High Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Prevention最新文献

Introduction: Hypertension and dyslipidemia are major cardiovascular risk factors that often coexist. Hyperlipidemia is a crucial modifiable risk factor in preventing cardiovascular disease.

Aim: We aimed to explore the relationship between lipid levels and the grading of hypertension in a community-based adult population.

Methods: A total of 63,091 non-employed individuals were included in this study. Measurements included systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (STB), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Chi-square and t-tests were used to obtain basic population characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between the prevalence of hypertension and lipid profiles, as well as to identify influencing factors. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Statistical charts were utilized to analyze the relationship between lipid parameters and hypertension grades.

Results: A total of 30,588 men and 32,503 women with an average age of 64.57 ± 12.5 years participated in this study. After adjusting STB and TC, every 1 mmol/L increase in TG and LDL-c was associated with a 6.0% and 6.5% increase in the prevalence of hypertension, respectively. Conversely, for every 1 mmol/L increase in HDL-c, the prevalence of hypertension decreased by 4.1%. Increases in TG and LDL-c levels were observed across all grades of hypertension, while very high HDL-c was significantly associated in grade III hypertension (1.54→1.66 mmol/L). Additionally, age, BMI, FPG, ALT, AST, SCr, and BUN significantly influenced the association between hypertension and lipid levels.

Conclusion: Hyperlipidemia and hypertension often coexist in health examination populations. Elevated levels of TG and LDL-C are associated with all grades of hypertension, while extremely high HDL-C level is linked to more severe hypertension.

Introduction: In the absence of appropriateness specific guidelines, one important cause of health resources waste could be overuse of diagnostic procedures. Since arterial hypertension is a very frequent disease there could be such a risk in its management.

Aim: To evaluate the prescriptive appropriateness of non-invasive diagnostic tests (echocardiography, carotid ultrasound, ECG exercise test, 24 h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring-ABPM) in a primary and secondary prevention outpatient's service.

Methods: 559 outpatients visits were retrospectively analysed and appropriateness of every prescription was evaluated. An integration of different Italian and European guidelines was used to define appropriateness.

Results: 449 prescriptions were made (198 echocardiography, 148 carotid ultrasound, 85 24 h ABPM and 18 ECG exercise testing). General appropriate prescriptions prevalence was 40.3%, 24 h ABPM being the most appropriate one (49.4%) followed by echocardiography (43.9%), ECG exercise test, (38.9%) and carotid ultrasound (30.4%). Appropriateness was significantly higher for secondary prevention patients (61.6 vs. 35.3%, p < 0.001) particularly for heart and carotid ultrasound. Significant univariate correlations were identified between age, cardiovascular risk category, degree of prevention (primary vs. secondary), duration of hypertension and the presence of valvular heart disease and prescription appropriateness. However, at multivariate analysis these findings were not confirmed.

Conclusions: Our study shows a relevant percentage of inappropriate prescriptions of non-invasive cardiologic exams particularly in the primary prevention setting.

Introduction: Abnormalities in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) are each associated with increased cardiovascular risk, after adjusting for non-lipid risk factors. However, whether and to what extent the association for each lipid measure is confounded by other lipid measures is less understood.

Aim: This study aims to investigate the association of each lipid measure with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality while precluding the confounding caused by abnormalities in other lipid measures.

Methods: The study utilized data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988-1994) and ten cycles of continuous NHANES (1999-2018). The study cohort included 23,761 participants who were 20 years or older, not pregnant, not receiving lipid-lowering treatment, and had complete data on all four lipid measures and mortality status. Participants were categorized into seven subgroups based on their lipid profiles. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association between lipid abnormalities and mortality.

Results: During a median follow-up of 140 months, 5,003 participants (14.1%) died, with 1,665 deaths (4.2%) attributable to cardiovascular causes. Compared with the reference group in which the four lipid measures were all normal, the subgroups with isolated high TC, two to three lipid abnormalities, and four lipid abnormalities were associated with increased risks for both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in univariate analysis. However, only those with isolated high TC (for cardiovascular mortality, HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.13-2.06) and four lipid abnormalities (for all-cause mortality, HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.04-1.72) remained statistically significant after adjusting for non-lipid risk factors. Of note, compared with the reference group, the profile of non-lipid risk factors was apparently less favorable in the subgroup with two to three lipid abnormalities but similar (and some factors even more favorable) in the subgroup with isolated high TC. When the lipid measures were analyzed as continuous variables, a U-shaped relationship between HDL-C and mortality risk was observed for both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, and very low LDL-C level was associated with increased mortality risk. No statistically significant association was found between TG levels and mortality risk.

Conclusion: Isolated high TC, very low LDL-C, and concurrent abnormalities in all four lipid measures were associated with increased mortality risk, whereas isolated high TG was not. A U-shaped relationship may exist between HDL-C level and mortality. Overall, these findings underscore the need for integrated management of dyslipidemia that takes all four lipid measures as well as non-lip

Introduction: Engagement with mobile health (mHealth) technologies among patients with hypertension is linked to reduced blood pressure and improved patient understanding of the condition.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties (validity and reliability) of the TWente Engagement with Ehealth Technologies Scale (TWEETS) in an Italian cohort with hypertension. This study is the first attempt to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the TWEETS in this population.

Methods: The study was conducted in three phases. The first phase encompassed the translation and cultural adaptation of the TWEETS to the Italian setting. The second phase involved an expert panel evaluating the instrument's face and content validities. The third phase was a cross-sectional study aiming to test construct validity and reliability. Adults diagnosed with hypertension were eligible for participation. Additional inclusion criteria included stable antihypertensive treatment for at least 2 weeks before enrolment and the provision of written informed consent. Patients were taught how to use two mHealth devices using the teach-back method.

Results: A total of 131 patients were enrolled. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the TWEETS had a one-factor structure and a good level of fit. Cronbach's alpha coefficients suggested good internal consistency.

Conclusions: The findings indicate that the TWEETS is a valuable tool for assessing the engagement of patients with hypertension with mHealth devices. Further assessment is needed in various cohorts to confirm the psychometric equivalence of the construct across different groups with hypertension.

Cardiovascular diseases are a worldwide known cause of mortality, often due to dyslipidemia and other modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Rare genetic conditions such as familial chylomicronemia are underdiagnosed and mismanaged. Traditional lipid-lowering therapies, such as statins, often have limitations, such as adverse effects and suboptimal lipid control in certain patient populations. Olezarsen and Plozasiran, as emerging therapies, offer potential benefits by targeting specific pathways involved in lipid metabolism. The asymptomatic presentation and high mortality rate warrant novel agents that can manage dyslipidemia. In this article, olezarsen and plozasiran are thoroughly reviewed. From clinical trials, plozasiran significantly improved non-HDL cholesterol levels, highlighting its comprehensive lipid-modifying effects. Olezarsen also demonstrated remarkable efficacy in reducing fasting triglycerides from baseline levels. Utilizing these medications for primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases can significantly reduce the global burden of cardiovascular disease and its complications. The review discusses the therapeutic effects of Olezarsen and Plozasiran in managing dyslipidemia, especially familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS). While traditional treatments like lifestyle modifications and statins are common, novel antisense oligonucleotides such as Olezarsen and Plozasiran have significant modulatory effects on apolipoproteins, disrupting specific genes involved in lipid metabolism.

Introduction: Delay in arterial hypertension (AH) diagnosis and late therapy initiation may affect progression towards hypertensive-mediated organ damage (HMOD) and blood pressure (BP) control.

Aim: We aimed to assess the impact of time-to-therapy on BP control and HMOD in patients receiving AH diagnosis.

Methods: We analysed data from the Campania Salute Network, a prospective registry of hypertensive patients (NCT02211365). At baseline visit, time-to-therapy was defined as the interval between the first occurrence of BP values exceeding guidelines-directed thresholds and therapy initiation; HMOD included left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), carotid plaque, or chronic kidney disease. Optimal BP control was considered for average values < 140/90 mmHg. Low-risk profile was defined as grade I AH without additional cardiovascular risk factors.

Results: From 14,161 hypertensive patients, we selected 1,627 participants who were not on antihypertensive therapy. This population was divided into two groups based on the median time-to-therapy (≤ 2 years n = 1,009, > 2 years n = 618). Patients with a time-to-therapy > 2 years had higher risk of HMOD (adjusted odds ratio, aOR:1.51, 95%, CI:1.19-1.93, p < 0.001) due to increased risks of LVH (aOR:1.43, CI:1.12-1.82, p = 0.004), carotid plaques (aOR:1.29, CI:1.00-1.65, p = 0.047), and chronic kidney disease (aOR:1.68, CI:1.08-2.62, p = 0.022). Time-to-therapy > 2 years was significantly associated with uncontrolled BP values (aOR:1.49, CI:1.18-1.88, p < 0.001) and higher number of antihypertensive drugs (aOR:1.68, CI:1.36-2.08, p < 0.001) during follow-up. In low-risk subgroup, time-to-therapy > 2 years did not impact on BP control and number of drugs.

Conclusions: In hypertensive patients, a time-to-therapy > 2 years is associated with HMOD and uncontrolled BP.

Introduction: Previous studies showed the importance of right ventricular (RV) remodeling in patients with arterial hypertension and RV longitudinal strain was recognized as very sensitive parameter for detection of subtle cardiac impairment. However, its clinical importance in arterial hypertension has not been established so far.

Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the association between RV longitudinal strain (global and free-wall) on adverse outcomes measured by MACE in the large group of hypertensive patients who were followed for mean period of 10 years.

Methods: This retrospective study finally included 544 hypertensive patients who underwent full echocardiographic examination including 2D speckle tracking imaging. between January 2010 and December 2014. MACE was considered as the primary outcome and it was defined by all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, coronary artery by-pass, coronary stent implantation, stroke, development of heart failure, and occurrence of atrial fibrillation during follow-up.

Results: Patients who experienced MACE were older than those who did not. There was no difference in demographic and clinical parameters between MACE and non-MACE patients. There was no difference in RV diameter, but MACE patients had higher RV wall thickness. RV systolic function parameters were similar between the two groups. RV global and free-wall longitudinal strain were significantly lower in MACE patients (-22.3 ± 3.6 vs. -24.7 ± 3.9%, p < 0.001 and - 25.8 ± 4.2 vs. -28.1 ± 4.5%, p < 0.001; respectively). Reduced RV GLS [OR 1.10; 95%: 1.02-1.20] and reduced RV free-wall longitudinal strain [OR 1,21; 95%CI: 1.05-1.39] were independently of clinical and echocardiographic parameters related with adverse outcome measured by MACE.

Conclusion: RV GLS and RV free-wall longitudinal strain were independently related with adverse outcomes during 10-year follow-up in initially uncomplicated hypertensive patients.

Introduction: The long-term efficacy of renal denervation (RDN) has not been extensively documented.

Aim: To describe the long-term follow-up of patients after RDN.

Methods: We evaluated patients with resistant hypertension (RH) who underwent RDN with irrigated catheter from 2012 to 2014 at a single centre. Office blood pressure (BP) and 24-hour ambulatory BP were assessed. Clinical event (stroke, myocardial infarction, need for dialysis, or death from any cause), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) were evaluated.

Results: The analysis included 20 individuals (age 51 ± 10 years, 75% female, ambulatory systolic BP [SBP] 168 ± 22 mmHg, ambulatory diastolic BP [DBP] 101 ± 19 mmHg, taking 7 [IQR: 6-8] antihypertensive medications). The median follow-up period was 8.5 (IQR: 5.6-9.4) years. Mean (± SD) changes from baseline were: -47 ± 41 mmHg for office SBP, -25 ± 20 mmHg for office DBP, -29 ± 26 mmHg for ambulatory SBP, and -15 ± 16 mmHg for ambulatory DBP. The number of antihypertensive drugs markedly decreased one month after RDN and a gradual upward trend was observed over time. A clinical event occurred in 9 (45%) participants. LVMI decreased from 152 ± 37 to 120 ± 31 g/m² (p = 0.015), the eGFR declined from 88.9 ± 15.6 to 73.1 ± 24.2 mL/min/1.73 m² (p = 0.034), and the uACR did not significantly change from baseline to follow-up.

Conclusions: In this observational study of patients with uncontrolled RH, RDN with an irrigated catheter was associated with a sustained BP reduction for up to a decade. However, a potential waning efficacy was suggested by the increasing use of antihypertensive medications over time.

Introduction: Phytosterols are recognized for their cholesterol-reducing effects and are commonly used as dietary supplements or added to foods due to their potential cardiovascular benefits. However, evidence regarding the impact of phytosterol supplementation on inflammatory markers remains inconclusive.

Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effect of phytosterols in reducing levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP).

Methods: A systematic literature search of the primary databases was conducted up to May 2024 to identify eligible studies. The measurement of effect sizes was determined using WMD (weighted mean difference) and 95% CI.

Results: For the meta-analysis, 14 publications (19 study arms) for hs-CRP and 10 publications (16 study arms) for CRP were included. The pooled analysis showed that the administration of phytosterol did not significantly reduce CRP compared to control with WMD= -0.04 mg/l (95% CI: -0.28 to 0.20, P = 0.74). However, phytosterol supplementation significantly decreased the hs-CRP level compared to the control group with WMD of -0.25 mg/l (95% CI: -0.42 to -0.07, P = 0.006). The WMD for hs-CRP reduction was - 0.36 mg/l (95% CI: -0.53 to -0.18, P < 0.001) for supplementation with a phytosterol dose ≥ 2000 mg/day compared to the control group.

Conclusions: Phytosterol supplementation may be effective in reducing hs-CRP levels.