6.9 years) for the following variables: systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglycerides (TG), LDL, HDL, BMI, and HbA1c. We also performed a propensity matched analysis to evaluate differences in MACE including stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), coronary revascularization, and all-cause mortality. Results: Differences in individual risk factors are outlined in figure 1A and show a significant improvement in SBP, DBP, TG, LDL, HDL and HbA1c at follow up. In the propensity matched analysis, there was a statistically significant reduction in revascularization (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.78, p= 0.011) and mortality (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.22-0.79, p= 0.008), a trend towards reduction in stroke (OR 0.22 , 95% CI 0.05-1.03, p= 0.054), and no statistically significant difference in the rate of MI (OR 0.93 , 95% CI 0.43-1.98, p= 0.85) (Figure 1B). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the efficacy of a culturally tailored South Asian health education program in improving CV risk factors and reducing MACE. The program highlights the importance and value of providing culturally tailored, motivational health education in primary CV disease prevention.

TO STUDY EFFICACY OF BLOOD PRESSURE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM IN PATIENTS WITH KNOWN HISTORY OF HYPERTENSION FOR PUNE REGION: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Context: Hypertension (HTN) has been gaining more importance, due to rising apprehension of its causative func- tion in cardiovascular complications like stroke, coronary artery disease. Blood Pressure Management Program (BPMP) is a combination of Panchakarma and allied therapies and herbal drug therapy. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of BPMP on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), body mass index (BMI) and dependency on conventional therapy in HTN Patients. Settings and Design: This retrospective study was conducted in July 2017, wherein the data of HTN patients who attended out-patient departments (OPDs) at Madhavbaug clinics in Pune, Maharashtra, India were identified. Methods and Material: Data of patients who were administered BPMP (60-75 minutes) with a minimum of 6 sittings over 90 days (± 15 days) were considered. Variables were compared between day 1 and day 90 of BPMP. Statistical analysis Used: Data were pooled and coded in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. R Version 3.4.1 software was used to analyse the data. Results: Out of 30 enrolled patients, 28 were males while 2 were females. BPMP showed significant improvement in SBP by 19.22% (from 144.73 ± 15.54 to 121.4 ± 14.34; p&lt;0.001), DBP by 14.34% (from 86.06± 9.94 to 75.26 ± 6.35, p&lt; 0.001), MAP by 17.31% (from 105.82 ± 11.20 to 90.20 ± 6.40, p&lt;0.001). BMI (26.36 ± 3.38 kg/m2 to 25.59 ± 3.07 kg/m2), also showed significant reduction. Dependency on concomitant medicines was reduced, with the number of patients on no concomitant medicines increasing from 13% to 30%. Conclusions: BPMP can be an effective option for the management of HTN patients, along with conventional allopathic medications. Keywords: Blood pressure management program, BPMP, Panchakarma, Hypertension, Blood pressure, Systolic, Diastolic, Mean arterial pressure, Alternative medicine.

Blood Pressure Visit Intensification in Treatment (BP-Visit) Findings: a Pragmatic Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial.

Shortening time between office visits for patients with uncontrolled hypertension represents a potential strategy for improving blood pressure (BP). We evaluated the impact of multimodal strategies on time between visits and on improvement in systolic BP (SBP) among patients with uncontrolled hypertension. We used a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial with three wedges involving 12 federally qualified health centers with three study periods: pre-intervention, intervention, and post-intervention. Adult patients with diagnosed hypertension and two BPs ≥ 140/90 pre-randomization and at least one visit during post-randomization control period (N = 4277). The core intervention included three, clinician hypertension group-based trainings, monthly clinician feedback reports, and monthly meetings with practice champions to facilitate implementation. The main measures were change in time between visits when BP was not controlled and change in SBP. A secondary planned outcome was changed in BP control among all hypertension patients in the practices. Median follow-up times were 34, 32, and 32 days and the mean SBPs were 142.0, 139.5, and 139.8 mmHg, respectively. In adjusted analyses, the intervention did not improve time to the next visit compared with control periods, HR = 1.01 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.04). SBP was reduced by 1.13 mmHg (95% CI: -2.10, -0.16), but was not maintained during follow-up. Hypertension control (< 140/90) in the practices improved by 5% during intervention (95% CI: 2.6%, 7.3%) and was sustained post-intervention 5.4% (95% CI: 2.6%, 8.2%). The intervention failed to shorten follow-up time for patients with uncontrolled BP and showed very small, statistically significant improvements in SBP that were not sustained. However, the intervention showed statistically and clinically relevant improvement in hypertension control suggesting that the intervention affected clinician decision-making regarding BP control apart from visit frequency. Future practice initiatives should consider hypertension control as a primary outcome. www.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02164331.

Efficacy of Text Messaging and Personal Consultation by Pharmacy Students Among Adults With Hypertension: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundHypertension is one of the leading risk factors for ischemic heart diseases, and high rates of hypertension prevalence have either remained the same or increased in developing countries in recent years. Unfortunately, about 20% to 50% of patients with chronic diseases have been nonadherent to their drug therapy. SMS text messaging and pharmacy student–led consultations have the potential to help patients manage their blood pressure (BP).ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of SMS text messaging and consultation to manage the BP of Chinese patients with hypertension.MethodsWe conducted a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial among patients with hypertension in Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province, China, and recruited 384 patients from 8 community health care centers. Patients were randomized into an intervention group to receive SMS text messages and consultations or into a control group to receive usual care for 3 months. We sent SMS text messages at 3-day intervals and collected data at baseline (including demographics, clinical outcomes, medication complexity, side effects, patient behavior, knowledge about hypertension, BP, and medication adherence) and the 3-month follow-up (including BP, medication adherence, and knowledge about hypertension).ResultsWe assessed 445 patients with hypertension and excluded 61 patients who were not eligible or who had not filled out their questionnaires. The mean age of the patients was 68.5 (SD 7.9) years in the intervention group and 69.4 (SD 9.7) years in the control group, and the sample was primarily female (265/384, 69.0%). Patients in the intervention group showed significant improvements in systolic BP (SBP; mean 134.5 mm Hg, SD 15.5 mm Hg vs mean 140.7 mm Hg, SD 15.2 mm Hg; P=.001), medication adherence (mean 7.4, SD 1.2 vs mean 7.0, SD 1.3; P=.04), and knowledge about hypertension (mean 6.3, SD 0.9 vs mean 5.9, SD 1.2; P=.004) compared with those in the control group. In measures of diastolic BP (DBP), the two arms showed nonsignificant improvements (mean 78.2 mm Hg, SD 9.0 mm Hg vs mean 77.2 mm Hg, SD 10.3 mm Hg; P=.06). In total, 176 patients had controlled BP at the 3-month follow-up (98 patients in the intervention group vs 78 patients in the control group), but it was nonsignificant (P=.08).ConclusionsThe use of SMS text messaging and consultation to manage SBP and improve medication adherence is effective, feasible, and acceptable among Chinese patients with hypertension, although a significant difference was not observed with regard to DBP. It is important to maximize the potential of SMS text messaging and consultation by increasing the feasibility and acceptance of mobile interventions and conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis on this method.Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900026862; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=42717.

Efficacy of an Electronic Health Management Program for Patients With Cardiovascular Risk: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundIn addition to medication, health behavior management is crucial in patients with multiple risks of cardiovascular mortality.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the efficacy of a 3-month Smart Management Strategy for Health–based electronic program (Smart Healthing).MethodsA 2-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of Smart Healthing in 106 patients with at least one indicator of poor disease control and who had hypertension, diabetes, or hypercholesterolemia. The intervention group (n=53) took part in the electronic program, which was available in the form of a mobile app and a Web-based PC application. The program covered 4 areas: self-assessment, self-planning, self-learning, and self-monitoring by automatic feedback. The control group (n=53) received basic educational material concerning disease control. The primary outcome was the percentage of participants who achieved their clinical indicator goal after 12 weeks into the program: glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <7.0%, systolic blood pressure (SBP) <140 mmHg, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol <130 mg/dL.ResultsThe intervention group showed a significantly higher success rate (in comparison with the control group) for achieving each of 3 clinical indicators at the targeted goal levels (P<.05). Only the patients with hypertension showed a significant improvement in SBP from the baseline as compared with the control group (72.7% vs 35.7%; P<.05). There was a significant reduction in HbA1c in the intervention group compared with the control group (difference=0.54%; P≤.05). In the intervention group, 20% of patients with diabetes exhibited a ≥1% decrease in HbA1c (vs 0% among controls; P≤.05).ConclusionsA short-term self-management strategy-based electronic program intervention may improve clinical outcomes among patients with cardiovascular risks.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03294044; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03294044

Effect of Pycnogenol on Blood Pressure: Findings From a PRISMA Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Studies.

Results of previous clinical trials evaluating the effect of pycnogenol supplementation on blood pressure (BP) are controversial. Therefore, we aimed to assess the impact of pycnogenol on BP through a systematic review of literature and meta-analysis of available randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies (randomized clinical trials [RCTs]). Literature search included SCOPUS, PubMed-Medline, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases up to January 10, 2019 to identify RCTs investigating the impact of pycnogenol on BP. Two investigators independently extracted data on study characteristics, methods, and outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis is registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under number CRD42018112172. Overall, the impact of pycnogenol on BP was reported in 7 trials involving 626 participants. Meta-analysis did not suggest any significant improvement in systolic BP (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -0.028 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.182 to 0.127; P = .726; I2 = 46%), diastolic BP (WMD: -0.144 mm Hg; 95% CI: -0.299 to 0.010; P = .067; I2 = 0%), mean arterial pressure (WMD: -0.091 mm Hg; 95% CI: -0.246 to 0.063; P = .246; I2 = 0%), and pulse pressure (WMD: -0.003 mm Hg; 95% CI: -0.151 to 0.158; P = .966; I2 = 0%) following pycnogenol treatment. Results persisted in the leave-one-out sensitivity analysis. Therefore, the present meta-analysis does not suggest any significant effect of pycnogenol on BP.

Systematic Review for the 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Objective To review the literature systematically and perform meta-analyses to address these questions: 1) Is there evidence that self-measured blood pressure (BP) without other augmentation is superior to office-based measurement of BP for achieving better BP control or for preventing adverse clinical outcomes that are related to elevated BP? 2) What is the optimal target for BP lowering during antihypertensive therapy in adults? 3) In adults with hypertension, how do various antihypertensive drug classes differ in their benefits and harms compared with each other as first-line therapy? Methods Electronic literature searches were performed by Doctor Evidence, a global medical evidence software and services company, across PubMed and EMBASE from 1966 to 2015 using key words and relevant subject headings for randomized controlled trials that met eligibility criteria defined for each question. We performed analyses using traditional frequentist statistical and Bayesian approaches, including random-effects Bayesian network meta-analyses. Results Our results suggest that: 1) There is a modest but significant improvement in systolic BP in randomized controlled trials of self-measured BP versus usual care at 6 but not 12 months, and for selected patients and their providers self-measured BP may be a helpful adjunct to routine office care. 2) systolic BP lowering to a target of <130 mm Hg may reduce the risk of several important outcomes including risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and major cardiovascular events. No class of medications (ie, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, or beta blockers) was significantly better than thiazides and thiazide-like diuretics as a first-line therapy for any outcome.

Effect of 1-Week Yoga-Based Residential Program on Cardiovascular Variables of Hypertensive Patients: A Comparative Study.

Introduction:Hypertension (HTN) is an important public health concern and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Yoga is a form of mind–body medicine shown to be effective in controlling blood pressure (BP) and reduces cardiac risk factors in HTN. Integrated approach of Yoga therapy (IAYT) is a residential yoga-based lifestyle intervention proven to be beneficial in several health conditions. Aim: To study the efficacy of 1 week of residential IAYT intervention on cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive patients.Methodology:Twenty hypertensive individuals (7 females) within age range between 30 and 60 years (average; 46.62 ± 9.9 years), who underwent 1 week of IAYT treatment for HTN, were compared with age- gender-matched non-IAYT group (5 females; average age; 47.08 ± 9.69 years) in terms of systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and total peripheral vascular resistance (TPVR), IAYT program consisted of sessions of asanas, breathing practices, meditation and relaxation techniques, low salt, low-calorie diet, devotional session, and counseling. Individuals in non-IAYT group followed their normal routine. All the variables were assessed before and after one week. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. RM-ANOVA was applied to assess within group and between group changes after intervention.Results:There was a significant improvement in SBP (P = 0.004), DBP (P = 0.008), MAP (0.03), BRS (P < 0.001), and TPVR (P = 0.007) in IAYT, group whereas in control group, we did not find significant difference in any of the variables. Between-group comparison showed a significant improvement in SBP (P = 0.038), BRS (P = 0.034), and TPVR (P = 0.015) in IAYT group as compared to non-IAYT group.Conclusion:One-week IAYT intervention showed an improvement in baroreflex sensitivity, systolic BP, and total peripheral vascular resistance in hypertensive patients. However, further randomized control trials need to be performed to confirm the present findings.

To Study Efficacy of Blood Pressure Management Program (BPMP) in Male Elderly Patients with Known Case of Hypertension: An Observational Study

Around 20% of the population are in prehypertension stage, and nearly 40% of the adult population from Hypertension (HTN). Blood Pressure Management Program (BPMP) is an Ayurvedic treatment strategy using <i>Panchakarma</i>. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of BPMP on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), body mass index (BMI) and dependency on conventional therapy in elderly male patients of HTN. This observational study was conducted from January 2017 to February 2018, wherein the data of HTN patients who attended <i>Madhavbaug clinics in Maharashtra, India</i> were identified. Data of patients who were administered BPMP (60-75 minutes) with minimum 6 sittings over 90 days (± 15 days) were considered. Variables were compared between day 1 and day 90 of BPMP. Out of 29 enrolled patients, 24 were finally selected for analysis. BPMP showed significant improvement in SBP by 24.66 (from 150.67 ±12.97 to 126 ± 13.01; p<0.001), DBP by 10.8 (from 87.7917 ±7.72 to 76.917 ±7.59, p< 0.001), MAP by 15.4 (from 108.75 ±7.14 to 93.25 ±8.72, p<0.001). BMI (25.7275 ±2.63 kg/m2 to 24.91 ±2.32 kg/m2), also showed significant reduction. Dependency on concomitant medicines was reduced, with the number of patients on no concomitant medicines increasing from 19% to 29%. BPMP can serve as an effective therapeutic regiment to combat HTN in elderly male patients.

Systematic Review for the 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines.

To review the literature systematically and perform meta-analyses to address these questions: 1) Is there evidence that self-measured blood pressure (BP) without other augmentation is superior to office-based measurement of BP for achieving better BP control or for preventing adverse clinical outcomes that are related to elevated BP? 2) What is the optimal target for BP lowering during antihypertensive therapy in adults? 3) In adults with hypertension, how do various antihypertensive drug classes differ in their benefits and harms compared with each other as first-line therapy? Electronic literature searches were performed by Doctor Evidence, a global medical evidence software and services company, across PubMed and EMBASE from 1966 to 2015 using key words and relevant subject headings for randomized controlled trials that met eligibility criteria defined for each question. We performed analyses using traditional frequentist statistical and Bayesian approaches, including random-effects Bayesian network meta-analyses. Our results suggest that: 1) There is a modest but significant improvement in systolic BP in randomized controlled trials of self-measured BP versus usual care at 6 but not 12 months, and for selected patients and their providers self-measured BP may be a helpful adjunct to routine office care. 2) systolic BP lowering to a target of <130 mm Hg may reduce the risk of several important outcomes including risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and major cardiovascular events. No class of medications (ie, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, or beta blockers) was significantly better than thiazides and thiazide-like diuretics as a first-line therapy for any outcome.

Effect of lifestyle interventions on cardiovascular risk factors among adults without impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Structured lifestyle interventions can reduce diabetes incidence and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among persons with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), but it is unclear whether they should be implemented among persons without IGT. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses to assess the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions on CVD risk among adults without IGT or diabetes. We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and PsychInfo databases, from inception to May 4, 2016. We selected randomized controlled trials of lifestyle interventions, involving physical activity (PA), dietary (D), or combined strategies (PA+D) with follow-up duration ≥12 months. We excluded all studies that included individuals with IGT, confirmed by 2-hours oral glucose tolerance test (75g), but included all other studies recruiting populations with different glycemic levels. We stratified studies by baseline glycemic levels: (1) low-range group with mean fasting plasma glucose (FPG) <5.5mmol/L or glycated hemoglobin (A1C) <5.5%, and (2) high-range group with FPG ≥5.5mmol/L or A1C ≥5.5%, and synthesized data using random-effects models. Primary outcomes in this review included systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG). Totally 79 studies met inclusion criteria. Compared to usual care (UC), lifestyle interventions achieved significant improvements in SBP (-2.16mmHg[95%CI, -2.93, -1.39]), DBP (-1.83mmHg[-2.34, -1.31]), TC (-0.10mmol/L[-0.15, -0.05]), LDL-C (-0.09mmol/L[-0.13, -0.04]), HDL-C (0.03mmol/L[0.01, 0.04]), and TG (-0.08mmol/L[-0.14, -0.03]). Similar effects were observed among both low-and high-range study groups except for TC and TG. Similar effects also appeared in SBP and DBP categories regardless of follow-up duration. PA+D interventions had larger improvement effects on CVD risk factors than PA alone interventions. In adults without IGT or diabetes, lifestyle interventions resulted in significant improvements in SBP, DBP, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TG, and might further reduce CVD risk.

Comparative evaluation of ACE inhibitors with or without statins in the treatment of essential hypertension in a tertiary care teaching hospital at Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Background: The beneficial effects of statins on the vasculature are present early after statin administration and appear to be independent of their cholesterol-lowering actions. The pleiotropic effects of statins have prompted this study to evaluate their role in hypertension. Objective: To compare the antihypertensive effects of ACE inhibitors either alone or in combination with statins in a tertiary care teaching hospital at Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in 20 hypertensive patients by the Pharmacology Department in Medicine OPD at Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (SGRRIM & HS), Dehradun, for 1 year from January 2012 to December 2012. Initially, patients were stabilized for 4 weeks by ACE inhibitors and then subdivided into two groups. Group I: ACE inhibitors (n = 10) and Group II: ACE inhibitors + statins (n = 10). Patients were followed up every 4 weeks for 16 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), waist hip ratio (WHR), and body mass index (BMI) were done every visit. Lipid profile was done at 4 and 16 weeks. Primary end points were changes in SBP and DBP. Secondary end points were changes in BMI, WHR, and lipid profile. Analysis was done by paired and unpaired t test. p ≤ 0.05 was significant. Results: At 4 and 16 weeks, SBP in Group I was 131.6 ± 3.42 and 123.8 ± 2.24 mmHg (p 0.05).At 4 and 16 weeks, lipid profile in Group I was insignificant (p > 0.05), in Group II was significant (p 0.05). Conclusion: Both groups showed significant improvement in SBP and DBP. But no significant difference was seen on intergroup comparison at the end of the study period. Longer-duration studies with larger sample size are needed to establish the role of statins in hypertension.

Linking clinic and home: a randomized, controlled clinical effectiveness trial of real-time, wireless blood pressure monitoring for older patients with kidney disease and hypertension.

Older adults with chronic kidney disease have a high rate of uncontrolled hypertension. Home monitoring of blood pressure (BP) is an integral part of management, but requires that patients bring records to clinic visits. Telemonitoring interventions, however, have not targeted older, less technologically-skilled populations. Veterans with stage 3 or greater chronic kidney disease and uncontrolled hypertension were randomized to a novel telemonitoring device pairing a Bluetooth-enabled BP cuff with an Internet-enabled hub, which wirelessly transmitted readings (n=28), or usual care (n=15). Home recordings were reviewed weekly and telemonitoring participants were contacted if BP was above goal. The prespecified primary endpoints were improved data exchange and device acceptability. Secondary endpoint was BP change. Forty-three participants (average age 68 years, 75% white) completed the 6-month study. Average start-of-study BP was 147/78 mmHg. Those in the intervention arm had a median of 29 (IQR 22, 53) transmitted BP readings per month, with 78% continuing to use the device regularly, whereas only 20% of those in the usual care group brought readings to in-person visits. The median number of telephone contacts triggered by the wireless monitoring was 2 (IQR 1, 4) per patient. Both groups had a significant improvement in systolic BP (P<0.05, for both changes); systolic BP fell a median of 13 mmHg in monitored participants compared with 8.5 mmHg in usual care participants (P for comparison 0.31). This low-cost wireless monitoring strategy led to greater sharing of data between patients and clinic and produced a trend toward improvements in BP control over usual care at 6 months.

Quality indicators of diabetes care: an example of remote‐area Aboriginal primary health care over 10 years

To describe service characteristics of Derby Aboriginal Health Service (DAHS) and document diabetes management activities and intermediate clinical outcomes for Aboriginal patients with type 2 diabetes. Retrospective audit of records for patients ≥ 15 years old who had a confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, received primary health care from DAHS for at least 6 continuous months between 1 July 1999 and 30 June 2009, resided in the Derby area and were not on renal replacement therapy. Electronic records of blood pressure (BP), glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)) level, weight, albumin-creatinine ratio, creatinine level or estimated glomerular filtration rate, lipid levels and smoking status during each audit year; and proportions of patients who met clinical targets for HbA(1c), BP and cholesterol. Over the 10 years, the proportion of clinical care activities undertaken according to regional protocols increased significantly, with very high levels recorded in the last 3 years (at least 70% of patients had each activity recorded). There were significant improvements in systolic BP, diastolic BP and cholesterol levels over the 10 years (P < 0.001 for all). In the final year, 69% of patients had at least half their BP measurements ≤ 130/80 mmHg and 83% had median annual cholesterol levels of < 5.5 mmol/L. There were small improvements in HbA(1c) levels that approached statistical significance (P = 0.05). In the final year, 34% of patients had median annual HbA(1c) levels of ≤ 7.0%. This study shows that diabetes monitoring and outcomes can be improved and maintained over a 10-year period in a well supported remote Aboriginal community-controlled health service setting.

Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drug Withdrawal in Patients with Stable Rheumatoid Arthritis

To evaluate the effect of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) withdrawal on blood pressure (BP), 44-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS44), and functional assessments in patients with stable rheumatoid arthritis (RA). NSAID was withdrawn from 30 patients with stable RA (DAS44 ≤ 2.8). Other prescribed medication continued. Clinical and laboratory measures were taken at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. No participants required NSAID reintroduction during the study period. Significant improvement in systolic BP was noted: maximal median reduction was 7 mm Hg (baseline to 12 weeks). There was no significant deterioration in DAS44 or function. Eleven participants required additional intervention. NSAID withdrawal resulted in improvement in BP without loss of disease control.