Target Blood Pressure Values Research Articles

Control for multiple risk factors and incident heart failure and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus: insights from the kailuan cohort study

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between control for multiple risk factors and diabetes-related heart failure and all-cause mortality, and to explore the extent to which the excess risk can be reduced. Methods Diabetes participants with pre-existing heart failure documented in discharge register or medical insurance records and incomplete baseline risk factor information were excluded. Each of these patients was then matched randomly to four control subjects. The degree of risk factor control was defined by attainment of target values for blood pressure, body mass index , low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, high-sensitive C-reactive protein and smoking. The primary outcome was newly diagnosed heart failure, and the secondary outcome was all-cause mortality.Fine-Gray and Cox regression were performed to estimate the risk of heart failure and all-cause mortality among diabetes patients in relation to the degree of control for multiple risk factors respectively, and the group with ≤1 risk factor control was set as the reference group. All-cause mortality was used as a competing risk in the Fine-Gray model. Results A total of 17,676 patients with diabetes and 69,493 matched non-diabetic control subjects were included. Of these, 84.2% were men and the mean age was 56.2±10.7 years. Over a median follow-up of 11.2 (13.1-15.0) years, a total of 1,070 cases of heart failure and 4,121 cases of all-cause mortality were identified among patients with diabetes. Significant inverse associations were observed between the number of well-controlled risk factors and the risk of incident adverse outcomes in diabetes patients. For each additional risk factor that was controlled, there was an associated 16% decrease in the risk of heart failure and a 10% decrease in the risk of all-cause mortality. The incidence rate of heart failure among diabetes patients was at its lowest for those with ≥5 risk factors (HR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.34-0.62), and it constantly increased with a lower number of well-controlled risk factors. As for all-cause mortality, the lowest risk was associated with optimal risk factor control (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.50-0.68). Among diabetes patients with ≥5 risk factors that were well controlled, the adjusted hazard ratio for heart failure and all-cause mortality was 1.25 (95%CI: 0.99-1.56) and 1.17(95%CI: 1.05-1.31) respectively, as compared with controls. The protective impact of comprehensive risk factor control on the risk of heart failure was more pronounced among men than women, as well as among those using antihypertensive medications than non-users. Conclusions Control for multiple risk factors is related to a lower risk of heart failure and all-cause mortality in an accumulative and sex-specific manner. Compared to the general population, patients with diabetes mellitus remains associated with an increased risk for the outcomes in spite of the optimization of risk factor control.

Hypertension prevalence among the male population aged 35-74 years in Novosibirsk

Aim. To study the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension (HTN), structure and effectiveness of treatment coverage, as well as disease control indicators among the male population aged 35-74 years in Novosibirsk.Material and methods. This cross-sectional study of the Novosibirsk population was conducted in 2021-2023 at the Research Institute for Internal and Preventive Medicine — branch of the Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics according to the ESSE-RF3 study protocol. A total of 1200 people aged 35-74 years living in Novosibirsk were examined. The analysis included 600 men. The response rate exceeded 70%. HTN was considered detected in systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg and/or in patients taking antihypertensive agents. Awareness was estimated as the proportion of individuals who had previously been informed by a physician about HTN. Treatment effectiveness was considered the proportion of individuals who achieved target BP values while taking antihypertensive therapy. Hypertension control was considered the proportion of individuals who achieved target values among all those examined with HTN. Statistical processing was performed using the SPSS software package (version 13.0). Associations were assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis. The critical significance level of the null hypothesis (p) was 0,05.Results. The medians of systolic and diastolic BP among men in No­vo­sibirsk were 136,0 [126,5; 149,5] and 89,0 [82,0; 95,5] mm Hg, respectively. The prevalence of HTN among men aged 35-74 in Novo­sibirsk was 68,9%, while 81,1% of men in Novosibirsk were aware of HTN. Among men with HTN, 54,7% take antihypertensive agents. The effectiveness of treatment among men in Novosibirsk is 32,3%, while 19,6% of men control the disease. The odds of hypertension occurrence in men with hypertriglyceridemia increased by 3,5 times, with abdominal obesity — by 2 times, with an positive family history for cardiovascular diseases — by 1,6 times, and with each year of life increased by 1,1 times.Conclusion. The prevalence of HTN among men in Novosibirsk is higher in comparison with the average Russian level. Significant risk factors for HTN include abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and decreased physical activity. While awareness, treatment coverage, and HTN control among men aged 35-74 in Novosibirsk correspond to Russian trends, treatment effectiveness turned out to be slightly lower than in the Russian population.

Malignant arterial hypertension in a child with nonspecific aortoarteritis

The article presents a clinical case of malignant renovascular hypertension in a child, resulting from non-specific aortoarteritis. The disease initially manifested with abdominal pain and convulsions, leading to hospitalization. During the hospital stay, blood pressure readings were elevated to 180/100 mmHg and higher. Over the course of a year, the patient underwent pathogenetic (immunosuppressive), combined (triple) antihypertensive treatment, and symptomatic therapy. Due to the malignant nature of the hypertension, progression of organ damage, a high risk of complications and mortality, and the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment, surgical interventions were performed. The first stage involved polyposition abdominal aortography and stent-graft implantation in the abdominal aorta. Despite restored blood flow in the abdominal aorta, blood pressure remained elevated over the following three months, even with ongoing antihypertensive therapy. As a result, a nephrectomy was performed at the second stage. Postoperatively, the patient’s blood pressure significantly decreased to 130/90–120/80 mmHg. Antihypertensive therapy was continued to reach lower target blood pressure values. Non-specific aortoarteritis remains a prognostically unfavorable condition, even after reconstructive surgery, owning to its autoimmune nature, which suggests ongoing arterial inflammation even during clinical remission. This necessitates lifelong monitoring by a rheumatologist.

Comparative Analysis of The Effectiveness of Antihypertensive Therapy Including Spironolactone and Eplerenone in Patients With Essential Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation.

To perform a comparative analysis of the efficacy of antihypertensive therapy (AHT) containing spironolactone or eplerenone in patients with essential arterial hypertension (AH) and atrial fibrillation (AF). The study included 99 male and female patients with essential AH complicated by permanent AF, who were receiving the outpatient treatment at the National Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Cardiology (Tashkent). The patients aged 61.3±9.5 years, the mean duration of AH was 12.9±8.3 years. All patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, patients who completed a 6-month combination AHT containing spironolactone (n=51); Group 2, patients who completed a 6-month combination AHT containing eplerenone (n=48). AF was diagnosed by electrocardiogram (ECG) and/or 24-hour ECG monitoring according to standard diagnostic criteria. The ECG study was performed in compliance with the American Society of Echocardiography Guidelines in M- and B-modes. The degree of structural vascular alterations was determined by the intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery by duplex scanning and microalbuminuria in morning urine. The concentrations of sex hormones were measured by the enzyme immunoassay. The serum concentrations of lipids, glucose, creatinine, and uric acid were measured by the enzymatic method. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated with the EPI formula. Results of all studies were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. The proportion of patients who achieved the target diastolic blood pressure (BP) values was significantly greater in the eplerenone-containing treatment group than in the spironolactone-containing treatment group: 87.8% vs. 67.5% (p=0.043). The proportion of patients who simultaneously achieved the target systolic and diastolic BP values was slightly greater in the eplerenone-containing treatment group than in the spironolactone-containing group (100% vs. 92.1%, p=0.060). The best cardioprotective efficacy was observed in the group of combination AHT containing eplerenone. Specifically, in Group 2, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly improved compared to Group 1: from 55.4±10.6% at baseline to 52.6±9.1% in Group 1 (p>0.05) and from 54.8±8.8% at baseline to 58.2±6.4% in Group 2 (p<0.02). Only in Group 2, the left atrial volume index (LAVI) was significantly decreased compared to Group 1. Thus, in Group 1, the LAVI changed from 42.2±15.1 ml/m2 at baseline to 40.4±12.2 ml/m2 (p>0.05) and in Group 2, from 41.2±15.3 ml/m2 at baseline to 37.3±13.5 ml/m2 after the treatment (p<0.05); the ∆% LAVI in the eplerenone group was -5.9% vs. -0.36% in the spironolactone group. In men of Group 1, estradiol significantly increased from 13.9±12.6 pmol/l at baseline to 22.7±12.4 pmol/l (p<0.001). The good antihypertensive efficacy of the 6-month combination therapy containing eplerenone was significantly superior to spironolactone in achieving the target BP values. The eplerenone-containing treatment significantly improved LVEF and decreased LAVI compared to the spironolactone-containing treatment. A trend towards a beneficial effect of the AHT containing eplerenone on concentrations of sex hormones was noted in both women and men.

Blood pressure control in diabetic kidney disease: a post-hoc analysis of the FANTASTIC trial

BackgroundThe target blood pressure (BP) value is unclear for diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of strict BP control or ‘on treatment’ BP on clinical outcomes in patients with DKD.MethodsA post-hoc analysis of the prespecified secondary outcomes of the FimAsartaN proTeinuriA SusTaIned reduCtion in comparison with losartan in diabetic chronic kidney disease (FANTASTIC) trial, a randomized multicenter double-blind phase III trial. Eligible patients were aged ≥ 19 years with DKD. We assigned 341 participants with DKD to BP control strategy (standard-systolic BP [SBP] < 140 mmHg versus strict-SBP < 130 mmHg). The outcome was the occurrence of cardiovascular events and renal events. Separate analyses were performed to compared the risk of outcome according to achieved average BP levels.ResultsA total of 341 participants were included in the analysis. Over a median follow-up of 2.8 years, cardiovascular/renal events were observed in 25 (7.3%) participants. Mean (SD) SBPs in the standard and strict BP control group were 140.2 (11.6) and 140.2 (11.9) mmHg, respectively. The strict BP control group did not show significantly reduced risk of cardiovascular/renal events (HR 1.32; 95% CI 0.60–2.92]). In the post-hoc analyses using achieved BP, achieved average SBP of 130–139 mmHg resulted in reduced risk of cardiovascular/renal events (HR 0.15; 95% CI 0.03–0.67) compared to achieved average SBP ≥ 140 mmHg, whereas further reduction in achieved average SBP < 130 mmHg did not impart additional benefits.ConclusionIn patients with DKD, targeting a SBP of less than 130 mmHg, as compared with less than 140 mmHg, did not reduce the rate of a composite of cardiovascular and renal events. Achieved SBP of 130–139 mmHg was associated with a decreased risk for the primary outcome in patients with DKD.Trial registrationClinicalTirals.gov Identifier: NCT02620306, registered December 3, 2015.(https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02620306).

Efficacy of combined antihypertensive therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with various polymorphisms of the CYP2C9 gene

Background. The difficulty of achieving target blood pressure (BP) levels in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) is often due to their type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In turn, taking into account the individual genetic characteristics of the body helps to personalize treatment and make it more effective. Aim. To compare the antihypertensive efficacy of a fixed combination of amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil (Aml/Ol-M) in patients with hypertension and T2DM, with and without NAFLD, depending on the polymorphism of the CYP2C9 gene. Materials and methods. The study included 139 patients with uncontrolled hypertension and concomitant T2DM; after diagnosis of NAFLD, they were randomized into 2 groups: without NAFLD (group 1, n=70), with NAFLD (group 2, n = 69). After discontinuation of previous ineffective antihypertensive therapy, they were prescribed a combination of Aml/Ol-M in doses of 5-10/20-40 mg/day. At baseline, 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks, their office BP levels were determined; Also, at the initial visit and after 24 weeks of treatment, the main indicators of 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were measured. Patients who did not reach the blood pressure target within 12 weeks of therapy were excluded from the study. Those who continued to participate in the amplifierThe Rotor Gene-Q allele discrimination method revealed the following distribution of polymorphic variants of the CYP2C9 gene: *1/*1 was found in 52 and 47, *1/*2 – in 6 and 5, *1/*3 – in 5 and 6 subjects, for groups 1 and 2, respectively. Results. The initial levels of office BP values were significantly higher in patients of group 2 and amounted to 153,5 mm Hg for systolic and 93 mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure, compared with 145 mm Hg and 88 mm Hg those included in group 1. After 12 weeks of therapy, the achievement of target blood pressure was registered in 63 (90 %) patients of group 1 and in 58 (84,1 %) of group 2. After 24 weeks of observation, in both groups a beneficial effect of the studied combination of drugs on all indicators of ABPM was noted, but a more pronounced improvement was noted in patients with NAFLD. Along with this, significant improvements in daily blood pressure profiles were registered in both groups 1 and 2: an increase in the number of patients with the “dipper” profile and a decrease in the number of patients with the pathological “non-dipper” profile. The antihypertensive effectiveness of Aml/Ol-M has been demonstrated for all isolated allelic variants of the CYP2C9 gene. Conclusions. A 24-week study with the use of Aml/Ol-M demonstrated a high incidence of achieving office BP target values in patients with hypertension and T2DM, with and without NAFLD. However, a more pronounced decrease in ABPM levels was found in patients with NAFLD. Carriage of any of the identified polymorphic gene variantsCYP2C9 had no effect on the clinical effects of the studied combination.

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA AND TARGET BP VALUE IN NON-OBESE HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Objective: To assess obstructive sleep apnea impact on the target blood pressure (BP) value achievement in non-obese hypertensive patients. Design and method: In this prospective cross-sectional study were included 305 patients (mean age 60.0 years old [48.0; 67.0], 203 men) with different stages and grades of arterial hypertension (AH). All patients have been receiving antihypertension therapy, prescribed by their cardiologist, for at least 3 weeks before inclusion in the study. During the study, office systolic and dyastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP resp.) were assessed (oscillometric method, Omron, Japan) and home sleep respiratory monitoring (SomnoChek, Weinmann, Germany) was done in all patients. Results: Two groups were formed: non-target BP group (BP&gt;140/90 mm Hg, n=164) and target BP group (BP&lt;140/90 mm Hg, n=141). Comparative data analysis included such indicators as: age, body mass index (BMI), apnea/hypopnea index (AHI), desaturation index (DI) and minimum oxygen saturation (min SaO2), revealed only differences between age (61.0 years old [50.0; 68.0] versus 57.0 years old [47.0; 66.0] resp., p=0.03) and BMI (32.5 kg/m2 [29.7; 38.1] vs. 31.6 kg/m2 [27.8; 35.5] resp., p=0.02). The analysis of non-obese patients’ data (BMI &lt;30 kg/m2, n=100) didn’t reveal differences by age, but a higher value of AHI and DI were determined in patients with non-target BP, as well as higher BMI; similar differences were not found in obese patients (BMI&gt;30 kg/m2, n=205) (Table 1). In two-factor logistic regression analysis (included AHI and BMI) AHI was the only predictor of non-target BP in patients without obesity, while BMI had no predictive value (Table 2). Conclusions: Even mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea may be an important negative factor in achieving BP targets in non-obese patients, unlike the other clinical cases with AH.

Approaches in Managing Resistant Hypertension: A Review.

In India, around 234 million adults (one in three) suffer from hypertension (HTN). An average of 10% of these cases are likely to be resistant hypertension (RH). This load of 23 million patients is expected to expand further with revisions in diagnostic criteria. The treatment and control rates of hypertension in India average around 30% and 15%, respectively. Pharmacological management involves a stepwise approach starting with optimizing the A-C-D (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and thiazide-like diuretics) triple-drug combination, followed by substitution with a thiazide-like diuretic and use of spironolactone as a next step (fourthdrug). The subsequent steps are suggestions based on expert input and must be individualized. These include using a β-blocker as the fifth drug and an α1-blocker or a peripheral vasodilator as a final option when target blood pressure (BP) values are not achieved. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are likely to be helpful in managing RH due to their renal and cardiovascular protection as well as mortality benefits. SGLT2i lowers BP independent of the dosage and concomitant anti-hypertensive medications. Patient education and tools to monitor BP and treatment compliance will improve outcomes with these medications. In addition to therapeutic intervention, a preventive approach for RH mandates a need to identify patients at risk and use appropriate preventive and optimal therapy to prevent uncontrolled hypertension in patients with cardiovascular disorders.

Controlled and uncontrolled arterial hypertension: comparison of clinical and demographic characteristics in patients (according to the National Registry of Hypertension, 2019-2022)

Aim: to study the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients in a sample of patients with arterial hypertension observed in primary healthcare (20192022). To compare data from patients with uncontrolled and controlled hypertension.Materials and methods. An analysis of medical data of 4543 patients was carried out (history, clinical and laboratory data, concomitant cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, revascularization (coronary bypass grafting, transluminal balloon angioplasty of the coronary arteries). For statistical data processing, the SPSS statistical software package was used.Results. The patients in the study sample were middle-aged and elderly. 51,5% of patients did not achieve target blood pressure values. More than 90% of patients in the studied sample are high and very high risk patients. The ratio of groups of patients with controlled and uncontrolled arterial hypertension among patients of different ages did not differ. Higher values of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, a higher frequency (1,3 times) of failure to achieve target values of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol &lt;2,6 mmol/l, and obesity (1,3 times) were identified in patients with uncontrolled arterial hypertension. More than 80% of patients had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol values higher than recommended. Patients with controlled arterial hypertension were more likely to have coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction and a history of coronary angioplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting.Сonclusions. In hypertensive patients, more careful monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors is required, including blood pressure levels and achieving target LDL cholesterol levels. The association of a higher incidence of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and the severity of dyslipidemia with uncontrolled hypertension may indicate less adherence of patients to both drug and non-drug treatment methods. While the presence of coronary heart disease, surgical interventions performed on the coronary arteries can serve as an illustration of increased adherence to therapy when hypertension is combined with coronary heart disease.

The influence of optimal blood pressure control on the progression of chronic kidney disease

Background/Aim: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has seen a rapid increase worldwide in recent decades, now recognised as a global health issue of the 21st century. Optimal, continuous control of hypertension represents a crucial part of treatment capable of slowing the progression of CKD. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that optimal regulation blood pressure control in patients with essential and secondary hypertension, along with CKD, slows the progression of CKD. Methods: The research was conducted at the University Clinical Centre of the Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka, Internal Clinic Nephrology Department. A retrospective-prospective study was blind for patients and lasted for 24 months. It included 97 patients, aged 18 and above, of both genders, hypertensive, in the 3rd or 4th stage of CKD (creatinine clearance of 15-59 mL/min). Assess the outcome of CKD, a "complex (undesirable) clinical outcome" was taken - one of three fundamental clinically undesirable events: double increase in serum creatinine values at the end of 24 months, onset of terminal renal insufficiency, or patient death. Patients were classified into three groups: I group - 30 patients with essential hypertension and CKD with optimally regulated blood pressure; II group - 32 patients with secondary hypertension and CKD with optimally regulated blood pressure; III control group - 35 patients with hypertension of various causes and CKD who did not achieve target blood pressure values. Blood pressure control was measured from month 0 to month 24 - once a month. Laboratory tests were taken every 3 months (red blood cells, haemoglobin, glycaemia, cholesterol, urea, creatinine, uric acid, sodium, potassium in serum and urine). Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference in glomerular filtration rate in the first group compared to the third group and in the second group compared to the third group. No statistically significant difference in glomerular filtration rate between the first and second groups was observed, where good blood pressure regulation was achieved. Conclusion: Optimal blood pressure control in the examined groups, regardless of the cause of CKD, was responsible for slowing the progression of CKD compared to the group with unregulated blood pressure.

Hypertension in the Russian population during the COVID-19 pandemic: sex differences in prevalence, treatment and its effectiveness. Data from the ESSE-RF3 study

Aim. To study the epidemiological characteristics and changes of hypertension (HTN), as well as factors associated with HTN in the Russian population aged 35-74 years.Material and methods. The Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and their Risk Factors in Regions of Russian Federation-3 (ESSE-RF3) study examined a representative sample of the population aged 35-74 years of 15 Russian regions with a response &gt;70% (n=28611). Modular design questionnaire was used. Blood pressure (BP) was measured twice after a 5-minute rest in a sitting position on the right arm with an Omron blood pressure monitor. There were following criteria for hypertension: systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mm Hg, and/or antihypertensive therapy. The effectiveness of treatment was considered the proportion (%) of people who achieved target blood pressure values among those being treated, while the control was considered the proportion (%) of patients with a BP &lt;140/90 mm Hg of the total number of hypertensive patients. HTN changes were studied in a single age range of 35-64 years with the inclusion of materials from the ESSE-RF (2012-14) and ESSE-RF2 (2017) studies, carried out using the same methodology as ESSE-RF3. Statistical analysis was carried out using the open-source R 3.6.1 environment. Analysis of the association between factors and a binary variable was performed using logistic regression. The significance level for all tested hypotheses was 0,05.Results. According to ESSE-RF3, the average levels of SBP and DBP in the population were 131,9±18,7 and 84,4±10,9 mm Hg, respectively, while the proportion of those with BP ≥140/90 mm Hg — 38,8% (men: 44,8%, women: 33,9%). Prevalence of hypertension was 53,9% (men: 56,0%, women: 52,1%), awareness — 77,7% (men: 71,5%, women: 82,3%), while the treatment received 63,4%, significantly higher among women than among men: 72,3 vs 53,3%. The effectiveness of treatment was 44,0%, higher among women compared to men (48,2 vs 37,4%). In addition, 27,9% of patients have controlled HTN.Conclusion. The problem of controlled HTN in Russia remains unresolved in the 21st century. The following significant sex differences remain: the prevalence of HTN is higher among men, but awareness of the disease, treatment rate and its effectiveness are lower compared to women.

COVID-19 and arterial hypertension: whether normal blood pressure is a sign of a benign course of COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), apart from respiratory manifestations, is able to directly affect the cardiovascular system. Therefore, different from general population target values of blood pressure might be beneficial for the patients with COVID-19. The aim of this study was to investigate whether conventional blood pressure control was associated with the severity of COVID-19. From 260 patients that were hospitalised to the unit subdivision of stable patients of COVID-center between March, 2020, and December, 2020, 163 patients with confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus and hypertension were selected. The patients were distributed by hypertension control: blood pressure &lt;140/90 mmHg (n=94) and blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg (n=69). Routine instrumental and laboratory investigations were registered and analysed. The patients were diagnosed and treated according to national and European guidelines. The information about the control of blood pressure was taken from the patients’ medical records. The group of patients with controlled hypertension had higher prevalence of females (p=0.03), 10 years higher median of age (p&lt;0.01) and lower frequency of obesity (p=0.04). The patients with controlled hypertension had lower median of pulmonary injury (p=0.04) and lower frequency of SpO2&lt;92% (p=0.02). Glomerular filtration rate &lt;60 ml/min and proteinuria were detected significantly more frequently in the patients with controlled hypertension (p=0.02). In the presented study blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg before the admission to the hospital was associated with a lower degree of pulmonary injury but with the higher frequency of nephropathy signs. Urine test and blood creatinine monitoring might be beneficial for the patients with COVID-19 and hypertension.

Efficacy of azilsartan medoxomil in patients with hypertension and stable coronary artery disease in combination with type 2 diabetes

Aim. To study the effect of azilsartan medoxomil (AZL-M) on the 24-hour blood pressure (BP) profile in patients with hypertension (HTN), type 2 diabetes (T2D) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD).Material and methods. A total of 183 patients with CAD in combination with HTN and T2D took part in the study (100 men (54,64%), 83 women (45,36%)). All patients were previously prescribed a statin, antiplatelet therapy, a beta-blocker, and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). At baseline, the proportion of people taking ARBs and ACEIs was 30% and 70%, respectively. All study participants were discontinued from a previously prescribed ARBs or ACE inhibitors and were prescribed 6-month AZL-M (Edarbi®) therapy. During this period, according to the study plan, patients visited the medical center to assess the effectiveness and safety of therapy and blood pressure changes.Results. The mean age of the patients was 65,0 years (60-69 years), while the mean body mass index (BMI) — 31,24 kg/m2. The mean age of female participants was higher than the mean age of males: 66,35±6,59 vs 62,72±8,82 years (p=0,002). The mean BMI in women was higher and was 33.08 kg/m2, while in men it was 30,74 kg/m2 (p=0,001). Six-month AZL-M therapy decreased 24-hour BP values. Thus, the time index of systolic blood pressure (SBP) hypertension in the daytime decreased from 63% to 12%, while at night from 70% to 10%, and the time index of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) hypertension in the daytime from 18% to 10%, and at night from 44% to 8%. The main result is confirmation of AZL-M effectiveness in relation to BP control, as well as good drug tolerability. At the visit after 1-month AZL-M therapy, target BP values were recorded in 45,4% of participants, and after six months — the proportion of people with normal 24-hour BP values was 69,9%.Conclusion. Edarbi® therapy in patients with HTN in combination with T2D and stable CAD leads to 24-hour BP normalization. At the same time, the drug has a good safety profile, since the reported adverse events were not related to the drug.

The content of fatty acids in blood plasma in men with arterial hypertension (“ESSE-RF3” in the Novosibirsk region)

Objective. The aim of the study was to investigate the content of fatty acids (FA) in the blood plasma of Novosibirsk men (“ESSE-RF3” in the Novosibirsk region) with established and newly diagnosed arterial hypertension (HTN). Design and methods. Within the framework of the multicenter single-stage epidemiological study ESSE-RF3 in the Novosibirsk region, 1200 residents of Novosibirsk (men — 600, women — 600) aged 35–74 years were examined. The random number study included 340 men with an average age of 54,63 ± 11,34 years, of which 156 people with established HTN, 49 had AH for the first time, and 135 people without HTN. In the blood plasma, the fatty acid spectrum of blood, including omega‑3,-6,-9 FA, was determined by highperformance liquid chromatography. Results. The level of alpha-linolenic and gamma-linolenic FAs was 1,21 (p = 0,005) and 1,39 times higher (p = 0,013) in the group of men with established HTN (who did not reach the target values of blood pressure against the background of therapy), respectively. The content of gammalinolenic acid was 1,46 times higher in the group of men with the first ever detected HTN (p = 0,038) when compared with the group of men without HTN. The relative chance of HTN in men, regardless of risk factors, is directly associated with an increase in the level of gamma-linolenic FA, and inversely associated with the level of hexadecenoic FA in blood plasma. Conclusions. Thus, from the studied FA in blood plasma, an increase in the level of gamma-linolenic FA can serve as an additional informative biomarker indicating a high probability of developing HTN in men.

What happened? Perceptions of patients with hypertension on conflicting results between self-reported adherence of medication and chemical adherence testing

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Hypertension is one of the most prevalent causes of death worldwide. Despite the widespread availability and efficacy of pharmacological therapy for hypertension, few patients reach their blood pressure target values. Nonadherence to antihypertensive medication is common and can lead to adverse clinical effects, such as stroke, reduced quality of life and higher health care costs. Adherence to antihypertensive medication can objectively be measured with chemical adherence testing. In clinical practice, some patients state that they are taking the medication while the chemical adherence testing does not confirm this. Understanding of this discrepancy is needed to better support these patients in their treatment decisions. Purpose To explore the perceptions of outpatients with hypertension on conflicting results between self-reported adherence and chemical adherence testing. Methods An explorative generic qualitative study design is used with face-to face semi-structured interviews. The study population consists of adult patients who are diagnosed with hypertension and are treated with antihypertensive medication. Patients have had negative blood levels for one or more antihypertensive drugs after chemical adherence testing, but report to adhere to the prescribed medication advice. To achieve data saturation, 12-15 adult patients are interviewed using a topic list with open ended questions. Interviews are audio-recorded and thematically analysed according to Braun &amp; Clarke. Results At the time of this abstract submission, data collection is ongoing till the beginning of April 2023. At the time of the conference, we can present the results of our study addressing this very delicate and clinically relevant topic. Conclusion Data on the reasons for conflicting results between subjective and objective measures on medication adherence can help clinicians to optimize for patients with hypertension.

Application of fixed combinations in the treatment of arterial hypertension. Focus on ramipril and amlodipine

In modern algorithms of arterial hypertension treatment, the main strategic approach aimed at increasing the therapy effectiveness is the use of fixed combinations (FC) of two antihypertensive drugs at the start of therapy and of three drugs (preferably in one tablet) when it is necessary to intensify pharmacotherapy. Starting therapy with two drugs in one tablet (FC) is recommended for more than 70 % of patients. The article provides up-to-date information on the choice of a fixed combination for the treatment of patients with arterial hypertension (AH) according to modern national and international recommendations. The place of a fixed combination of ramipril and amlodipine among antihypertensive drugs in achieving the goal of treating patients with arterial hypertension was determined. The advantages of the fixed combination of ramipril and amlodipine due to the wide range of indications and its effectiveness for patients with hypertension in combination with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and metabolic syndrome are discussed. The distinctive properties of the fixed combination of ramipril and amlodipine are emphasized: it allows achieving target values of blood pressure (BP), improves adherence to treatment, reduces the frequency of prescribing additional antihypertensive drugs, and increases patient satisfaction with treatment. In patients with diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, the fixed combination of ramipril and amlodipine allows achieving target values of blood pressure, promotes adherence to treatment, reduces heart rate, improves biochemical parameters of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and functional kidney indicators. Ramipril, along with perindopril, is widely prescribed for patients with arterial hypertension, and its combination with amlodipine can be considered the method of choice in arterial hypertension patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome.

Оценка эффективности использования дистанционного мониторинга артериального давления при диспансерном наблюдении пациентов с артериальной гипертензией

Arterial hypertension (AH) is by far the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. An effective method of dealing with high blood pressure (BP) is dispensary observation. Of particular relevance is the search for new tools to improve the dispensary observation of patients with hypertension, one of which may be remote monitoring of blood pressure, as an option for providing medical care using telemedicine technologies. Purpose of study – Analysis of the effectiveness of using remote monitoring of blood pressure in the dispensary observation of patients with hypertension. Methods. A non-randomised, open-label, generalized, single-centre, retrospective, longitudinal, parallel, applied study included 78 patients who completed a remote blood pressure monitoring program who were subsequently divided into 2 groups depending on the degree of achievement of target values of blood pressure (&lt;135/85 mm Hg). Results. During the observation period, all patients (n=78) experienced a decrease in SBP by 8.2 mmHg, DBP at 3.8 mmHg. Group 1 consisted of 35 patients who reached target levels of blood pressure, group 2 included 43 patients who did not reach target levels of blood pressure. Initially, the groups did not differ in sex and age, while in the second group, the initial values of SBP and DBP were higher. The study found that the degree of achievement of target levels of blood pressure is influenced by the following factors: the level of SBP and DBP at the beginning of observation, the proportion of extraordinary measurements with blood pressure levels above 135/85 mmHg during the observation period, the proportion of missed blood pressure measurements during the observation period, as well as the duration of remote monitoring. Conclusions. Remote monitoring of blood pressure is an effective tool for improving the dispensary observation of patients with arterial hypertension and can improve the availability and quality of medical care.

FACTORS INFLUENCING TREATMENT NONCOMPLIANCE IN HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT AMONG RURAL AND URBAN RESIDENTS

Introduction: Hypertension is a prevalent health concern in both rural and urban populations, with varying rates of prevalence and treatment outcomes. This study aims to examine the factors contributing to decreased adherence to antihypertensive therapy among patients living in rural and urban areas. Essential arterial hypertension or hypertension is the most common cardiovascular cause of death in the population. It develops in more than half of the world's population over the age of 50, and affects 65% of men and 75% of women over the age of 70. The prevalence of hypertension is higher among rural residents (36.3%) compared to urban residents (29.6%). However, achieving target blood pressure values is a challenge for both groups, with only 8% of rural patients and 15% of urban patients reaching their treatment goals as reported in 2010. According to practicing doctors, the main reason for failing to reach target blood pressure levels is the low adherence of patients to their prescribed antihypertensive therapy. This noncompliance with treatment poses a significant obstacle to effective hypertension management.&#x0D; The article presents findings from an analysis of treatment adherence among 152 patients categorized into three groups: essential arterial hypertension (Group 1), hypertension and coronary heart disease (Group 2), and comorbidity between hypertension, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes (Group 3). The study included both urban and rural residents. Adherence to treatment was assessed using the 2008 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) questionnaire.&#x0D; The analysis revealed distinct factors influencing adherence based on the patient's territorial affiliation. In the rural setting (Group 1), the primary reason for decreased adherence was patients independently discontinuing antihypertensive medication without notifying their doctor. In the urban setting (Group 1), patients tended to forget to take their medication as prescribed.&#x0D; In Group 2 (urban), challenges were observed in remembering the correct time for taking antihypertensive drugs, while rural patients in the same group tended to independently alter the dosage or discontinue medication. In Group 3 (urban), urban residents reported forgetting to take medication when away from home, whereas rural residents faced fewer difficulties in remembering their medication schedule.&#x0D; The research findings indicate that low adherence to antihypertensive therapy is not solely influenced by territorial affiliation or the specific course of hypertension. However, a notable factor affecting treatment adherence among both rural and urban residents is the more mobile lifestyle commonly observed in urban areas.&#x0D; Addressing the issue of low adherence to antihypertensive therapy requires tailored interventions that consider the unique challenges faced by rural and urban populations. Strategies should focus on improving patient education, enhancing medication reminders, and promoting better communication between patients and healthcare providers. By addressing these factors, it is possible to improve treatment adherence and subsequently enhance hypertension management outcomes for both rural and urban residents.

A Need for Improvement in the Definition of Resistant Arterial Hypertension.

With the medical and social importance of resistant arterial hypertension (HTN) in mind, we had three goals in this paper: to study the definitions of resistant HTN in the guidelines on the topic, to analyze them, and to suggest some improvements. We found (at least) eleven insufficiencies in the definition of resistant HTN: (1) different blood pressure (BP) values are used for diagnoses; (2) the number of BP measurements is not specified; (3) the time-frame for the definition is not obtained; (4) it fails to provide normal or target or controlled BP values; (5) secondary HTN is not currently defined as true resistant HTN, but as apparently treatment-resistant HTN; (6) the definition usually directly incorporates BP cut-offs for systolic BP (sBP) and diastolic BP (dBP) making the diagnosis temporary; (7) stress is not included in the exclusion strategy for resistant HTN; (8) there is potentially a need to introduce a category of recovered resistant HTN; (9) to what degree do healthy lifestyle measures have to be fulfilled to consider it as sufficient to change the diagnosis from "apparent treatment-resistant HTN" to the "resistant HTN"; (10) sBP values normal-for-the-age for 61 and 81 year old patients in some guidelines fulfill the criterion for resistant HTN; (11) it probably ought to read "In the absence of contraindications and compelling indications…" in the others. We believe that it is better to use the phrase "above the target BP" for the definition of (treatment) resistant HTN, because the whole story of resistant HTN is related to non-responders to antihypertensive treatment. Therefore, as we treat to target and not to normal values, it is appropriate to define resistant HTN as an insufficiency to reach the target BP values. Moreover, the definition of (treatment) resistant HTN should not be universal for every patient with HTN, but it should be age-related: (treatment) resistant HTN is elevated BP over the target/normal BP values. Using this modification, there will be no need to automatically change the definition of resistant HTN when we change the BP targets in the future.

Контроль основных факторов сердечно-сосудистого риска у пациентов с сахарным диабетом 2 типа и синдромом диабетической стопы

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes is 2–4 times higher, and CVD occurs 15 years earlier than in people without diabetes. Timely detection and effective control of risk factors are of decisive importance for the prevention of complications of type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study: to identify cardiovascular risk factors and analyze the effectiveness of their control in patients with type 2 DM and diabetic foot syndrome (DFS). Material and methods. 80 patients with type 2 diabetes without associated CVD. Mean age 64.6 ± 9.2 years. The duration of type 2 diabetes was 10.0 (4.0; 15.0) years. Conducted a clinical examination, laboratory (clinical and biochemical blood tests) and instrumental (electrocardiography, ultrasound of the brachiocephalic arteries and arteries of the lower extremities, echocardiography, volumetric sphygmography) studies. Results. The frequency of detection of hypertension was 98.8%, dyslipidemia 91.0%. Target values of blood pressure (BP) were noted in 32.0%, and target values of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in 26.0% of the examined. 80.0% of patients received antihypertensive therapy, and 39.7% of patients received lipid-lowering therapy. Metformin was the most commonly prescribed oral hypoglycemic drug in the structure of drug therapy for type 2 diabetes. Insulin was significantly more frequently prescribed to patients with DFS. The target level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was observed in 55.0% of patients. Patients with DFS had significantly higher systolic and pulse BP, and reached the target BP values three times less often. Conclusion. Patients with type 2 diabetes are characterized by insufficiently effective control of glycemia and major cardiovascular risk factors. Thus, the target HbA1c levels were noted in every second patient, the target BP level in every third patient, and the target values of LDL-C only in every fourth patient.