Comparison of active treatment and placebo in older Chinese patients with isolated systolic hypertension. Systolic Hypertension in China (Syst-China) Collaborative Group

Latin American consensus on hypertension in patients with diabetes type 2 and metabolic syndrome

The present document has been prepared by a group of experts, members of cardiology, endocrinology and diabetes societies of Latin American countries, to serve as a guide to physicians taking care of patients with diabetes, hypertension and comorbidities or complications of both conditions. Although the concept of 'metabolic syndrome' is currently disputed, the higher prevalence in Latin America of that cluster of metabolic alterations has suggested that 'metabolic syndrome' is a useful nosographic entity in the context of Latin American medicine. Therefore, in the present document, particular attention is paid to this syndrome in order to alert physicians on a particularly high-risk population, usually underestimated and undertreated. These recommendations result from presentations and debates by discussion panels during a 2-day conference held in Bucaramanga, in October 2012, and all the participants have approved the final conclusions. The authors acknowledge that the publication and diffusion of guidelines do not suffice to achieve the recommended changes in diagnostic or therapeutic strategies, and plan suitable interventions overcoming knowledge, attitude and behavioural barriers, preventing both physicians and patients from effectively adhering to guideline recommendations.

Effects of intensive antihypertensive treatment on Chinese hypertensive patients older than 70 years

This study was performed to investigate whether intensive antihypertensive treatment with achieved blood pressure (BP) ≤140/90 mm Hg, as compared with standard treatment with achieved BP ≤150/90 mm Hg, could further improve cardiovascular outcomes in Chinese hypertensive patients older than 70 years. A total of 724 participants were randomly assigned to intensive or standard antihypertensive treatment. After a mean follow-up of 4 years, the mean achieved BP was 135.7/76.2 mm Hg in the intensive treatment group and 149.7/82.1 mm Hg in the standard treatment group. The visit-to-visit variability in systolic BP and diastolic BP was lower in the intensive group than that in the standard group. Intensive antihypertensive treatment, compared with the standard treatment, decreased total and cardiovascular mortality by 41.7% and 50.3%, respectively, and reduced fatal/nonfatal stroke by 42.0% and heart failure death by 62.7%. Cox regression analysis indicated that the mean systolic BP (P=.020; 95% confidence interval, 1.006-1.069) and the standard deviation of systolic BP (P=.033; 95% confidence interval, 1.006-1.151) were risk factors for cardiovascular endpoint events. Intensive antihypertensive treatment with achieved 136/76 mm Hg was beneficial for Chinese hypertensive patients older than 70 years. Long-term visit-to-visit variability in systolic BP was positively associated with the incidence of cardiovascular events.

Prevalence rates of self-care behaviors and related factors in a rural hypertension population: a questionnaire survey

The objective of this study was to investigate the self-care behaviors among hypertensive patients in primary care. A cross-sectional survey, with 318 hypertensive patients, was conducted in a rural area in Beijing, China, in 2012. Participants were mainly recruited from a community health clinic and completed questionnaires assessing their self-care behaviors, including data on adherence to a prescribed medication regimen, low-salt diet intake, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, blood pressure monitoring, and physical exercise. The logistic regression model was used for the analysis of any association between self-care behaviors and age, gender, duration of hypertension, self-rated health, marital status, education level, diabetes status, or body mass index. Subjects that adhered to their medication schedule were more likely to have hypertension for a long duration (OR, 3.44; 95% CI 1.99–5.97). Older participants (OR, 1.80; 95% CI 1.08–2.99) were more likely to monitor their blood pressure. Subjects who did not partake in physical exercise were more likely to be men, although the difference between genders was not significant (OR, 0.60; 95% CI 0.36–1.01). Patients with shorter history of hypertension, younger and being males have lower self-care behaviors. Primary care providers and public health practitioner should pay more attention to patients recently diagnosed with hypertension as well as younger male patients.

The lower, the better? : fractional polynomials meta-regression of blood pressure reduction on stroke risk

OBJECTIVE

Lowering systolic blood pressure (BP) (SBP) by 10 mmHg or diastolic BP by 5 mmHg using any of the main classes of BP lowering drugs reduces stroke by about a third. The objective of the present study is to determine whether there is a limit to the extent to which BP should be lowered.

METHODS

From the individual 17 primary-prevention trials of single drug therapy included in a recent meta-analysis, we abstracted reductions in SBP (SBP reduction in the treatment group minus that in the control group [mmHg]) and data regarding incidence of stroke to generate relative risks (RRs). We performed "flexible" (not "linear") unrestricted maximum likelihood meta-regression, using fractional polynomials, of the reduction in SBP on the risk of stroke.

RESULTS

The best-fitting model offered a gain in deviance of 5.71 with respect to the reference linear model, according to the expected inverse J-shaped (nadir at a 13.7-mmHg reduction in SBP) dose-response relation between reductions in SBP and logarithmic RRs for stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

More than 13.7-mmHg SBP reduction with single drug therapy could produce no longer additional reduction in the risk of stroke in a primary-prevention setting.

Combined olmesartan, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide therapy in randomized patients with hypertension: a subgroup analysis of the TRINITY study by age

Background

Hypertension is often inadequately controlled in older people.

Objective

This prespecified subgroup analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of an olmesartan medoxomil (OM) 40 mg/amlodipine besylate (AML) 10 mg/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 25 mg triple-combination treatment compared with the 3 components as dual-combination treatments in participants with hypertension who were <65 and ≥65 years of age. Within the ≥65 years of age subgroup, efficacy and safety were also summarized for participants ≥75 years of age.

Study design

12-week, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study.

Setting

317 ambulatory care sites in the US and Puerto Rico.

Participants

Individuals ≥18 years of age with mean seated blood pressure (SeBP) ≥140/100 or ≥160/90 mmHg off antihypertensive medication on 2 consecutive clinic visits with no recent history of significant cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure (New York Heart Association class III or IV), severe renal insufficiency, or uncontrolled diabetes (HbA_1c >9 %).

Intervention

Participants were randomized, stratified by age, diabetes status, and race to one of four treatment assignments: OM 40/AML 10/HCTZ 25 mg, OM 40/AML 10 mg, OM 40/HCTZ 25 mg, or AML 10/HCTZ 25 mg.

Main Outcome Measure

Least squares (LS) mean change from baseline in seated diastolic blood pressure (SeDBP) at week 12 (last observation carried forward) in each age subgroup (prespecified analysis).

Results

Of the 2492 randomized participants in the study (total cohort), 2021 (81.1 %) were <65 and 471 (18.9 %) were ≥65 years of age, including 79 (3.2 %) who were ≥75 years of age. OM 40/AML 10/HCTZ 25 mg triple-combination treatment resulted in a significantly greater reduction in LS mean SeDBP at week 12 than dual-combination component treatments in participants in both cohorts: <65 years (21.0 vs. 14.2–17.2 mmHg; p < 0.0001) and ≥65 years (23.7 vs. 17.3–20.0 mmHg; p ≤ 0.002). Similarly, triple-combination treatment resulted in a greater reduction in LS mean seated systolic blood pressure (SeSBP) at week 12 than dual-combination component treatments: <65 years (38.2 vs. 28.3–31.4 mmHg; p < 0.0001) and ≥65 years (39.2 vs. 29.3–31.1 mmHg; p < 0.0001). Triple-combination treatment was more effective than dual-combination treatments in enabling participants to reach SeBP goal (<140/90 mmHg [<130/80 mmHg in participants with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or chronic cardiovascular disease]) in both age subgroups (<65 years: 65 vs. 34–50 %, respectively, p < 0.0001 and ≥65 years: 63 vs. 32–39 %; p ≤ 0.0004). All 4 treatments were safe and well tolerated with low discontinuation rates in both age subgroups. There were no clinically relevant differences in the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events between participants <65 and ≥65 years of age receiving triple-combination treatment.

Conclusion

Triple-combination treatment with OM 40/AML 10/HCTZ 25 mg was well tolerated and more effective in lowering BP than the component dual-combination treatments in elderly and non-elderly subgroups.

The effects of calcium channel blockers in the prevention of stroke in adults with hypertension: a meta-analysis of data from 273,543 participants in 31 randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a major risk factor for the development of stroke. It is well known that lowering blood pressure decreases the risk of stroke in people with moderate to severe hypertension. However, the specific effects of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) against stroke in patients with hypertension as compared to no treatment and other antihypertensive drug classes are not known.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated CCBs effect on stroke in patients with hypertension in studies of CCBs versus placebo, angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), β-adrenergic blockers, and diuretics. The PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, OVID, CNKI, MEDCH, and WANFANG databases were searched for trials published in English or Chinese during the period January 1, 1996 to July 31, 2012. A total of 177 reports were collected, among them 31 RCTs with 273,543 participants (including 130,466 experimental subjects and 143,077 controls) met the inclusion criteria. In these trials a total of 9,550 stroke events (4,145 in experimental group and 5,405 in control group) were reported. CCBs significantly decreased the incidence of stroke compared with placebo (OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.61-0.75, p<1×10(-5)), β-adrenergic blockers combined with diuretics (OR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.83-0.95, p = 7×10(-5)) and β-adrenergic blockers (OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.72-0.87, p<1×10(-5)), statistically significant difference was not found between CCBs and ACEIs (OR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.8-1.02, p = 0.12) or diuretics (OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.84-1.07, p = 0.39).

CONCLUSION

In a pooled analysis of data of 31 RCTs measuring the effect of CCBs on stroke, CCBs reduced stroke more than placebo and β-adrenergic blockers, but were not different than ACEIs and diuretics. More head to head RCTs are warranted.

Characteristics of hypertension in the Chinese population

In China, the prevalence of hypertension is currently 18.8 %, and a major risk factor for hypertension is unbalanced dietary sodium and potassium intakes. High dietary sodium intake may change the circadian rhythm of 24-h blood pressure, which is characterized by a higher nighttime blood pressure. The prevalence of isolated nighttime hypertension, defined as a nighttime blood pressure of at least 120 mm Hg systolic or 70 mm Hg diastolic and a daytime systolic/diastolic blood pressure less than 135/85 mm Hg, is higher in Chinese than in Europeans. The complications of hypertension are also different across ethnicities, being mainly stroke instead of myocardial infarction in Chinese. Lowering of blood pressure provides more protection against stroke than against myocardial infarction, and calcium channel blockers provide more protection against stroke than do other classes of antihypertensive drugs. Current Chinese hypertension guidelines recommend calcium channel blockers as the most suitable class of drugs of the five classes of antihypertensive drugs.

Meta-analysis of randomised trials with a continuous outcome according to baseline imbalance and availability of individual participant data

We describe methods for meta-analysis of randomised trials where a continuous outcome is of interest, such as blood pressure, recorded at both baseline (pre treatment) and follow-up (post treatment). We used four examples for illustration, covering situations with and without individual participant data (IPD) and with and without baseline imbalance between treatment groups in each trial. Given IPD, meta-analysts can choose to synthesise treatment effect estimates derived using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), a regression of just final scores, or a regression of the change scores. When there is baseline balance in each trial, treatment effect estimates derived using ANCOVA are more precise and thus preferred. However, we show that meta-analysis results for the summary treatment effect are similar regardless of the approach taken. Thus, without IPD, if trials are balanced, reviewers can happily utilise treatment effect estimates derived from any of the approaches. However, when some trials have baseline imbalance, meta-analysts should use treatment effect estimates derived from ANCOVA, as this adjusts for imbalance and accounts for the correlation between baseline and follow-up; we show that the other approaches can give substantially different meta-analysis results. Without IPD and with unavailable ANCOVA estimates, reviewers should limit meta-analyses to those trials with baseline balance. Trowman's method to adjust for baseline imbalance without IPD performs poorly in our examples and so is not recommended. Finally, we extend the ANCOVA model to estimate the interaction between treatment effect and baseline values and compare options for estimating this interaction given only aggregate data.

An Epidemiological Survey of Stroke among Rural Chinese Adults Results from the Liaoning Province

Background

The aim of this study was to describe the incidence, clinical sub-types, and associated risk factors of stroke among rural Chinese adults.

Methods

A population-based sample of 38 949 rural Chinese adults, aged ≥35 years and free from stroke at baseline, were followed from 2004–2006 to 2010. Stroke was defined by the World Health Organization diagnosis criteria.

Results

The age-standardized incidence rates per 100 000 person-years of overall, first ever stroke was 601·9 (95% confidence interval, 528·3 to 675·5), and mortality rate was 276·7 (95% confidence interval, 251·6 to 301·9). The age-standardized incidence rate was higher in men (775·9 per 100 000 person-years) than in women (435·6 per 100 000 person-years). Among 858 first ever stroke events, 56·3% were ischemic strokes, 40·6% were hemorrhagic strokes, and 3·1% were undetermined strokes. Hypertension and lipid disorder were common modifiable risk factors in the ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke groups.

Conclusions

The annual incidence of stroke and resulting mortality has increased at an accelerated rate. Furthermore, the incidence of stroke in rural China was higher than that found in urban China and Western countries. Hypertension and lipid disorder were important modifiable risk factors. The primary sub-type of stroke observed in rural China was ischemic stroke. These findings underscored the need for more aggressive efforts to control the risk factors of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases in rural areas.

Characteristics of hypertension in Chinese and their relevance for the choice of antihypertensive drugs

According to the 4th National Nutrition and Health Survey in 2002, the prevalence of hypertension in China was 18.8%. Despite that, the treatment rate among hypertensive patients was 82%, the control rate remained low in persons with hypertension (6%), because of the low awareness in general (30%) and the low control rate among treated hypertensive patients (25%). One of the major reasons for the increasing prevalence of hypertension is unbalance of dietary sodium and potassium intakes. In the International Study of Macro/Micro-nutrients and Blood Pressure (INTERMAP), Chinese, compared with American, British, and Japanese populations, had highest dietary sodium intakes and lowest potassium intakes, leading to a two to three times higher sodium/potassium ratio. High dietary sodium intakes may change the circadian rhythm of 24 h blood pressure, which is characterized by a higher night-time blood pressure. Indeed, the prevalence of isolated night-time hypertension, defined as a night-time blood pressure of at least 120 mmHg systolic or 70 mmHg diastolic and a daytime systolic/diastolic blood pressure less than 135/85 mmHg, was higher in Chinese than in Europeans. The complications of hypertension are also different across ethnicities, being mainly stroke instead of myocardial infarction in Chinese. Blood pressure lowering provides more protection against stroke than myocardial infarction, and calcium channel blockers provide more protection against stroke than other classes of antihypertensive drugs. Current Chinese hypertension guidelines recommend calcium channel blockers as the first of the five classes of antihypertensive drugs for stage 1 and low-risk hypertension.

Should we change the target blood pressure in diabetic patients?

Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Guidelines recommend lowering blood pressure (BP) to less than 130/80 mmHg in diabetic patients. These recommendations are based on several studies in diabetic patients that showed the benefit of intensive BP control. However in all the studies the achieved BP was higher than 130/80 mmHg. Re-evaluation of earlier studies, as well as more recently accumulated data suggest that intensive BP control is associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality and stroke rate, but with no benefit for other microvascular or macrovascular (cardiac, renal and retinal) outcomes. Intensive BP control is associated with an increased risk of serious adverse effects, particularly for systolic BPs levels lower than 130 mmHg. When determining the target BP in diabetic patients one should balance the potential cerebrovascular protection against the increased risk of serious side effects, and the absence of benefit for other circulatory system. It seems therefore, that lowering BP to levels close to 130/80 mmHg should be the main goal of treatment in diabetic patients.

Inherent inaccuracies and potential utility of race/ethnicity labeling in the treatment of hypertension

The use of racial/ethnic labeling for any purpose is fraught with substantial emotional, social and political consequences even when used for demographic studies or census. In addition to the very real historical conflicts associated with slavery in the Americas and various social classification systems elsewhere, such labeling has been shown by the use of ancestral identification markers to be inaccurate in many cases. Even geographic labeling, such as East Asians, ignores the marked heterogeneity of East Asians. The use of race alone to determine selection of initial antihypertensive therapy is a very limited approach. The Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study Group on Antihypertensive Agents has demonstrated, however, that the use of age and race together may be a useful paradigm for predicting response to a single antihypertensive drug. Furthermore, individuals from populations who consume high levels of sodium and lower levels of potassium may respond better to diuretics and calcium antagonists. Other populations may be more susceptible to angioedema or cough related to the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Such information may be useful for the selection or avoidance of certain medications. No patient should ever be denied indicated treatment with a drug or drug class because of race or ethnicity.

Low-dose dextromethorphan, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, reduces blood pressure and enhances vascular protection in experimental hypertension

Background

Vascular oxidative stress may be increased with age and aggravate endothelial dysfunction and vascular injury in hypertension. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dextromethorphan (DM), a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, either alone or in combination treatment, on blood pressure (BP) and vascular protection in aged spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs).

Methodology/Principal Findings

Eighteen-week-old WKY rats and SHRs were housed for 2 weeks. SHRs were randomly assigned to one of the 12 groups: untreated; DM monotherapy with 1, 5 or 25 mg/kg/day; amlodipine (AM, a calcium channel blocker) monotherapy with 1 or 5 mg/kg/day; and combination therapy of DM 1, 5 or 25 mg/kg/day with AM 1 or 5 mg/kg/day individually for 4 weeks. The in vitro effects of DM were also examined. In SHRs, AM monotherapy dose-dependently reduced arterial systolic BP. DM in various doses significantly and similarly reduced arterial systolic BP. Combination of DM with AM gave additive effects on BP reduction. DM, either alone or in combination with AM, improved aortic endothelial function indicated by ex vivo acetylcholine-induced relaxation. The combination of low-dose DM with AM gave most significant inhibition on aortic wall thickness in SHRs. Plasma total antioxidant status was significantly increased by all the therapies except for the combination of high-dose DM with high-dose AM. Serum nitrite and nitrate level was significantly reduced by AM but not by DM or the combination of DM with AM. Furthermore, in vitro treatment with DM reduced angiotensin II-induced reactive oxygen species and NADPH oxidase activation in human aortic endothelial cells.

Conclusions/Significance

Treatment of DM reduced BP and enhanced vascular protection probably by inhibiting vascular NADPH oxidase in aged hypertensive animals with or without AM treatment. It provides the potential rationale to a novel combination treatment with low-dose DM and AM in clinical hypertension.

Elderly hypertensives: how are they different?

Once considered an inconsequential part of the aging process, the development of isolated systolic hypertension represents a late manifestation of increased elastic artery stiffness and is the predominant hypertensive subtype in the middle-aged and elderly populations. Its inherent increased risk for vascular events, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, chronic kidney disease, and dementia, highlights the importance of its control. The purpose of this short review is to summarize how hypertension is different in the elderly when compared with "essential hypertension" in younger adults. The emphasis will be on the multiple ways that increased artery stiffness affects the natural history and clinical manifestations of hypertension in the elderly.

Lack of impact of pulse pressure on outcomes in patients with malignant phase hypertension: the West Birmingham Malignant Hypertension study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of pulse pressure at presentation on the primary outcome (death or dialysis) in patients with malignant phase hypertension (MPH).

METHODS

Three hundred and sixty-five patients [overall mean (SD) age 48 (13) years; 66% male; 63% white European; 23% African-Caribbean, 14% south Asian] from the West Birmingham MPH study were included. Baseline pulse pressure was divided into quartiles. Two hundred and forty-two primary outcomes (death or dialysis) occurred during a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 7 (1.5-14.8) years.

RESULTS

Significantly higher pulse pressure was evident among older patients and white Europeans. Baseline BMI (P = 0.49), retinopathy (P = 0.56), proteinuria (P = 0.61), haematuria (P = 0.56) and left ventricular hypertrophy (P = 0.43) were not related to pulse pressure. Multivariate analyses found that baseline age [hazard ratio (95% confidence intervals] [1.05 (1.04-1.06); P < 0.0001], smoking [1.60 (1.16-2.21); P = 0.004], proteinuria [1.33 (1.10-1.61); P = 0.003] and creatinine level [1.002 (1.001-1.002); P < 0.0001] were independent predictors of the primary outcome of 'death or dialysis'. A multivariate analysis also revealed that independent predictors of future dialysis alone were as follows: baseline age [0.92 (0.89-0.95); P < 0.001) and haematuria [2.74 (1.17-6.42); P = 0.02), with a trend seen for baseline creatinine levels [1.001 (1.000-1.002); P = 0.052)]. Pulse pressure at baseline did not predict death or dialysis.

CONCLUSION

Age, smoking status and severity of renal failure at presentation with MPH (represented by proteinuria and creatinine levels) are independent predictors of the risk of death or dialysis. Pulse pressure at presentation does not predict death or dialysis in patients with MPH. Careful monitoring of renal functioning and effective management of blood pressure is mandatory in patients with MPH to prevent/slow future complications.

Update on pathophysiology and treatment of hypertension in the elderly

Hypertension is common in the elderly, and its prevalence increases with aging. The vascular system is a prototypical aging tissue, and arterial stiffness plays a major role in hypertension as the individual ages. Some unique aging changes in the nitric oxide and angiotensin II pathways are particularly important for vascular aging. Studies focusing on direct measures of vascular stiffness have increased understanding of the pathophysiology behind increased arterial stiffness. Goal blood pressure in the elderly is debated, but based on current outcome data, a goal blood pressure of 150/80-90 mm Hg is reasonable in at least the very elderly. This review discusses in detail the various landmark hypertension studies in the elderly. We recommend use of thiazide diuretics, long-acting calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers as either monotherapy or in combination, with beta-blockers reserved for patients with specific indications.

Fixed combination of lercanidipine and enalapril in the management of hypertension: focus on patient preference and adherence

Hypertension is one of the most important and widespread risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease. Once, combination therapy was traditionally reserved as a third-line or fourth-line approach in the management of hypertension. However, several major intervention trials in high-risk patient populations have shown that an average of 2-4 antihypertensive agents are required to achieve effective blood pressure control. Combination treatment should be considered as a first choice in patients at high cardiovascular risk and in individuals for whom blood pressure is markedly above the hypertension threshold (eg, more than 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic), or when milder degrees of blood pressure elevation are associated with multiple risk factors, subclinical organ damage, diabetes, renal failure, or associated cardiovascular disease. A number of clinical trials have demonstrated that a fixed combination of lercanidipine and enalapril has better efficacy and tolerability than monotherapy with either agents. The fixed-dose formulation of lercanidipine-enalapril was well tolerated in all clinical trials, with an adverse event rate similar to that of the component drugs as monotherapy. The advantages of combination therapy include improved adherence to therapy and minimization of blood pressure variability. In addition, combining two antihypertensive agents with different mechanisms of action may provide greater protection against major cardiovascular events and the development of end-organ damage.

Optimal Combination of Effective ANtihypertensives (OCEAN) study: a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint trial--rationale, design and results of a pilot study in Japan

There are limited clinical trials examining the efficacy of antihypertensive drug combinations aimed at preventing cardiovascular events. Therefore, we designed a randomized controlled trial using amlodipine as the base drug of a multi-drug regimen, the Optimal Combination of Effective ANtihypertensives (OCEAN) Study, to determine the drug combination that is most efficacious in the prevention of cardiovascular events, such as stroke. The OCEAN Study is a collaborative study between Japan and China, enrolling 20 000 patients and following them for 3 to 4 years. A pilot study was conducted before the full-scale study to confirm the feasibility of the protocol and that the study groups and infrastructures could function properly. A total of 279 Japanese patients were enrolled from 57 participating medical institutions between June and December 2004. Two hundred and sixty-six patients (mean age: 65.9 years) were treated with amlodipine alone. One hundred and fifty-four of these patients (57.9%) did not reach the treatment targets (<140/90 mm Hg for the elderly and patients with cerebrovascular disease, <130/80 mm Hg for those with diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease or prior myocardial infarction) and a second agent was added. They were randomly allocated into three different treatment groups using a diuretic, a β-blocker or an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor antagonist. The pilot study showed that the protocol was appropriate, and the inclusion of patients with slightly higher blood pressures was necessary to increase the randomization rate. It also confirmed that we organized properly functioning study groups and infrastructures.

Redefining blood pressure targets in high-risk patients?: lessons from coronary endpoints in recent randomized clinical trials

The benefits of lowering blood pressure (BP) in hypertension, as well as in patients with diabetes, chronic renal disease or with a high cardiovascular (CV) risk profile, have been consistently demonstrated. Further clinical trials have explored the influence of BP levels in the lower range on the incidence of CV events, while some others have designed to evaluate the potential benefits obtained with an intensive antihypertensive therapy, aimed at achieving a target systolic BP levels below 120 mm Hg on major CV events among high-risk individuals with type 2 diabetes, as compared to that obtained from a standard therapy. Taken together, the results of several recent randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have challenged the currently prevailing paradigm "the lower, the better" in the hypertension management and have somehow revitalized the concept of the J-curve with respect to relations between BP levels and coronary events. In fact, detailed analyses showed an increased risk of coronary events, mostly myocardial infarction, in those patients who achieved the lowest BP levels, particularly in high-risk subsets of hypertensive patients. The same trials, however, confirmed the benefits of BP reductions even below 120 mm Hg on stroke incidence. In the present article, we revisited the main findings of some recent large clinical trials performed in hypertension and in high-risk individuals. Our conclusions highlight the importance of a closer scrutiny for coronary artery disease and suggest caution in lowering BP levels aggressively in patients with high-risk profile or diabetes.

Antihypertensive Treatment in the Elderly and Very Elderly: Always "the Lower, the Better?"

Arterial hypertension (HT) is age dependent and, with the prolongation of life expectancy, affects more and more elderly people. In the elderly, HT is a risk factor for organ damage and cardiovascular (CV) events. Both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic reduction of blood pressure (BP) is associated with a corresponding decrease in systolic-diastolic or isolated systolic HT. Clinical trials have shown that BP lowering is associated with a decrease in stroke and other CV events. Therefore, BP reduction per se appears more important than a particular class of antihypertensive drugs. The benefit of antihypertensive treatment has been confirmed up to the age of 80 years, remaining unclear in the octogenarians. The benefit in lowering diastolic BP between 80 and 90 mmHg is well established, while that of lowering systolic BP below 140 mmHg requires further confirmations.

Is Peri-Operative Isolated Systolic Hypertension (ISH) a Cardiac Risk Factor?

We are presenting a review of Isolated Systolic Hypertension (ISH) as a cardiovascular risk factor with emphasis on the perioperative period.

Isolated systolic hypertension is associated with aging and is the most frequent subtype (65%) among patients with uncontrolled hypertension. ISH is strongly associated with increased risks of cardiac and cerebrovascular events exceeding those in comparably aged individuals with diastolic hypertension. Patients with ISH show an increase in left ventricular (LV) mass and an increase in the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). These LV changes increase cardiovascular events and frequently lead to diastolic dysfunction (DD). Treatment to reduce elevated systolic blood pressure has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

In the perioperative setting, essential hypertension has not been found to be a significant risk factor for cardiac complications. Most of the studies were based on the definition of essential hypertension and underpowered in sample size. The significance of perioperative ISH, however, is not well studied, partly due to its recognition only fairly recently as a cardiovascular risk factor in the non-surgical setting, and partly due to the evolving definition of ISH.

Perioperative cardiac complications remain a significant problem to the healthcare system and to the patient. Although the incidence of perioperative cardiac complications is prominent in high-risk patients as defined by the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI), the bulk of the cardiac complications actually occur in low-risk group. Currently, little understanding exists on the occurrence of perioperative cardiac complications in low- risk patients. A factor such as ISH, with its known pathophysiological changes, is a potential perioperative risk factor.

We believe ISH is an under-recognized perioperative risk factor and deserves further studying. Our research group has recently been funded by the Heart Stroke Foundation (HSF) to examine ISH as a perioperative risk factor (PROMISE Study).

Eplerenone potentiates protective effects of amlodipine against cardiovascular injury in salt-sensitive hypertensive rats

The clinical value of the combination of amlodipine and eplerenone is unclear. This study was undertaken to test whether eplerenone potentiates the protective effects of amlodipine against hypertensive cardiovascular injury. Salt-loaded Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats (DS rats) were given (1) vehicle, (2) an antihypertensive dose of amlodipine, (3) a non-antihypertensive dose of eplerenone or (4) combined amlodipine and eplerenone for 6 weeks, and the effects on cardiovascular injuries were compared. There was no significant difference among the four groups regarding plasma aldosterone, urine volume or urinary electrolytes. A subpressor dose of eplerenone markedly ameliorated vascular endothelial dysfunction, cardiac inflammation and fibrosis in DS rats to a similar degree as an antihypertensive dose of amlodipine. Addition of eplerenone to amlodipine, without affecting blood pressure, enhanced the improvement by amlodipine of vascular endothelial function, cardiac inflammation, fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction in DS rats. Additive beneficial effects of eplerenone were attributed to additive potentiation of eNOS and Akt phosphorylation and additive reduction of oxidative stress. Eplerenone significantly attenuated cardiovascular NADPH oxidase activity by reducing gp91(phox) upregulation and attenuated the upregulation of cardiovascular AT1 receptor, but amlodipine failed to affect them. Thus, the normalization by eplerenone of gp91(phox) and AT1 receptor upregulation seems to be at least partially responsible for the additive benefits of eplerenone in the prevention of hypertensive cardiovascular injury. The combination of amlodipine and eplerenone may be a promising therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular disease in salt-sensitive hypertension.

Aging and hypertension

Aging is known to be a dominant risk factor in the progression of hypertension. Thus, accompanied by an increasing mean age of the population in developed countries, prevention and management of hypertension in the elderly is a task of pressing urgency. Age-associated blood pressure elevation is a result of the aging process in organ systems, which play a key role in the regulation of blood pressure. In addition, advanced aging of the cardiovascular system contributes to the presence of a varied phenotype in elderly hypertension, such as nocturnal hypertension and morning hypertension. Therefore, in order to detect and treat age-associated hypertension appropriately, it is important to assess ambulatory blood pressure monitoring throughout the 24-h period.

Is a systolic blood pressure target <140 mmHg indicated in all hypertensives? Subgroup analyses of findings from the randomized FEVER trial

AIMS

Major guidelines recommend lowering systolic blood pressure (SBP) to <140 mmHg in all hypertensives, but evidence is missing whether this is beneficial in (i) uncomplicated hypertensives, (ii) grade 1 hypertensives, and (iii) elderly hypertensives. Providing this missing evidence is important to justify efforts and costs of aggressive therapy in all hypertensives.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Felodipine Event Reduction (FEVER) was a double-blind, randomized trial on 9711 Chinese hypertensives, in whom cardiovascular outcomes were significantly reduced by more intense therapy (low-dose hydrochlorothiazide and low-dose felodipine) achieving a mean of 138 mmHg SBP compared with less-intense therapy (low-dose hydrochlorothiazide and placebo) achieving a mean of 142 mmHg. FEVER included older and younger patients, and patients with and without diabetes or cardiovascular disease. In the analyses here reported, Cox regression models assessed outcome differences between more and less-intense treatments in groups of patients with different baseline characteristics. Significant reductions in stroke were found in uncomplicated hypertensives (-39%, P = 0.002), in hypertensives with randomization SBP <153 mmHg (-29%, P = 0.03), and in elderly hypertensives (-44%, P < 0.001), when their SBP was lowered by more intense treatment. Significant reductions (between -29 and -47%, P = 0.02 to <0.001) were also found in all cardiovascular events and all deaths. Achieving mean SBP values <140 mmHg by adding a small dose of a generic drug prevented 2.1 (uncomplicated hypertensives) and 5.2 (elderly) cardiovascular events every 100 patients treated for 3.3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

These analyses provide strong support, missing so far, to guidelines recommending goal SBP <140 mmHg in uncomplicated hypertensives, individuals with moderately elevated BP and elderly hypertensives.

Use of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers in the management of hypertension in Eastern Asians: a scientific statement from the Asian Pacific Heart Association

Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are widely prescribed for the management of hypertension in Eastern Asians. In this study, the Asian Pacific Heart Association's Writing Committee reviewed randomized controlled trials that were conducted in the Eastern Asian region and compared a CCB with an antihypertensive drug of another class. These trials studied ambulatory blood pressure, measures of target organ damage and cardiovascular events as outcomes. Eleven trials studied ambulatory blood pressure in hypertensive patients and demonstrated that the 24-h blood pressure reduction with CCBs was greater than with other classes of antihypertensive drugs, with a weighted mean difference of 5 mm Hg systolic and 3 mm Hg diastolic. Twelve trials that studied various measurements of target organ damage in hypertensive patients produced inconsistent results when comparing CCBs and other classes of antihypertensive drugs. Four trials that studied the hard outcomes had limited power, but confirmed the findings of previous placebo-controlled trials in the region and actively controlled trials in Europe and North America; they suggested that CCBs provided superior protection against stroke and that some agents, such as amlodipine, also provided similar protection against myocardial infarction. In conclusion, CCBs should be recommended as a preferred drug for the management of hypertension in the Eastern Asian region to improve blood pressure control and to confront the aggravating epidemic of stroke and coronary heart disease.

Antihypertensive drugs and risk of cancer: network meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses of 324,168 participants from randomised trials

BACKGROUND

The risk of cancer from antihypertensive drugs has been much debated, with a recent analysis showing increased risk with angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs). We assessed the association between antihypertensive drugs and cancer risk in a comprehensive analysis of data from randomised clinical trials.

METHODS

We undertook traditional direct comparison meta-analyses, multiple comparisons (network) meta-analyses, and trial sequential analyses. We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 1950, to August, 2010, for randomised clinical trials of antihypertensive therapy (ARBs, angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors [ACEi], β blockers, calcium-channel blockers [CCBs], or diuretics) with follow-up of at least 1 year. Our primary outcomes were cancer and cancer-related deaths.

FINDINGS

We identified 70 randomised controlled trials (148 comparator groups) with 324,168 participants. In the network meta-analysis (fixed-effect model), we recorded no difference in the risk of cancer with ARBs (proportion with cancer 2·04%; odds ratio 1·01, 95% CI 0·93-1·09), ACEi (2·03%; 1·00, 0·92-1·09), β blockers (1·97%; 0·97, 0·88-1·07), CCBs (2·11%; 1·05, 0·96-1·13), diuretics (2·02%; 1·00, 0·90-1·11), or other controls (1·95%, 0·97, 0·74-1·24) versus placebo (2·02%). There was an increased risk with the combination of ACEi plus ARBs (2·30%, 1·14, 1·02-1·28); however, this risk was not apparent in the random-effects model (odds ratio 1·15, 95% CI 0·92-1·38). No differences were detected in cancer-related mortality for ARBs (death rate 1·33%; odds ratio 1·00, 95% CI 0·87-1·15), ACEi (1·25%; 0·95, 0·81-1·10), β blockers (1·23%; 0·93, 0·80-1·08), CCBs (1·27%; 0·96, 0·82-1·11), diuretics (1·30%; 0·98, 0·84-1·13), other controls (1·43%; 1·08, 0·78-1·46), and ACEi plus ARBs (1·45%; 1·10, 0·90-1·32). In direct comparison meta-analyses, similar results were recorded for all antihypertensive classes, except for an increased risk of cancer with ACEi and ARB combination (OR 1·14, 95% CI 1·04-1·24; p=0·004) and with CCBs (1·06, 1·01-1·12; p=0·02). However, we noted no significant differences in cancer-related mortality. On the basis of trial sequential analysis, our results suggest no evidence of even a 5-10% relative risk (RR) increase of cancer and cancer-related deaths with any individual class of antihypertensive drugs studied. However, for the ACEi and ARB combination, the cumulative Z curve crossed the trial sequential monitoring boundary, suggesting firm evidence for at least a 10% RR increase in cancer risk.

INTERPRETATION

Our analysis refutes a 5·0-10·0% relative increase in the risk of cancer or cancer-related death with the use of ARBs, ACEi, β blockers, diuretics, and CCBs. However, increased risk of cancer with the combination of ACEi and ARBs cannot be ruled out.

Optimal management of hypertension in elderly patients

Hypertension is a common and important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney diseases. The prevalence of hypertension, particularly isolated systolic hypertension, increases with advancing age, and this is partly due to the age-related changes in the arterial tree, leading to an increase in arterial stiffness. Therapeutic lifestyle changes, such as reduced dietary sodium intake, weight loss, regular aerobic activity, and moderation of alcohol consumption, have been shown to benefit elderly patients with hypertension. Lowering blood pressure (BP) using pharmacological agents reduces the risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with no difference in risk reduction in elderly patients compared to younger hypertensives. Guidelines recommend a BP goal of <140/90 in hypertensive patients regardless of age and <130/80 in patients with concomitant diabetes or kidney disease, and lowering the BP further has not been shown to confer any additional benefit. Moreover, the choice of antihypertensive does not seem to be as important as the degree of BP lowering. Special considerations in the treatment of elderly hypertensive patients include cognitive impairment, dementia, orthostatic hypotension, and polypharmacy.

Amlodipine and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor combination versus amlodipine monotherapy in hypertension: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate the efficacy and tolerability of the combination of amlodipine and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors as compared with amlodipine monotherapy in the treatment of hypertension.

METHODS

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and Embase were searched for relevant articles. A random effect model of meta-analysis was used for the selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

RESULTS

A total of 17 randomized controlled trials involving 3291 patients were identified using predefined criteria. The combination treatment of amlodipine and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors resulted in a greater reduction of both systolic blood pressure (SBP) [weighted mean difference (WMD) 5.72, 95% CI: (confidence interval) 4.10-7.33] and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD 3.62, 95% CI: 4.85-2.39) than monotherapy. The combination treatment also generated significantly greater reductions for the mean ambulatory SBP and DBP during the full 24 hours (WMD: SBP 4.24, 95% CI: 6.82-1.67; DBP 2.23, 95% CI: 3.73-0.69), but not for the trough (WMD: SBP 4.52, 9.56 to -0.51; DBP 3.7, 7.65 to -0.25). The hypertension therapeutic control (SPB <140, DBP <90 mmHg) rate for the combination treatment is higher than that for monotherapy [relative risk (RR): 1.36, 95% CI: 1.07-1.73]. The combination treatment also resulted in a lower overall rate of adverse events (RR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.75-0.99) and edema (RR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.29-0.56), but a higher rate of cough (RR: 3.28, 95% CI: 2.03-5.29) as compared with monotherapy.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that the combination treatment provides superior BP control, fewer adverse events, and better tolerability in hypertensive patients than monotherapy. Further research should explore the mechanism of the combination therapy and whether it is associated with the reduction of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality.

[Isolated systolic hypertension. An independent disease]

Hypertension can be classified based on certain criteria, such as severity, existence of specific end-organ damage, or the dominant blood pressure subphenotype so that isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH), mixed systolic-diastolic hypertension (SDH), and isolated systolic hypertensive (ISH) states can be defined. The FRAMINGHAM study was the first to demonstrate a continuous increase of systolic blood pressure with age and a peak of diastolic pressure between 55 and 65 years of age. This results not only in a high prevalence of hypertension of approximately 50-80% beyond the age of 60 but also in a disproportionately high increase in isolated systolic hypertension. ISH develops either as a new condition mostly from the group of primary high-normal blood pressure or secondly through burnout of existing systolic-diastolic hypertension with highly progressive vascular ageing.The pathophysiological background lies in remodeling processes in the macrovascular and microvascular compartments with stiffening of conduit and peripheral arterial vessels. In clinical practice these processes are easy to measure by determining pulse wave velocity (PWV), the augmentation index, and pulse pressure. These parameters are closely related to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality ISH is not only a hypertension subphenotype but often indicates significant organ damage or may even be considered to be a secondary form of hypertension characterized by remodeled and stiffened arterial vessel walls and this condition is difficult to treat. It appears therefore that ISH warrants special therapeutic strategies with a focus on antiproliferative, antistiffening, anti-atherosclerotic, and vasodilating actions. As a result of the available data from the results of treatment studies it appears that renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are the preferred drugs for treatment of this condition.

Evidence for aggressive blood pressure-lowering goals in patients with coronary artery disease

Lowering blood pressure (BP) reduces the risk of major cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Current consensus targets for BP reduction are less than 140/90 mm Hg in uncomplicated hypertension and less than 130/80 mm Hg in those patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and coronary artery disease or in those who are at high risk for developing coronary artery disease (defined as a Framingham risk score of > or = 10%). There is solid epidemiologic evidence for lower BP targets, supported by some clinical studies with surrogate end points. On the other hand, there are meager data from clinical trials using hard end points, and there is a concern that overly aggressive BP lowering, especially of diastolic BP, may impair coronary perfusion, particularly in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy and/or coronary artery disease. This review evaluates the evidence for the benefit of lower BP targets in hypertension management.

Blood pressure control in the elderly: can you have too much of a good thing?

Hypertension (especially systolic hypertension) is very common in older persons. Systolic hypertension occurs because large conduit arteries become stiffer with age. Strong evidence from randomized trials suggests that treating systolic blood pressures initially higher than 160 mm Hg is extremely beneficial, and a recent trial extended this conclusion to healthy persons over 80 years of age. However, the only trial that has directly tested the use of more aggressive treatment goals (< 140 mm Hg) in the elderly did not show benefit in those older than 75. Risks of overtreating hypertension for the elderly include falls and orthostatic hypotension, and the most compromised older persons may be the most likely to experience adverse effects. Our current state of knowledge requires clinical judgment that balances the immediacy of adverse effects versus the potential but unproven benefits of treatment in deciding whether to treat the elderly more aggressively than the goals used in randomized trials.

Evidence for a lower target blood pressure for people with heart disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The review assesses the evidence for the benefit of lower blood pressure (BP) targets in hypertension management.

RECENT FINDINGS

The current consensus target for the treatment of hypertension is a BP of below 140/90 mmHg for all patients, and a BP of below 130/80 mmHg for those with diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Recently added to the list of conditions warranting the lower BP target are coronary artery disease and coronary artery disease equivalents (stroke, carotid disease, aortic aneurysm, and peripheral vascular disease), as well as those individuals with a Framingham Risk Score of at least 10%. One theoretical issue with lower BP targets may be the existence of a J-shaped curve of BP versus cardiovascular event rate, implying a greater risk, especially of myocardial ischemia, of lowering diastolic BP, which is also the filling pressure of the coronary arteries, below the lower limit of coronary autoregulation. The evidence that this is not a compelling concern is provided by animal studies, clinical trials with both surrogate and hard endpoints, and epidemiologic data.

SUMMARY

There is at present no proof that more aggressive treatment is harmful and much indirect evidence that it may be beneficial, although the clinical trials that specifically address this question are still in progress.

Review of isolated systolic hypertension in older adults

A 75-year-old patient comes to a community pharmacy to refill her blood pressure (BP) medications. She approached the pharmacist complaining of a headache and an unusually high BP reading that she had gotten from the automated machine. The patient was unaware of her usual BP, but knew that the reading was unusually high for her. Following evaluation of the patient and after obtaining several high systolic BP readings, the pharmacist appropriately calls for an ambulance. At the hospital, the patient is told she is in need of triple-bypass surgery. After her hospital stay, the patient is now diligent about refilling her BP medications on time and consistently monitors and records her BP at home. Isolated systolic hypertension is a growing concern in older adults, and a large percentage of adults are not appropriately managed. Pharmacists play an active role in educating patients on the importance of high BP monitoring and adherence to minimize the risk of cardiovascular events.

Calcium channel blockers versus other classes of drugs for hypertension

BACKGROUND

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are a relatively new antihypertensive class. The effect of first-line CCBs on the prevention of cardiovascular events, as compared with other antihypertensive drug classes, is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether CCBs used as first-line therapy for hypertension are different from other first-line drug classes in reducing the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Electronic searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASEand the WHO-ISH Collaboration Register (up to May 2009) were performed. We also checked the references of published studies to identify additional trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing first-line CCBs with other antihypertensive classes, with at least 100 randomized hypertensive participants and with a follow-up of at least two years.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently selected the included trials, evaluated the risk of bias and entered the data for analysis.

MAIN RESULTS

Eighteen RCTs (14 dihydropyridines, 4 non-dihydropyridines) with a total of 141,807 participants were included. All-cause mortality was not different between first-line CCBs and any other first-line antihypertensive classes. CCBs reduced the following outcomes as compared to beta-blockers: total cardiovascular events (RR 0.84, 95% CI [0.77, 0.92]), stroke (RR 0.77, 95% CI [0.67, 0.88]) and cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.90, 95% CI [0.81, 0.99]). CCBs increased total cardiovascular events (RR 1.05 , 95% CI [1.00, 1.09], p = 0.03) and congestive heart failure events (RR 1.37, 95% CI [1.25, 1.51]) as compared to diuretics. CCBs reduced stroke (RR 0.89, 95% CI [0.80, 0.98]) as compared to ACE inhibitors and reduced stroke (RR 0.85, 95% CI [0.73, 0.99]) and MI (RR 0.83, 95% CI [0.72, 0.96]) as compared to ARBs. CCBs also increased congestive heart failure events as compared to ACE inhibitors (RR 1.16, 95% CI [1.06, 1.27]) and ARBs (RR 1.20, 95% CI [1.06, 1.36]). The other evaluated outcomes were not significantly different.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Diuretics are preferred first-line over CCBs to optimize reduction of cardiovascular events. The review does not distinguish between CCBs, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, but does provide evidence supporting the use of CCBs over beta-blockers. Many of the differences found in the current review are not robust and further trials might change the conclusions. More well-designed RCTs studying the mortality and morbidity of patients taking CCBs as compared with other antihypertensive drug classes are needed for patients with different stages of hypertension, different ages, and with different co-morbidities such as diabetes.

Target blood pressure for treatment of isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly: valsartan in elderly isolated systolic hypertension study

In this prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded end point study, we aimed to establish whether strict blood pressure control (<140 mm Hg) is superior to moderate blood pressure control (> or =140 mm Hg to <150 mm Hg) in reducing cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension. We divided 3260 patients aged 70 to 84 years with isolated systolic hypertension (sitting blood pressure 160 to 199 mm Hg) into 2 groups, according to strict or moderate blood pressure treatment. A composite of cardiovascular events was evaluated for > or =2 years. The strict control (1545 patients) and moderate control (1534 patients) groups were well matched (mean age: 76.1 years; mean blood pressure: 169.5/81.5 mm Hg). Median follow-up was 3.07 years. At 3 years, blood pressure reached 136.6/74.8 mm Hg and 142.0/76.5 mm Hg, respectively. The blood pressure difference between the 2 groups was 5.4/1.7 mm Hg. The overall rate of the primary composite end point was 10.6 per 1000 patient-years in the strict control group and 12.0 per 1000 patient-years in the moderate control group (hazard ratio: 0.89; [95% CI: 0.60 to 1.34]; P=0.38). In summary, blood pressure targets of <140 mm Hg are safely achievable in relatively healthy patients > or = 70 years of age with isolated systolic hypertension, although our trial was underpowered to definitively determine whether strict control was superior to less stringent blood pressure targets.

Risk of progression to hypertension in a rural Chinese women population with prehypertension and normal blood pressure

BACKGROUND

To determine the incidence of hypertension and its risk factors among rural Chinese women with prehypertension and normotension.

METHODS

A population-based sample of 12,060 rural Chinese women aged > or = 35 years and free from hypertension at baseline were followed from 2004-2006 to 2008. Incident hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) > or = 140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) > or = 90 mm Hg, or current use of antihypertensive medication.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 28 months (range, 14-47 months), 23.4% of women developed hypertension. The age-adjusted incidence rate was higher in prehypertension than in normotension (11.2/100 person-years vs. 7.9/100 person-years, P < 0.05). Among women with prehypertension, independent predictors of incident hypertension were baseline age, Mongolian ethnicity, low physical activity, baseline body mass index (BMI), baseline salt intake and family history of hypertension. Among women with normal blood pressure (BP), independent predictors were baseline age, low physical activity, baseline BMI and baseline salt intake. The awareness, treatment, and control rates for newly developed hypertension were 33.2, 23.0, and 2.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that the incidence of hypertension is high among rural Chinese women and it is associated with many risk factors, and the data also suggest that most newly developed hypertension cases are not treated. This high incidence of hypertension may be related to rapid social changes in our country and may apply to other areas of the developing world. These results call for urgent improvements in hypertension prevention, detection and treatment.