Blood Pressure Treatment Goals Research Articles

Abstract TP154: Association of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy With Ischemic Lesions After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: Ischemic lesions on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) occur in one-third of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Due to conflicting prior studies, it is uncertain if the degree of systolic blood pressure reduction increases the risk. Patients with severe, chronic hypertension may be more vulnerable to the development of ischemia after ICH due to altered cerebral autoregulatory limits. Using cardiac remodeling as a biomarker for severe chronic hypertension, we hypothesized that the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is associated with DWI lesions. Methods: Patients with spontaneous ICH enrolled in the Intracerebral Hemorrhage Outcomes Project who underwent DWI imaging and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) during hospitalization were included. Lesions were identified as hyperintensities >10mm remote from the hematoma with corresponding low ADC signal. LVH presence was identified using clinically obtained TTE reports with imaging evidence of moderate-severe left ventricular wall thickness. The relationship between LVH and DWI ischemic lesions was assessed with logistic regression modeling after adjusting for age, ICH volume, intraventricular hemorrhage, hypertension history, and blood pressure change within 24 hours. A secondary analysis using linear regression assessed the association with the number of DWI lesions adjusting for similar covariates. Results: Of 187 patients analyzed, DWI lesions were observed in 30.5% and LVH was seen in 23.5%. In our logistic regression analyses, we identified that LVH was associated with DWI lesions (adjusted OR 2.77, CI: 1.19-6.40). Separate sensitivity analyses adjusting for sex (OR 2.47, CI 1.05-5.83) and race (OR 2.52, CI 1.08-5.91) did not change these relationships. In secondary analysis, we identified that LVH was associated with increased DWI lesion number (B 1.018, CI 0.40-1.63 ). Discussion: LVH is associated with the presence and burden of DWI lesions. Further work is required to assess aggregate relationships of chronic hypertension/LVH, acute blood pressure change, ischemic lesions, and ICH outcomes to determine whether patients with LVH necessitate different acute blood pressure treatment goals.

Some patients with type 2 diabetes may benefit from intensive glycaemic and blood pressure control: A post-hoc machine learning analysis of ACCORD trial data.

The action to control cardiovascular risk in diabetes (ACCORD) trial showed a neutral average treatment effect of intensive blood glucose and blood pressure (BP) controls in preventing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Yet, treatment effects across patient subgroups have not been well understood. We aimed to identify patient subgroups that might benefit from intensive glucose or BP controls for preventing MACE. As a post-hoc analysis of the ACCORD trial, we included 10 251 individuals with type 2 diabetes. We applied causal forest and causal tree models to identify participant characteristics that modify the efficacy of intensive glucose or BP controls from 68 candidate variables (demographics, comorbidities, medications and biomarkers) at the baseline. The exposure was (a) intensive versus standard glucose control [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) <6.0% vs. 7.0%-7.9%], and (b) intensive versus standard BP control (systolic BP <120 vs. <140 mmHg). The primary outcome was MACE. Compared with standard glucose control, intensive one reduced MACE in those with baseline HbA1c <8.5% [relative risk (RR): 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67-0.93] and those with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥106 ml/min/1.73 m2 (RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.55-0.99). Intensive BP control reduced MACE in those with normal high-density lipoprotein levels (women >55 mg/dl, men >45 mg/dl; RR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.34-0.74). Risk reductions were not significant in other patient subgroups. Our findings suggest heterogeneous treatment effects of intensive glucose and BP control and could provide biomarkers for future clinical trials to identify more precise HbA1c and BP treatment goals for individualized medicine.

Dog ownership, glycaemic control and all-cause death in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: a national cohort study.

To evaluate whether dog ownership from the time of type 2 diabetes diagnosis improved glycaemic control, increased achievement of major guideline treatment goals or reduced the risk of all-cause death. Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were followed by linkage of four Swedish national registers covering diabetes, dog ownership, socioeconomics, and mortality. Linear regression was used to estimate the mean yearly change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Cox survival analysis and logistic regression were used to analyse associations between dog ownership and all-cause death and achievement of treatment goals, respectively. Of 218,345 individuals included, 8,352 (3.8%) were dog-owners. Median follow-up was 5.2 years. Dog-owners had worse yearly change in HbA1c, and were less likely to reach HbA1c, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) treatment goals than non-dog-owners (adjusted odds ratios [95% CI] of 0.93 [0.88-0.97], 0.91 [0.86-0.95], and 0.95 [0.90-1.00], respectively). There was no difference in the risk of all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [95% CI] 0.92 [0.81-1.04], dog owners versus not). Owning a dog when diagnosed with diabetes did not lead to better achievement of treatment goals or reduced mortality, but was in fact associated with a smaller reduction in HbA1c and reduced likelihood of achieving treatment goals.

A new use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: Role of bioelectric technology in resistant hypertension (Review).

Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease-associated death. Hypertension and its complications are the main problems that have an impact on public health at present. A portion of adults with hypertension fail to meet the recommended blood pressure (BP) treatment goals, despite strict clinical management. Those individuals requiring at least three types of antihypertensive drugs to achieve their BP goal may be classified as patients with resistant hypertension (RH). Bioelectric technology is an emerging method that functions with the help of the human body's own bioelectric system. It is widely used in auxiliary examination, pain relief and organ function rehabilitation. Bioelectrical technology, as an effective treatment for RH, has developed rapidly in recent years and mainly includes renal sympathetic denervation, carotid baroreflex activation therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine electroacupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). The present review describes the pathogenesis of hypertension and provides an understanding of bioelectrical technology as a treatment. In particular, the development of the application of TENS in RH is introduced. The aim is to provide a basis for the clinical treatment of RH and a new idea for further clinical trials in this field.

The prevalence and treatment of hypertension in Veterans Health Administration, assessing the impact of the updated clinical guidelines.

Hypertension is the most common risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Several guidelines have lowered diagnostic blood pressure (BP) thresholds and treatment targets for hypertension. We evaluated the impact of the more stringent guidelines among Veterans, a population at high risk of CVD. We conducted a retrospective analysis of Veterans with at least two office BP measurements between January 2016 and December 2017. Prevalent hypertension was defined as diagnostic codes related to hypertension, prescribed antihypertensive drugs, or office BP values according to the BP cutoffs at least 140/90 mmHg (Joint National Committee 7 [JNC 7]), at least 130/80 mmHg [American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA)], or the 2020 Veterans Health Administration (VHA) guideline (BP ≥130/90 mmHg). Uncontrolled BP was defined per the VHA guideline as mean SBP ≥130 mmHg or DBP ≥90 mmHg. The prevalence of hypertension increased from 71% for BP at least 140/90 to 81% for BP at least 130/90 mmHg and further to 87% for BP at least 130/80 mmHg. Among Veterans with known hypertension ( n = 2 768 826), a majority [ n = 1 818 951 (66%)] were considered to have uncontrolled BP per the VHA guideline. Lowering the treatment targets for SBP and DBP significantly increased the number of Veterans who would require initiation of or intensification of pharmacotherapy. The majority of Veterans with uncontrolled BP and at least one CVD risk factor remained uncontrolled after 5 years of follow-up. Lowering the BP diagnostic and treatment cutoffs increases the burden on healthcare systems significantly. Targeted interventions are needed to achieve the BP treatment goals.

New wrinkles in hypertension management 2022.

High blood pressure (BP) is the world's leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death. This review highlights findings during the past 18 months that apply to the management of high BP in adults in the context of the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (AHA) BP guideline. A comprehensive meta-analysis of clinical trials that employed a novel statistical method identified a substantially linear relationship between dietary sodium intake and BP, strongly supporting the AHA daily dietary sodium intake recommendation of less than 1500 mg/day but suggesting that any reduction in sodium intake is likely to be beneficial. Among adults with hypertension, use of a salt substitute (containing reduced sodium and enhanced potassium) led to striking reductions in CVD outcomes. Young adults with stage 1 hypertension and a low 10-year atherosclerotic CVD risk score should be started on a 6-month course of vigorous lifestyle modification; if their BP treatment goal is not achieved, a first-line antihypertensive agent should be added to the lifestyle modification intervention. In patients with stage 4 renal disease, the thiazide-like diuretic chlorthalidone (as add-on therapy) lowered BP markedly compared with placebo. Nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) represent a new class of MRA that has been shown to lower BP and provide significant CVD protection. In Chinese adults aged 60-80 years at baseline, intensive BP control with a SBP target of 110-129 compared with 130-149 mmHg reduced CVD events with minimal side effects. Recent findings have advanced our knowledge of hypertension management, clarifying, amplifying and supporting the 2017 ACC/AHA BP guideline recommendations.

Intensive Blood Pressure Treatment Goals: Evidence for Cardiovascular Protection From Observational Studies and Clinical Trials.

Epidemiologic studies have consistently identified a strong, progressive relationship between blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, in a range of systolic BP (SBP) from as low as 90 mm Hg to as high as 180 mm Hg. Clinical trials have demonstrated greater prevention of CVD with more compared with less intensive antihypertensive drug treatment. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials provide strong evidence for more intensive antihypertensive drug therapy down to an SBP of 130 mm Hg, and to an SBP 120-124 mm Hg in the meta-analysis with the greatest statistical power. In the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) randomization to an SBP treatment goal of <120 mm Hg compared with <140 mm Hg in persons with high CVD risk not only reduced the rate of CVD but also all-cause mortality. These benefits were noted in all of the prestated subgroups of interest, including those ≥65 years of age at baseline. In addition, cognitive impairment was less common in those randomized to the intensive compared with standard treatment. Most clinical practice guidelines recommend an SBP treatment target <130 mm Hg in adults with a high risk of CVD, which is the norm for many patients seen in clinical practice, especially those who are older, have diabetes mellitus, or chronic kidney disease.

Medication adherence among persons with coronary heart disease and associations with blood pressure and low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol

PurposeTo describe medication adherence to lipid-lowering drugs (LLDs), antihypertensive drugs, and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) among persons with coronary heart disease (CHD) and explore its association with low-density-lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.MethodsBased on record linkage between the seventh wave of the Tromsø Study and the Norwegian Prescription Database, medication adherence was calculated as the proportion of days covered (PDC) for persistent prevalent users in the period of 365 days before the attendance date. Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the association between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and medication nonadherence to antihypertensive drugs, age, sex, lifestyle, body mass index (BMI), current and previous diabetes, and between LDL-cholesterol and medication nonadherence to LLDs, age, sex, lifestyle, BMI, and current and previous diabetes.ResultsMean PDC was 0.94 for LLDs and antihypertensive drugs and 0.97 for ASA. Among persons with PDC ≥ 0.80 for LLDs, 12.0% had an LDL-cholesterol < 1.8 mmol/L. Blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg (< 140/80 mmHg if diabetes patient) was reached by 55.1% of those with a PDC ≥ 0.80 for antihypertensive drugs. Adherence to LLDs was associated with lower LDL-cholesterol, while neither systolic nor diastolic blood pressure was associated with adherence to antihypertensive drugs.ConclusionAdherence to antihypertensive drugs, LLDs, and ASA among persons with CHD were high despite low achievement of treatment goals for blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol. There was a statistically significant association between adherence to LLDs and LDL-cholesterol, but not between adherence to antihypertensive drugs and blood pressure.

Analysis of Therapeutic Inertia and Race and Ethnicity in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Therapeutic inertia may contribute to racial and ethnic differences in blood pressure (BP) control. To determine the association between race and ethnicity and therapeutic inertia in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT). This cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis of data from SPRINT, a randomized clinical trial comparing intensive (<120 mm Hg) vs standard (<140 mm Hg) systolic BP treatment goals. Participants were enrolled between November 8, 2010, and March 15, 2013, with a median follow-up 3.26 years. Participants included adults aged 50 years or older at high risk for cardiovascular disease but without diabetes, previous stroke, or heart failure. The present analysis was restricted to participant visits with measured BP above the target goal. Analyses for the present study were performed in from October 2020 through March 2021. Self-reported race and ethnicity, mutually exclusively categorized into groups of Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, or non-Hispanic White participants. Therapeutic inertia, defined as no antihypertensive medication intensification at each study visit where the BP was above target goal. The association between self-reported race and ethnicity and therapeutic inertia was estimated using generalized estimating equations and stratified by treatment group. Antihypertensive medication use was assessed with pill bottle inventories at each visit. Blood pressure was measured using an automated device. A total of 8556 participants, including 4141 in the standard group (22 844 participant-visits; median age, 67.0 years [IQR, 61.0-76.0 years]; 1467 women [35.4%]) and 4415 in the intensive group (35 453 participant-visits; median age, 67.0 years [IQR, 61.0-76.0 years]; 1584 women [35.9%]) with at least 1 eligible study visit were included in the present analysis. Among non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic participants, the overall prevalence of therapeutic inertia in the standard vs intensive groups was 59.8% (95% CI, 58.9%-60.7%) vs 56.0% (95% CI, 55.2%-56.7%), 56.8% (95% CI, 54.4%-59.2%) vs 54.5% (95% CI, 52.4%-56.6%), and 59.7% (95% CI, 56.5%-63.0%) vs 51.0% (95% CI, 47.4%-54.5%), respectively. The adjusted odds ratios in the standard and intensive groups for therapeutic inertia associated with non-Hispanic Black vs non-Hispanic White participants were 0.85 (95% CI, 0.79-0.92) and 0.94 (95% CI, 0.88-1.01), respectively. The adjusted odds ratios for therapeutic inertia comparing Hispanic vs non-Hispanic White participants were 1.00 (95% CI, 0.90-1.13) and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.79-1.00) in the standard and intensive groups, respectively. Among SPRINT participants above BP target goal, this cross-sectional study found that therapeutic inertia prevalence was similar or lower for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic participants compared with non-Hispanic White participants. These findings suggest that a standardized approach to BP management, as used in SPRINT, may help ensure equitable care and could reduce the contribution of therapeutic inertia to disparities in hypertension. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01206062.

Integrated care teams in primary care improve clinical outcomes and care processes in patients with non-communicable diseases.

Primary care physicians face the increasing burden of managing multimorbidities in an ageing population. Implementing an integrated care team (ICT) with defined roles and accountability to share consultation tasks is an emerging care model to address this issue. This study compared outcomes with ICT versus usual care for patients with multimorbidities in primary care. Data was retrospectively extracted from the electronic medical records (EMRs) of consecutive adult Asian patients empanelled to ICT and those in UC at a typical primary care clinic (polyclinic) in eastern Singapore in 2018. The study population had hypertension, and/or hyperlipidaemia and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Clinical outcomes included the proportion of patients (ICT vs. UC) who attained their treatment goals after 12 months. Process outcomes included the proportion of patients who completed annual diabetic eye and foot screenings, where applicable. Data from 3,302 EMRs (ICT = 1,723, UC = 1,579) from January 2016 to September 2017 was analysed. The ICT cohort was more likely to achieve treatment goals for systolic blood pressure (SBP) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.38-1.68), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.49-1.99), and glycated haemoglobin (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.09-1.51). The ICT group had higher uptake of diabetic retinal screening (89.1% vs. 83.0%, P < 0.001) and foot screening (85.2% vs. 77.9%, P < 0.001). The ICT model yielded better clinical and process outcomes than UC, with more patients attaining treatment goals.

Hypertension in Pregnancy: Diagnosis, Blood Pressure Goals, and Pharmacotherapy: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) remain one of the major causes of pregnancy-related maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Affected women are also at increased risk for cardiovascular disease later in life, independently of traditional cardiovascular disease risks. Despite the immediate and long-term cardiovascular disease risks, recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of HDP in the United States have changed little, if at all, over past decades, unlike hypertension guidelines for the general population. The reasons for this approach include the question of benefit from normalization of blood pressure treatment for pregnant women, coupled with theoretical concerns for fetal well-being from a reduction in utero-placental perfusion and in utero exposure to antihypertensive medication. This report is based on a review of current literature and includes normal physiological changes in pregnancy that may affect clinical presentation of HDP; HDP epidemiology and the immediate and long-term sequelae of HDP; the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, an HDP commonly associated with proteinuria and increasingly recognized as a heterogeneous disease with different clinical phenotypes and likely distinct pathological mechanisms; a critical overview of current national and international HDP guidelines; emerging evidence that reducing blood pressure treatment goals in pregnancy may reduce maternal severe hypertension without increasing the risk of pregnancy loss, high-level neonatal care, or overall maternal complications; and the increasingly recognized morbidity associated with postpartum hypertension/preeclampsia. Finally, we discuss the future of research in the field and the pressing need to study socioeconomic and biological factors that may contribute to racial and ethnic maternal health care disparities.

Concomitant Treatment of Hypertensive Patients with Bisoprolol and Perindopril in Routine Clinical Practice: A Post Hoc Analysis of the CONFIDENCEII, PROTECTI, and PROTECTIII Observational Studies.

IntroductionThe combination of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers is recommended in a wide range of patients with hypertension, including those with stable coronary artery disease and/or elevated heart rate. This post hoc analysis of three observational studies provides effectiveness and safety data on treatment with perindopril on top of bisoprolol-based therapy, in routine clinical practice.MethodsData were analyzed from three open-label, prospective, multicenter, observational studies of Canadian patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension, which shared the same inclusion and exclusion criteria, treatment duration, and primary outcome. This post hoc analysis focused on the subpopulation of patients treated with perindopril on top of bisoprolol-based therapy. All patients were followed for 16 weeks and underwent baseline, week 4, and week 16 visits. Primary outcomes were mean changes in blood pressure (BP) and proportion of patients achieving BP control (< 140/90 mmHg) in the full analysis set (FAS).ResultsA total of 845 patients (mean age 68.3 ± 11.3 years, mean baseline BP 151.5/86.0 mmHg) were analyzed in the FAS. After 16 weeks, mean SBP/DBP decreased by − 20.4/− 9.8 mmHg with statistically significant reductions observed at all visits in all three studies allowing 78% of patients to achieve the BP treatment goal. No statistically significant changes in heart rate were observed and no serious adverse events reported. The most frequent doses of bisoprolol and perindopril were 5 + 4 mg (34.9%), followed by 5 + 8 mg (16.9%), and 2.5 + 4 mg (12.5%).ConclusionThe addition of perindopril on top of bisoprolol-based therapy in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension was associated with significant reductions in BP compared with baseline and with achievement of BP targets in the majority of patients. The results suggest this strategy is safe and effective for use in routine clinical practice.

Successful implementation of best medical treatment for patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis within a randomized controlled trial (SPACE-2)

BackgroundAsymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACS) can be treated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA), carotid artery stenting (CAS), or best medical treatment (BMT) only. For all treatment options, optimization of vascular risk factors such as arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity, and insufficient physical activity is essential. Data on adherence to BMT and lifestyle modification in patients with ACS are sparse. The subject of this investigation is the implementation and quality of risk factor adjustment in the context of a randomized controlled trial.MethodsA total of 513 patients in the prematurely terminated, randomized, controlled, multicenter SPACE-2 trial (ISRCTN 78592017) were analyzed within one year after randomization into 3 groups (CEA, CAS, and BMT only) for implementation of prespecified BMT recommendations and lifestyle modifications. Measurement time points were the screening visit and visits after one month (D30), 6 months (M6), and one year (A1). Differences between groups and follow-up visits (FUVs) relative to the screening visit were investigated.FindingsFor all FUVs, a significant increase in statin medication (91% at A1; p < 0.0001) was demonstrated to be associated with a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in cholesterol levels (median 167 mg/dl at A1) and LDL cholesterol levels (median 93 mg/dl at A1). The lowest cholesterol levels were achieved by patients in the BMT group. Seventy-eight percent of all patients reached predefined target cholesterol levels (< 200 mg/dl), with significantly better rates in the BMT group (p = 0.036 at D30). Furthermore, a significant decrease in arterial blood pressure at all FUVs (p < 0.05) was associated with a significant increase in antihypertensive medication (96% at A1, p < 0.0001). However, only 28% of patients achieved the predefined treatment goal of a systolic blood pressure of ≤ 130 mmHg. Forty-two of a total of 100 smokers at the screening visit quit smoking within one year, resulting in a significant increase in nonsmokers at all FUVs (p < 0.0001). Recommended HbA1c levels (< 7%) were achieved in 82% without significant changes after one year. Only 7% of obese (BMI > 25) patients achieved sufficient weight reduction after one year without significant changes at all FUVs (median BMI 27 at A1; p = 0.1201). The BMT group showed significantly (p = 0.024) higher rates of adequate physical activity than the intervention groups. Furthermore, after one year, the BMT group showed a comparatively significantly better implementation of risk factor modification (77%; p = 0.027) according to the treating physician.InterpretationSPACE-2 demonstrated sustained improvement in the noninterventional management of vascular risk factors in patients treated in a clinical trial by general practitioners, internists and neurologists. The best implemented treatment targets were a reduction in cholesterol and HbA1c levels. In this context, a significant increase in statin use was demonstrated. Blood pressure control missed its target but was significantly reduced by intensification of antihypertensive medication. Patients on BMT only had better adjusted lipid parameters and were more physically active. However, all groups failed to achieve sufficient weight reduction. Due to insufficient patient recruitment, the results must be interpreted cautiously.Trial registration: ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN78592017, Registered 16 June 2007, https://www.isrctn.com/search?q=78592017.

An international audit of the management of dyslipidaemia and hypertension in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from 19 countries.

To assess differences in estimated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients from different world regions and to evaluate the management and goal attainment of lipids and blood pressure (BP). The survey of CVD risk factors in patients with RA was conducted in 14503 patients from 19 countries during 2014-19. The treatment goal for BP was &lt;140/90mmHg.CVD risk prediction and lipid goals were according to the 2016 European guidelines. Overall, 21% had a very high estimated risk of CVD, ranging from 5% in Mexico, 15% in Asia, 19% in Northern Europe, to 31% in Central and Eastern Europe and 30% in North America. Of the 52% with indication for lipid-lowering treatment (LLT), 44% were using LLT. The lipid goal attainment was 45% and 18% in the high and very high risk groups, respectively. Use of statins in monotherapy was 24%, while 1% used statins in combination with other LLT. Sixty-two per cent had hypertension and approximately half of these patients were at BP goal. The majority of the patients used antihypertensive treatment in monotherapy (24%), while 10% and 5% as a two- or three-drug combination. We revealed considerable geographical differences in estimated CVD risk and preventive treatment. Low goal attainment for LLT was observed, and only half the patients obtained BP goal. Despite a high focus on the increased CVD risk in RA patients over the last decade, there is still substantial potential for improvement in CVD preventive measures.

Effectiveness and Tolerability of the Single-Pill Combination of Bisoprolol and Perindopril in Patients with Arterial Hypertension and Stable Coronary Artery Disease in Daily Clinical Practice: The STYLE Study.

IntroductionCombination antihypertensive therapy is required by most patients to achieve guideline-recommended blood pressure (BP) goals. This study assessed the effectiveness and tolerability of bisoprolol/perindopril (Bis/Per) single-pill combination (SPC) in Russian patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD) treated in routine clinical practice.MethodsSTYLE (NCT03730116) was an open-label, uncontrolled, prospective observational study conducted in patients who were already receiving Bis/Per SPC, switched to SPC from Bis or Per monotherapy, or switched from a free combination of Bis and Per. Primary endpoint criteria were assessed at 1 and 3 months and included change in mean office systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), proportion achieving target BP (< 140/90 mmHg), and measures of antianginal effectiveness.ResultsThe full analysis set comprised 1892 subjects. Mean age was 61.9 ± 8.8 years, 53.2% were women, and mean durations of hypertension and CAD were 12.5 ± 7.9 and 7.2 ± 6.4 years, respectively. Mean SBP/DBP decreased by 22.3/11.0 mmHg and 31.5/15.9 mmHg at 1 and 3 months, respectively (P < 0.0001 vs baseline). Target BP was achieved by 49.2% and 86.7% of patients at 1 and 3 months, respectively. Reductions in mean number of angina attacks and nitrate consumption and improvements in heart rate were statistically significant. Treatment was well tolerated.ConclusionTreatment of patients with hypertension and CAD with Bis/Per SPC for 3 months was associated with significant decreases in SBP/DBP and a high proportion of patients achieving BP treatment goals. This was accompanied by an improvement in angina symptoms. Treatment was well tolerated in a broad patient population representative of those seen in everyday clinical practice.Infographic

Blood Pressure Control Among Older Adults With Hypertension: Narrative Review and Introduction of a Framework for Improving Care

Although antihypertensive medications are effective, inexpensive, and recommended by clinical practice guidelines, a large percentage of older adults with hypertension have uncontrolled blood pressure (BP). Improving BP control in this population may require a better understanding of the specific challenges to BP control at older age. In this narrative review, we propose a framework for considering how key steps in BP management occur in the context of aging characterized by heterogeneity in function, multiple co-occurring health conditions, and complex personal and environmental factors. We review existing literature related to 4 necessary steps in hypertension control. These steps include the BP measure which can be affected by the technique, device, and setting in which BP is measured. Ensuring proper technique can be challenging in routine care. The plan includes setting BP treatment goals. Lower BP goals may be appropriate for many older adults. However, plans must take into account the generalizability of existing evidence, as well as patient and family's health goals. Treatment includes the management strategy, the expected benefits, and potential risks of treatment. Treatment intensification is commonly needed and can contribute to polypharmacy in older adults. Lastly, monitor refers to the need for ongoing follow-up to support a patient's ability to sustain BP control over time. Sustained BP control has been shown to be associated with a lower rate of cardiovascular disease and multimorbidity progression. Implementation of current guidelines in populations of older adults may be improved when specific challenges to BP measurement, planning, treating, and monitoring are addressed.

CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOMES AND ALL-CAUSE MORTALITY ASSOCIATED WITH APPARENT TREATMENT-RESISTANT HYPERTENSION APPLYING THE 2017 ACC/AHA GUIDELINE

Objective: The 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) blood pressure (BP) guideline lowered BP treatment goals from &lt; 140/90 mmHg to &lt; 130/80 mmHg for most adults with hypertension. We investigated cardiovascular (CV) outcomes and all-cause mortality associated with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) according to the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline. Design and method: We included adults aged &gt; = 18 years identified from the 2014–2015 hypertension registry in a large US integrated healthcare system. aTRH was defined as either BP above goal while taking &gt; = 3 classes of antihypertensive medication or taking &gt; = 4 classes regardless of BP level. We identified individuals with non-aTRH, newly classified aTRH according to 2017 ACC/AHA, controlled and uncontrolled aTRH, and refractory hypertension (RH) (BP above goal with &gt; = 5 classes). Individuals were followed from their first date meeting the aTRH criteria (aTRH group) or first date of entering the registry (non-aTRH group) until disenrollment from the health plan, the study end date (6/30/2019), or the outcomes of interest [composite CV events (myocardial infarction, stroke, and congestive heart failure), and death]. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare outcomes. Results: We included 450,181 individuals with treated hypertension [mean age 65 years, 46% White, 27% Hispanic, 14% Black, and 12% Asian], and 21% were considered as aTRH [5% newly classified aTRH, 3% controlled aTRH, 12% uncontrolled aTRH, and 1% RH]. The crude composite CV event rate was highest among patients with RH [RH = 39.9, controlled aTRH = 32.2, uncontrolled aTRH = 24.4, newly classified aTRH = 12.2, non-aTRH = 9.3 events per 1,000 person-years]. A higher risk of CV events was associated with aTRH compared with non-aTRH [Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) (95% CI) = 1.64 (1.60, 1.69)]. Newly classified aTRH was associated with higher CV events and all-cause mortality compared with non-aTRH [HR = 1.43 (1.35, 1.52) for CV events, 1.15 (1.09, 1.20) for all-cause mortality]. Conclusions: Newly classified aTRH, per the 2017 ACC/AHA BP guideline, was associated with a higher risk of CV events compared with non-aTRH, which supports more stringent BP goals for individuals taking 3 or more classes of antihypertensive medication.

Adherence to prescription guidelines and achievement of treatment goals among persons with coronary heart disease in Troms\xf8 7

BackgroundAdherence to clinical practice guidelines for coronary heart disease (CHD) reduces morbidity, mortality and treatment costs. We aimed to describe and compare adherence to prescription guidelines for persons with CHD, and explore its association with treatment goal achievement.MethodWe included all participants reporting myocardial infarction, angina, percutaneous coronary intervention and/or coronary artery bypass surgery in the seventh wave of the Tromsø Study (2015–2016, n = 1483). Medication use and treatment goal measures (blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and HbA1c) were compared to clinical practice guidelines on secondary CHD prevention. Propensity score matched logistic regression was used to assess the association between the use of antihypertensive drugs and achievement of treatment goal for blood pressure, and the use of lipid-lowering drugs (LLDs) and achievement of treatment goal for LDL-cholesterol.ResultsThe prevalence of pharmacological CHD treatment was 76% for LLDs, 72% for antihypertensive drugs and 66% for acetylsalicylic acid. The blood pressure goal (< 140/90 mmHg, < 140/80 mmHg if diabetic) was achieved by 58% and the LDL-cholesterol goal (< 1.8 mmol/l or < 70 mg/dL) by 9%. There was a strong association between using LLDs and achieving the treatment goal for LDL-cholesterol (OR 14.0, 95% CI 3.6–54.7), but not between using antihypertensive drugs and blood pressure goal achievement (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.7–2.7).ConclusionTreatment goal achievement of LDL-cholesterol and blood pressure was low, despite the relatively high use of LLDs and antihypertensive drugs. Further research is needed to find the proper actions to increase achievement of the treatment goals.

Implementation of the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines on Hypertension in Clinical Practice.

Background: The 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines on hypertension recommend a threshold blood pressure (BP) of ≥130/80 mmHg for diagnosis of hypertension and treating hypertension to a goal BP of <130/80 mmHg. For this study, we assessed the rate of compliance to the 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guidelines by internal medicine residents and cardiology fellows in clinics affiliated with a teaching hospital in New York, New York.Methods: We conducted a retrospective medical records review for patients who had a clinical encounter at the internal medicine resident and cardiology fellow clinics from January to February 2019. To distinguish from adherence with prior guidelines, patients with BP of 130-139/80-89 mmHg (unless age ≥60 years and systolic blood pressure [SBP] 140-149 mmHg without chronic kidney disease or diabetes) were included. The primary outcome was accurate assessment of uncontrolled BP in accordance with the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines.Results: Included in the analysis were 435 patients from the internal medicine resident clinic and 127 patients from the cardiology fellow clinic. Accurate assessment of uncontrolled BP was higher in the cardiology fellow clinic compared to the internal medicine resident clinic (29.1% vs 10.3%, P<0.001), even after adjusting for baseline characteristics differences between the 2 clinics. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the type of clinic (internal medicine, odds ratio [OR] 0.27, 95% CI 0.16-0.47; P<0.001), established diagnosis of hypertension (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.06-3.99; P<0.001), and SBP (OR 1.16 per mmHg, 95% CI 1.11-1.22; P=0.031) were independently associated with the primary outcome.Conclusion: Cardiology fellows were better at identifying hypertension diagnosis thresholds and BP treatment goals in accordance with 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines compared to internal medicine residents.

TREATMENT GOALS ACHIEVED AMONG HYPERTENSIVES AT THE B/A REGIONAL HOSPITAL IN SUNYANI, GHANA.

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the current success rate of hypertensive patients in achieving blood pressure (BP) treatment goals and to investigate the extent of the consistency in the control of BP following initial achievement.&#x0D; Methods: At the hypertension clinic of the B/A Regional Hospital in Sunyani, Ghana, the current BP of 400 sampled patients, aged 35–100 years was measured. In addition, a retrospective review of nine successive BPs previously recorded in patients’ medical histories was done.&#x0D; Results: Of the 400 patients, women constituted 71.75%. Hypertensive aged ≥60 years represented 64.25% with the rest being ˂60 years. In 58% of patients, there were comorbidities. The adherence to clinic appointment was 54.50%. Of the ten clinic visits, 20.30% of patients ˂60 years were adequately controlled of their BPs while those ≥60 years achieved 33.80% control. In all, 29% of the 400 hypertensives met their treatment goals adequately. Consistency in maintaining a controlled BP at all times was achieved by 23.70% of the 400 patients. Regular visits to clinic was associated with adequate BP control (p˂0.001) while comorbidity was not (p=0.122).&#x0D; Conclusion: Treatment goals’ achievement by hypertensives at the Regional Hospital in Sunyani, Ghana, was relatively low. Consistency in maintaining a controlled BP while on medication is poor. The lack of consistency in keeping a controlled BP may contribute to the increased cardiovascular deaths among hypertensives. Intensive mass education and treatment optimization are required to deal with treatment failures among patients.