Use Of Antihypertensive Therapy Research Articles

Pregnancy outcomes of women presenting with stage 1 hypertension during the first prenatal clinic visit before 20 gestational weeks

ObjectiveTo determine the pregnancy outcomes of women who had 2017 American College of Cardiologists stage 1 hypertension during the first prenatal clinic visit before 20 gestational weeks in a tertiary hospital in South Africa. Study designA retrospective cohort study involving the review of medical records of 127 participants with stage 1 hypertension and 128 control with blood pressure (BP) less than stage 1 hypertension before 20 weeks’ gestation. Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was progression to stage 2 hypertension (BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg). Secondary outcome measures were a combination of maternal variables (postpartum BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg, use of antihypertensives within 24 h postpartum, pulmonary oedema, and maternal death within 24 h postpartum) and perinatal variables (fetal growth restriction, gestational age at delivery, fetal compromise, abruptio placenta, birth weight, Apgar score in 1 and 5 min). ResultsThe study and control arms were similar in age, parity, and comorbidities (p > 0.05). The following maternal outcomes were worse (p < 0.001) in the study compared to control arm: progression to stage 2 hypertension (46 % vs 1.6 %), postpartum systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg (33.9 % vs 1.6 %), postpartum diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg (22.1 % vs 1.6 %) and use of antihypertensives within 24 h postpartum (27.6 % vs 0.8 %). Other outcome measures did not differ between the two groups (p > 0.05). ConclusionsStage 1 hypertension occurring before 20 weeks’ gestation increases the risk of progression to stage 2 hypertension in pregnancy and the use of antihypertensive drug therapy within 24 h postpartum.

Associations of arterial hypertension and the severity of the course of a new coronavirus infection

Discussions continue about the effect of arterial hypertension (AH) on the course and prognosis of COVID-19 infection, while interest in the effect of antihypertensive therapy (AHT), primarily angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), on the course of the disease does not weaken. Aim of the study was to investigate the associations of AH, AHT and the severity of the course of coronavirus infection in Novosibirsk patients. Material and methods. Study design: a single-stage observational study. The study included 268 patients aged 26–84 years (47.5 % men) who underwent COVID-19. All patients underwent anthropometry, echocardiography, and anamnesis data were evaluated. Laboratory studies were carried out using enzyme immunoassay. Results. Patients with AH and moderate/severe COVID-19 had higher values of glucose, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and left ventricular mass in terms of height (LVM/height) than patients with mild course. Diastolic blood pressure was significantly less in moderate and severe course than in mild course. The chance of severe COVID-19 in patients with AH is 11 % higher with an increase in BMI by 1 kg/m2 (1.110, 95 % CI 1.042–1.182, p = 0.001), by 3.9 % with an increase of 1 cm (1.039, 95 % CI, 1.013–1.066, p = 0.003). Regular use of AHT reduced the chance of severe COVID-19 by 2.3 times. Conclusions. In patients with AH, glucose levels, WC, BMI, and LVL/height are associated with a more severe course of COVID-19. The chance of having a moderate and severe course of COVID-19 in patients with AH is 11% higher with an increase in BMI by 1 kg/m2, by 3.9 % with an increase of 1 cm. With regular AHT, the chance of moderate and severe COVID-19 decreased 2.3 times.

MO705: Factors Associated with Uncontrolled Ambulatory Hypertension in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hypertension among patients on long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) is common and remains often inadequately control (Cocchi et al. Prevalence of hypertension in patients on peritoneal dialysis: results of an Italian multicentre study. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 1999; 14(6): 1536–40; Vaios et al.. Assessment and management of hypertension among patients on peritoneal dialysis. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2019; 14(2): 297–305). The aim of the present study was to describe the epidemiology of hypertension using the ‘gold-standard’ method of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and to identify determinants of inadequate ambulatory blood pressure (BP) control in this high-risk population. METHOD In 140 stable patients receiving PD in four centers of Northern Greece, we performed 24-h ABPM using the oscillometric Mobil-O-Graph device (IEM, Stolberg Germany) (Franssen and Imholz. Evaluation of the Mobil-O-Graph new generation ABPM device using the ESH criteria. Blood Press Monit. 2010; 15(4): 229–31). Hypertension was defined as 24-h ambulatory BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg or current use of at least 1 BP-lowering medication (Williams et al. 2018 ESC/ESH guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension: the Task Force for the Management of Arterial Hypertension of the European Society of Cardiology and the European Society of Hypertension. J Hypertens. 2018; 36(10): 1953–2041). The volume status of study participants was assessed with the method of bioimpedance spectroscopy (Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany). Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors that were independently associated with uncontrolled ambulatory hypertension. RESULTS Ambulatory hypertension was diagnosed in 95% of the patients enrolled in the study. Despite the fact that 96.9% of hypertensives were being treated with an average of 2.4 BP-lowering medications daily, adequate control of 24-h ambulatory BP was achieved in only 38.3% of them. In univariate regression analysis, there was a significant interaction of uncontrolled ambulatory hypertension with the mode of PD, history of cardiovascular disease and smoking status. In multivariate analysis, among variables inserted in the model, the higher overhydration index in bioimpedance spectroscopy [odds ratio (OR): 1.308; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.023–1.673/L higher overhydration] and the history of cardiovascular disease (OR: 3.069; 95% CI: 1.157–8.140) were the two factors that were associated with higher odds of uncontrolled ambulatory hypertension. In contrast, the presence of residual diuresis ≥ 0.5 L/24 h (OR: 0.304; 95% CI: 0.105–0.881) was the only parameter associated with lower odds of inadequate ambulatory BP control. CONCLUSION Among patients on PD, ambulatory hypertension is highly prevalent and remains often poorly controlled, despite the extensive use of antihypertensive drug therapy. Achievement of adequate volume control and long-term preservation of residual kidney function appear to be two attractive non-pharmacological strategies for optimization of the management of hypertension in this high-risk population.

Increased Stroke Risk in Metabolically Abnormal Normal Weight: a 10-Year Follow-up of 102,037 Participants in China.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the risks of stroke in subjects with metabolically abnormal normal weight (MANW) in China. We recruited 102,037 participants from the Zhejiang Metabolic Syndrome Cohort and the Kailuan cohort. The mean years of follow-up were 9.9years. General obesity was defined by body mass index (BMI) ≥ 28, overweight by BMI < 28 and ≥ 24, and normal weight by BMI < 24 and ≥ 18.5. Metabolic abnormality was defined as two or more abnormal components (elevated triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated systolic blood pressure or diastolic blood pressure, or use of antihypertensive drug therapy, elevated fasting plasma glucose, or antidiabetic treatment). A multiple Cox regression model was used to calculate hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI), adjusted by potential confounding factors. Overall HR of the risks in two cohorts was calculated by a meta-analysis. Compared with the subjects who were metabolically normal with normal weight (MNNW), the pooled HR for stroke in MANW subjects was 1.82 (95% CI, 1.59-2.07). The risks of stroke in MANW subjects were significantly lower than that in subjects with metabolically abnormal obesity (MAO), but higher than that in those with metabolically normal obesity (MNO) (P < 0.05). These associations remained in the subtypes of cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage. In normal-weight subjects, the HR for stroke was significantly positively correlated with the number of abnormal metabolic components (Ptrend < 0.001). In brief, metabolic abnormality increased the risk of stroke irrespective of obesity status. MANW individuals showed a greater risk of stroke, and this risk was positively correlated with the number of abnormal metabolic components.

THE IMPACT OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUG THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL COHORT STUDY

Objective: Hypertension (HTN) is both a cause and an effect of chronic kidney disease (CKD). To adequately control blood pressure (BP) in CKD, choosing antihypertensive strategies with the highest nephro-protective effect is crucial for preventing or reversing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) progression and reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The present study was therefore designed to evaluate the impact of clinical use of antihypertensive drug therapy in patients with CKD and ESRD.&#x0D; Methods: It is a prospective observational cohort study. The patients were divided into two cohorts i.e.; non-dialysis dependent (NDD) and dialysis-dependent (DD) CKD. This study was conducted for six months in the Nephrology department, Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad, India. The data collected and entered into Microsoft Excel (2007) and mean, SD and range were calculated using SPSS version 25.&#x0D; Results: Antihypertensive drugs were prescribed alone or in combination based on the co-morbidities associated with CKD and HTN. Loop diuretics (Furosemide and Torsemide) and calcium channel blocker (Amlodipine, Nifedipine and Cilnidipine) were most commonly prescribed antihypertensive drugs. Triple therapy (44.11%) was prescribed mostly in both the cohorts (NDD = 16.66%+DD = 27.45%) of which calcium channel blockers+loop diuretic+sympatholytic accounts for 19.16% (NDD = 5.88%+DD = 13.73%). &#x0D; Conclusion: The practice of prescribing antihypertensive drugs for the management of HTN and to achieve BP targets in CKD and ESRD remains uncertain. The development of new and revised guidelines is needed to reduce inappropriate variations in practice and promote better delivery of evidence-based treatment.

Blood pressure level and arterial stiffness parameters role in prediction of the antihypertensive therapy efficacy escape phenomenon

The aim of the study was to evaluate blood pressure (BP) level and vessel wall stiffness parameters role in antihypertensive therapy (AHT) escape phenomena development on the background of primarily effective AHT use. Materials and methods. Data from 102 patients with arterial hypertension level 1-3, stage I-II were analyzed. All patients underwent individual AHT adjustment for 2-3 weeks (adjustment period). At the end of the adjustment period the therapy effectiveness was evaluated with clinical BP measurement (target BP values less than 140/90 mm hg) and 24-hour BP monitoring (target daily BP values less than 130/80 mm hg). The study included only those patients who reached target clinical and daily BP values on the background of 2-3 antihypertensive drugs use at the end of the adjustment period. At the beginning of the observation period after effective AHT was used carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was evaluated with applanation tonometry. For the purpose of timely escape phenomena diagnosis clinical BP measurement and 24-hour BP monitoring were performed in 1, 3, and 6 months after the trial start in all patients. Results. After 6 months of observation patients were divided in 2 groups: group 1 included 34 patients with AHT escape phenomena, group 2 - 68 patients with stable, controlled AH. In group 1 on the background of effective AHT use at the beginning of observation higher levels of following measures were observed: clinical systolic BP - SBP (125.2±11.3 mm hg vs 119.7±11.7 mm hg, p=0.021), daily SBP (128.0±3.3 mm hg vs 121.2±7.4 mm hg, p=0.000), daily average SBP (131.6±4.9 mm hg vs 125.3±8.5 mm hg, р=0.000), night average SBP (120.4±8.5 mm hg vs 111.8±8.6 mm hg, р=0.000), daily pulse BP 50.2±4.8 mm hg vs 44.2±7.6 mm hg, p=0.000), daily mean brachial artery stiffness index - ASI (161.9±28.3 mm hg vs 142.2±24.5 mm p=0.000), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (11.6±2.5 m/s vs 10.5±2.3 m/s, p=0.029). In single-factor logistic regression models all these measures were shown to have predictive value in AHT escape phenomena development. According to multifactor logistic regression analysis that included carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity more than 10.8 m/s, daily mean ASI&gt;137, daily SBP&gt;124 mm hg, and daily pulse BP&gt;46 mm hg, the only independent predictor on the background of effective AHT at the beginning of the observation was daily SBP&gt;124 mm hg (odds ratio 19.1, 95% confidence interval 3.6-101.8; p=0.0004). Conclusion. BP level and artery stiffness index measured on the background of effective AHT at the beginning of the observation are predictors for escape phenomena development and can be used for effectiveness and required frequency of therapy management prognosis.

Relación entre la circunferencia del cuello y el diagnóstico de hipertensión arterial en el Registro Nacional de Hipertensión Arterial (RENATA)

Background Hypertension (HT) is associated with a greater proportion of body fat. Neck circumference might provide additional clinical information to other measurements of body fat. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the relationship between abdominal and neck obesity and hypertension. Methods In the RENATA study, 4006 adults from seven cities (Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Tucuman, Mendoza, Resistencia, Corrientes and Neuquen) were randomly selected. Neck and waist circumferences were measured in 3987 subjects. Abdominal obesity (AO) was defined following the ATP III recommendations and neck obesity (NO) was considered as the upper tertile of neck circumference (.35 cm in women and .41 cm in men). Hypertension was defined as average blood pressure measurements .140 and/or 90 mm Hg or use of antihypertensive drug therapy. Results In patients with normal abdominal adipose tissue, the prevalence of HT was 20.3% with normal neck circumference vs. 38.8% with NO, while in subjects with AO, the prevalence of HT was 43.7% with normal neck circumference vs. 57.4% with NO (chi square, p <0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that, for each standard deviation of neck circumference, the risk of HT adjusted for age and gender was greater in the absence than in the presence of AO (67% vs. 17%; p <0.001). Conclusion The prevalence of HT was greater in subjects with obesity in both regions of the body. The association between neck circumference and the prevalence of HT was greater in subjects with normal waist circumference.

Relationship between neck circumference and hypertension in the National Hypertension Registry (the RENATA study)

Background Hypertension (HT) is associated with a greater proportion of body fat. Neck circumference might provide additional clinical information to other measurements of body fat. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the relationship between abdominal and neck obesity and hypertension. Methods In the RENATA study, 4006 adults from seven cities (Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Tucuman, Mendoza, Resistencia, Corrientes and Neuquen) were randomly selected. Neck and waist circumferences were measured in 3987 subjects. Abdominal obesity (AO) was defined following the ATP III recommendations and neck obesity (NO) was considered as the upper tertile of neck circumference ( ³ 35 cm in women and ³ 41 cm in men). Hypertension was defined as average blood pressure measurements ³ 140 and/or 90 mm Hg or use of antihypertensive drug therapy. Results In patients with normal abdominal adipose tissue, the prevalence of HT was 20.3% with normal neck circumference vs . 38.8% with NO, while in subjects with AO, the prevalence of HT was 43.7% with normal neck circumference vs . 57.4% with NO (chi square, p <0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that, for each standard deviation of neck circumference, the risk of HT adjusted for age and gender was greater in the absence than in the presence of AO (67% vs . 17%; p <0.001). Conclusions The prevalence of HT was greater in subjects with obesity in both regions of the body. The association between neck circumference and the prevalence of HT was greater in subjects with normal waist circumference.

Canadian Provincial Trends in Antihypertensive Drug Prescriptions Between 1996 and 2006

Background Little is known regarding potential differences in antihypertensive prescribing practices at a Canadian provincial level. Our objective was to determine provincial differences in the use of antihypertensive drug therapy in Canada. Methods Using longitudinal drug data (IMS CompuScript database; IMS Health Canada), we examined the increase in number of prescriptions dispensed for all antihypertensive agents for each province over an 11-year period (1996-2006). Results Over the 11-year study period, antihypertensive prescriptions increased by 106.2% for single-drug therapy (from 35.8% in Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland to 167.2% in British Columbia) and by 112.8% (from 22.0% in New Brunswick to 216.0% in Québec) for combination-drug therapy. Among drug classifications, angiotensin receptor blockers had the largest increase for single-drug therapy and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors–diuretics for combination-drug therapy. There were marked provincial differences in the increase in total antihypertensive therapy, ranging from British Columbia, with an increase of 262%, to Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, where the increase was 134%. Conclusion Large increases in antihypertensive prescriptions occurred in all provinces of Canada, but the provinces varied substantially in the increase in total and drug-specific classes of antihypertensive drugs. The basis for provincial differences in antihypertensive prescriptions remains unknown and is likely multifactorial but may relate in part to initial provincial variations in diagnosis, treatment, and control of hypertension, as well as individual provincial drug policies.

Blood pressure in middle-aged women: are androgens involved? A population-based study of Swedish women: the Women's Health in the Lund Area study

To assess the prevalence of hypertension and use of antihypertensive drug therapy in relation to menopausal status and to delineate perceived associations between androgens and blood pressure in perimenopausal women. A population-based sample of women aged 50-59 (n = 6893). Women were divided into three groups according to their hormonal status: premenopausal, postmenopausal without hormone therapy, and postmenopausal with hormone therapy. In the premenopausal, postmenopausal without hormone therapy, and postmenopausal with hormone therapy groups, the prevalence of high blood pressure (>/= 140 mmHg systolic or >/= 90 mmHg diastolic) was 43.9, 49.9 and 45.8%, respectively. In women with normal blood pressure, adjusting for age, body mass index and smoking, there were negative associations between serum testosterone and systolic blood pressure in the total sample (P < 0.01) and the postmenopausal without hormone therapy group (P < 0.05). In women using antihypertensive drug therapy with a blood pressure of at least 140/90 mmHg, positive associations were found between serum testosterone and systolic blood pressure in the total series (P < 0.05) and in the postmenopausal without hormone therapy group (P < 0.05). Abnormal blood pressure is common in middle-aged women regardless of hormonal status. Our findings suggest that testosterone could have a dual influence on blood pressure in perimenopausal women.

Management of hypertension in overweight and obese patients: A practical guide for clinicians

The association between obesity and cardiovascular disease is well established, and up to 60% of overweight or obese patients have hypertension. Dietary interventions associated with modest weight loss are effective in controlling blood pressure and in reducing use of antihypertensive drug therapy in overweight and obese patients. However, long-term maintenance of weight loss is achieved only in a small proportion of patients. Orlistat and sibutramine may help to achieve and maintain weight loss but may not be sufficient to control blood pressure in overweight and obese hypertensive patients. Consequently, antihypertensive drug therapy is often necessary in addition to weight loss interventions. Few studies have investigated different antihypertensive drugs, specifically in overweight and obese patients with hypertension. Based on studies involving obese and nonobese patients, first-line treatment options include a diuretic alone or an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor alone. If monotherapy is inadequate for blood pressure control, combination therapy with diuretic and ACE inhibitor and/or combining either of these drugs with a calcium channel blocker are reasonable treatment options. Additional studies to further clarify the management of these patients are warranted.

Ethnic differences in antihypertensive medication use in the elderly.

Determining the optimal treatment for hypertension in very old patients requires better understanding of interethnic differences in patterns and predictors of antihypertensive drug use in this population. To investigate interethnic variations in antihypertensive drug use in a tri-ethnic sample of community-dwelling adults aged > or =77 years. We performed a cross-sectional study of non-Hispanic white, black, and Hispanic adults > or =77 years old residing in Galveston County, TX. In-home interviews in 1997 and 1998 assessed blood pressures and antihypertensive medication use in 281 subjects who reported having hypertension or who had a systolic blood pressure > or =140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure > or =90 mm Hg. Of the population evaluated, 62.9% of non-Hispanic whites, 60.2% of blacks, and 45.2% of Hispanics with hypertension were on antihypertensive medications (p < 0.027 across the ethnic groups). After adjusting for age, gender, years of education, household income, Medicaid insurance, number of physician visits, and cognitive function, Hispanic ethnicity, unlike black ethnicity, continued to be significantly associated with lower use of antihypertensive drugs compared with non-Hispanic whites (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.90). Characteristics associated with the lower use of antihypertensive drugs included older age and low income in whites, poor cognition and infrequent physician visits in blacks, and lack of Medicaid insurance in Hispanics. In the elderly, Hispanic ethnicity, unlike black ethnicity, is significantly associated with lower use of antihypertensive drug therapy compared with non-Hispanic white ethnicity, adjusting for relevant sociodemographic and health factors.

Use of antihypertensive drug therapy in older persons in an academic nursing home.

To determine the prevalence of hypertension and the appropriate treatment of hypertension in older persons in an academic nursing home. The charts of all persons aged > or = 59 years currently residing in a nursing home affiliated with Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College were analyzed by two geriatrics fellows according to a protocol designed by one of the authors (W.S.A.). An academic nursing home affiliated with Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College. The study population included 96 men and 159 women, mean age 77 +/- 9 years (range, 59-100 years). Hypertension was present in 129 of 255 persons (51%). Clinical cardiovascular disease or target organ damage or diabetes mellitus was present in 121 of 129 persons (94%) with hypertension. Hypertension was poorly controlled in 21 of 129 persons (16%). Of 129 persons with hypertension, 70 (54%) were treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers, 61 persons (47%) with beta blockers, 43 persons (33%) with diuretics, 36 persons (28%) with calcium channel blockers, 5 persons (4%) with alpha blockers, and 5 persons (4%) with other antihypertensive drugs. Of 54 persons with hypertension and diabetes mellitus, 37 persons (69%) were treated with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers. Of 58 persons with hypertension and coronary artery disease, 33 persons (57%) were treated with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers, 31 persons (53%) with beta blockers, 20 persons (34%) with diuretics, 18 persons (31%) with calcium channel blockers, 2 persons (4%) with alpha blockers, and 4 persons (7%) with other antihypertensive drugs. Of 31 persons with hypertension and heart failure, only 5 persons (16%) had measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction. Of 31 persons with hypertension and heart failure, 30 persons (97%) were treated with diuretics, 21 persons (68%) with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers, 18 persons (58%) with beta blockers, and 8 persons (26%) with calcium channel blockers. Of older persons with hypertension in an academic nursing home, 16% had poor control of their hypertension. There was overuse of calcium channel blockers and alpha blockers and underuse of diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors in treating hypertension. Physician education needs to be intensified to provide better medical care of older persons with hypertension through the use of optimal doses of drugs found to be effective and safe by evidence-based studies.

Use of Antihypertensive Drug Therapy in Older Persons in an Academic Nursing Home

Objectives To determine the prevalence of hypertension and the appropriate treatment of hypertension in older persons in an academic nursing home. Design The charts of all persons aged ≥ 59 years currently residing in a nursing home affiliated with Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College were analyzed by two geriatrics fellows according to a protocol designed by one of the authors (W.S.A.). Setting An academic nursing home affiliated with Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College. Participants The study population included 96 men and 159 women, mean age 77 ± 9 years (range, 59–100 years). Results Hypertension was present in 129 of 255 persons (51%). Clinical cardiovascular disease or target organ damage or diabetes mellitus was present in 121 of 129 persons (94%) with hypertension. Hypertension was poorly controlled in 21 of 129 persons (16%). Of 129 persons with hypertension, 70 (54%) were treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers, 61 persons (47%) with beta blockers, 43 persons (33%) with diuretics, 36 persons (28%) with calcium channel blockers, 5 persons (4%) with alpha blockers, and 5 persons (4%) with other antihypertensive drugs. Of 54 persons with hypertension and diabetes mellitus, 37 persons (69%) were treated with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers. Of 58 persons with hypertension and coronary artery disease, 33 persons (57%) were treated with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers, 31 persons (53%) with beta blockers, 20 persons (34%) with diuretics, 18 persons (31%) with calcium channel blockers, 2 persons (4%) with alpha blockers, and 4 persons (7%) with other antihypertensive drugs. Of 31 persons with hypertension and heart failure, only 5 persons (16%) had measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction. Of 31 persons with hypertension and heart failure, 30 persons (97%) were treated with diuretics, 21 persons (68%) with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers, 18 persons (58%) with beta blockers, and 8 persons (26%) with calcium channel blockers. Conclusions Of older persons with hypertension in an academic nursing home, 16% had poor control of their hypertension. There was overuse of calcium channel blockers and alpha blockers and underuse of diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors in treating hypertension. Physician education needs to be intensified to provide better medical care of older persons with hypertension through the use of optimal doses of drugs found to be effective and safe by evidence-based studies.

Use of Antihypertensive Drug Therapy in Older Persons in an Academic Nursing Home

Use of Antihypertensive Drug Therapy in Older Persons in an Academic Nursing Home

Use of Antihypertensive Drug Therapy in Older Persons in an Academic Nursing Home

Use of Antihypertensive Drug Therapy in Older Persons in an Academic Nursing Home

Use of Antihypertensive Drug Therapy in Older Persons in an Academic Nursing Home

Objectives To determine the prevalence of hypertension and the appropriate treatment of hypertension in older persons in an academic nursing home. Design The charts of all persons aged ≥ 59 years currently residing in a nursing home affiliated with Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College were analyzed by two geriatrics fellows according to a protocol designed by one of the authors (W.S.A.). Setting An academic nursing home affiliated with Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College. Participants The study population included 96 men and 159 women, mean age 77 ± 9 years (range, 59–100 years). Results Hypertension was present in 129 of 255 persons (51%). Clinical cardiovascular disease or target organ damage or diabetes mellitus was present in 121 of 129 persons (94%) with hypertension. Hypertension was poorly controlled in 21 of 129 persons (16%). Of 129 persons with hypertension, 70 (54%) were treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers, 61 persons (47%) with beta blockers, 43 persons (33%) with diuretics, 36 persons (28%) with calcium channel blockers, 5 persons (4%) with alpha blockers, and 5 persons (4%) with other antihypertensive drugs. Of 54 persons with hypertension and diabetes mellitus, 37 persons (69%) were treated with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers. Of 58 persons with hypertension and coronary artery disease, 33 persons (57%) were treated with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers, 31 persons (53%) with beta blockers, 20 persons (34%) with diuretics, 18 persons (31%) with calcium channel blockers, 2 persons (4%) with alpha blockers, and 4 persons (7%) with other antihypertensive drugs. Of 31 persons with hypertension and heart failure, only 5 persons (16%) had measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction. Of 31 persons with hypertension and heart failure, 30 persons (97%) were treated with diuretics, 21 persons (68%) with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers, 18 persons (58%) with beta blockers, and 8 persons (26%) with calcium channel blockers. Conclusions Of older persons with hypertension in an academic nursing home, 16% had poor control of their hypertension. There was overuse of calcium channel blockers and alpha blockers and underuse of diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors in treating hypertension. Physician education needs to be intensified to provide better medical care of older persons with hypertension through the use of optimal doses of drugs found to be effective and safe by evidence-based studies. To determine the prevalence of hypertension and the appropriate treatment of hypertension in older persons in an academic nursing home. The charts of all persons aged ≥ 59 years currently residing in a nursing home affiliated with Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College were analyzed by two geriatrics fellows according to a protocol designed by one of the authors (W.S.A.). An academic nursing home affiliated with Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College. The study population included 96 men and 159 women, mean age 77 ± 9 years (range, 59–100 years). Hypertension was present in 129 of 255 persons (51%). Clinical cardiovascular disease or target organ damage or diabetes mellitus was present in 121 of 129 persons (94%) with hypertension. Hypertension was poorly controlled in 21 of 129 persons (16%). Of 129 persons with hypertension, 70 (54%) were treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers, 61 persons (47%) with beta blockers, 43 persons (33%) with diuretics, 36 persons (28%) with calcium channel blockers, 5 persons (4%) with alpha blockers, and 5 persons (4%) with other antihypertensive drugs. Of 54 persons with hypertension and diabetes mellitus, 37 persons (69%) were treated with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers. Of 58 persons with hypertension and coronary artery disease, 33 persons (57%) were treated with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers, 31 persons (53%) with beta blockers, 20 persons (34%) with diuretics, 18 persons (31%) with calcium channel blockers, 2 persons (4%) with alpha blockers, and 4 persons (7%) with other antihypertensive drugs. Of 31 persons with hypertension and heart failure, only 5 persons (16%) had measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction. Of 31 persons with hypertension and heart failure, 30 persons (97%) were treated with diuretics, 21 persons (68%) with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers, 18 persons (58%) with beta blockers, and 8 persons (26%) with calcium channel blockers. Of older persons with hypertension in an academic nursing home, 16% had poor control of their hypertension. There was overuse of calcium channel blockers and alpha blockers and underuse of diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors in treating hypertension. Physician education needs to be intensified to provide better medical care of older persons with hypertension through the use of optimal doses of drugs found to be effective and safe by evidence-based studies.

Use of Antihypertensive Drug Therapy in Older Persons in an Academic Nursing Home

Use of Antihypertensive Drug Therapy in Older Persons in an Academic Nursing Home

Assessment of antihypertensive drug use in primary care in Ravenna, Italy, based on data collected in the PANDORA Project

Background: In the clinical-practice setting, only a small percentage of patients treated with antihypertensive drugs become normotensive. Furthermore, the diversity of drug classes used makes comparison of treatments difficult. Objective: The goal of this study was to characterize the types and efficacy of antihypertensive treatments used in primary care in the area of Ravenna, Italy. The study was conducted in the context of the PANDORA Project, an open-ended global outcome study. Methods: Data were gathered from general practitioners (GPs) and were stored by the GPs or through links with national health service databases. The population of interest was patients with essential hypertension taking antihypertensive medication, each of whom was observed for 365 days. Blood pressure was measured in the morning or afternoon using an automated device, in accordance with normal clinical practice. At each office visit, the GP reviewed and made any necessary adjustments to the patient's antihypertensive treatment. Antihypertensive drug use was assessed by calculating the mean daily dose (MDD) of the prescribed drug and the duration of treatment (DT). A DT ≥273 days constituted continuous therapy, and a DT <273 days constituted discontinuous therapy. Adverse events were not collected. Results: Twenty-one GPs took part in the study. The study population included 969 patients (443 men, 526 women), all of them white, whose ages ranged from 23 to 88 years. At enrollment, 327 patients were normotensive (blood pressure < 140 90 mm Hg) and 642 were hypertensive despite drug treatment. More than 25 treatment regimens were identified. Over the course of follow-up, 49 patients had discontinuous therapy and 920 had continuous therapy. Among those who had continuous therapy, 117 (12.7%) took an MDD of <0.5 tablet/d; 297 (32.3%) took ≥0.5 and <1 tablet/d; 364 (39.6%) took ≥1 and <2 tablets/d; and 142 (15.4%) took ≥2 tablets/d. At the end of the observation period, the proportion of normotensive patients had increased by 5.7% ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, improper use of antihypertensive drug therapy appears to be one of the reasons for the relatively small proportion of patients who attain blood pressure control with treatment.

Sources of Measurement Variation in Blood Pressure in Large-scale Epidemiological Surveys with Follow-up

The Copenhagen City Heart Study (CCHS) is a longitudinal epidemiological study of 19698 subjects followed up since 1976. Variation in blood pressure (BP) measurement in the first three CCHS surveys is evaluated by assessing two components, systematic variation and random variation [daytime and seasonally variation, observer bias, non-response bias, variation with explanatory variables, such as diabetes, hypertension, body mass index (BMI), height, plasma cholesterol and smoking] for the purpose of identifying relevant errors in population surveys. BP was measured in the seated position after a 5 min rest, with the cuff around the non-dominating arm, in accordance with recommended guidelines. The participation rate fell from 74% in survey 1 to 63% in survey 3. Significant non-response bias with respect to BP values was not found. No daytime variability was noted either in systolic (SBP) or diastolic (DBP) BPs. A trend towards a lower BP was seen during the summertime. Random variation, expressed as the standard deviation of the measured values, increased with increasing BP values (SBP: 11.9-13.4 to 21.2- 25.1 mmHg; DBP: 10.6-11.2 to 11.9-13.4 mmHg). SBP was positively correlated to BMI and plasma cholesterol. SBP was 5-10 mmHg higher in diabetics ( p = 0.000-0.04) than in age- and sex-matched nondiabetics. DBP did not differ between the two groups. Smokers from the age of 50 years had a 2-4 mmHg lower SBP ( p = 0.000-0.01) and 1-3 mmHg lower DBP ( p = 0.000-0.005) than had non-smokers. In addition, significantly fewer smokers took antihypertensive medication than did non-smokers ( p = 0.000). In conclusion, judging from the degree of association with BP and/or differences between the three surveys, the most important factors to consider were seasonal variation, BMI, the use of antihypertensive drug therapy, plasma cholesterol, smoking status and diabetes. An inter-survey comparison of BP in population cohorts requires controlling for these factors.