Antihypertensive Use Research Articles

Tinnitus and cardiovascular disease: the population-based Tromsø Study (2015–2016)

IntroductionPeople with tinnitus are likely to have other co-occurring disorders that should be considered when diagnosing and understanding tinnitus as a health problem. The association between tinnitus and cardiovascular health...

Trends in Black-White Differences of Antihypertensive Treatment in Individuals With and Without History of Stroke.

Recent hypertension guidelines for the general population have included race-specific recommendations for antihypertensives, whereas current stroke-specific recommendations for antihypertensives do not vary by race. The impact of these guidelines on antihypertensive regimen changes over time, and if this has varied by prevalent stroke status, is unclear. The use of antihypertensive medications was studied cross-sectionally among self-identified Black and White participants, aged ≥45 years, with and without history of stroke, from the REGARDS study (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke). Participants completed an in-home examination in 2003-2007 (visit 1) with/without an examination in 2013-2016 (visit 2). Stratified by prevalent stroke status, logistic regression mixed models examined associations between antihypertensive class use for visit 2 versus visit 1 and Black versus White individuals with an interaction adjusted for demographics, socioeconomic status, and vascular risk factors/vital signs. Of 17 244 stroke-free participants at visit 1, Black participants had greater adjusted odds of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor usage than White participants (odds ratio [OR], 1.51 [95% CI, 1.30-1.77]). This difference was smaller in the 7476 stroke-free participants at visit 2 (OR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.08-1.25]). In stroke-free participants at visit 1, Black participants had lower odds of calcium channel blocker (CCB) usage than White participants (OR, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.41-0.55]), but CCB usage did not differ significantly between Black and White stroke-free participants at visit 2 (OR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.95-1.09]). Among 1437 stroke survivor participants at visit 1, Black participants had lower odds of CCB use than White participants (OR, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.26-0.45]). In 689 stroke survivor participants at visit 2, CCB use did not differ between Black and White participants (OR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.61-1.06]). Racial differences in the use of guideline-recommended antihypertensives decreased between 2003-2007 and 2013-2016 in stroke-free individuals. In stroke survivors, racial differences in CCB usage narrowed over the time periods. These findings suggest there is still a mismatch between race-specific hypertension guidelines and recent clinical practice.

EVALUATION OF THE USE OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS IN INPATIENT PREECLAMPSIA PATIENTS IN THE LEMBANG REGIONAL HOSPITAL

Preeclampsia is one of the complications that often occurs in pregnant women. The prevalence of preeclampsia in Indonesia occurs in three point three percent of pregnant women and often leads to death. The mortality rate due to preeclampsia is the second highest cause after hemorrhage. However, with proper management, deaths due to preeclampsia can be prevented. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of the use of antihypertensive drugs in pregnant women with preeclampsia at one hospital in the Lembang area. The research method is descriptive observational and retrospectively, using medical record data from patients with the primary diagnosis of preeclampsia. Samples were taken using consecutive sampling method that met the inclusion criteria. Parameters observed were appropriate indication, dosage, drug, and frequency of administration. The research indiacted that the administration of antihypertensive drugs in preeclampsia womens at one hospital in the Lembang area has met the criteria for appropriate indication, drug, dosage, and frequency of drug administration.

Decreased timing to vasospasm prophylaxis improves outcomes among patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) on prehospital CCBs, ARBs, or ACE-inhibitors

IntroductionAneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients are given calcium channel blockers (CCBs) to prevent brain vessel vasospasm. We hypothesized that preinjury antihypertensive use may protect against vasospasm. It remains unclear whether the timing of in-hospital CCB initiation affects the vasospasm risk in this population. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included aSAH patients (≥18 y/o) at a Comprehensive Stroke Center (1/18–11/21). Patients taking prehospital antihypertensives [CCBs, Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)] were compared to those who were not. Results were stratified by patients receiving vasospasm prophylaxis (‘in-hospital CCBs’) ≤1.2 h of arrival vs. >1.2 h from arrival. Outcomes included vasospasm, hospital length of stay (LOS), and mortality. ResultsOf 251 patients, 18% were taking prehospital antihypertensives. Patients were comparable in baseline characteristics. There was no difference in the rate of vasospasm when compared by prehospital antihypertensive use. For those on prehospital antihypertensives, the time to in-hospital CCBs was significantly longer for patients who developed vasospasm than for those who did not (1.2 vs. 4.9 h, respectively, p = 0.02). For those on prehospital antihypertensives, receipt of in-hospital CCBs within 1.2 h of arrival was associated with a significantly lower vasospasm rate (6% vs. 39%, p = 0.03) and LOS (14 vs. 20 d, p = 0.01) when compared to receiving in-hospital CCBs > 1.2 h of arrival, respectively. The mortality rate (50% vs. 26%, p = 0.06) was statistically similar between groups, respectively. These results were not observed among patients who were not on prehospital antihypertensives. The timing to in-hospital CCB initiation had no effect on vasospasm (p = 0.23), death (p = 0.08), or LOS (p = 0.31) for patients not on prehospital antihypertensives. ConclusionsEnhancing the efficiency of in-hospital CCB initiation for patients on prehospital antihypertensives may decrease the occurrence of vasospasm and lead to a shorter LOS.

Overview of clinical status, treatment, and long-term outcomes of pediatric autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease: a nationwide survey in Taiwan

This retrospective study investigated the incidence, medication use, and outcomes in pediatric autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). A 1:4 matched control group of individuals included in the NHIRD during the same period was used for comparative analyses. A total of 621 pediatric patients were identified from 2009 to 2019 (mean age, 9.51 ± 6.43 years), and ADPKD incidence ranged from 2.32 to 4.45 per 100,000 individuals (cumulative incidence, 1.26–1.57%). The incidence of newly developed hypertension, anti-hypertensive agent use, nephrolithiasis, and proteinuria were significantly higher in the ADPKD group than the non-ADPKD group (0.7 vs. 0.04, 2.26 vs. 0.30, 0.4 vs. 0.02, and 0.73 vs. 0.05 per 100 person-years, respectively). The adjusted hazard ratios for developing hypertension, proteinuria, nephrolithiasis and anti-hypertensive agent use in cases of newly-diagnosed pediatric ADPKD were 12.36 (95% CI 4.92–31.0), 13.49 (95% CI 5.23–34.79), 13.17 (95% CI 2.48–69.98), and 6.38 (95% CI 4.12–9.89), respectively. The incidence of congenital cardiac defects, hematuria, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal diverticulosis, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia were also higher in the ADPKD group. Our study offers valuable insights into the epidemiology of pediatric ADPKD in Taiwan and could help in formulating guidelines for its appropriate management.

Implementation of an atrial fibrillation better care (ABC) pathway management strategy: Findings from the Iranian registry of atrial fibrillation

IntroductionThe Atrial Fibrillation Better Care (ABC) pathway is such an integrated care approach, recommended in guidelines. The aim of this service evaluation study was to evaluate the impact of implementing the ABC pathway in Iranian population. MethodsIn this prospective longitudinal cohort study, consecutive patients with a diagnosis of AF were initially evaluated. Patients at baseline were evaluated in hence of adherence to ABC pathway strategy. After study enrolment, first and second follow-up service evaluations were conducted at 6 and 12 months, respectively. ResultsThe use of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) decreased from 25.1 % at enrolment to 13.8 % at follow-up; instead, non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOAC) utilization increased from 40.0 % to 86.1 %, while antiplatelet treatment decreased from 34.9 % to 0 %. Use of antihypertensive drugs, ARBs, diuretics, and statins increased after implementation of the ABC pathway. Implementation of the ABC pathway approach led to a decrease in the occurrence of stroke/TIA (from 6.3 % to 2.2 %, p = 0.002), systemic thromboembolism (from 1.4 % to 0.0 %, p = 0.04), nose bleeds (from 0.8 % to 0.6 %, p = 0.04), skin bruising (from 1.2 % to 0.0 %, p = 0.002), and heart failure (from 7.7 % to 4.7 %, p = 0.04). The proportion of patients in EHRA Class I-II increased from 93.3 % at enrolment to 98.1 % at follow-up. ConclusionIn this first study from a Middle East population, compliance with ABC pathway strategy in the management of AF was associated with optimization of management and general improvements in patient outcomes during follow-up.

Impact of hyponatremia in preeclamptic patients with severe features.

Hyponatremia, though common in women with preeclampsia, has not been well studied. Our primary objectives are to assess the clinical characteristics and emergency therapy applied to subjects diagnosed with preeclampsia. We hypothesize that hyponatremia present in preeclamptic patients with severe features is associated with greater use of emergency hypertensives, antenatal steroids, and cesarean delivery. This is a retrospective descriptive study utilizing an electronic health record database (TriNetX ®). We collected and evaluated the following data of subjects aged 15 to 54 years with preeclampsia with severe features diagnosis: demographics, diagnostic codes, medication codes, procedure codes, deaths, and laboratory results. A total of 2,901 subjects [215 (7.4%)] with a sodium level below 134 mEq/L and [2686 (92.6%)] with a sodium level above 135 mEq/L were included. A higher proportion of subjects in the below 134 sodium group received emergency antihypertensives [165 (76.7%) versus 1811 (67.4%), p = 0.01], antenatal steroids [103 (47.9%) versus 953 (35.5%), p = 0.001], and cesarean section [27 (12.6%) versus 97 (3.6%), p = <0.001]. We found that hyponatremia may be associated with emergency antihypertensive use, antenatal steroid use, and cesarean section in patients with preeclampsia with severe features. Future research is needed to determine if routine sodium levels assessed in preeclamptic subjects with severe features identify subjects at risk of receiving these treatments.

Antihypertensive utilization patterns among pregnant persons with pre-existing hypertension in the US: A population-based study.

Hypertension among persons with childbearing potential is on the rise. Maintaining proper blood pressure during pregnancy is vital to prevent maternal and neonatal complications. Yet, limited evidence on the risk-benefit of various antihypertensives presents challenges for informed decision-making during this critical period. This study aimed to examine the utilization patterns of different classes of antihypertensives among persons with pre-existing hypertension before, during, and after pregnancy. We used MarketScan® Commercial Database 2011-2020 to analyze antihypertensive utilization among pregnant persons aged 12 to 55 identified via a validated algorithm. Pre-existing hypertension was defined as ≥1 inpatient or ≥2 outpatient encounters for hypertension within the 180 days preceding the LMP. Antihypertensive utilization was described during target periods: 0-3 months (0-3M) before pregnancy, 1st/2nd/3rd trimester (T1/2/3), 0-3M, and 4-6M after pregnancy. We identified 1,950,292 pregnancies, of which 20,576 (12,978 live and 7,598 non-live) had pre-existing hypertension. Both groups had similar antihypertensive use (80.1% and 81.0%, respectively) during the 6 months before pregnancy (baseline). For live-birth pregnancies, 13.9% of baseline users discontinued treatment during pregnancy, while 28.9% of non-users initiated antihypertensives during pregnancy, and 17.2% started postpartum. Before pregnancy, the predominant antihypertensives included thiazide diuretics (21.9%), combined α- and β-blockers (18.4%), and dihydropyridines (16.2%). During pregnancy, thiazide diuretics, cardioselective β-blockers, and ACE inhibitors declined (T3: 3.0%, 4.2%, and 0.8%). Dihydropyridine use was steady during pregnancy, but preference shifted from amlodipine to nifedipine in T3 (2.2.% vs.10.8%). Central α2-agonists increased during pregnancy (up to 15.2% in T3) compared to both pre- (9.8%) and post-pregnancy (5.7%). ARBs mirrored ACE inhibitors, with less than 1% utilization in later trimesters. Combination agents dropped from 10.8% pre-pregnancy to 0.8% in T3, then rebounded to 7.3% post-pregnancy. Research is warranted to evaluate the choice of antihypertensives and optimal timing to switch to safer alternatives, considering maternal and fetal outcomes.

Clinical Outcomes Associated With a Remote Postpartum Hypertension Monitoring Program.

To evaluate differences in health care utilization and guideline adherence for postpartum individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) who are engaged in a remote monitoring program, compared with usual care. This was a retrospective cohort study of postpartum individuals with HDP who delivered between March 2019 and June 2023 at a single institution. The primary exposure was enrollment in a remote hypertension management program that relies on patient home blood pressure (BP) measurement and centralized nursing team management. Patients enrolled in the program were compared with those receiving usual care. Outcomes included postpartum readmission, office visit within 6 weeks postpartum, BP measurement within 10 days, and initiation of antihypertensive medication. We performed multivariable logistic and conditional regression in a propensity score matched cohort. Propensity scores, generated by modeling likelihood of program participation, were assessed for even distribution by group, ensuring standardized bias of less than 10% after matching. Overall, 12,038 eligible individuals (6,556 participants, 5,482 in the control group) were included. Program participants were more likely to be White, commercially insured, be diagnosed with preeclampsia, and have higher prenatal and inpatient postpartum BPs. Differences in baseline factors were well-balanced after implementation of propensity score. Program enrollment was associated with lower 6-week postpartum readmission rates, demonstrating 1 fewer readmission for every 100 individuals in the program (propensity score-matched adjusted risk difference [aRD] -1.5, 95% CI, -2.6 to -0.46; adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 0.78, 95% CI, 0.65-0.93). For every 100 individuals enrolled in the program, 85 more had a BP recorded within 10 days (propensity score-matched aRD 85.4, 95% CI, 84.3-86.6), and six more had a 6-week postpartum office visit (propensity score-matched aRD 5.7, 95% CI, 3.9-7.6). Program enrollment was also associated with increased initiation of an antihypertensive medication postpartum (propensity score-matched aRR 4.44, 95% CI, 3.88-5.07). Participation in a postpartum remote BP monitoring program was associated with fewer postpartum hospital readmissions, higher attendance at postpartum visits, improved guideline adherence, and higher rates of antihypertensive use.

The Association of Blood Pressure Defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA Guidelines and Cardiovascular Disease Risk for Middle-Aged and Elderly People in China: A Cohort Study.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a series of diseases affecting the heart or blood vessels. To assess the relationship between blood pressure (BP) levels defined by the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guideline and CVD/atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk for middle-aged and elderly people in China. A total of 6,644 middle-aged and elderly people from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were finally included. According to the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, all subjects were divided into four groups: normal BP, elevated BP, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension. The outcome of this study was considered as the risk of CVD and ASCVD. Univariate and multivariate COX regression models were adopted to examine the relationship of the 2017 ACC/AHA BP classification with the risk of CVD. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between BP levels and ASCVD risk. Subgroup analyses based on age, gender, and use of antihypertensive drugs were performed. P<0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. After adjusting all covariates, compared to middle-aged and elderly patients with normal BP, we found that patients with stage 1/2 hypertension were associated with a higher risk of CVD, separately. Simultaneously, we also observed a positive association between individuals with elevated BP, stage 1 hypertension, stage 2 hypertension, and higher ASCVD risk in the fully adjusted model. The result of subgroup analyses implied that the relationship between stage 1/2 hypertension and CVD/ high ASCVD was robust in different ages and genders, and participants without using antihypertensive drugs. BP classification under the 2017 ACC/AHA BP guidelines may apply to the Chinese population.

Complex Patterns of Antihypertensive Treatment Changes in Long-Term Care Residents

ObjectivesAntihypertensive treatment changes are common in long-term care residents, yet data on the frequency and predictors of changes are lacking. We described the patterns of antihypertensive changes and examined the triggering factors. DesignRetrospective cohort study. Setting and ParticipantsA total of 24,870 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing home residents aged ≥65 years with long-term stays (≥180 days) from 2006 to 2019. MethodsWe obtained data from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse. Based on Bar Code Medication Administration medication data, we defined 2 types of change events in 180 days of admission: deprescribing (reduced number of antihypertensives or dose reduction of ≥30% compared with the previous week and maintained for at least 2 weeks) and intensification (opposite of deprescribing). Mortality was identified within 2 years after admission. ResultsMore than 85% of residents were prescribed antihypertensives and 68% of them experienced ≥1 change event during the first 6 months of the nursing home stay. We categorized residents into 10 distinct patterns: no change (27%), 1 deprescribing (11%), multiple deprescribing (5%), 1 intensification (10%), multiple intensification (7%), 1 deprescribing followed by 1 intensification (3%), 1 intensification followed by 1 deprescribing (4%), 3 changes with mixed events (7%), >3 changes with mixed events (10%), and no antihypertensive use (15%). Treatment changes were more frequent in residents with better physical function and/or cognitive function. Potentially triggering factors differed by the type of antihypertensive change: incident high blood pressure and cardiovascular events were associated with intensification, and low blood pressure, weight loss, and falls were associated with deprescribing. Death occurred in 7881 (32%) residents over 2 years. The highest mortality was for those without antihypertensive medication (incidence = 344/1000 person-years). Conclusions and ImplicationsPatterns of medication changes existing in long-term care residents are complex. Future studies should explore the benefits and harms of these antihypertensive treatment changes.

The association of cumulative low-density lipoprotein cholesterol exposure and carotid intima-media thickness in a young adulthood population

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between cumulative exposure to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in the young adulthood population.MethodsYoung adult subject (18-45 year old) from the Kailuan Study group who participated in the same period of follow-up and received carotid artery ultrasound were selected as the observation subjects. Among them, 3651 cases met the inclusion criteria, which required that carotid artery color ultrasound examinations be completed from 2010 to 2016, with complete IMT measurements, LDL-C data collected at least twice before carotid ultrasound, and participants’ age to be ≤ 45 years at the time of carotid artery color ultrasound examination. Linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between time-weighted average (TWA) to LDL-C cumulative exposure and IMT the young population. Logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of different TWA groups on IMT thickening. Considering that the use of anti hypertensive drugs and lipid-lowering drugs may affect TWA LDL-C, this study excluded people taking antihypertensive drugs and lipid-lowering drugs, and conducted a repeat analysis of the main results.ResultsThere was a positive correlation between TWA LDL-C and IMT, with IMT increasing by 0.017 mm when TWA LDL-C increased by 1 mmol/L * year. The TWA LDL-C in the highest group was identified as a risk factor for IMT thickening, with odds ratio (OR) values of 1.812(1.027 ~ 3.200) in the T3 group. After excluding patients taking antihypertensive drugs and lipid-lowering drugs, the results still showed that the T3 group with the highest TWA LDL-C was a risk factor for IMT thickening, with an OR value of 1.850(0.988–3.464), P for trend is 0.043.ConclusionThis cohort study revealed that TWA LDL-C is positively correlated with IMT in young adulthood for risk stratification, and control LDL-C levels at an earlier age may reduce the lifetime risk of developing atherosclerotic disease.Trial registrationChiCTR-TNC-11001489.

Changes in Cardiac Structure and Function of Recipients after Kidney Transplantation.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) elevates the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. Uremic cardiomyopathy, frequently observed in CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), involves alterations in cardiac structure and function, which may reverse post-kidney transplantation, although data remain controversial. This study examines the relationship between graft function and changes in cardiac parameters pre- and post-transplantation in kidney transplant recipients. Methods: A total of 145 pediatric and adult recipients of living or deceased donor kidney transplants were enrolled at Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital. This cohort study utilized transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) imaging pre-transplant and at least two years post-transplant. Echocardiographic parameters were analyzed using standard techniques. Results: The mean age of the participants was 35 years, with 60% male. The average dialysis duration prior to transplantation was 27 months. Most recipients (83.4%) received kidneys from living donors. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction increased significantly post-transplant (p < 0.05), while other cardiac dimensions and functions, such as ejection fraction and pulmonary artery pressure, showed no significant change (p > 0.05). Notably, diastolic dysfunction worsened in patients with dysfunctional grafts (GFR < 45), correlating with increased pulmonary artery pressure post-transplant. The rate of antihypertensive drug use and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus increased significantly post-transplant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that left ventricular diastolic dysfunction present before kidney transplantation continues to persist post-transplantation in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing chronic kidney disease treatment. Furthermore, it shows an increased rate of pulmonary artery pressure and pericardial effusion in patients with dysfunctional grafts after transplantation. Further research is required to explore strategies to reverse uremic cardiomyopathy and reduce cardiovascular risk in these patients.

A Retrospective Study of Whether Sacubitril–Valsartan Improves Cardiac Function in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Hypertension after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the effect of sacubitril–valsartan on cardiac function in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and hypertension after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: The study was conducted on 166 patients with ACS and hypertension who underwent PCI at our hospital from July 2022 to June 2023. The patients were divided into two groups: an observation group and a control group, with 83 cases in each group. The observation group was given sacubitril–valsartan, and the control group was given enalapril. The treatment period was 3 months. The cardiac function indexes, biochemical indexes, adverse reactions, and the occurrence of new cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events were compared between the two groups before and after medication. Results: We found no statistically dramatic differences between the two groups in gender, age, body mass index, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, family history of ACS, family history of hypertension, smoking history, drinking history, regular exercise history, low-salt and low-fat diet, New York Heart Association cardiac function classification, number of vessels involved in coronary artery disease, stent length, stent inner diameter, number of stent implants, duration of hypertension, medication time, use of antihypertensive drugs, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The observation group had lower left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter (LVEDD) levels, higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) levels, and lower left ventricular end-systolic internal diameter (LVESD) levels compared with the control group. The levels of N-terminal pro-brain B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) in the observation group decreased compared with those in the control group. Compared with the pre-medication period, LVEDD levels decreased, LVEF levels increased, and LVESD levels decreased in the observation and control groups, whereas NT-proBNP, cTnI, and CK-MB levels decreased in the observation and control groups. The total incidence rates of adverse reactions and new cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in the observation group were found to be lower than those in the control group. Conclusion: The application of sacubitril–valsartan in patients with ACS complicated with hypertension after PCI can effectively improve patients' cardiac function, reduce biochemical indexes related to myocardial injury, and lower the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events. It features good safety, providing a new treatment strategy and method for patients with ACS complicated with hypertension.

Association of intradialytic hypertension and antihypertensive medication use in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: a prospective observational study

Background In patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) undergoing maintenance hemodialysis, intradialytic hypertension and intradialytic hypotension are the common complications. The study aimed to collect and assess intradialytic Blood Pressure (BP) complications and their association with different factors, including BP medication. Methods This was a prospective observational study, conducted at the hemodialysis center in a teaching hospital in the UAE, that provide a specialist’s care for the patients receiving ongoing hemodialysis. Patient demographics, medications used, lab data and the peridialytic BP (pre-, intra-, and post-) dialytic BP were collected for a period of 6 months. SPSS Version 29, Armonk, NY was used for statistical analysis. Pearson Chi-square test and Fischer’s Exact test were used to compare the association between categorical variables to intradialytic hypertension and hypotension. Results Blood pressure data was collected from 47 hemodialysis patients for a total of 2616 hemodialysis sessions during the 6 months study period. Beta-blockers (68%) and calcium channel blockers (66%) were the commonly used antihypertensive medications in the study population. Intradialytic hypertension events were diagnosed in 49 hemodialysis sessions and intradialytic hypotension was diagnosed in 23 hemodialysis sessions. On comparing the effect of antihypertensive medication to the occurrence of intradialytic BP complications, ARBs and alpha-1 blockers showed no association to intradialytic hypertension, but beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers use were associated with increased number of intradialytic hypertension events (p-value &lt;0.05). On the other hand, antihypertensive medication use showed no association with intradialytic hypotension. Conclusions Patients using ARBs or alpha-1 blockers had higher intradialytic hypertension events. Beta-blocker and calcium channel users had lower intradialytic hypertension events. Antihypertensive use showed no association with intradialytic hypotension events.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood pressure control in patients with treated hypertension-results of the European Society of Hypertension Study (ESH ABPM COVID-19 Study).

We aimed to determine the influence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on blood pressure (BP) control assessed by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Office BP and ABPM data from two visits conducted within a 9-15 months interval were collected from patients treated for hypertension. In the prepandemic group, both visits took place before, while in the pandemic group, Visit-1 was done before and Visit-2 during the pandemic period. Of 1811 collected patients 191 were excluded because they did not meet the required ABPM time frames. Thus, the study comprised 704 patients from the pandemic and 916 from the prepandemic group. Groups did not differ in sex, age, duration of hypertension, frequency of first line antihypertensive drug use and mean 24 h BP on Visit-1. The prevalence of sustained uncontrolled hypertension was similar in both groups. On Visit-2 mean 24 h BP, daytime and nighttime systolic BP and diastolic BP were higher in the pandemic compared to the prepandemic group (P < 0.034). The prevalence of sustained uncontrolled hypertension on Visit-2 was higher in the pandemic than in the prepandemic group [0.29 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.26-0.33) vs. 0.25 (95% CI: 0.22-0.28), P < 0.037]. In multivariable adjusted analyses a significant difference in BP visit-to-visit change was observed, with a more profound decline in BP between visits in the prepandemic group. This study using ABPM indicates a negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on BP control. It emphasizes the need of developing strategies to maintain BP control during a pandemic such as the one induced by COVID-19.

Antihypertensive use insights and experiences among hypertensive patients at Korle-Bu teaching hospital.

Across the globe, a vast number of people, amounting to 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years, suffer from hypertension. Two-thirds of them reside in low- and middle-income countries, and a significant 46% of these adults with hypertension are unaware of their condition. Hence the study aims to determine the Antihypertensive use insights and experiences among hypertensive patients at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. A qualitative exploratory design was employed to recruit thirty 30 hypertensive patients from both male and female medical wards as well as the hypertensive clinic at the OPD of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. The patients were selected using a purposive sampling technique, following which they were involved in face-face in-depth interviews which were audiotaped. Recorded data was then transcribed and analyzed with content analysis. The analysis of the data resulted in three (3) main themes and 10 sub-themes. The study uncovered a general lack of knowledge about antihypertensive medications. This limited understanding resulted in a negative attitude among most patients toward the use of prescribed antihypertensive drugs. When it came to their experiences with antihypertensive medications, patients shared a wide range of experiences. It was concluded that there is a need to improve the knowledge and attitude of patients as these play pivotal roles in determining adherence levels. Thus, interventions such as the organization of educational programs and awareness creation is recommended to improve adherence level and in turn, decrease the prevalence of hypertensive complications associated with poor management.

The Effect of Remimazolam on Seizure Profile, Hemodynamics, and Recovery in Patients With Electroconvulsive Therapy Comparison With Propofol and Etomidate: A Retrospective Study.

To compare seizure-related, hemodynamic, and recovery outcomes when using remimazolam for ECT with those of other anesthetics, specifically propofol and etomidate. A total of 49 patients who underwent 405 ECT treatment sessions under general anesthesia were retrospectively analyzed. Remimazolam, propofol, and etomidate were used for 93, 138, and 174 ECT sessions, respectively. The primary outcome was durations of motor and electroencephalogram (EEG) seizure activity, whereas secondary outcomes included hemodynamics (ie, mean arterial pressure [MAP] and heart rate [HR] at various time points from induction to postanesthesia care unit [PACU] discharge), antihypertensive drugs administration after electrical stimulus, and recovery profiles (ie, length of PACU stay and incidence of postictal confusion). Durations of motor and EEG seizures were shorter for remimazolam than etomidate (motor, P < 0.001; EEG, P = 0.003) but similar compared with propofol (motor, P = 0.191; EEG, P = 0.850). During seizure, remimazolam showed a comparable MAP and HR to etomidate (MAP: P = 0.806; HR: P = 0.116). The antihypertensive drug use was lowest for remimazolam (6.8%), followed by propofol (35.6%) and etomidate (65.6%), and the mean length of PACU stay was comparable for remimazolam (19.7 min), propofol (22.8 min), and etomidate (24.5 min). The occurrence of postictal confusion did not differ among the 3 agents (P > 0.050). Remimazolam is a promising anesthetic option for ECT because of its comparable seizure profiles, stable hemodynamics, and comparable PACU stay when compared with propofol and etomidate without additional adverse events.

The impact of intensive blood pressure management in the post-thrombolysis setting: a real-world observational study.

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) >180mmHg following stroke thrombolysis has been associated with increased bleeding and poorer outcome. Aiming for the guideline SBP of <180mmHg often leads to SBP overshoot, as treatment is only triggered if this threshold is passed. We tested whether a lower target would result in fewer high SBP protocol violations. This is a single-centre, sequential comparison of two blood pressure protocols. Between 2013 and 2017, the guideline-based post-thrombolysis SBP target of <180mmHg was compared with a new protocol aiming for 140-160mmHg. The primary outcome was rate of patients with SBPs >180mmHg. Secondary outcomes included rates of SBP <120 mmHg, antihypertensive infusion use, symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH) and 3-month functional independence (modified Rankin Score [mRS] 0-2). Results were adjusted for age, baseline function and stroke severity using regression analysis. During the 23 months preceding and 18 months following the transition to the new protocol, 68 and 100 patients were thrombolysed respectively. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The odds of one or more SBPs >180mmHg trended lower in the intensive group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-1.17; p=0.14). There was a higher rate of SBPs <120mmHg (aOR 3.09; 95% CI 1.49-6.40; p=0.002) in the intensive BP protocol group. sICH rate and 3-month mRS 0-2 were similar between groups. The more intensive post-thrombolysis BP protocol was associated with a significant increase in sub-optimally low BP events, with a non-significant trend toward fewer high BP protocol violations and unaffected patient outcomes.

Ophthalmic artery Doppler in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: relationship to blood pressure control and renal dysfunction at 6-9 weeks postnatally.

To examine the postnatal course of ophthalmic artery (OA) Doppler in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and to evaluate the correlation between OA Doppler parameters and poor postnatal blood pressure control and renal dysfunction at 2-3 weeks and 6-9 weeks postnatally. This was a prospective cohort study of women with a singleton pregnancy and HDP seen at a tertiary pregnancy hypertension clinic between 2019 and 2021. Three visits were included: Visit 1, the last visit to the antenatal hypertension clinic within 2 weeks prior to delivery; Visit 2, at 2-3 weeks postnatally; and Visit 3, at 6-9 weeks postnatally. At each visit, maternal demographic characteristics, medical history, blood pressure and OA Doppler were obtained. In addition, fetal growth and fetal Dopplers were examined antenatally and, at 6-9 weeks postnatally, estimated glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria were quantified. Study participants were divided into four hypertension groups, according to longitudinal changes in blood pressure at the three visits. For the postnatal visits, hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg in the absence of antihypertensive medication, and SBP ≥ 130 mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 80 mmHg whilst taking antihypertensives. Group 1 was hypertensive at all three visits; Group 2 was hypertensive at Visits 1 and 2 but normotensive at Visit 3; Group 3 was hypertensive at Visits 1 and 3 but normotensive at Visit 2; and Group 4 was hypertensive at Visit 1 but normotensive at Visits 2 and 3. The longitudinal changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP), peak systolic velocity (PSV) 1, PSV2 and the ratio of PSV2/PSV1 over the three timepoints were examined by a repeated-measures, multilevel, linear mixed-effects analysis, controlling for maternal age, weight at presentation and use of antihypertensive medication. In addition, we examined the longitudinal change in OA Doppler parameters in women with different degrees of postnatal blood pressure control and in those with and those without renal dysfunction at 6-9 weeks postnatally. A total of 108 women were recruited to the study, of whom 86 had new-onset hypertension and 22 had chronic hypertension. When controlling for maternal age, weight at presentation and use of antihypertensive medication, a significant decline in log10 MAP (P < 0.001), log10 PSV1 (P < 0.001) and log10 PSV2 (P = 0.01) was seen between Visits 1 and 3. Log10 PSVR did not change with time. When assessing OA Doppler against hypertension group, log10 PSV1 and log10 PSV2 did not differ between the hypertension groups, whilst Group 4 had a lower log10 PSVR compared with Group 1 (P < 0.01), Group 2 (P = 0.03) and Group 3 (P < 0.01). At 6-9 weeks postnatally, log10 PSVR was lower in those without compared to those with renal dysfunction (-0.021, P = 0.01), whilst log10 MAP, log10 PSV1 and log10 PSV2 values did not differ. Log10 PSVR did not change with time and remained at -0.12 (95% CI, -0.13 to -0.11) across the three visits. In women with HDP, the OA-PSVR was significantly higher in those with labile or persistently raised blood pressure postnatally compared to women whose blood pressure normalized. Similarly, the OA-PSVR at 6-9 weeks postnatally was significantly higher in women with renal dysfunction vs those without dysfunction. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.