Gender specific profiles of white coat and masked hypertension impacts on arterial structure and function in the SardiNIA study

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency accelerates arterial aging in diabetes

AIMS

High glucose levels and Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd) have both tissue inflammatory effects. Here we determined whether G6PDd accelerates arterial aging (information linked stiffening) in diabetes.

METHODS

Plasma glucose, interleukin 6 (IL6), and arterial stiffness (indexed as carotid-femoral Pulse Wave Velocity, PWV) and red blood cell G6PD activity were assessed in a large (4448) Sardinian population.

RESULTS

Although high plasma glucose in diabetics, did not differ by G6DP status (178.2 ± 55.1 vs 169.0 ± 50.1 mg/dl) in G6DPd versus non-G6PDd subjects, respectively, IL6, and PWV (adjusted for age and glucose) were significantly increased in G6PDd vs non-G6PDd subjects (PWV, 8.0 ± 0.4 vs 7.2 ± 0.2 m/sec) and (IL6, 6.9 ± 5.0 vs 4.2 ± 3.0 pg/ml). In non-diabetics, neither fasting plasma glucose, nor IL6, nor PWV were impacted by G6PDd.

CONCLUSION

G6PDd in diabetics is associated with increased inflammatory markers and accelerated arterial aging.

Association between insulin resistance and uncontrolled hypertension and arterial stiffness among US adults: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Prior research has established the correlation between insulin resistance (IR) and hypertension. While the association between triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a reliable surrogate marker of IR, and uncontrolled hypertension as well as arterial stiffness among individuals with hypertension remains undisclosed.

METHODS

In this study, a total of 8513 adults diagnosed with hypertension from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2018 were included. The primary outcome of the study are arterial stiffness (represented with estimated pulse wave velocity, ePWV) and uncontrolled hypertension. Logistic regression model, subgroup analysis, restricted cubic spine, and smooth curve fitting curve were conducted to evaluate the association between the IR indicators and uncontrolled hypertension and arterial stiffness in individuals with hypertension.

RESULTS

Among included participants, the overall prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension was 54.3%. After adjusting for all potential covariates, compared with the first quartile of TyG index, the risk of uncontrolled hypertension increased about 28% and 49% for participants in the third quartile (OR, 1.28; 95% CI 1.06-1.52) and the fourth quartile (OR, 1.49; 95% CI 1.21-1.89) of TyG index, respectively. The higher OR of TyG index was observed in participants taking antihypertensive medication [fourth quartile versus first quartile (OR, 2.03; 95% CI 1.37-3.11)]. Meanwhile, we explored the potential association between TyG index and arterial stiffness and found that TyG index was significantly associated with increased arterial stiffness (β for ePWV, 0.04; 95% CI 0.00-0.08; P = 0.039). However, traditional IR indicator HOMA-IR showed no significant positive correlation to uncontrolled hypertension as well as arterial stiffness in US adults with hypertension.

CONCLUSION

Elevated levels of the TyG index were positive associated with prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and arterial stiffness among US adults with hypertension.

Different Home Blood Pressure Thresholds to Predict Perfect 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Control in Treated Hypertension Based on an "All-in-One" Device

BACKGROUND

Home blood pressure (BP) is an important component of digital strategies for hypertension management. However, no studies have used the same device to investigate 24-hour BP control status in relation to different home BP control thresholds.

METHODS

Participants in the general practitioner-based, multicenter HI-JAMP study (Home-Activity Information and Communication Technology-Based Japan Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Prospective) underwent office BP measurement, then 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring, then home BP monitoring for 5 days. A validated all-in-one BP monitoring device was used to measure office, home, and ambulatory BP. Baseline data were used to investigate ambulatory BP control status in individuals with well-controlled home BP based on the different guideline thresholds (125/75 mm Hg, 130/80 mm Hg, and 135/85 mm Hg).

RESULTS

Data from 2269 patients were analyzed. For individuals with well-controlled home BP <135/85 mm Hg (59.5% of the total population), the prevalence of uncontrolled 24-hour (≥130/80 mm Hg), daytime (≥135/85 mm Hg), and nighttime ambulatory BP (≥120/70 mm Hg) was 19.9%, 18.5%, and 33.6%, respectively. Corresponding prevalence rates in the 42.7% of participants with well-controlled home BP <130/80 mm Hg were 13.4%, 12.9%, and 26.0%, and when well-controlled home BP was strictly defined as <125/75 mm Hg (23.9% of the population), prevalence of rates of uncontrolled 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime ambulatory BP were 7.0%, 9.0%, and 15.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Home BP control status defined using different thresholds could predict 24-hour ambulatory BP control status in treated hypertension. One-third of individuals still had uncontrolled nocturnal hypertension when home BP was controlled to <135/85 mm Hg, but ambulatory BP was quite well controlled when home BP was <125/75 mm Hg.

Age-related decrease in serum dihydrotestosterone concentration is accompanied by impaired vascular status

INTRODUCTION

The effect of androgens on the cardiovascular system in humans is ambiguous. Moreover, still little is known about the effects of the most potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone, on arterial stiffness and endothelial function. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether age-dependent alterations in serum concentration of dihydrotestosterone and its circulating metabolite are accompanied by changes in endothelial function and arterial stiffness.

METHODS

In 12 young and 11 older men, basal serum concentrations of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAE-S), androstenedione (AE), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and androstanediol glucuronide (ADG) were analyzed in relation to vascular status including cIMT - carotid intima media thickness, cAI - central augmentation index, crPWV - carotid radial pulse wave velocity, SI - stiffness index, endothelial and inflammatory markers.

RESULTS

Although concentration of testosterone was not different between young and older group, it was demonstrated that DHT, DHEA-S, AE and ADG were significantly lower in older men in comparison to young men (p < 0.01). Interestingly the most surprising difference was found for DHT concentration, that was as much as 61 % lower in aged men that displayed significantly higher values of cIMT, AI, crPWV and SI (p < 10^-4), suggestive of arterial stiffness. Furthermore, DHT was negatively correlated to all arterial wall parameters (cAI, crPWV, SI and cIMT), c-reactive protein (CRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) concentration, as well as positively correlated to markers of endothelial function (MNA and 6-keto-PGF_1α) in all studied individuals (n = 23).

CONCLUSIONS

We have shown that ageing leads to a significant decrease in DHT concentration that is accompanied by impaired arterial wall characteristics and worsened endothelial function. Therefore more attention should be paid to the DHT, DHEA-S and ADG concentrations as a biomarkers for vascular dysfunction in ageing men.

White coat hypertension is another clinical characteristic of patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A cross-sectional study

In this cross-sectional study, our aim was to analyze association of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) values with pulse wave velocity (PWV) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients as well as the prevalence and characteristics of white coat hypertension (WCH) in this group of patients with chronic inflammation and high prevalence of anxiety. We enrolled 120 consecutive IBD patients (77 Crohn´s disease; 43 ulcerative colitis) who were not treated with antihypertensive drugs without cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and renal morbidity. Office blood pressure, ABPM, and PWV were measured with Omrom M6, SpaceLab 90207, and Arteriograph, respectively. The prevalence of true normotension, sustained hypertension and WCH was analyzed in IBD patients. WCH was found in 27.5% patients. IBD-WCH patients had significantly lower prevalence of traditional risk factors than general WCH subjects. PWV and augmentation index (AIx) values were higher in WCH than in true normotensive patients. When adjusted for age and duration of IBD, only PWV was a positive predictor of WCH, and patients with higher PWV and longer disease duration had OR´s for WCH of 0.69 and 2.50, respectively. IBD patients had significantly higher prevalence of WCH and higher PWV values than healthy control patients. WCH is highly prevalent in IBD patients but IBD-WCH patients have lower frequency of traditional cardiovascular risk factors than general WCH population. Our results suggest that WCH could be considered as another clinical characteristic of IBD which is associated with increased arterial stiffness and those patients should be monitored more closely.

Nonlinear relationship with saturation effect observed between neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and atherosclerosis in a health examination population: a cross-sectional study

Background

The relationships between inflammatory indexes and atherosclerosis as well as those between blood lipid indexes and atherosclerosis have been widely studied, but the relationship between the neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHR) and atherosclerosis had not been investigated until the present study.

Methods

For this cross‐sectional study, we continuously collected data from a health examination population in the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2012 to December 2017 (N = 1978). The collected data included clinical data, hematological indexes, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (Ba-PWV). Atherosclerosis was defined as Ba-PWV ≥ 1400 cm/s. The relationship between the NHR and atherosclerosis was explored via univariate regression analysis, multivariate regression analysis, smoothing function analysis, and analysis of a threshold saturation effect.

Results

Among 1978 participants, the mean age was 54 years, 1189 participants (60.11%) were male, and 1103 (55.76%) had a history of atherosclerosis. Univariate analysis showed a positive association between the NHR and atherosclerosis [odds ratio (OR) = 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–1.27, P < 0.01], and this positive association remained significant on multivariate analyses with adjustments for confounding factors (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06–1.24, P < 0.01). Generalized additive model results revealed a non-linear relationship with a saturation effect between the NHR and atherosclerosis, with a threshold at 3.32. At values ≤ 3.32, the NHR was positively associated with atherosclerosis, but the association was not statistically significant for values > 3.32.

Conclusion

A nonlinear relationship with a certain saturation effect was observed between the NHR and atherosclerosis in a health examination population.

Diabetes Affects the Relationship between Heart Rate Variability and Arterial Stiffness in a Gender-Specific Manner

Background and Aims: Heart rate variability (HRV), i.e., the beat-by-beat fluctuations in heart rate (HR) reflecting the autonomic nervous system balance, is altered in patients with diabetes. This has been associated with arterial aging (stiffer arteries) and differs in men and women. The present study hypothesized that the impact of HRV on arterial aging, indexed as carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), differs in a gender-specific manner and is affected by diabetes mellitus. Method: A total of 422 outpatients (187 women and 235 men) were studied. PWV was measured using the validated SphygmoCor device (AtCor Medical). Time-domain and frequency-domain parameters were measured to assess HRV. Results: The prevalence of diabetes was 30.8% with a slight, but nonsignificant, greater prevalence in men. Both age and SBP were independent determinants of PWV in each of the four groups (men and women with or without diabetes). Low-frequency activity was inversely correlated with PWV. It was greater in women without diabetes, but it was not significant in men regardless of the presence of diabetes. Conclusions: Beyond age, blood pressure, and diabetes, impaired cardiac autonomic function assessed by determination of HRV was significantly associated with arterial aging. The association between lower sympathetic and parasympathetic activity and stiffer arteries was significant in women, but not in men.

Gender and physical frailty modify the association between abdominal obesity and functional disability in older adults

BACKGROUND

Abdominal obesity is associated with functional disability in older adults.

AIM

We evaluated whether this association was modified by gender and/or physical frailty.

METHODS

We used cross-sectional data from 12,583 participants in the third follow-up of the population-based Singapore Chinese Health Study, when participants had mean age of 74 years (range 63-97). Abdominal obesity was defined using waist circumference, physical frailty was established using the modified Cardiovascular Health Study phenotype, and functional disability was determined by the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. We used logistic regression models to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between abdominal obesity and disability.

RESULTS

Abdominal obesity was associated with increased likelihood of functional disability, and this association was stronger in women than in men [OR (95% CI): 1.27 (1.11-1.46) vs. 1.08 (0.93-1.25); P for interaction < 0.001]. Furthermore, there was a significantly stronger association between abdominal obesity and functional disability in participants who were physically frail compared to those who were not [OR (95% CI): 1.57 (1.19-2.08) vs. 1.11 (0.99-1.23); P for interaction = 0.003], and this phenomenon was observed in both genders. When compared to participants who were neither abdominally obese nor physically frail, participants who were both abdominally obese and physically frail had a synergistically increased risk of functional disability [OR (95% CI): 3.61 (3.03-4.30)].

CONCLUSIONS

Women with abdominal obesity had higher risk of functional disability compared to men, and older adults who were both abdominally obese and physically frail had a synergistically increased risk of disability.

Ambulatory diastolic blood pressure: a marker of comorbidity in elderly fit hypertensive individuals?

BACKGROUND

Masked diastolic hypotension is a new blood pressure (BP) pattern detected by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in elderly hypertensives. The aim of this study was to relate ABPM and comorbidity in a cohort of fit elderly subjects attending an outpatient hypertension clinic.

METHODS

Comorbidity was assessed by Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and CHA₂DS₂VASc score. All subjects evaluated with ABPM were aged ≥ 65 years. CCI and CHA₂DS₂VASc score were calculated. Diastolic hypotension was defined as mean ambulatory diastolic BP < 65 mmHg and logistic regression analysis was carried out in order to detect and independent relationship between comorbidity burden and night-time diastolic BP < 65 mmHg.

RESULTS

We studied 174 hypertensive elderly patients aged 72.1 ± 5.2 years, men were 93 (53.4%). Mean CCI was 0.91 ± 1.14 and mean CHA₂DS₂VASc score of 2.68 ± 1.22. Subjects with night-time mean diastolic values < 65 mmHg were higher in females [54.7% vs. 45.3%, P = 0.048; odds ratio (OR) = 1.914, 95% CI: 1.047-3.500]. Logistic regression analysis showed that only CHA₂DS₂VASc score was independently associated with night-time mean diastolic values < 65 mmHg (OR = 1.518, 95% CI: 1.161-1.985; P = 0.002), but CCI was not.

CONCLUSIONS

ABPM and comorbidity evaluation appear associated in elderly fit subjects with masked hypotension. Comorbid women appear to have higher risk for low ambulatory BP.

Potential of four definitions of metabolic syndrome to discriminate individuals with different 10-year cardiovascular disease risk scores: a cross-sectional analysis of an Iranian cohort

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to reveal the potential of four different metabolic syndrome (Mets) definitions to differentiate subjects according to 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort.

SETTING

This study used baseline data from the Shiraz Heart Study, a prospective cohort study in Shiraz, Iran. Participants were screened against Mets definitions including modified WHO, National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III), American Heart Association (AHA) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Also, Framingham risk score (FRS) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score were determined for each participant.

PARTICIPANTS

A total number of 7225 participants of both genders entered the study. They were selected through defined family physician centres in different geographical areas. Urban residents with no migration plan were included. Those who were far from study centres or with disabilities that made them incapable to cooperate were excluded.

RESULTS

Participants were 47.68% (N=3445) male with the mean age of 52.13±8.00 years. The number of subjects with Mets identified by WHO was the lowest (N=1676), while the percentage of subjects with high risk score was the highest, 17.1% (N=282) in FRS and 9.8% (N=162) in ASCVD risk score. There were statistically significant differences in the mean risk scores between participants with and without Mets according to AHA, WHO and NCEP ATP III definitions (p<0.001). In IDF definition, the risk scores of subjects with Mets were not statistically different compared with peers without Mets, neither based on FRS (p=0.247) nor ASCVD risk score (p=0.193).

CONCLUSIONS

IDF was not the appropriate definition for discrimination of subjects with Mets and/or those at high risk of future cardiovascular events. AHA, WHO and NCEP ATP III definitions were effective to discriminate subjects with Mets from peers without Mets.

Five years of cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and CAVI0: how close are we to a pressure-independent index of arterial stiffness?

Pulse wave velocity, a common metric of arterial stiffness, is an established predictor for cardiovascular events and mortality. However, its intrinsic pressure-dependency complicates the discrimination of acute and chronic impacts of increased blood pressure on arterial stiffness. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) represented a significant step towards the development of a pressure-independent arterial stiffness metric. However, some potential limitations of CAVI might render this arterial stiffness metric less pressure-independent than originally thought. For this reason, we later introduced CAVI0. Nevertheless, advantages of one approach over the other are left debated. This review aims to shed light on the pressure (in)dependency of both CAVI and CAVI0. By critically reviewing results from studies reporting both CAVI and CAVI0 and using simple analytical methods, we show that CAVI0 may enhance the pressure-independent assessment of arterial stiffness, especially in the presence of large inter-individual differences in blood pressure.

Discrimination of vascular aging using the arterial pulse spectrum and machine-learning analysis

Aging contributes to the progression of vascular dysfunction and is a major nonreversible risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using arterial pulse-wave measurements, frequency-domain pulse analysis, and machine-learning analysis in distinguishing vascular aging. Radial pulse signals were measured noninvasively for 3 min in 280 subjects aged 40-80 years. The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was used to evaluate the arterial stiffness of the subjects. Forty frequency-domain pulse indices were used as features, comprising amplitude proportion (C_n), coefficient of variation of C_n, phase angle (P_n), and standard deviation of P_n (n = 1-10). Multilayer perceptron and random forest with supervised learning were used to classify the data. The detected differences were more prominent in the subjects aged 40-50 years. Several indices differed significantly between the non-vascular-aging group (aged 40-50 years; CAVI <9) and the vascular-aging group (aged 70-80 years). Fivefold cross-validation revealed an excellent ability to discriminate the two groups (the accuracy was >80%, and the AUC was >0.8). For subjects aged 50-60 and 60-70 years, the detection accuracies of the two trained algorithms were around 80%, with AUCs of >0.73 for both, which indicated acceptable discrimination. The present method of frequency-domain analysis may improve the index reliability for further machine-learning analyses of the pulse waveform. The present noninvasive and objective methodology may be meaningful for developing a wearable-device system to reduce the threat of vascular dysfunction induced by vascular aging.

Coronary artery disease and its impact on the pulsatile brain: A functional NIRS study

Recent studies have reported that optical indices of cerebral pulsatility are associated with cerebrovascular health in older adults. Such indices, including cerebral pulse amplitude and the pulse relaxation function (PRF), have been previously applied to quantify global and regional cerebral pulsatility. The aim of the present study was to determine whether these indices are modulated by cardiovascular status and whether they differ between individuals with low or high cardiovascular risk factors (LCVRF and HCVRF) and coronary artery disease (CAD). A total of 60 older adults aged 57-79 were enrolled in the study. Participants were grouped as LCVRF, HCVRF, and CAD. Participants were asked to walk freely on a gym track while a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device recorded hemodynamics data. Low-intensity, short-duration walking was used to test whether a brief cardiovascular challenge could increase the difference of pulsatility indices with respect to cardiovascular status. Results indicated that CAD individuals have higher global cerebral pulse amplitude compared with the other groups. Walking reduced global cerebral pulse amplitude and PRF in all groups but did not increase the difference across the groups. Instead, walking extended the spatial distribution of cerebral pulse amplitude to the anterior prefrontal cortex when CAD was compared to the CVRF groups. Further research is needed to determine whether cerebral pulse amplitude extracted from data acquired with NIRS, which is a noninvasive, inexpensive method, can provide an index to characterize the cerebrovascular status associated with CAD.

Carotid elasticity is impaired in stage 1 hypertensive patients with well-controlled blood pressure levels

Whether impaired arterial elasticity in stage 1 hypertension can be brought back to normal by antihypertensive treatment is unknown. Aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of long-term well-controlled blood pressure (BP) on carotid artery elasticity and endothelial function in stage 1 hypertensive patients. We studied 40 middle-age hypertensives (mean age 49.7 years) whose BP had been kept at target by pharmacological treatment and/or lifestyle modifications for a mean of 7.5 years. Carotid compliance coefficient (CC) and distensibility coefficient (DC) were measured by B-mode ultrasound system. Measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was performed in each carotid artery segment, bilaterally. Endothelial function was evaluated by post-occlusion flow mediated dilation (FMD). Forty normotensive subjects matched for age and sex served as controls. In the hypertensive subjects, BP levels were well controlled throughout the study period (mean office BP 133.7 ± 9.0/81.27 ± 7.0 mmHg). However, compared to controls, significantly higher office BP levels and waist circumference were present. Compared to normotensives, carotid elasticity (DC 24.5 ± 9.0 vs 37.0 ± 8.5 10^-3/kPa, and CC 0.92 ± 0.34 vs 1.28 ± 0.36 mm²/kPa, p < 0.0005 for both) as well as endothelial function (FMD 5.7 ± 2.4% vs 9.2 ± 2.9%, p < 0.0005) were significantly impaired in hypertensives. In a logistic regression, hypertensive patients had increased risk of impaired carotid vascular stiffness (odds ratio, 95% CI: 13.04 (2.27-74.96), p = 0.004). Despite the "pseudo-normalization" of BP levels, hypertensive patients with long-term well-controlled BP according to current standards exhibited increased local arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction suggesting that lower BP targets should be sought.

Association between organ damage and visceral adiposity index in community-dwelling elderly Chinese population: the Northern Shanghai Study

BACKGROUND

The visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a newly developing indicator about visceral fat function and insulin resistance. This research aims to assess the association between organ damage and VAI in the community-dwelling elderly Chinese population.

METHODS

In total, 3363 elderly participants were recruited between June 2014 and August 2019. VAI was used to measure visceral adipose accumulation, and organ damage was measured with standardized methods, including arterial stiffness, lower extremity atherosclerosis, carotid hypertrophy, left ventricular hypertrophy, micro-albuminuria, and chronic kidney disease.

RESULTS

According to multivariable linear regression analysis, VAI was related to carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV; β = 0.047, P = 0.024), urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR; β = 3.893, P = 0.008), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; β =  - 0.526, P = 0.003) and log_e(ankle-to-brachial index) (ABI; β = -0.003, P = 0.024). Using multivariable stepwise logistic regression model, higher VAI was found to be significantly related to cf-PWV > 10 m/s (OR 1.44, [95% CI 1.17-1.78]; P_{for trend} < 0.001), and chronic kidney disease (CKD; OR 1.54, [95% CI 1.09-2.20]; P_{for trend} = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Since higher VAI is related to increased risk of arterial stiffness and CKD, it may serve as a useful index for the assessment of arteriosclerosis and CKD in elderly population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NSS, NCT02368938.

Association of incremental pulse wave velocity with cardiometabolic risk factors

We investigate the association of incremental pulse wave velocity (ΔC; the change in pulse wave velocity over a cardiac cycle) with cardiometabolic risk factors and report the first and (currently) the largest population-level data. In a cross-sectional study performed in a cohort of 1373 general population participants, ΔC was measured using clinically validated ARTSENS devices. There were 455 participants in the metabolic syndrome (MetS) group whose average ΔC was ~ 28.4% higher than that of the non-metabolic syndrome (Non-MetS) group. Females with MetS showed ~ 10.9% elevated average ΔC compared to males of the Non-MetS group. As the number of risk factors increased from 0 to 5, the average ΔC escalated by ~ 55% (1.50 ± 0.52 m/s to 2.33 ± 0.91 m/s). A gradual increase in average ΔC was observed across each decade from the younger (ΔC = 1.53 ± 0.54 m/s) to geriatric (ΔC = 2.34 ± 0.59 m/s) populations. There was also a significant difference in ΔC among the blood pressure categories. Most importantly, ΔC ≥ 1.81 m/s predicted a constellation of ≥ 3 risks with AUC = 0.615, OR = 2.309, and RR = 1.703. All statistical trends remained significant, even after adjusting for covariates. The study provides initial evidence for the potential use of ΔC as a tool for the early detection and screening of vascular dysfunction, which opens up avenues for active clinical and epidemiological studies. Further investigations are encouraged to confirm and establish the causative mechanism for the reported associations.

Carotid intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness in relation to cerebral small vessel disease in neurologically asymptomatic individuals with type 1 diabetes

AIMS

To determine if arterial functional and structural changes are associated with underlying cerebral small vessel disease in neurologically asymptomatic individuals with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

We enrolled 186 individuals (47.8% men; median age 40.0, IQR 33.0-45.0 years) with type 1 diabetes (median diabetes duration of 21.6, IQR 18.2-30.3 years), and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, as part of the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy (FinnDiane) Study. All individuals underwent a biochemical work-up, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound of the common carotid arteries and arterial tonometry. Arterial structural and functional parameters were assessed by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), pulse wave velocity and augmentation index.

RESULTS

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) were present in 23.7% and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in 16.7% of individuals with type 1 diabetes. Those with type 1 diabetes and CMBs had higher median (IQR) CIMT 583 (525 - 663) μm than those without 556 (502 - 607) μm, p = 0.016). Higher CIMT was associated with the presence of CMBs (p = 0.046) independent of age, eGFR, ApoB, systolic blood pressure, albuminuria, history of retinal photocoagulation and HbA_1c. Arterial stiffness and CIMT were increased in individuals with type 1 diabetes and WMHs compared to those without; however, these results were not independent of cardiovascular risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Structural, but not functional, arterial changes are associated with underlying CMBs in asymptomatic individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Screening for Hypertension in Adults: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force

IMPORTANCE

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and can be modified through lifestyle and pharmacological interventions to reduce cardiovascular events and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the benefits and harms of screening and confirmatory blood pressure measurements in adults, to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Collaboration Central Registry of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL; surveillance through March 26, 2021.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized controlled intervention studies for effectiveness of screening; accuracy studies for screening and confirmatory measurements (ambulatory blood pressure monitoring as the reference standard); RCTs and nonrandomized controlled intervention studies and observational studies for harms of screening and confirmation.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Independent critical appraisal and data abstraction; meta-analyses and qualitative syntheses.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Mortality; cardiovascular events; quality of life; sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values; harms of screening.

RESULTS

A total of 52 studies (N = 215 534) were identified in this systematic review. One cluster RCT (n = 140 642) of a multicomponent intervention including hypertension screening reported fewer annual cardiovascular-related hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease in the intervention group compared with the control group (difference, 3.02 per 1000 people; rate ratio, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.86-0.97]). Meta-analysis of 15 studies (n = 11 309) of initial office-based blood pressure screening showed a pooled sensitivity of 0.54 (95% CI, 0.37-0.70) and specificity of 0.90 (95% CI, 0.84-0.95), with considerable clinical and statistical heterogeneity. Eighteen studies (n = 57 128) of various confirmatory blood pressure measurement modalities were heterogeneous. Meta-analysis of 8 office-based confirmation studies (n = 53 183) showed a pooled sensitivity of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.68-0.88) and specificity of 0.55 (95% CI, 0.42-0.66). Meta-analysis of 4 home-based confirmation studies (n = 1001) showed a pooled sensitivity of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.76-0.90) and a specificity of 0.60 (95% CI, 0.48-0.71). Thirteen studies (n = 5150) suggested that screening was associated with no decrement in quality of life or psychological distress; evidence on absenteeism was mixed. Ambulatory blood pressure measurement was associated with temporary sleep disturbance and bruising.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Screening using office-based blood pressure measurement had major accuracy limitations, including misdiagnosis; however, direct harms of measurement were minimal. Research is needed to determine optimal screening and confirmatory algorithms for clinical practice.

Risk of Target Organ Damage in Patients with Masked Hypertension versus Sustained Hypertension: A Meta-analysis

Objective: To compare the risk of target organ damage in masked hypertension (MH) and sustained hypertension (SH).Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. A search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library of relevant case-control studies was performed from inception to December 2019, and articles on MH and SH selected according to the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The primary end point was target organ damage in the heart. The secondary end points were target organ damage in the kidneys and blood vessels.Results: Seventeen studies that met the screening criteria were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the SH group, in the MH group carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and E/A ratio were significantly greater and the prevalence of left ventricular remodeling and the pulse wave velocity were significantly lower. Other indicators in the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels were not statistically different between the two groups. IMT: P=0.01, E/A ratio: P=0.01, prevalence of left ventricular remodeling: P=0.02, pulse wave velocity: P=0.01.Conclusion: Our study has shown that MH may have almost the same degree of target organ damage as SH, so clinicians may need to consider target organ damage.

Routine assessment of cognitive function in older patients with hypertension seen by primary care physicians: why and how-a decision-making support from the working group on 'hypertension and the brain' of the European Society of Hypertension and from the European Geriatric Medicine Society

: The guidelines on hypertension recently published by the European Societies of Hypertension and Cardiology, have acknowledged cognitive function (and its decline) as a hypertension-mediated organ damage. In fact, brain damage can be the only hypertension-mediated organ damage in more than 30% of hypertensive patients, evolving undetected for several years if not appropriately screened; as long as undetected it cannot provide either corrective measures, nor adequate risk stratification of the hypertensive patient.The medical community dealing with older hypertensive patients should have a simple and pragmatic approach to early identify and precisely treat these patients. Both hypertension and cognitive decline are undeniably growing pandemics in developed or epidemiologically transitioning societies. Furthermore, there is a clear-cut connection between exposure to the increased blood pressure and development of cognitive decline.Therefore, a group of experts in the field from the European Society of Hypertension and from the European Geriatric Medicine Society gathered together to answer practical clinical questions that often face the physician when dealing with their hypertensive patients in a routine clinical practice. They elaborated a decision-making approach to help standardize such clinical evaluation.

Diagnostic performance of clinic and home blood pressure measurements compared with ambulatory blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Clinic blood pressure measurement (CBPM) is currently the most commonly used form of screening for hypertension, however it might have a problem detecting white coat hypertension (WCHT) and masked hypertension (MHT). Home blood pressure measurement (HBPM) may be an alternative, but its diagnostic performance is inconclusive relative to CBPM. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to estimate the performance of CBPM and HBPM compared with ambulatory blood pressure measurement(ABPM) and to pool prevalence of WCHT and MHT.

METHODS

Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and WHO's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform databases were searched up to 23rd January 2020. Studies having diagnostic tests as CBPM or HBPM with reference standard as ABPM, reporting sensitivity and specificity of both tests and/or proportion of WCHT or MHT were eligible. Diagnostic performance of CBPM and HBPM were pooled using bivariate mixed-effect regression model. Random effect model was applied to pool prevalence of WCHT and MHT.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight studies were eligible. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of CBPM, when using 24-h ABPM as the reference standard, were 74% (95% CI: 65-82%), 79% (95% CI: 69%, 87%), and 11.11 (95% CI: 6.82, 14.20), respectively. Pooled prevalence of WCHT and MHT were 0.24 (95% CI 0.19, 0.29) and 0.29 (95% CI 0.20, 0.38). Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and DOR of HBPM were 71% (95% CI 61%, 80%), 82% (95% CI 77%, 87%), and 11.60 (95% CI 8.98, 15.13), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic performances of HBPM were slightly higher than CBPM. However, the prevalence of MHT was high in negative CBPM and some persons with normal HBPM had elevated BP from 24-h ABPM. Therefore, ABPM is still necessary for confirming the diagnosis of HT.

Arterial stiffness and multiple organ damage: a longitudinal study in population

AIMS

Previous cross-sectional observation identified arterial aging, indexed as pulse-wave velocity (PWV), as a key determinant of the simultaneous multiple organ damage (heart, carotid artery, and kidney). The aim of the present cohort study is to investigate trajectories of repeated measures of PWV and traditional CV risk factors in subjects who eventually presented clinical evidence of multiple organ damage in the SardiNIA study.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Organ damage was measured in the heart (left ventricular hypertrophy, LVH), the common carotid artery (intima-media thickness > 0.9 mm and/or plaque), and the kidney (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m²) of 2130 men and women of a broad age range participating the SardiNIA study. SHATS was defined as the simultaneous occurrence of all the three-organ damages. Trajectory in traditional CV risk factors and PWV was analyzed retrospectively (four observations over 9 years) according to the number of organ damage (from 0 to 3). Compared to subjects with no organ damage, after controlling for traditional CV risk factors, each 1 m/s increase in baseline PWV was accompanied by a 93% higher odds of developing SHATS; and each 1 cm/s (0.01 m/s) annual increase in PWV by a 31% greater odds of developing SHATS.

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial stiffness, a proxy of arterial aging that can be measured clinically as PWV, is an integrated predictive marker of multiple age-associated organ damage recognized as clinical diseases.

Association between depressive symptoms and arterial stiffness: a cross-sectional study in the general Chinese population

OBJECTIVES

To determine the independent relationship between depressive symptoms and arterial stiffness in the general Chinese population, and to explore possible interactive factors in the relationship.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Consecutive participants who received routine health physical examination in an affiliated hospital of a comprehensive university in Hunan Province, China, between September 2013 and March 2014 were examined. After exclusion of subjects not meeting the criteria, a total of 1334 subjects aged 22-77 years were recruited for final analysis.

MEASURES

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was employed to assess the degree of depressive symptoms: 0-4 no depressive symptoms, 5-9 mild depressive symptoms and 10-27 moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured to determine arterial stiffness.

RESULTS

There was a slight increase in baPWV across elevated degrees of depressive symptoms (p=0.025). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that mild depressive symptoms and moderate to severe depressive symptoms were independently associated with baPWV compared with no depressive symptoms after adjusting for baseline confounders (beta-coefficient: 40.3, 95% CI 6.6 to 74.1; beta-coefficient: 87.7, 95% CI 24.0 to 151.5, respectively). Further stratified analyses indicated that the relationship between degree of depressive symptoms and baPWV was predominant in subjects who had normal or normal-high blood pressure, or combined with hypertension (p for interaction=0.016), or in subjects with diabetes mellitus (p for interaction=0.004), examined in multivariate linear regressions. In addition, after adjustment, a significant association between moderate to severe depressive symptoms and baPWV was also found in female subjects younger than 60 years, although the interactive effect was not significant (p for interaction=0.056).

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms are independently associated with arterial stiffness, especially in subjects whose blood pressures are beyond the optimal range and combined with diabetes mellitus.

Effect of rhTSH on Lipids

BACKGROUND

Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with increased blood lipid levels. However, the exact role of thyrotropin (TSH) alone is not clear. In order to clarify this point, we analysed the acute effect of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) administration on lipid levels.

METHODS

Sera of 27 premenopausal women with well-differentiated thyroid cancer were analysed. Patients that underwent a total thyroidectomy, ablation with ¹³¹I (Iodine 131) and rhTSH administration as a part of routine follow-up American Thyroid Association guidelines were included. The protocol consists of 2 intramuscular injections of 0.9 mg of rhTSH, performed on day 1 day and day 2, with blood collection on day 1 (before rhTSH administration), and day 5. TSH, free thyroxine, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), and triglycerides were assessed in all the samples, before and four days after the first administration of rhTSH.

RESULTS

Total cholesterol and triglycerides significantly increased after stimulation of rhTSH (respectively, 192 ± 33 vs. 207 ± 26, p = 0.036 and 72 ± 23 vs. 85 ± 23, p = 0.016). LDLc and HDLc showed comparable concentrations before and after the test (respectively, 115 ± 27 vs. 126 ± 22, p = 0.066, and 62 ± 15 vs. 64 ± 15, p = 0.339), while non-HDLc increased after stimulation (130 ± 30 vs. 143 ± 25, p = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

TSH has a direct effect on total cholesterol, triglycerides, and nonHDLc. Explanation of these phenomena will require additional studies.

Elongation of the Aorta after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: A longitudinal study

Aortic morphology is associated with age, with the diameter being larger in older people. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a treatment for aortic diseases, such as aortic dissection. When evaluating patients, aortic elongation could interfere with the classification of TEVAR complications. The longitudinal change in aortic length has not been studied in detail. In patients receiving thoracic endovascular aortic repair between 2007 and 2013, we determined the aortic length between the sinotubular junction, left common carotid artery, subclavian artery, and celiac artery on their first five annual follow-up computed tomography (CT) exams. Using the immediate post-TEVAR follow-up CT as the comparison reference and a lengthening of the aortic segment by 10 mm or more as the definition of elongation, 16 of 41 (39%) showed elongation between the innominate artery and celiac artery. When compared with the immediate follow-up CT, a higher proportion of patients showed elongation at the fifth year’s follow-up CT than the first year’s follow-up CT (p < 0.01), and the average lengthening per year was 1.7 mm. There was progressive lengthening of the aorta after TEVAR.

Association of the genetic ancestry with resistant hypertension in the ReHOT (Resistant Hypertension Optimal Treatment) randomized study

Resistant hypertension (RH) is defined as uncontrolled blood pressure despite treatment with three or more antihypertensive medications, including, if tolerated, a diuretic in adequate doses. It has been widely known that race is associated with blood pressure control. However, intense debate persists as to whether this is solely explained by unadjusted socioeconomical variables or genetic variation. In this scenario, the main aim was to evaluate the association between genetic ancestry and resistant hypertension in a large sample from a multicenter trial of stage II hypertension, the ReHOT study. Samples from 1,358 patients were analyzed, of which 167 were defined as resistant hypertensive. Genetic ancestry was defined using a panel of 192 polymorphic markers. The genetic ancestry was similar in resistant (52.0% European, 36.7% African and 11.3% Amerindian) and nonresistant hypertensive patients (54.0% European, 34.4% African and 11.6% Amerindian) (p > 0.05). However, we observed a statistically suggestive association of African ancestry with resistant hypertension in brown patient group. In conclusion, increased African genetic ancestry was not associated with RH in Brazilian patients from a prospective randomized hypertension clinical trial.

Carotid Artery Stiffness in Metabolic Syndrome: Sex Differences

INTRODUCTION

The effect of metabolic syndrome (MS) on carotid stiffness (CS) in the context of gender is under research.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the relationship between the MS and CS in men (M) and women (W) and investigated if the impact of cardiovascular risk factors on CS is modulated by gender.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 419 subjects (mean age 54.3 years): 215 (51%) with MS (109 W and 106 M) and 204 (49%) without MS (98 W and 106 M). Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and CS parameters (beta stiffness index (beta), Peterson's elastic modulus (Ep), arterial compliance (AC) and one-point pulse wave velocity (PWV-beta)) were measured with the echo-tracking (eT) system.

RESULTS

ANCOVA demonstrated that MS was associated with elevated CS indices (p = 0.003 for beta and 0.025 for PWV-beta), although further sex-specific analysis revealed that this relationship was significant only in W (p = 0.021 for beta). Age was associated with CS in both M and W, pulse pressure (PP) and body mass index turned out to be determinants of CS solely in W, while the effect of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate was more pronounced in M. MANOVA performed in subjects with MS revealed that age and diabetes mellitus type 2 were determinants of CS in both sexes, diastolic blood pressure and MAP - solely in M and systolic blood pressure, PP and waist circumference - solely in W (the relationship between the waist circumference and AC was paradoxical).

CONCLUSION

The relationship between MS and CS is stronger in W than in M. In subjects with MS, various components of arterial pressure exert different sex-specific effects on CS - with the impact of the pulsative component of arterial pressure (PP) observed in W and the impact of the steady component (MAP) observed in M.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Lipid Metabolism: To Treat or Not to Treat?

Thyroid hormones have multiple complex effects on lipid synthesis and metabolism. These physiological actions are well documented in overt hypothyroidism where the elevated levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoporotein cholesterol and possibly triglycerides are reverted by levo-thyroxine therapy. Subclinical hypothyroidism, defined as elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone in the presence of reference range of free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine concentrations, is a relatively frequent clinical conditions. Many clinical and epidemiological studies have evaluated lipid metabolism, markers of subclinical atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular risk factors in subclinical hypothyroidism as well as the need of replacement therapy in these patients. The available results are rather conflicting, with variable and inconclusive results. Moreover, no consensus still exists on the clinical significance and treatment of this mild form of thyroid failure. On the contrary, available evidences suggest that patients with plasma thyroid stimulating hormone levels above 10 mU/L should be treated with levo-thyroxine, since may have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the epidemiological evidences suggest being rather conservative in older people, since higher thyroid stimulating hormone is associated with lower risk of multiple adverse events in this population. In this review, we summarized the current evidences on the association between subclinical hypothyroidism and lipid metabolism and the effect of levo-thyroxine therapy on lipid parameters.

Blood pressure related to age: The India ABPM study

The present paper reports trends in office blood pressure (BP) measurement (OBPM) and ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) with age in a large multi-center Indian all comers' population visiting primary care physicians. ABPM and OBPM data from 27 472 subjects (aged 51 ± 14 years, males 68.2%, treated 45.5%) were analyzed and compared. Individual differences between OBPM and ABPM patterns were compared for patients according to 10-year age categories. Results showed that systolic (S) BP values started to increase with age from the age of 40, BP variability (SD) increased from the age of 30 years. Diastolic (D) BP values started to decrease from the age of 50 years. Mean OBPM values were higher than daytime ABPM values (all P < .001) in all age-groups. The prevalence of white coat hypertension (WCH) and masked hypertension (MH) was based on OBPM and daytime, 24-hour, and nighttime average BPs together. WCH decreased with age from 15.1% and 12.4% in treated and untreated subjects at the youngest age to 7.2% and 6.9% in the oldest age, respectively. MH prevalence was higher for untreated than for treated subjects but remained similar for all age-groups (range of 18.6%-21.3%). The prevalence of reverse dippers increased with age from the youngest to oldest group with 7.3%-34.2% (P < .001 for trend). Dippers prevalence decreased from 42.5% to 17.9% from the youngest to oldest age-groups, respectively (P < .001 for trend). These findings confirm that BP patterns show clear differences in trends with age, particularly regarding nighttime BP.

Role of Adipokines in the Association between Thyroid Hormone and Components of the Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MS) increases cardiovascular risk. The role of thyroid hormone on components of MS is unclear. We analyzed a sample of 4733 euthyroid subjects from SardiNIA study. In female thyrotropin (TSH) was significantly and positively associated with triglycerides (Standardized regression coefficients (β) = 0.081, p < 0.001). Free thyroxine (FT4) was positively associated with HDL (β = 0.056, p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (β = 0.059, p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (β = 0.044, p < 0.01), and fasting glucose (β = 0.046, p < 0.01). Conversely, FT4 showed a negative association with waist circumference (β = −0.052, p < 0.001). In TSH was positively associated with triglycerides (β = 0.111, p < 0.001) and FT4 showed a positive association with DBP (β = 0.51, p < 0.01). The addition of leptin and adiponectin to the regression models did not substantially change the impact of thyroid hormones on components of MS. Our data suggest that, even within the euthyroid range, excess of truncal adipose tissue is associated with variations in FT4. Leptin and adiponectin exert an additive effect rather than a causal effect. Additional studies should be performed to determine the clinical significance of this finding.

Non-dipping blood pressure pattern and new-onset diabetes in a 21-year follow-up

Purpose: Non-dipping blood pressure (BP) pattern has been associated with metabolic changes and cardiovascular events. With regard of diabetes, studies are scarce. Our aim was to investigate if there is an association between changes in dipping patterns and incidence of diabetes. Materials and methods: A 24-h ambulatory BP measurement was recorded in addition to other laboratory measurements, and a questionnaire and physical examination were carried out in the baseline study and after 21-year follow-up among a study population (n = 449) consisting of randomly selected middle-aged Finnish females and males without diabetes. Results: 128 (28.5%) developed diabetes during the follow-up. The incidence of new-onset diabetes was the highest, 41.0%, among those subjects who were non-dippers (their systolic BP declined <10% from daytime to nighttime) in the baseline and also in the follow-up study, while the incidence of diabetes was 19.6% in the dipper - dipper (a nighttime decline of systolic BP 10% or more) group (p = 0.003). The difference remained statistically significant after adjustment with age, sex, body mass index, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and insulin levels, smoking status, 24-h mean systolic BP, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, estimated glomerular filtration and diuretics use. In logistic regression analysis, the non-dipper - non-dippers were at higher risk of diabetes compared with dipper - dipper group (OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.13-4.56, p = 0.022). Conclusions: Our prospective study shows that there is an independent association between non-dipping BP pattern and the incidence of diabetes in a 21-year follow-up.

Common Carotid Artery Calcification Impacts on Cognitive Function in Older Patients

INTRODUCTION

Cognitive impairment and dementia represent an emerging health problem. Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors contribute to cognitive impairment.

AIM

To investigate the effect of vascular calcification on cognitive impairment and dementia, independently of plaque and traditional CV risk factors.

METHODS

Four hundred and sixty-nine patients (age of 78.6 ± 6.1 years, 74.4% women) were studied. Traditional CV risk factors levels, cognitive function (MMSE), brain CT scan, and other vascular parameters were measured. Common Carotid Artery (CCA) plaque and calcification were evaluated by ultrasound.

RESULTS

CCA calcification was associated with a lower MMSE score than in subjects with no CCA calcification (23.7 ± 0.3 versus 25.5 ± 0.8; p = 0.015), after controlling for age, sex, education, blood pressure levels, diabetes, creatinine, lipid lowering therapy, neuroimaging alteration, and CCA plaque. Similarly, CCA calcification was associated with higher odds of dementia regardless of the presence of CCA plaque (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.01-2.94, p < 0.05). This trend was not observed when stratifying patients according to the presence of CCA plaque.

CONCLUSION

CCA calcification is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia, independently of established CV risk factors and CCA plaque. The impact of arterial calcification on cognition seems largely independent of arterial stiffness.

When Office Blood Pressure Is Not Enough: The Case of Masked Hypertension

An increasing attention has been devoted in the last two decades to masked hypertension (MH), a condition characterized by the fact that classification of a normal blood pressure (BP) status by office measurements is not confirmed by home and/or ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). MH definition (i.e., normal office BP, but high out-of-office BP) should be restricted to untreated subjects (true MH) whereas masked uncontrolled hypertension (MUCH) reserved to treated patients previously classified as hypertensives, presenting normal office BP and high ABPM or home values. Both MH and MUCH are associated with metabolic alterations, comorbidities, and hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD). Furthermore, the risk of cardiovascular events related to these conditions has been shown to be close or greater than that of sustained hypertension. This review discusses available evidence about MH and MUCH by focusing on its prevalence, clinical correlates, association with HMOD, prognostic significance, and their therapeutic implications.

Higher blood pressure increases arterial stiffness modified by blood glucose levels in a Chinese community-based study

Background: Increased arterial stiffness measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity is associated with cardiovascular disease. However, the rates at which brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and blood glucose accelerate within individuals who differ in blood pressure levels are largely unknown. Methods: This study was based on the baseline data of a Chinese community-based atherosclerosis cohort which included 7402 individuals. Using generalized linear regression models, the relationship between blood glucose levels and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, and the relationship between blood pressure levels and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity were examined. Results: A marked interaction between hypertensive state and diabetic state was seen for brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (P for interaction <0.001). The adjusted coefficient for subjects stratified by hypertensive groups and diabetic states showed that the highest brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity risk subjects were those who had both diabetes and hypertension (B=403.24; 95% CI: 372.43-434.05; P<0.001). Conclusions: The participants with increased arterial stiffness demonstrate a high prevalence of higher blood pressure. When high blood glucose levels co-occur with high blood pressure levels, there is a remarkable increase in arterial stiffness.

An operational definition of SHATS (Systemic Hemodynamic Atherosclerotic Syndrome): Role of arterial stiffness and blood pressure variability in elderly hypertensive subjects

BACKGROUND

CV risk exponentially increases as the number of damaged organs increases The Systemic Hemodynamic Atherosclerotic Syndrome (SHATS) represents a novel conceptualization of the CV continuum focusing on simultaneous multi-organ alteration. This is the first study operationally defining SHATS and aimed at identifying its determinants.

METHODS

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (echocardiography), Common Carotid Artery plaque and increased thickness (ultrasound), and Chronic Kidney Disease (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) indexed selective target organ damage. SHATS was operationally defined as their simultaneous presence in a patient. PWV was measured by Sphygmocor® and BP variability by 24 h ABPM.

RESULTS

SHATS affected 19.9% of the 367 studied subjects. Subjects with SHATS had a similar prevalence in diabetes mellitus, but a greater prevalence of very stiff artery (84.9 vs 64.3%, p < 0.01) and use of antihypertensive medications. In the presence of similar office BP, SHATS was associated with higher 24 h SBP and lower 24 h DBP (a greater pulsatile pressure!), reduced nighttime SBP fall, and a twofold greater prevalence of reverse dipper status (48.2 vs 20.2%, p < 0.001). BMI (positive correlation) and DBP (negative correlation) were the only traditional CV risk factors significantly associated with the odds of having SHATS. Very stiff artery and BP variability were significant independent determinants of SHATS, with highly predictive accuracy.

CONCLUSION

SHATS, the simultaneous damage of multiple target organs, may easily operationally defined. Very stiff artery and BP variability represent key factors for SHATS. The present results support the hypothesis of SHATS as a systemic condition, needing further characterization.

24-Hour ambulatory blood pressure levels and control in a large cohort of adult outpatients with different classes of obesity

Effective and sustained blood pressure (BP) control in hypertensive patients with moderate-to-severe obesity is often difficult to achieve. We evaluated clinic, 24h, day-time and night-time systolic/diastolic BP levels and control in a large cohort of adult outpatients with different classes of obesity. A single center, prospective, cohort study was conducted at Hypertension Unit, Division of Cardiology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome Italy. All BP measurements were performed and BP thresholds were set according to guidelines. Study population was stratified according to BMI. We included 4,766 individuals (women 48.6%, age 60.3 ± 11.6 years, clinic BP 143.8 ± 18.2/90.9 ± 12.3 mmHg, 24h BP 130.2 ± 13.3/79.1 ± 9.5 mmHg), among whom 36.0% had normal weight, 43.5% were overweight, 15.7% had class I, and 4.8% class II/III obesity. Obese outpatients had higher prevalence of risk factors, and were treated more frequently and with more antihypertensive drugs than those with normal body weight. Obese outpatients showed higher systolic BP levels at all BP measurements, mostly 24h and night-time periods, than those observed in normal weight outpatients. BMI resulted significantly related with clinic (r = 0.053; P < 0.001), 24h (r = 0.098; P < 0.001) and night-time systolic BP (r = 0.126; P < 0.001), and left ventricular mass indexed by height^2.7 (r = 0.311; P < 0.001). BMI was also negatively and independently associated with predefined BP goals at all types of BP measurements. Obesity was associated with higher systolic BP levels during the entire 24h period and increased left ventricular mass. These effects were independently observed, even after correction for major cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities, as well as the number and type of antihypertensive drug classes.

White coat syndrome and its variations: differences and clinical impact

Hypertension is closely linked to increased cardiovascular risk and development of target organ damage (TOD). Therefore, proper clinical follow-up and treatment of hypertensive subjects are mandatory. A great number of individuals present a variation on blood pressure (BP) levels when they are assessed either in the office or in the out-of-office settings. This phenomenon is defined as white coat syndrome - a change in BP levels due to the presence of a physician or other health professional. In this context, the term "white coat syndrome" may refer to three important and different clinical conditions: 1) white coat hypertension, 2) white coat effect, and 3) masked hypertension. The development of TOD and the increased cardiovascular risk play different roles in these specific subgroups of white coat syndrome. Correct diagnose and clinical guidance are essential to improve the prognosis of these patients. The aim of this review was to elucidate contemporary aspects of these types of white coat syndrome on general and hypertensive population.

Effect of white-coat hypertension on arterial stiffness: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

White-coat hypertension (WCH) is a debatable risk factor of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases and the current study results on the association between WCH and arterial stiffness are inconsistent. The aim was to investigate the effect of WCH on arterial stiffness using meta-analysis.

METHODS

Based on prespecified search strategies and inclusion criteria, Medline, Embase, Web Of Science, Cochrane Library, and BioSciences Information Service Preview databases were reviewed. A total of 20 studies involving 1538 WCH patients and 3582 normotensives (NT) were included. Literatures were screened for data extraction and quality assessment. Overall analysis and subgroup analysis were conducted in RevMan version 5.3 and Stata version 14.0 software.

RESULTS

Overall analysis showed that carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) was significantly higher in WCH group than in the NT group (P < .00001, 95% CI: 0.79-3.26). Subgroup analysis showed that in adults, cf-PWV was significantly higher in the WCH patients than in the NT subjects (P<.001, 95% CI: 0.46-0.87), while in juveniles, cf-PWV was comparable between the WCH group and the NT group (P = .25, 95% CI: -0.39 to 0.61).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis showed that WCH may increase arterial stiffness in adult population.

Masked hypertension incidence and risk factors in a prospective cohort study

Aims

Masked hypertension may affect up to 30% of the general population and is associated with a high cardiovascular disease risk. No previous study has examined the incidence of masked hypertension and its risk factors. The study aim was to determine the incidence of masked hypertension and to examine its related risk factors.

Methods

This is a cohort study including 1836 initially normotensive participants followed up on average for 2.9 years. Blood pressure was measured using Spacelabs 90207. Manual blood pressure was defined as the mean of the first three readings taken at rest. Ambulatory blood pressure was defined as the mean of the next readings recorded every 15 minutes during daytime working hours. Masked hypertension incidence at follow-up was defined as manual blood pressure less than 140 and less than 90 mmHg and ambulatory blood pressure at least 135 or at least 85 mmHg. Generalised estimating equations were used.

Results

The cumulative incidence of masked hypertension was 10.3% and was associated with male gender (relative risk (RR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–1.94), older age (RR40–49 years 1.56, 95% CI 1.16–2.11, RR≥50 years 1.50, 95% CI 1.06–2.10), higher education (RRcollege 1.31, 95% CI 1.03–1.65), body mass index (RR≥27 1.43, 95% CI 1.11–1.85), smoking (RR 1.51, 95% CI 1.09–2.010) and alcohol intake (RR≥6/week 1.65, 95% CI 1.13–2.03).

Conclusion

The present study is the first to identify risk factors for the incidence of masked hypertension. Current guidelines for hypertension detection recommend ambulatory blood pressure in patients with an elevated blood pressure reading at the clinic. As it is impractical to measure ambulatory blood pressure in all normotensive patients, factors identified in the present study should be considered for the screening of at-risk individuals and for primary prevention of masked hypertension.

Lower Heart Rate Variability Is Associated with Lower Pulse Pressure Amplification: Role of Obesity

Background

Heart rate variability (HRV), pulse pressure amplification, and obesity represent risk factors for cardiovascular events. The aims of the present study are (1) to explore the impact of HRV on pulse pressure amplification and (2) to investigate whether the association between HRV and pulse pressure amplification differs in obese and lean subjects.

Methods

A total of 342 patients (age 61 ± 11 years) were enrolled. HRV was analyzed concerning both the frequency and time domain as well as concerning the HRV triangular index. Pulse pressure amplification was estimated as the ratio between brachial and carotid pulse pressure, the latter measured with SphygmoCor.

Results

Time domain HRV indices were directly correlated with pulse pressure amplification (the lower the HRV indices, the lower the pulse pressure amplification). This association was stronger in obese than in lean subjects after controlling for age and sex.

Conclusion

Larger controlled studies are needed to provide a more detailed insight into the relation between HRV and pulse pressure amplification and to determine which pathways are differentially activated in lean and obese subjects.

The effects of age on pulse wave velocity in untreated hypertension

Increased arterial stiffness is an important determinant of cardiovascular risk, able to predict morbidity and mortality, and closely associated with ageing and blood pressure. The aims of this study were: (1) To determine the age-dependent reference pulse wave velocity (PWV), and compare it with values from hypertensive patients, and (2) to evaluate the impact of isolated and untreated hypertension on arterial stiffness. A total of 1079 patients were enrolled and divided into a control group (NT) of asymptomatic normotensive patients and a group of asymptomatic hypertensive patients (HT). Blood pressure, carotid-femoral PWV, and body mass index were measured in each subject, whose blood was drawn for laboratory tests. Aortic mean PWV in the NT group was 6.85 ± 1.66 m/s, which increased linearly (R²  = 0.62; P < .05) with age. In patients over 50 years of age, PWV was significantly higher than in younger patients (8.35 vs 5.92 m/s, respectively, P < .001). This significant difference persisted when observing male and female patients separately. In the hypertensive group, mean PWV value was 8.04 ± 1.8 m/s (range 4.5-15.8 m/s) and increased (R²  = 0.243; P < .05) with age. The PWV increase in HT was significantly higher (0.93 m/s per decade, P < .001) than in NT (0.44 m/s per decade). Our study provides normal values of PVW per decade, and shows that these values increase with age, especially after 50 years of age, particularly in HT patients. This stiffness growth rate may be responsible for increased cardiovascular risk in both groups.

Circadian blood pressure patterns and blood pressure control in patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hypertension is a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), and CKD progression is associated with suboptimal blood pressure (BP) control. Here we evaluate the impact of CKD on the attainment of BP control and the circadian BP profile in older subjects.

METHODS

In this observational study, we studied 547 patients referred to the hypertension clinic, of whom 224 (40.9%) had CKD. Blood pressure (BP) control and circadian BP patterns were evaluated by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Circadian BP variability was measured as the within-subject SD of BP, the percentage of measurements exceeding normal values, hypotension, and dipping status.

RESULTS

The attainment of adequate BP control was similar in subjects with or without CKD (around 31%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that CKD was not a determinant of adequate BP control (OR 1.004; 95% CI 0.989-1.019; p = 0.58). Patients with CKD presented as twice as higher prevalence of reverse dipper (night-time peak) for systolic BP and episodes of hypotension during daytime, independently of BP control.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of the circadian pattern of BP in hypertensive subjects with CKD could inform better than attainment of BP target about risky condition for CKD progression and cognitive decline and allow a more personalized antihypertensive treatment.

Novel Approaches to Investigate One-Carbon Metabolism and Related B-Vitamins in Blood Pressure

Hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, is the world's leading cause of preventable, premature death. A common polymorphism (677C→T) in the gene encoding the folate metabolizing enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is associated with increased blood pressure, and there is accumulating evidence demonstrating that this phenotype can be modulated, specifically in individuals with the MTHFR 677TT genotype, by the B-vitamin riboflavin, an essential co-factor for MTHFR. The underlying mechanism that links this polymorphism, and the related gene-nutrient interaction, with hypertension is currently unknown. Previous research has shown that 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, the product of the reaction catalysed by MTHFR, appears to be a positive allosteric modulator of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and may thus increase the production of nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator. Blood pressure follows a circadian pattern, peaking shortly after wakening and falling during the night, a phenomenon known as 'dipping'. Any deviation from this pattern, which can only be identified using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), has been associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This review will consider the evidence linking this polymorphism and novel gene-nutrient interaction with hypertension and the potential mechanisms that might be involved. The role of ABPM in B-vitamin research and in nutrition research generally will also be reviewed.