Journal of Clinical Hypertension最新文献

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a combination therapy of Allisartan Isoproxil 240 mg and Amlodipine 5 mg (ALI/AML) compared to AML 5 mg monotherapy in patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension. In this phase III, multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial, patients aged 18–70 years with mean sitting systolic blood pressure (msSBP) between 140 and <180 mmHg and mean sitting diastolic blood pressure (msDBP) between 90 and <110 mmHg, following a 4-week treatment with AML 5 mg, were randomized 1:1 to receive either ALI/AML or AML once daily for 12 weeks. This 12-week double-blind period was followed by an open-label extension of ALI/AML treatment through week 52. A total of 300 patients were enrolled, with 149 and 151 patients randomly assigned to ALI/AML and AML groups, respectively. Of these, 257 patients completed the study. Baseline demographics and characteristics were comparable between groups. After 12 weeks, the reduction in msSBP (the primary endpoint) was significantly greater in the ALI/AML group compared to the AML group (–15.7 vs. –10.2 mmHg, p = 0.0019). Similarly, reductions in msDBP (–5.7 vs. –2.4 mmHg, p < 0.001) and 24-h mean ambulatory SBP and DBP (–10.4 and –7.7 mmHg vs. –5.6 and –3.8 mmHg) were more pronounced in the ALI/AML group. Additionally, a higher proportion of patients achieved both a BP response and target office BP in the ALI/AML group compared to the AML group (51.4% vs. 37.4%, 42.5% vs. 30.6%, both p < 0.05). The ALI/AML combination was generally well tolerated, and the antihypertensive effect was maintained for up to 52 weeks. In patients with essential hypertension inadequately controlled by AML, the ALI/AML combination provided superior reductions in msSBP and was significantly more effective than AML monotherapy. This once-daily single-pill combination demonstrated promising efficacy and tolerability.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06465264

This study evaluated initial antihypertensive drug prescription patterns in Indian healthcare settings. An observational, cross-sectional, prospective prescription registry analyzed prescriptions for 4723 newly diagnosed hypertension patients. Additionally, it investigated the extent to which physicians adhered to either European or Indian hypertension guidelines. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) were the most commonly prescribed drugs, given to 79% of patients, followed by calcium channel blockers (CCBs) at 55%. Diuretics and beta-blockers (BBs) were prescribed to 27% and 17% of patients, respectively. Monotherapy was administered to 35% of patients, while combination therapies were more prevalent, with dual therapy at 51% and regimens involving three or more drugs prescribed to 14%. Among multi-drug treatments (n = 3082, 65%), 98% received fixed-dose combination tablets. The most common combinations were ARB + CCB (26%), ARB + diuretic (12%), and ARB + CCB + diuretic (8%). Key predictors for an increasing number of prescribed drugs included statin use/dyslipidemia, age, blood pressure level, and diabetes. Non-adherence to hypertension guidelines was evident as 1364 patients classified from moderate to very high risk received monotherapy. Of these, 496 patients had grade 2 or 3 hypertension. Additionally, 88 patients received the undesirable combination of ACEi + ARB, and 267 (15.9%) type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients did not receive RAS-blockers (146 on monotherapy). The findings reveal a trend toward utilizing ARBs, CCBs, and combination tablets, indicating improved adherence to guidelines. However, a significant number of patients did not receive appropriate treatment, highlighting areas for improvement in prescription practices.

Individuals' knowledge and attitudes about hypertension are important in controlling blood pressure (BP) and reducing hypertension-related mortality and morbidity. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of hypertension knowledge level on treatment adherence, BP control, and physical activity of hypertensive individuals. This prospective and cross-sectional study was conducted in the Family Medicine clinic of a tertiary healthcare institution between October 2023 and April 2024. The study included 218 patients with essential hypertension. The BP of all patients was measured with a calibrated mercury sphygmomanometer, and the patients were divided into two groups: uncontrolled BP and controlled BP. The Hypertension Knowledge Level Scale (HK-LS), General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ), and Modified Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMMAS-6) were administered to all participants. Although 40.8% (n = 89) of the patients had their BP under control, 59.2% (n = 129) did not. The median weight of the participants whose BP was not under control was higher than those whose BP was under control (p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between the hypertension knowledge score and the Morisky total score, Morisky motivation, and Morisky knowledge scores. There was a significant negative correlation between the GPPAQ score and both systolic and diastolic BP, as well as a significant positive correlation with hypertension knowledge levels. Assessing the knowledge level of hypertensive patients about their disease, recognizing their lifestyles, and questioning their habits is crucial for recommending individualized health interventions tailored to the needs and characteristics of this population.

Our study aims to assess gender differences in blood pressure (BP) control among hypertensive patients in Jordan and identify factors influencing these differences. We conducted a cross-sectional study at Jordan University Hospital (JUH), collecting data from 601 hypertensive patients following up in JUH clinics. Patients were eligible if they were >18 years old, diagnosed with hypertension, taking anti-hypertensive medication for at least 6 months, and had no chronic kidney disease. BP control was defined as systolic BP <140 mmHg and diastolic BP <90 mmHg. Poor BP control was observed in 59.1% of females and 62.7% of males. Females demonstrated better BP control, even though they had lower incomes, lower education levels, and higher BMIs compared to males. Among females, good medication adherence (p = 0.042) was linked to improved control, while stress and a history of preeclampsia were negatively associated (p = 0.01 and p = 0.030, respectively). Among males, concurrent systemic medication use (p = 0.025) was a positive predictor of BP control, whereas smoking negatively impacted BP control (p = 0.019). Home BP monitoring was common but did not improve control in either gender. In conclusion, females showed better outcomes in BP management, largely due to treatment adherence. A history of preeclampsia and high stress was linked to poorer control in females. Both genders were aware of normal BP levels, but females were more preemptive in maintaining control. To improve hypertension care, we should consider these differences when treating patients.

Limited research has investigated the impact of antihypertensive medications on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and whether gut microbiome (GM) mediates this association. Thus, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to estimate the potential impact of various antihypertensive drug target genes on T2DM and its complications. Genetic instruments for the expression of antihypertensive drug target genes were identified with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) in blood, which should be associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP). Sensitivity analysis, including reverse causality detection, horizontal pleiotropy, phenotype scanning, and Bayesian colocalization, was used to validate our findings. We performed a two-step MR to detect the mediating role of GM. A 1-standard deviation (SD) decrease of KCNJ11 (acting on arteriolar smooth muscle, e.g., Pinacidil) gene expression was associated with lower SBP of 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93–1.31) mmHg, and a decreased risk of diabetic retinopathy (odds ratio [OR], 0.63; 95% CI, 0.52–0.76). Similarly, a 1-SD decrease of SLC12A2 (genetically a proxy for diuretics, for example, Torasemide) gene expression was correlated with a reduced risk of T2DM (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.83–0.92). Interestingly, this causal effect was influenced by a decrease in the gut microbiota abundance of the genus Ruminococcus (effect proportion = 11.2%). Colocalization supports these results (KCNJ11: 98% for diabetic retinopathy; SLC12A2: 99% for T2DM). Findings provide novel targets for the treatment of T2DM and its complications, emphasize the importance of KCNJ11 and SLC12A2 in future drug development, and highlight the significant mediating role of the genus Ruminococcus.

Evidence suggests that approximately 63.0%–84.2% of stroke survivors have hypertension, yet there is currently no stroke prediction tool specifically designed for individuals with hypertension. Using data from 20 702 hypertensive patients from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT), we developed a 5-year stroke risk prediction model. This prospective study collected treated blood pressure every 3 months, resulting in 22 measurements over the study period. The model was internally validated using bootstrap resampling, and its predictive performance was assessed with the C-index and calibration curves. We also developed a random forest model to rank the variable importance. The 5-year stroke risk prediction model for hypertensive individuals includes 10 risk factors, ranked by importance as follows: average systolic blood pressure during treatment, age, average diastolic blood pressure during treatment, baseline systolic blood pressure, history of diabetes, baseline total cholesterol level, baseline folate level, self-reported stress, smoking, and folic acid supplementation or not. The C statistic of the equation was 0.74 and there were no significant differences by gender or treatment group. Calibration plots indicate good internal consistency between observed and predicted 5-year stroke risk. We also developed an online calculator to assist clinicians and patients (https://zhouziyi.shinyapps.io/CSPPT/). Our study indicates that for patients with hypertension, long-term posttreatment blood pressure is the primary predictor of stroke risk.

Trial Registration: The CSPPT (clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00794885).

In this study, we aimed to reveal the trends of self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) and SMBP-derived indices during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The Babies and Their Parents Longitudinal Observation in Suzuki Memorial Hospital in the Intrauterine Period (BOSHI) Study is a prospective cohort study in Japan. Participants were instructed to measure SMBP daily during pregnancy and for 1 month after delivery. Among 237 participants with normotensive blood pressure (BP) during pregnancy and the postpartum period who were analyzed using mixed-effects models for repeated measures, the SMBP was measured, on average, 14.3 times from the day before delivery to 28 days postpartum. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) on the day before delivery were 110.6 ± 1.0 and 68.1 ± 0.8 mmHg (estimate ± standard error). Postpartum BP increased from postpartum Days 3–8 in SBP and from Days 3–22 in DBP, compared to that on the day before delivery. The SBP and DBP were 4.9 and 4.7 mmHg higher on postpartum Days 8 and 7 than the day before pregnancy, respectively. During pregnancy, the pulse rate (PR) showed an inverted U-shaped trend and then sharply increased rapidly until the first postpartum day after delivery. The Shock Index showed a similar trend to that of the PR, decreased from labor until postpartum Day 8, and plateaued thereafter. The double product peaked during labor, remained higher than the prelabor levels for approximately 10 days, and then decreased in the postpartum period.

Early neurological deterioration (END) following endovascular treatment (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients is associated with poor long-term outcomes. Although unstable systolic blood pressure (SBP) after EVT is recognized as a risk factor for END, it remains unclear whether this association persists after excluding identifiable causes of END. In this prospective, observational cohort study, AIS patients who underwent EVT within 24 h of stroke onset were included. Invasive arterial blood pressure (BP) monitoring recorded hourly BP readings during the first 24 h post-EVT. Unexplained END was defined as an increase of ≥4 points in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 24 h after EVT without any identifiable cause. Two distinct SBP trajectories—high and low—were identified within 24 h post-EVT. The high-trajectory group, characterized by elevated mean SBP and increased SBP variability (SBPV), exhibited a significantly higher incidence of unexplained END (odds ratio [OR] = 3.28, p < 0.01). SBPV alone was an independent risk factor for unexplained END (OR = 1.11, p < 0.05). Moreover, patients with both higher mean SBP and increased SBPV had a markedly greater risk of unexplained END (OR = 13.79, p < 0.05). Notably, the harmful threshold for SBPV was lower during nighttime compared to daytime. These findings suggest that increased SBPV, particularly when combined with elevated mean SBP, significantly heightens the risk of unexplained END post-EVT. Therefore, comprehensive post-EVT blood pressure management should address both absolute BP levels and BPV, with particular emphasis on nighttime monitoring, to optimize early neurological recovery.

Resistant hypertension (RH) may cause severe target organ damage and poses significant challenges in the field of hypertension prevention and treatment. Mining biological characteristics is crucial for exploring the pathogenesis of RH and for early diagnosis and treatment. Although several single-omics studies have been conducted on RH, its complex pathogenesis has only been partially elucidated. In this study, metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics were jointly analyzed in healthy subjects and patients with hypertension and RH. The multi-omics analysis found that differential substances of RH were enriched in the HIF-1 signaling pathway and that differential substances such as ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione (GSH), choline, citric acid, transferrin receptor (TfR), Egl-9 family hypoxia-inducible factor 2 (EGLN2), and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) were screened out. The results of intergroup comparisons were as follows: RH versus N: ascorbic acid (Fold Change (FC):0.42, p < 0.01), GSH (FC:0.65, p < 0.05), choline (FC:1.32, p < 0.05), citric acid (FC:0.48, p < 0.001), TfR (FC2.32, p < 0.001), GPX1 (FC:16.02, p < 0.001), EGLN2 (FC:0.76, p < 0.001); RH versus EH: ascorbic acid (FC:0.52, p < 0.05), GSH (FC:0.55, p < 0.05), choline (FC:1.28, p < 0.05), citric acid (FC:0.59, p < 0.001), TfR (FC:1.71, p < 0.001), GPX1 (FC:2.11, p < 0.05), EGLN2 (FC:0.76, p < 0.05). These differential substances may reflect the biology of RH. This study provides multi-omics analysis for a deeper understanding of the complex molecular characteristics of RH, providing new insights into the pathogenesis, early diagnosis, and precise treatment of the disease.

Food security is one of the most researched social determinants of health (SDoH), however, there is a lack of literature on the impact of food security on cardiovascular disease in pregnancy. The primary objective was to examine the association between food security with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 2019–2022 data from the National Health Interview Survey. The study population included women of childbearing age who were either pregnant or recently pregnant. Logistic regression models were developed to examine the association between food security and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Of the 1635 women included in the analysis, the rate of hypertensive disorders  of pregnancy was 11.1% and the rate of low and very low food security was 5.3% and 4.0%, respectively. The prevalence was 5.8% for hyperlipemia, 0.3% for cardiovascular disease, and 10.5% for diabetes mellitus. The odds of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were statistically significantly increased among women with low food security compared to women with high food security (odds ratio [OR] 2.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–4.81) after adjusting for age, race, ethnicity, insurance status, body mass index, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. Further studies are needed to elucidate the causes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and interventions to address including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and food pantries, as it may be more feasible to address issues of food security among pregnant women.