Single Antihypertensive Agent Research Articles

A Reappraisal of the Effects of L-type Ca2+ Channel Blockers on Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry and Heart Failure.

Dihydropyridines such as amlodipine are widely used as antihypertensive agents, being prescribed to ∼70 million Americans and >0.4 billion adults worldwide. Dihydropyridines block voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in resistance vessels, leading to vasodilation and a reduction in blood pressure. Various meta-analyses show that dihydropyridines are relatively safe and effective in reducing hypertension. The use of dihydropyridines has recently been called into question as these drugs appear to activate store-operated Ca2+ entry in fura-2-loaded nonexcitable cells, trigger vascular remodeling, and increase heart failure, leading to the questioning of their clinical use. Given that hypertension is the dominant "silent killer" across the globe affecting ∼1.13 billion people, removal of Ca2+ channel blockers as antihypertensive agents has major health implications. Here, we show that amlodipine has marked intrinsic fluorescence, which further increases considerably inside cells over an identical excitation spectrum as fura-2, confounding the ability to measure cytosolic Ca2+. Using longer wavelength Ca2+ indicators, we find that concentrations of Ca2+ channel blockers that match therapeutic levels in serum of patients do not activate store-operated Ca2+ entry. Antihypertensive Ca2+ channel blockers at pharmacological concentrations either have no effect on store-operated channels, activate them indirectly through store depletion or inhibit the channels. Importantly, a meta-analysis of published clinical trials and a prospective real-world analysis of patients prescribed single antihypertensive agents for 6 mo and followed up 1 yr later both show that dihydropyridines are not associated with increased heart failure or other cardiovascular disorders. Removal of dihydropyridines for treatment of hypertension cannot therefore be recommended.

Medication Adherence in Patients With Uncontrolled Hypertension & Hypertensive Crisis Presenting to a Hospital Setting in Karachi, Pakistan.

Hypertension is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Non-adherence to antihypertensive medications contributes to poorly controlled hypertension while also increasing the risk of hypertensive crisis. The aim of our study was thus to estimate the frequency of adherence to antihypertensive medications in our population and also see if an association exists between adherence and the development of a hypertensive crisis. This cross-sectional study was undertaken on patients admitted to Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, between July 2020 and March 2022. All patients with uncontrolled hypertension with systolic blood pressure >140 and diastolic blood pressure >90 who were admitted through the emergency department were included.A systolic blood pressure over 180mmHg or diastolic blood pressure over 120mmHg, with or without end-organ damage was used to define a hypertensive crisis. Adherence to medications was assessed using the 4-item Morisky Green Levine (MGL) scale.Each item was scored as 1 and then added together to get a final score out of 4 with a score of ≥3 signifying adherence while a cumulative score of 0, 1,or 2 was classified as non-adherence. We found that 64% of the cohort were adherent to their medications while 93 (36%) were non-adherent. The most common comorbid condition was found to be diabetes mellitus (54.8%). Around 146 (64.6%)patients were on a single anti-hypertensive agent. Depression as calculated according to the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) was seen in 133 (51.2%) of our cohort while 147 (56.5%) had anxiety. Similar rates of adherence were seen amongst males (49.1%) and females (50.9%). The highest level of adherence was seen in the 61 to 75 years age group (34.9%) and in those with university-level education (30.6%). We also found a statistically significant association between adherence to antihypertensive medications with anxiety (p-value=0.048). Moreover, in the hypertensive crisis group, 40.7% of the patients were adherent to their antihypertensive medications while 54.8% were found to be non-adherent, with the p-value reaching statistical significance (p-value=0.028). We found a higher rate of adherence (64%) in this inpatient hypertensive population as compared to previous studies in our population. We also found that non-adherence is a risk factor for the development of a hypertensive crisis. Therefore, at clinic visits, physicians should assess their patient's adherence to antihypertensive medications to prevent the development of a hypertensive crisis.

ODP271 Primary Aldosteronism and Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Report of Dual Endocrine Hypertension

Abstract Background Primary aldosteronism (PA) is one of the common causes of secondary hypertension. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a less common etiology of secondary hypertension. The concomitance of both PA and PHPT is very rare, with a possible bilateral positive feedback loop between the adrenal cortex and the parathyroid gland[1]. Clinical case: A 64-year-old female was referred to the endocrine clinic for secondary hypertension assessment. She was diagnosed with hypertension 30 years earlier, poorly controlled on three antihypertensive medications, nifedipine 90 mg daily, lisinopril 40 mg daily, and atenolol 50 mg daily. She started experiencing muscle cramps two years prior to the referral and was found to be hypokalemic on multiple occasions, with potassium ranging between 2.5 to 3 mmol/L. She also had multiple admissions to the emergency department for hypertensive urgencies within the last year. Family history was positive for poorly controlled hypertension in the patient's mother. Physical examination showed class I obesity with a BMI of 31, but otherwise unremarkable. Workup showed elevated aldosterone concentration of 38 ng/dl and suppressed renin concentration (<1 pg/ml) with an aldosterone/renin ratio of 38. Overnight dexamethasone suppression test was normal (cortisol of 1.5 mcg/dl, suppressed ACTH of 5.5 pg/ml, and appropriately elevated dexamethasone of 324 ng/dl). 24-hour urine metanephrine and normetanephrine levels were normal. Imaging showed bilateral adrenal adenomas of about 13-14 mm in widest diameter, with an average density of 10 Hounsfield units. Adrenal venous sampling revealed hyperfunctioning left adrenal with normal right adrenal. The left adrenal gland was removed laparoscopically, and blood pressure normalized postoperatively on the single antihypertensive agent (lisinopril). Interestingly, during the initial workup, the patient also had elevated calcium of 11 mg/dl and low phosphate at 2.5 mg/dl. In addition, parathyroid hormone (PTH) was elevated at 103 and 95 pg/ml on two occasions, with normal 25-OH vitamin D levels. 24-hoururine calcium was 240mg/dl, and creatinine in urine was 76.4 mg/dl. The calcium creatinine clearance ratio was 2.5%. Diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism was made. She had no renal stone, chronic kidney disease, or fractures, with a normal DEXA scan. There was no current indication for parathyroidectomy, and the patient continued to be followed up in the clinic. Clinical lesson: Recent evidence shows cross-talk between the adrenal cortex and parathyroid gland. Our patient may represent such a case, with concomitance of two rare endocrinopathies resulting in difficult-to-control hypertension [1,2]. Thus it is essential to investigate multiple etiologies of secondary hypertension. Reference: Brown JM, Vaidya A. Interactions between adrenal-regulatory and calcium-regulatory hormones in human health. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes . 2014;21(3): 193-201. doi: 10.1097/MED. 0000000000000062 Maniero C, Fassina A, Guzzardo V, et al. Primary hyperparathyroidism with concurrent primary aldosteronism. Hypertension. 2011 Sep;58(3): 341-6. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.111.173948. Epub 2011 Aug 8. PMID: 21825220. Presentation: No date and time listed

Prescribing Patterns of Antihypertensive Agents and Blood Pressure Control Among Patients With Incident Stage 2 Hypertension.

Background: Initiation of appropriate antihypertensive therapy is crucial, particularly among patients with stage 2 hypertension, whom initiation of dual antihypertensive agents is suggested. Little is known regarding real-world prescribing of antihypertensive agents for patients with incident stage 2 hypertension. Objective: The primary objective was to describe prescribing patterns of antihypertensive therapy among patients with incident stage 2 hypertension. The secondary objectives included determining association of blood pressure (BP) control with initial multiple antihypertensive agents. Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using electronic medical records from 6 primary care clinics between January 2014 and June 2019. Included patients were ≥18 years with an initial diagnosis of stage 2 hypertension, defined as BP ≥160/100 mm Hg Primary analysis was characterizing prescribing patterns of antihypertensive agents among patients with incident stage 2 hypertension. Investigation of BP control (<140/90 mm Hg) at 3 months of diagnosis was also performed. Results: We identified 261 patients with incident stage 2 hypertension (mean age, 52 years; 53.2% males; mean baseline BP, 162.1/100.1 mm Hg). Approximately 72% of patients were initiated on single antihypertensive agent, with the most common being angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs; 25.7%) and angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (24.6%). Commonly initiated multiple antihypertensive agents were ACE-inhibitor + thiazide-like diuretic (52.7%), followed by an ARB + thiazide-like diuretic (21.6%). Multiple antihypertensive therapy was associated with improved BP control at 3 months (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55-8.06). Conclusion: Majority of patients with incident stage 2 hypertension were prescribed initial single antihypertensive therapy, though better BP control at 3 months was seen among those initiated on multi-antihypertensive therapy.

Prescribing Pattern of Antihypertensive Drugs in Hypertensive Patients with Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus at Tertiary Care Hospitals in Karachi Pakistan

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most serious public health issues in the world, affecting around 1.4 billion people worldwide. HTN is becoming highly prevalent in Pakistan, about more than 33% of people over the age of 40 years suffering from the HTN. The illness burden is continuously growing due to the incorrect medicine prescriptions, a lack of education, and a lack of patient compliance. The existence of comorbidities such as Diabetes Mellitus (DM) should be properly considered while choosing an Antihypertensive medication. Similarly, the prescriptions of Oral Hypoglycemic agent’s appropriate consideration are essential. Oral hypoglycemic medications are divided into several categories. Physicians face a challenge in rationally selecting a regimen from a variety of classes, and the situation becomes more complicated when the patients have additional non-communicable illnesses, such as HTN. The combination therapy of ailments not only effects the patient`s economic status but also effects the quality of life.&#x0D; Objective: To study the prescribing pattern of Antihypertensive drugs in Hypertensive patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at Tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan.&#x0D; Methods: A cross sectional study was undertaken for six months in medicine outpatient department at tertiary care hospitals of Karachi. The study population was observed for the prescribed pattern of Antihypertensive medicines by assessing the 300 prescriptions of Hypertensive patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Data was presented as frequencies and percentages.&#x0D; Results: The result revealed that the most commonly prescribed single antihypertensive drug was Enalapril 66 (22%) followed by Amlodipine 63(21%), Ramipril 57(19%), Diltiazem 33(11%), Lisinopril 21(7%) losartan k 6(2%), Nebivolol 6(2%), Bisoprolol 3(1%). Dual therapy included Ramipril and Nebivolol 1(0.33%) and Amlodipine+Valsartan 35 (11.67%), Amlodipine+Valsartan+HCTZ 9 (3%) were the antihypertensive drugs prescribed as fixed dose combinations.&#x0D; Conclusion: The present study shows Enalapril belonging to Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACEI) class was frequently used as single Antihypertensive agent and Amlodipine+Valsartan belonging Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) was the most frequently prescribed fixed dose combination while managing Hypertension of Hypertensive patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Unilateral Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Rare Cause of Primary Aldosteronism

A 73-year-old gentleman with a background history of long-standing hypertension and hyperlipidaemia presented with one-year history of persistent asymptomatic hypokalaemia associated with metabolic alkalosis. Within a few months, the hypertension worsened, needing increasing dose of anti-hypertensive agents. Biochemical test showed an elevated aldosterone-renin ratio but the computerized tomography (CT) scan of adrenal did not show any adrenal mass. Arterial stimulation venous sampling (ASVS) lateralized the lesion to the left side. A left retroperitoneal adrenalectomy was performed with immediate reversal of hypokalaemia and improvement of blood pressure control to only single anti-hypertensive agent.

Survey on uric acid in Chinese subjects with essential hypertension (SUCCESS): a nationwide cross-sectional study

BackgroundHyperuricemia (HUA) is associated with hypertension and increased cardiovascular risk. Current data regarding the prevalence of HUA in Chinese hypertensive patients are lacking. Our study aims to explore the prevalence and determinants of HUA in Chinese hypertensive adults.MethodsTreatment-naive hypertensive adults or those taking single antihypertensive agent were included in a nationwide cross-sectional study. Basic demographics, antihypertensive medications, serum uric acid (UA), and other parameters were documented.ResultsThe overall prevalence rate of HUA was 38.7% among 33,785 valid cases, 35.1% for males (UA >420 µmol/L), and 45.2% for females (UA >360 µmol/L). A multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusted for demographic and clinical factors (model 1), revealed that female sex [odds ratio (OR), 95% CI, 1.43, 1.36–1.51], age of ≥65 years (1.12, 1.05–1.19), low evaluated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR; 2.06, 1.91–2.23, the lowest [Q1] vs. the highest quartile (Q4)], unmarried (1.58, 1.10–2.27), Western China residency (3.21, 3.33–3.91), longer hypertension duration (1.97, 1.78–2.12, Q4 vs. Q1) and aspirin use (1.21, 1.14–1.29) were associated with HUA. In a multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for clinical and metabolic parameters (model 2), female sex (OR, 95% CI, 1.34, 1.27–1.41), age of ≥65 years (1.09, 1.03–1.16), low eGFR (2.35, 2.19–2.52, Q1 vs. Q4), new–onset hypertension (2.01, 1.73–2.33), higher quartile of fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, and body mass index (BMI) were associated with higher risk of HUA (1.89, 1.76–2.03; 2.15, 1.99–2.31; 2.86, 2.67–3.06; 1.27, 1.27–1.36, respectively, Q4 vs. Q1). Losartan, valsartan, and nifedipine were associated with lower risk of HUA (OR, 95% CI, 0.77, 0.67–0.88, 0.68, 0.60–0.77; 0.87, 0.77–0.99, 0.79, 0.70–0.89 and 0.80, 0.70–0.91, 0.82, 0.72–0.92), respectively, in models 1 and 2.ConclusionsThe prevalence rate of HUA in Chinese hypertensive patients was 38.7%. Female sex, aging (≥65 years), and low eGFR were independent predictors of HUA. HUA was lower among the patients who were taking losartan, valsartan, and nifedipine. Western region residents, new-onset hypertension, longer hypertension duration, aspirin use, higher FBG, TG, LDL-C levels and BMI were potential risk factors for HUA.

Blood Pressure Target Achievement Under Monotheraphy: A Real-Life Appraisal

IntroductionDespite hypertension guidelines suggest that the most effective treatment strategy to improve blood pressure (BP) target achievement is to implement the use of combination treatment, monotherapy is still widely used in the clinical practice of hypertension.AimTo investigate BP control under monotherapy in the setting of real-life.MethodsWe extracted data from a medical database of adult outpatients who were referred to the Hypertension Unit, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome (IT), including anthropometric data, CV risk factors and comorbidities, presence or absence of antihypertensive therapy and concomitant medications. Among treated hypertensive patients, we identified only those under single antihypertensive agent (monotherapy). Office BP treatment targets were defined according to 2018 ESC/ESH guidelines as: (a) < 130/80 mmHg in individuals aged 18–65 years; (b) < 140/80 mmHg in those aged > 65 years.ResultsFrom an overall sample of 7797 records we selected 1578 (20.2%) hypertensive outpatients (47.3% female, age 59.5 ± 13.6 years, BMI 26.6 ± 4.4 kg/m2) treated with monotherapies, among whom 30.5% received ACE inhibitors, 37.7% ARBs, 15.8% beta-blockers, 10.6% CCBs, 3.0% diuretics, and 2.0% alpha-blockers. 36.6% of these patients reached the conventional clinic BP goal of < 140/90 mmHg, whilst the 2018 European guidelines BP treatment targets were fulfilled only in 14.0%. In particular, 10.2% patients aged 18–65 years and 20.4% of those aged > 65 years achieved the recommended BP goals. All these proportions results significantly lower than those achieved with dual (18.2%) or triple (22.2%) combination therapy, though higher than those obtained with life-style changes (10.8%). Proportions of patients on monotherapies with normal home and 24-h BP levels were 22.0% and 30.2%, respectively, though only 5.2% and 7.3% of these patients achieved sustained BP control, respectively. Ageing and dyslipidaemia showed significant and independent positive predictive value for the achievement of the recommended BP treatment targets, whereas European SCORE resulted a negative and independent predictor in outpatients treated with monotherapies.ConclusionsOur data showed a persistent use of monotherapy in the clinical practice, though with unsatisfactory BP control, especially in light of the BP treatment targets suggested by the last hypertension guidelines.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s40292-020-00420-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Clinical features and predictors of masked uncontrolled hypertension: from Korean ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (Korabp) registry

Abstract Background Clinical characteristics of patients with masked uncontrolled hypertension (MUCH) are poorly defined, and few studies have reported on clinical predictors of MUCH. We investigated demographic, lifestyle, clinical and blood pressure (BP) characteristics in patients with MUCH and proposed a prediction model for MUCH. Method We analyzed 2044 subjects taking antihypertensive medication enrolled in the Korean Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (Kor-ABP) registry, who were categorized into controlled hypertension (n=481, normal office BP, normal 24-hour ABP), pseudo-uncontrolled hypertension (n=131, high office BP, normal 24-hour ABP), MUCH (n=380, normal office BP, high 24-hour ABP), and sustained uncontrolled hypertension (n=1,052; high office BP and high 24-hour ABP). Result The prevalence of MUCH increased with office systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), whereas it was not associated with the numbers of antihypertensive drugs. But in patients with a high office SBP (≥130 mmHg), the prevalence of MUCH increased with decreasing numbers of antihypertensive drugs (interaction p=0.008; Figure 1A). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified high office SBPs and DBPs, prior stroke, dyslipidemia and single anti-hypertensive agent use as independent predictors of MUCH (Table 1). A prediction model using these predictors showed a high diagnostic accuracy (C-index 0.833) and a goodness of fit for the presence of MUCH (Figure 1B). Conclusion MUCH is associated with the borderline increase in office BP and the underuse of anti-hypertensive drugs as well as dyslipidemia and prior stroke, which underscores the importance of achieving the optimal BP control level in the high risk patients. The proposed model would accurately predict MUCH in patients with controlled office BP. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Fixed and Low-Dose Combinations of Blood Pressure-Lowering Agents: For the Many or the Few?

Despite the widespread availability of several effective classes of drugs, systemic arterial hypertension remains poorly controlled in the majority of patients worldwide. In this article, we discuss the different modalities and effects of combination therapy and possible future research questions. Treatment with a single antihypertensive agent can effectively reduce blood pressure in only a limited number of patients, while most require therapy with two or more agents to achieve target levels. As initial therapy, American and European guidelines suggest a combination of two antihypertensive drugs and the use of a third antihypertensive drug when hypertension is still uncontrolled. Initial combination therapy is recommended in high-risk patients for an immediate blood pressure response, improved tolerability and possibly increased patient adherence. In addition to the potential benefits of combining different drug classes with synergistic pharmacological and physiological actions, this approach is useful for increasing the patient compliance with treatment, in particular if provided at fixed doses in a single pill. The minimisation of side effects is critical forthe long-term treatment of a largely asymptomatic condition such as systemic hypertension. Low-dose combinations of different drugs from classes with complementary actions may provide the best ratio of lower side effects and improved tolerability with a significant blood pressure reduction, particularly in high-risk patients. This approach could be aided by a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention on risk factors.

Abstract P2052: Differential Association of Measures of Adiposity With 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Control in Adults on Antihypertensive Monotherapy

Background: Regional measures of adipose distribution, such as visceral adiposity and waist circumference, are more strongly associated with metabolic activity of adipose tissue and longitudinal cardiovascular risk than broader metrics, such as body mass index (BMI) and total fat mass. Little is known about the differential relationship of BMI, waist circumference, visceral adiposity, and total fat mass with degree of blood pressure (BP) control on 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) in adults with hypertension (HTN). Methods: We performed 24-hour ABPM in adults recruited from primary care clinics with a diagnosis of HTN on a stable dose of a single antihypertensive agent. Dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed to determine visceral adiposity and total fat mass (indexed by height). Results: Of the 97 participants, mean age was 56 (+/- 13) years, with 56 (58%) women, 46 (47%) black, 28 (29%) with diabetes, and 13 (13%) smokers. Mean BMI was 31.7 (+/- 7.2) kg/m 2 and mean waist circumference was 104 (+/- 17) cm. Mean 24-hour systolic BP (SBP) was 135 (+/- 13) mmHg, mean 24-hour SBP average real variability (ARV) was 13 (+/- 3), 47 (48%) were non-dippers, 26 (27%) had masked HTN, and 21 (22%) had uncontrolled HTN. After adjusting for age, sex, race, and antihypertensive class, the highest quartiles of waist circumference and visceral adiposity were associated with higher 24-hour mean SBP (waist circumference β = 9.5, 95% CI 1.9-17.2; visceral adiposity β = 8.6, 95% CI 0.5-16.8) and SBP ARV (waist circumference β = 2.8, 95% CI 1.0 to 4.6; visceral adiposity β = 2.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.7) compared to the lowest quartiles; BMI and total fat mass were not associated with these ABPM parameters. Individuals in the highest quartile of visceral adiposity had a 6.3-fold greater odds (95% CI 1.2-33.1) of masked HTN compared to the lowest quartile; no other adiposity measures were associated with masked HTN. Conclusions: Elevated visceral adiposity is associated with high 24-hour SBP and SBP variability in individuals with HTN. Unlike other measures of adiposity, higher visceral adiposity is strongly linked with masked hypertension. Measurement of visceral adiposity may help to identify those individuals who would benefit most from 24-hour ABPM to screen for masked hypertension.

Prevalence and real-world assessment of central aortic blood pressure in adult patients with essential hypertension uncontrolled on single anti-hypertensive agents

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of high central aortic pressure (CAP) in Indian patients with uncontrolled essential hypertension while on anti-hypertensive monotherapy. Also, to determine correlation between brachial blood pressure (BBP) and CAP, and ascertain if it is impacted by anti-hypertensive drug class and patients’ age. MethodsIn this real-world, observational, prospective study, patients (30–70 years) with uncontrolled BBP (systolic BP [SBP] ≥140 mmHg or diastolic BP [DBP] ≥90 mmHg) were enrolled. Treatment was adjusted at Visit 1 (baseline), based on BBP and at treating physicians’ discretion. Primary endpoint was proportion of patients with uncontrolled central aortic SBP (>125 mmHg) at baseline. Secondary endpoints were comparison of BBP and CAP across drugs classes and age groups at baseline and Visit 2 (End-of-study, ∼8 weeks post-baseline), and proportion of patients with uncontrolled central SBP at end-of-study. ResultsOf 2030 patients screened, 1949 patients reported at baseline and 1740 patients completed end-of-study visit. Central SBP was >125 mmHg for 84.3% patients at baseline, and 48% patients at end-of-study. Interestingly, at end-of-study, 6.6% patients still had uncontrolled brachial SBP and controlled central SBP, while 13.6% patients had uncontrolled central SBP and controlled brachial SBP. At both visits, brachial SBP and central SBP showed positive correlation across most drug classes and age groups. At baseline, ACE inhibitors showed better efficacy than other drug classes. At end-of-study, BP control was better with fixed-dose combinations, though free–drug combinations were more frequently prescribed. ConclusionMeasurement of CAP along with BBP can be vital in management of hypertension. Ctri registration numberCTRI/2015/10/006302.

A study on management of hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in tertiary care teaching rural hospital

Background: This study was aimed to analyze the drug utilization pattern in the management of hypertension in diabetic patients.Methods: A prospective, observational and non interventional study was conducted in 100 diabetic hypertensive patients admitted in medicine wards at Dhiraj Hospital. Patients who signed informed consent form were only included in the study. All the data were recorded from patients’ case files and analyzed.Results: Of enrolled 100 patients, 69 (69%) were male and 31 (31%) were female and maximum number of the patients (42%) were found in the age group of 51-60 years. Out of 100 admitted patients, 75% patients were treated with single antihypertensive agent, 20% were treated with combination of two antihypertensive agents while only 5% were administered more than two antihypertensive agents. As a single antihypertensive agent, most commonly prescribed was ACE inhibitors (32%), Calcium Channel Blockers (23%), Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (12%) and β1 blockers (8%).Conclusions: There was poor awareness among the patients regarding control of hypertension, regular follow up, medication adherence etc. However, two third of diabetic patients had achieved blood pressure target control and ACE inhibitor remained first choice of drug for hypertension in diabetes in this study.

A7235 Real-world assessment of central aortic blood pressure in Indian adult patients with essential hypertension uncontrolled on single anti-hypertensive agents

A7235 Real-world assessment of central aortic blood pressure in Indian adult patients with essential hypertension uncontrolled on single anti-hypertensive agents

Stent Therapy for Aortic Coarctation in Children

To report our experience of coarctation stent therapy in small children weighing less than 30kg, with the low profile dilatable Valeo stent and review the literature on coarctation stent therapy in this patient population. Coarctation stent implantation was undertaken in 14 consecutive children using the Bard Valeo Stent. Demographic, angiographic, echocardiographic and clinical data were reviewed retrospectively. The median age at the time of procedure was 5.1 (2.6-7.5)years and median weight was 20.8 (14.7-27)kg. There was improvement in median coarctation diameter from 4 (1.3-5.2) to 9.5 (5.8-12.7)mm, p<0.001; and a reduction in the median peak pressure gradient across the coarctation from 35 (20-49) to 9 (0-15)mmHg, p<0.001. Median stent recoil was 7.9 (0-20)%. There was one case of access related complication that resolved without sequelae. Follow-up was a median of 15 (3.0-57.2)months. CT angiogram performed at a median time of 3.3 (2.6-10.2)months post procedure showed no aortic wall injury and preserved stent integrity in all cases. Two children underwent re-intervention for stent dilation and further stent implantation due to in-stent stenosis and somatic growth after 3years. Six of fourteen children remained on a single antihypertensive agent post-intervention at last follow-up. Implantation of the dilatable Valeo stent is a feasible treatment strategy in native or recurrent coarctation in small children, accepting that additional stent implantation may be necessary with somatic growth. Further study is required to determine longer-term stent efficacy and clinical outcome.

Hypertension Treatment and Control in Older Adult at Tanjung Sari Primary Health Care

Background : Hypertension is considered as a major health problem in Indonesia, especially in older adult population because of its prevalence increases by age. Treatment strategy and control management of hypertension in Public Health Center (Pusat Kesehatan Masyarakat, Puskesmas) as primary health care should be enhanced to overcome this issue. This study aimed to describe the pattern of antihypertensive agent in older adults. Methods : This was a descriptive study with total sampling method for data collection. Data were collected from medical record of older adult patients with diagnosis of hypertension at Puskesmas Tanjung Sari from January to December 2013. The variables observed were gender, number of visits, the degree of hypertension, types of antihypertensive drug, combinations of antihypertensive drugs, and blood pressure control. Results : The number of older adults with hypertension was 180 people. Some of which, 120 women (66.7%) participated, 152 (84.4%) had hypertension stage 2, 100 (55.6%) had just one visit, and 80 (44.4%) had more than one visit. Among 80 participants with more than one visit, 8 had achieved target blood pressure. There were 166 participants (92.2%) who received single antihypertensive agent (captopril was given the most), and 14 participants (7.8%) who received the combination of two antihypertensive agent (combination of captopril and HCT (hydrochlorothiazide)) were given the most). Conclusions : More than 75% of older adult with hypertension have stage 2 hypertension and are treated by single antihypertensive agent. Ninety percent of the patient have uncontrolled blood pressure. [AMJ.2016;3(1):17–21] DOI: 10.15850/amj.v3n1.699

Acute Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis: The Most Common Acute Glomerulonephritis

Acute Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis: The Most Common Acute Glomerulonephritis

Calcium channel blockers suppress daily variations of blood pressure in hypertensive patients with end-stage renal diseases

Hypertension is a well-known cardiovascular risk. Patients with end-stage renal diseases frequently suffer hypertension. Furthermore, daily variations of blood pressure are relatively large in patients treated with hemodialysis, partly due to ultrafiltration. Twenty hypertensive patients with end-stage renal diseases whose blood pressure was controlled by a single antihypertensive agent, either angiotensin receptor antagonist (ARB) or calcium channel blocker (CCB), were enrolled into the study. Home blood pressure measurements were also performed. Average systolic and diastolic blood pressures were similar between two agents. However, variations of systolic blood pressure during ARB treatment were greater than those of CCB, and maximal differences in daily systolic blood pressure during treatment with ARB (19 ± 7 mmHg) were greater than those with CCB (14 ± 6 mmHg, p < 0.01). Systolic blood pressure measured after hemodialysis under ARB therapy (110 ± 6 mmHg) was lower than that of CCB (118 ± 6 mmHg, p < 0.05). Daily variations of diastolic blood pressure were similar between ARB and CCB periods. Our results indicate that variations of systolic blood pressure during ARB treatment are larger than CCB, and suggest that CCB is useful to obtain the better quality of blood pressure control, improving blood pressure stability by preventing substantial drops in blood pressure in hypertensive patients with end-stage renal diseases.

A global approach to hypertension

Hypertension is an extremely common condition and quantitatively the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. Cardiovascular risk factors other than hypertension occur more frequently in hypertensive subjects and contribute to the elevated cardiovascular risk. Management of hypertensive subjects includes lifestyle modification and, usually, treatment with antihypertensive agents. Due to the limited blood pressure lowering effect of a single antihypertensive agent, more than 2/3 of hypertensive patients require at least two or more antihypertensive agents to achieve target blood pressure. For combination therapy combining an agent that interferes with the renin-angiotensin system with an agent that does not is recommended. Treatment adherence and persistence can be improved by using fixed-dose combinations instead of single agents.

HELLP Syndrome-A life threatening complication of severe pre eclampsia

HELLP Syndrome is a life threatening complication of severe pre eclampsia ,which is characterized by evidence of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count during second half of pregnancy.If untreated , it carries high risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality due to hepatic and renal complications. A case of HELLP Syndrome with severe pre eclampsia in a primigravida at 39 weeks of pregnancy is reported. She was a known case of severe pre eclampsia and was taking treatment in a private nursing home.She was refered with a picture of HELLP Syndrome.Caesarean section under general anesthesia for fetal distress was carried out following single donar platelet transfusion. She had gross derrangement of hepatic and renal functions and thrombocytopenia following caesarean section. She was treated aggresively in intensive care unit with transfusion of whole blood ,fresh frozen plasma, multiple single donar platelet transfusions ,antihypertensive agents and broad spectrum antibiotics.Patient required multidisciplinary team approach for management.Patient was discharged after fifteen days from hospital.