The reason why home blood pressure measurements are preferred over clinic or ambulatory blood pressure in Japan

Prognostic Value of Nighttime Double Product in Nondialysis Chronic Kidney Disease With Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Both nighttime systolic blood pressure and pulse rate are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, nighttime double product (DP), which is the product of nighttime systolic blood pressure and pulse rate, has not yet been investigated in this context. The present study aimed to explore the prognostic value of nighttime DP for adverse outcomes in patients with CKD and hypertension.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This retrospective cohort study included a total of 1434 patients with nondialysis CKD complicated by hypertension. The patients were enrolled in Zhuhai and Guangzhou, China, with a median follow-up of 23.8 months. Patient enrollment for the high or low nighttime DP group was performed on the basis of the cutoff value determined by time-dependent receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. The primary end point was a composite of major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and the secondary end point was all-cause death and composite renal end point. The 24-hour circadian DP rhythm was established via multiple-component cosinor analysis. Cox regression was used to explore the association between nighttime DP and adverse outcomes. The DP of nondialysis patients with CKD and hypertension showed a diurnal rhythm, which varied with renal function. After adjustment, high nighttime DP was associated with a higher risk for major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (hazard ratio [HR], 5.823 [95% CI, 2.382-14.233]), all-cause death (HR, 4.978 [95% CI, 2.205-11.240]), and composite renal event (HR, 1.661 [95% CI, 1.128-2.447]), compared with low nighttime DP. These associations were independent of nighttime systolic blood pressure and PR.

CONCLUSIONS

The present cohort study demonstrated that DP had diurnal fluctuations and nighttime DP was an important prognostic factor in nondialysis patients with CKD and hypertension, outperforming traditional risk factors, including systolic blood pressure and pulse rate.

Exploring perceptions and operational considerations for use of a smartphone application to self-monitor blood pressure in pregnancy in Lombok, Indonesia: protocol for a qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a leading cause of maternal deaths globally and require close monitoring of blood pressure (BP) to mitigate potential adverse effects. Despite the recognised need for research on self-monitoring of blood pressure (SMBP) among pregnant populations, there are very few studies focused on low and middle income contexts, which carry the greatest burden of HDPs. The study aims to understand the perceptions, barriers, and operational considerations for using a smartphone software application to perform SMBP by pregnant women in Lombok, Indonesia.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study includes a combination of focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and workshop observations. Pregnant women will also be provided with a research version of the smartphone BP application to use in their home and subsequently provide feedback on their experiences. The study will include pregnant women with current or past HDP, their partners and the healthcare workers involved in the provision of antenatal care services within the catchment area of six primary healthcare centres. Data obtained from the interviews and observations will undergo thematic analyses using a combination of both inductive and deductive approaches.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Human Reproduction Programme (HRP) Research Project Review Panel and WHO Ethical Review Committee (A65932) as well as the Health Research Ethics Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Mataram in Indonesia (004/UN18/F7/ETIK/2023).Findings will be disseminated through research publications and communicated to the Lombok district health offices. The analyses from this study will also inform the design of a subsequent impact evaluation.

GeogRaphic and socioecoNomic Distribution of real-world Indian data of home blood pressure monitoring (GRAND Study): Study protocol for an observational study in 18 medical centers across India

One-fourth of death in India is attributed to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and more than 80% is related to ischemic heart disease and stroke. The main risk factor for CVD is hypertension. Every third person in India suffers from hypertension and the prevalence increased drastically in the past 20 years, especially among the youngest age group of 20 and 44 years. Regardless of being under anti-hypertension medication, the blood pressure (BP) control rate in the country is still low ranging between 6% and 28% only. Assessing the "true BP control rate" should be performed using both clinic BP measurement and out-of-office BP measurement as the latter shows better prognosis for patients' hypertension and CVD outcomes. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) shows superiority over ambulatory BP measurement as multiple measurements can be collected at the patient's convenience. Only limited evidence on HBPM in India is available and it's either lacking in hypertension participants or of a small sample size. This study will investigate the real BP control status among 2000 hypertensive patients from 18 centers in 12 states across Pan-India. The outcome of this study will emphasize the value of establishing BP control management practice guidelines suitable for physicians and help policymakers in building proper strategies for hypertension management to reduce the CVD burden on the health situation in India.

Predictive power of isolated high home systolic blood pressure for cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: KAMOGAWA-HBP study

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Isolated high home systolic blood pressure (IHHSBP) is a risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, no study has shown an association between IHHSBP and CVD in diabetes. We examined the association between IHHSBP and CVD in type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 1082 individuals with type 2 diabetes, aged 20 to 90 years, without a history of macrovascular complications. Home blood pressure (HBP) was measured three times every morning and evening for 14 days. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the relationship between IHHSBP and CVD incidence.

RESULTS

With the normal HBP group as the reference, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) for CVD was 1.58 (1.02-2.43) in the IHHSBP group. Correcting for antihypertensive medication use did not change HR. Based on sex, the adjusted HR (95% CI) for CVD was 1.25 (0.74-2.13) in males and 2.28 (1.01-5.15) in females.

CONCLUSIONS

In individuals with type 2 diabetes, those with IHHSBP had a higher HR for cardiovascular disease than those with normal HBP. But, Isolated high home diastolic blood pressure and high HBP were not. The association between IHHSBP and CVD was stronger in females than in males.

Role of home blood pressure monitoring in resistant hypertension

The definition of resistant hypertension (RHT) has been updated to include failure to achieve target blood pressure (BP) despite treatment with ≥3 antihypertensive drugs, including diuretics, renin-angiotensin system blockers, and calcium channel blockers, prescribed at the maximum or maximally tolerated doses, or as success in achieving the target blood pressure but requiring ≥4 drugs. RHT is a major clinical problem, as it is associated with higher mortality and morbidity than non-RHT. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately identify RHT patients to effectively manage their disease. Out-of-clinic BP measurement, including home BP monitoring and ambulatory BP monitoring is gaining prominence for the diagnosis and management of RHT. Home BP monitoring is advantageous as it is feasibly repetitive, inexpensive, widely available, and because of its reproducibility over long periods. In addition, home BP monitoring has crucial advantage of allowing safe titration for the maximum or maximally tolerable dose, and for self-monitoring, thereby improving clinical inertia and nonadherence, and allowing true RHT to be more accurately identified.

A personal history of research on hypertension From an encounter with hypertension to the development of hypertension practice based on out-of-clinic blood pressure measurements

In the 1970s, many people had severe hypertension and related cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases; however, antihypertensive treatments were not available at the time. The author encountered such conditions during the initial exposure to medicine. The author subsequently entered the field of hypertension medicine to prevent such conditions and engaged in hypertension research for more than 50 years. The author's central interest was the physiological and clinical aspects of blood pressure (BP) variability. Out-of-clinic BP measurements were the focus of clinical research. It was anticipated that self-measurement of BP at home (HBP) would improve medical practice surrounding hypertension. To establish evidence-based hypertension medicine, the Ohasama study (an epidemiology based on HBP) was conducted. The study provided firm evidence of the clinical significance of HBP and diagnostic criteria for hypertension and normotension. To establish target HBP levels for antihypertensive therapy, the Hypertension Objective treatment based on Measurement by Electrical Devices of Blood Pressure (HOMED-BP) study (a prospective intervention study) was also conducted. Application of HBP measurements expanded to obstetric, clinical pharmacology, pathophysiology, and genetic studies. During these studies, crucial information on the clinical significance of BP variability (such as circadian and day-by-day variation of BP, nocturnal BP, white-coat hypertension, and masked hypertension) was established. Finally, the author described the priority of HBP over clinic-measured BP for the diagnosis of hypertension in the 2014 Japanese Society of Hypertension Guidelines. In this article, the author's history of hypertension research, from the first encounter with hypertension to the construction of guidelines on hypertension, is reviewed.

Simple predictive score for nocturnal hypertension and masked nocturnal hypertension using home blood pressure monitoring in clinical practice

OBJECTIVE

The decision whether to measure night-time blood pressure (BP) is challenging as these values cannot be easily evaluated because of problems with measurement devices and related stress. Using the nationwide, practice-based Japan Morning Surge-Home BP Nocturnal BP study data, we developed a simple predictive score that physicians can use to diagnose nocturnal hypertension.

METHODS

We divided 2765 outpatients (mean age 63 years; hypertensive patients 92%) with cardiovascular risks who underwent morning, evening, and night-time home BP (HBP) measurements (0200, 0300, and 0400 h) into a calibration group ( n  = 2212) and validation group ( n  = 553). We used logistic-regression models in the calibration group to identify the predictive score for nocturnal hypertension (night-time HBP ≥120/70 mmHg) and then evaluated the score's predictive ability in the validation group.

RESULTS

In the logistic-regression model, male sex, increased BMI) (≥25 kg/m 2 ), diabetes, elevated urine-albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) (≥30 mg/g Cr), elevated office BP (≥140/90 mmHg) and home (average of morning and evening) BP (≥135/85 mmHg) had positive relationships with nocturnal hypertension. The predictive scores for nocturnal hypertension were 1 point (male, BMI, and UACR); 2 points (diabetes); 3 points (office BP ≥140/90 mmHg); 6 points (home BP ≥135/85 mmHg); total 14 points. Over 75% of the nocturnal hypertension cases in the validation group showed at least 10 points [AUC 0.691, 95% CI (0.647-0.735)]. We also developed a score for masked nocturnal hypertension, that is, nocturnal hypertension despite controlled daytime HBP.

CONCLUSION

We developed a simple predictive score for nocturnal hypertension that can be used in clinical settings and for diagnoses.

The relation between average 1-year home blood pressure and the change in pro-BNP and left ventricle mass index

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the association between average 1-year home blood pressure and the change in left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels.

METHODS

This prospective study was a subgroup analysis of lifestyle intervention using mobile technology in patients with high cardiovascular risk: a pragmatic randomized clinical Trial (LIGHT). In total, 242 patients were stratified into tertiles according to their average 1-year home blood pressure.

RESULTS

Patients grouped into the tertile 3 (T3) had a lower 1-year mean, SBP and DBP. The T3 group had a 2.1 times higher rate of decrease in pro-BNP and a 1.6 times higher rate of decrease in LVMI compared with T1, compared with the reference group. The area under curve (AUC) value of average 1-year home blood pressure was higher than that of mean SBP or DBP. (AUC, 0.75 vs. AUC, 0.70 vs. AUC, 0.69, respectively). Spearman rank correlation demonstrated that average 1-year home blood pressure had a correlation with Δpro-BNP and ΔLVMI.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that average 1-year home blood pressure may have a significant association with a decrease in LVMI and pro-BNP. Our study appears to be the first to evaluate the association between average 1-year home blood pressure and the change in LVMI and pro-BNP.

Association of Nighttime Masked Uncontrolled Hypertension With Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Kidney Function Among Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Not Receiving Dialysis

IMPORTANCE

Nighttime hypertension is prevalent and associated with adverse outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but nighttime hypertension, a subtype of masked uncontrolled hypertension (MUCH), is often undetected among patients with controlled office blood pressure. Little attention has been paid to patients with CKD and nighttime MUCH.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of nighttime MUCH and its associations with cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in patients with CKD who were not receiving dialysis.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective cohort study included patients with nondialysis CKD and hypertension, enrolled in Shanghai, China, from July 2012 through November 2020 and followed up for a median of 39 months.

EXPOSURES

Participants were classified as having controlled hypertension, sustained hypertension, and MUCH, which was further divided into isolated nighttime MUCH and day-night MUCH, assessed by office and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was determined by echocardiography. The composite kidney outcome consisted of end-stage kidney diseases (ESKD) and a reduction of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by 50% or more. Logistic and Cox regression assessed the associations of hypertension subtypes with LVH and kidney outcomes.

RESULTS

The 675 patients (425 [63.0%] men; mean [SD] age, 50.8 [15.9] years; mean [SD] eGFR, 61.6 [29.4] mL/min/1.73 m2) included 125 (19.3%) with controlled hypertension, 244 (37.6%) with MUCH, and 280 (43.1%) sustained hypertension. Among patients with MUCH, 2 (0.8%) had isolated daytime MUCH, 154 (63.1%) had isolated nighttime MUCH, and 88 (36.1%) had day-night MUCH. During a median (IQR) follow-up of 39 (19-64) months, 130 composite kidney events, including 97 ESKD events, occurred. Compared with controlled hypertension, MUCH and sustained hypertension were associated with LVH (eg, MUCH: odds ratio [OR], 2.94; 95% CI, 1.18-7.34; P = .02) and the composite kidney outcome (eg, MUCH: hazard ratio [HR], 4.12; 95% CI, 1.75-9.73; P = .001) after adjustment for age, sex, proteinuria, eGFR, and other baseline risk factors. Multivariate-adjusted associations were also significant between day-night MUCH and LVH (OR, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.15-9.25) and between isolated nighttime MUCH and the composite kidney outcome (HR, 4.27; 95% CI, 1.69-10.77).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, nighttime MUCH was common and associated with LVH and poor kidney outcomes among patients with hypertension and nondialysis CKD. These findings suggest that ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was inadequately used in patients with CKD and hypertension, calling for more widespread use, even in patients with controlled office hypertension.

Predictive power of home blood pressure in the evening compared with home blood pressure in the morning and office blood pressure before treatment and in the on-treatment follow-up period: a post hoc analysis of the HOMED-BP study

The predictive power of home blood pressure (BP) in the evening compared with home BP in the morning and office BP has been controversial. The predictive power of evening BP was compared to that of morning BP and office BP. The likelihood ratio test between one model containing a single BP index with traditional risk factors and a similar model further containing another BP index was used to assess whether the additional BP index significantly improved the adequacy of the model. Of 3266 patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension who were on antihypertensive medications (men 50.6%, age 59.5 ± 10.0 years), 58 experienced a major adverse cardiovascular event during a median follow-up of 7.1 years. The hazard ratios for a one standard deviation increment of evening home systolic/diastolic BP were 1.26 (0.98-1.62)/1.43 (1.09-1.88) in the baseline untreated period and 1.46 (1.17-1.81)/1.63 (1.26-2.11) during the on-treatment follow-up period. When evening BP at baseline and that during follow-up were included in the same model, only the latter significantly improved the prediction models (P = 0.006/0.005 for systolic/diastolic BP). Then, evening home BP vs. morning BP during follow-up was tested. The former did not improve the prediction models (P > 0.2), but the latter significantly improved the models (P ≤ 0.048). Similarly, when evening home BP and office BP during follow-up were analyzed, only the former significantly improved the prediction models (P ≤ 0.015). In conclusion, evening BP could be a more potent predictor than office BP, but it was inferior compared to morning BP in the treatment of mild-to-moderate hypertensive patients.

Association between urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio and home blood pressure and ambulatory blood pressure: the Ohasama study

OBJECTIVE

No studies have demonstrated the association between urinary sodium-to-potassium (Na/K) ratio and all out-of-office blood pressure (BP) [home morning and evening BP (self-measured at home), and 24-h, daytime, and night-time ambulatory BP] in the same cohort. We aimed to assess, which type of out-of-office BP is more strongly associated with urinary Na/K ratio in the general population.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the general population of Ohasama, Japan. Home and ambulatory BP levels were measured, and 24-h urine samples were obtained from 875 participants (men, 25.5%; mean age, 60.1 years). The urinary Na/K ratio in the 24-h urine samples was calculated.

RESULTS

The median (interquartile range) urinary Na/K ratio was 4.19 (3.36-5.26). Significant positive trends of home morning, home evening, 24-h, and daytime SBP were observed across quartiles of urinary Na/K ratio (trend P ≤ 0.041; adjusted mean values between Q1 and Q4 of urinary Na/K ratio: 121.0-125.5 mmHg for home morning, 120.1-123.8 mmHg for home evening, 121.6-123.4 mmHg for 24-h, 127.5-129.5 mmHg for daytime). Urinary Na/K ratio was not significantly associated with office or night-time SBP and nocturnal BP fall (trend P ≥ 0.13). In the model with both home morning or evening SBP and daytime SBP, only home SBP was significantly associated with urinary Na/K ratio (P ≤ 0.048 for home SBP).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that urinary Na/K ratio might be more strongly associated with home BP than with 24-h and daytime BP but was not associated with night-time BP.

Association of treatment-resistant hypertension defined by home blood pressure monitoring with cardiovascular outcome

In diagnosis of treatment-resistant hypertension (TRH), guidelines recommend out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurements, ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and home BP monitoring (HBPM). Although evidence of an association between ABPM-evaluated TRH and cardiovascular disease (CVD) prognosis has accumulated, data are sparse regarding HBPM-evaluated TRH. We investigated this issue using data from the nationwide practice-based J-HOP (Japan Morning-Surge Home BP) study, which recruited 4,261 outpatients (mean age 64.9 years; 46.8% men; 91.5% hypertensives) who underwent morning and evening HBPM for 14 days. During 6.2 ± 3.8 years (26,418 person-years) follow-up, 270 total CVDs (stroke, coronary artery disease, aortic dissection, and heart failure) occurred. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% CIs) of uncontrolled TRH, i.e., uncontrolled BP using 3 classes of medications including diuretics or ≥4 classes of medications, for total CVD risk compared to controlled BP using <3 classes were 2.02 (1.38-2.94) and 1.81 (1.23-2.65) in home BP of 135/85 mmHg and 130/80 mmHg, respectively. Additionally, patients with TRH defined by guidelines, i.e., uncontrolled BP using 3 classes of medications including diuretics or controlled/uncontrolled BP using ≥4 classes of medications, also had higher total CVD risk compared to non-TRH under all home BP criteria. Moreover, in patients with uncontrolled apparent-TRH, i.e., TRH defined by office BP, uncontrolled home BP (≥135/85 mmHg) was still associated with atherosclerotic CVD (CVDs except heart failure) risk (adjusted HR [95% CI], 2.38 [1.09-5.19]). This is the first study to demonstrate an independent association between TRH evaluated by HBPM and CVD outcomes.

Home Blood Pressure Control and Drug Prescription Patterns among Thai Hypertensives: A 1-Year Analysis of Telehealth Assisted Instrument in Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Nationwide Pilot Project

Background

Several interventions have been proposed to improve hypertension control with various outcomes. The home blood pressure (HBP) measurement is widely accepted for assessing the response to medications. However, the enhancement of blood pressure (BP) control with HBP telemonitoring technology has yet to be studied in Thailand.

Objective

To evaluate the attainment of HBP control and drug prescription patterns in Thai hypertensives at one year after initiating the TeleHealth Assisted Instrument in Home Blood Pressure Monitoring (THAI HBPM) nationwide pilot project.

Methods

A multicenter, prospective study enrolled treated hypertensive adults without prior regular HBPM to obtain monthly self-measured HBP using the same validated, oscillometric telemonitoring devices. The HBP reading was transferred to the clinic via a cloud-based system, so the physicians can adjust the medications at each follow-up visit on a real-life basis. Controlled HBP is defined as having HBP data at one year of follow-up within the defined target range (<135/85 mmHg).

Results

A total of 1,177 patients (mean age 58 ± 12.3 years, 59.4% women, 13.1% with diabetes) from 46 hospitals (81.5% primary care centers) were enrolled in the study. The mean clinic BP was 143.9 ± 18.1/84.3 ± 11.9 mmHg while the mean HBP was 134.4 ± 15.3/80.1 ± 9.4 mmHg with 609 (51.8%) patients having HBP reading <135/85 mmHg at enrollment. At one year of follow-up after implementing the HBP telemonitoring, 671 patients (57.0%) achieved HBP control. Patients with uncontrolled HBP had a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia and greater waist circumference than the controlled group. The majority of uncontrolled patients were still prescribed only one (36.0%) or two drugs (34.4%) at the end of the study. The antihypertensive drugs were not uptitrated in 136 (24%) patients with uncontrolled HBP at baseline. Calcium channel blocker was the most prescribed drug class (63.0%) followed by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (44.8%) while the thiazide-type diuretic was used in 18.9% of patients with controlled HBP and 16.4% in uncontrolled patients.

Conclusion

With the implementation of HBP telemonitoring, the BP control rate based on HBP analysis was still low. This is possibly attributed to the therapeutic inertia of healthcare physicians. Calcium channel blocker was the most frequently used agent while the diuretic was underutilized. The long-term clinical benefit of overcoming therapeutic inertia alongside HBP telemonitoring needs to be validated in a future study.

Associations Between Relative Morning Blood Pressure, Cerebral Blood Flow, and Memory in Older Adults Treated and Controlled for Hypertension

[Figure: see text].

Reliability of Office, Home, and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurements and Correlation With Left Ventricular Mass

BACKGROUND

Determining the reliability and predictive validity of office blood pressure (OBP), ambulatory BP (ABP), and home BP (HBP) can inform which is best for diagnosing hypertension and estimating risk of cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the reliability of OBP, HBP, and ABP and evaluate their associations with left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in untreated persons.

METHODS

The Improving the Detection of Hypertension (IDH) study, a community-based observational study, enrolled 408 participants who had OBP assessed at 3 visits, and completed 3 weeks of HBP, 2 24-h ABP recordings, and a 2-dimensional echocardiogram. Mean age was 41.2 ± 13.1 years, 59.5% were women, 25.5% African American, and 64.0% Hispanic.

RESULTS

The reliability of 1 week of HBP, 3 office visits with mercury sphygmomanometry, and 24-h ABP were 0.938, 0.894, and 0.846 for systolic and 0.918, 0.847, and 0.843 for diastolic BP, respectively. The correlations among OBP, HBP, and ABP, corrected for regression dilution bias, were 0.74 to 0.89. After multivariable adjustment including OBP and 24-h ABP, 10 mm Hg higher systolic and diastolic HBP were associated with 5.07 (standard error [SE]: 1.48) and 3.92 (SE: 2.14) g/m² higher LVMI, respectively. After adjustment for HBP, neither systolic or diastolic OBP nor ABP was associated with LVMI.

CONCLUSIONS

OBP, HBP, and ABP assess somewhat distinct parameters. Compared with OBP (3 visits) or 24-h ABP, systolic and diastolic HBP (1 week) were more reliable and more strongly associated with LVMI. These data suggest that 1 week of HBP monitoring may be the best approach for diagnosing hypertension.

Guidance on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring: A statement from the HOPE Asia Network

Hypertension is an important public health issue due to its association with a number of serious diseases, including cardiovascular disease and stroke. The importance of evaluating hypertension taking into account different blood pressure (BP) profiles and BP variability (BPV) is increasingly being recognized, and is particularly relevant in Asian populations given the specific features of hypertension in the region (including greater salt sensitivity and a high rate of nocturnal hypertension). Ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) is the gold standard for diagnosing hypertension and assessing 24-hour BP and provides data on several important parameters that cannot be obtained using any other form of BP measurement. In addition, ABPM parameters provide better information on cardio- and cerebrovascular risk than office BP. ABPM should be used in all patients with elevated BP, particularly those with unstable office or home BP, or who are suspected to have white-coat or masked hypertension. ABPM is also an important part of hypertension diagnosis and monitoring in high-risk patients. ABPM needs to be performed using a validated device and good practice techniques, and has a role both in hypertension diagnosis and in monitoring the response to antihypertensive therapy to ensure strict BP control throughout the 24-hour period. Use of ABPM in clinical practice may be limited by cost and accessibility, and practical education of physicians and patients is essential. The ABPM evidence and practice points in this document are based on the Hypertension Cardiovascular Outcome Prevention and Evidence (HOPE) Asia Network expert panel consensus recommendations for ABPM in Asia.

Impact of indoor temperature instability on diurnal and day-by-day variability of home blood pressure in winter: a nationwide Smart Wellness Housing survey in Japan

Home blood pressure (HBP) variability is an important factor for cardiovascular events. While several studies have examined the effects of individual attributes and lifestyle factors on reducing HBP variability, the effects of living environment remain unknown. We hypothesized that a stable home thermal environment contributes to reducing HBP variability. We conducted an epidemiological survey on HBP and indoor temperature in 3785 participants (2162 households) planning to have their houses retrofitted with insulation. HBP was measured twice in the morning and evening for 2 weeks in winter. Indoor temperature was recorded with each HBP observation. We calculated the morning-evening (ME) difference as an index of diurnal variability and the standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), average real variability (ARV) and variability independent of the mean (VIM) as indices of day-by-day variability. The association between BP variability and temperature instability was analyzed using multiple linear regression models. The mean ME difference in indoor/outdoor temperature (a decrease in temperature overnight) was 3.2/1.5 °C, and the mean SD of indoor/outdoor temperature was 1.6/2.5 °C. Linear regression analyses showed that the ME difference in indoor temperature was closely correlated with the ME difference in systolic BP (0.85 mmHg/°C, p < 0.001). The SD of indoor temperature was also associated with the SD of systolic BP (0.61 mmHg/°C, p < 0.001). The CV, ARV, and VIM showed similar trends as the SD of BP. In contrast, outdoor temperature instability was not associated with either diurnal or day-by-day HBP variability. Therefore, residents should keep the indoor temperature stable to reduce BP variability.

The current state and future of internet technology-based hypertension management in Japan

Internet-based information and communication technology is altering our lives. Although medicine is traditionally conservative, it can benefit in many ways from adopting new technology and styles of care. Hypertension is a prime condition for the practical application of digital health management because it is prevalent and undercontrolled, and its primary index, home blood pressure, can be effectively telemonitored. Compared to other conditions that require laboratory measures or the use of drugs with frequent side effects, hypertension can be managed without actual office visits with sufficiently low risk. In this review of hypertension in Japan, we discuss the current and somewhat fragmented state of internet technology and the components and processes necessary for smooth, integrated, and multidisciplinary care in the future. Although further clinical trials are required to show the safety and efficacy of information and communication technology-based care for hypertension, the deployment of telemonitoring and telemedicine in daily practice should be expedited to solve the hypertension paradox. Challenges remain relating to cost, data integration, the redesigning of team-based care, and the improvement of user experience, but information and communication technology-based hypertension management is sure to become pivotal in improving public health.

The relationship between home blood pressure measurement and room temperature in a Japanese general population

Blood pressure (BP) is influenced by various factors, and it is known that temperature and BP have a negative relationship. However, few reports have examined the relationship between BP and temperature throughout the day in the same participant over time. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between BP and temperature in the morning and evening in the same participants during a time period of ~1 year. In total, 401 participants, who participated in a community-based health checkup survey in Tarumizu, Japan, were enrolled. Five participants were excluded due to missing data. All participants measured their BP and the room temperature at home using a blood pressure monitor (HEM-9700T, OMRON Healthcare, Kyoto, Japan). The mean systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in the morning were significantly higher than the mean of the measurements taken in the evening (SBP: morning vs. evening 128 ± 15 mmHg vs. 122 ± 14 mmHg, P < 0.0001; DBP: morning vs. evening 77 ± 10 mmHg vs. 72 ± 8 mmHg, P < 0.0001). Using a linear mixed model with participants as a random effect, SBP and DBP were significantly associated with temperature in both the morning and evening. In the morning, in almost every month except July, a significant association between SBP and temperature was observed. However, there was a significant relationship between evening BP and temperature in all months. In conclusion, BP was significantly related to temperature in both the morning and evening during the year-long study. Furthermore, BP and temperature were significantly associated in all months except morning measurements in July.

Comparison among research, home, and office blood pressure measurements for pregnant women: The TMM BirThree Cohort Study

Blood pressure (BP) measurements of pregnant women have been collected in offices and at home for previous research. However, it remains uncertain whether there is difference between research BP, defined as BP measured for the purpose of epidemiological research and BP measured at home or in an office. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare research BP with home and unstandardized office BP. Research, home, and office BP were measured among pregnant women who participated in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study (TMM BirThree Cohort Study). Research BP was measured twice at our research center while the participant was seated and after resting for 1-2 minutes. Research, home, and office BP were compared and agreement among the values was assessed. Differences among research, home, and office BP values and possible factors affecting differences were analyzed. Among 656 pregnant women, the mean (± standard deviations) research systolic (S), diastolic (D) BP, home SBP, home DBP office SBP, and office DBP were 103.8 ± 8.5, 61.8 ± 7.3, 104.4 ± 9.2, 61.2 ± 6.8, 110.5 ± 10.8, and 63.8 ± 8.7mmHg, respectively. Research SBP value was lower than home value (P = .0072; difference between mean research and home BP: -0.61 ± 7.8 mmHg). Research SBP and DBP values were lower than office values (P < .0001 for both SBP and DBP; means ± standard deviations of differences between research and office BP: 6.7 ± 10.1 and 2.0 ± 8.5 mmHg for SBP and DBP, respectively). In conclusion, when research BP is measured under conditions controlled, research BP can give close values to home BP for pregnant women.

Dapagliflozin Influences Ventricular Hemodynamics and Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Type 2 Diabetes Patients - A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

This prospective randomized multicenter open-label trial evaluated whether sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2-i) improves left ventricular (LV) pump function and suppresses elevation of LV filling pressure (LVFP) and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) during exercise in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.Methods and Results:Based on HbA1c and LV ejection fraction, 78 patients with poorly controlled T2DM were randomly assigned to D-group (dapagliflozin 5 mg/day add-on) or C-group (conventional therapy add-on). Physical examination, home and office blood pressure examination, blood tests, and echocardiography at rest and during ergometer exercise were performed at baseline and at 1.5 and 6 months after treatment. The primary endpoint was defined as the change in RVSP (mmHg) between baseline and 6-month follow up. The secondary endpoints were changes in LVFP (ratio), stroke volume index (SVi; mL/m²), and cardiac index (CI; L/min/m²). Both RVSP and LVFP during exercise significantly decreased from baseline to 6 months after starting treatment in the D-group (P<0.001). No changes to either parameter was observed in the C-group. The SVi and CI did not improve in either group. Both home and office blood pressure significantly decreased in the D-group. Decreases in HbA1c were somewhat greater in the C-group.

CONCLUSIONS

Dapagliflozin significantly improved RVSP and LVFP during exercise in patients with T2DM and cardiovascular risk, which may contribute to favorable effects on heart failure.

Direct Comparison of Home Versus Ambulatory Defined Nocturnal Hypertension for Predicting Cardiovascular Events

The home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) method that measures blood pressure during sleep hours was reported to be comparable to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in measuring nighttime blood pressure and detecting nocturnal hypertension. The aim of this study was to directly compare the prognostic power of nocturnal hypertension detected by HBPM versus ABPM for predicting future cardiovascular events. We analyzed nighttime blood pressure (measured by HBPM and ABPM) data of 1005 participants who were included in the J-HOP study (Japan Morning Surge-Home Blood Pressure). During a follow-up period of 7.6±3.4 years, 80 cardiovascular disease events occurred. The majority (91.8%) of our study population were hypertensive, and 80.7% of participants were using antihypertensive medication. Nighttime home systolic blood pressure (SBP) was higher compared to nighttime ambulatory SBP (123.0±14.6 versus 120.3±14.4 mm Hg, P <0.001). Nocturnal hypertension was defined as nighttime home or ambulatory SBP of ≥120 mm Hg. The number of participants with nocturnal hypertension defined by HBPM and ABPM was 564 (56.1%) and 469 (46.7%), respectively. Nocturnal hypertension defined by HBPM was associated with increased risk of future cardiovascular events: total cardiovascular events (coronary artery disease and stroke events; 1.78 [1.00–3.15]) and stroke (2.65 [1.14–6.20]), independent of office SBP. These results were absent with nocturnal hypertension defined by ABPM. This is the first comparison prospective study illustrating that uncontrolled nocturnal hypertension defined by HBPM (independent of office SBP) is a predictor of future cardiovascular events.

Relationship between arterial stiffness and variability of home blood pressure monitoring

Variability of blood pressure (BP) is known as a prognostic value for the subsequent target organ damage in hypertensive patients. Arterial stiffness is a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The relationship between the arterial stiffness and the BP variability has been controversial. The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between arterial stiffness and home BP variability in patients with high normal BP and new onset hypertension (HTN).Four hundred sixty three patients (252 males, 49 ± 12 year-old) with high normal BP or HTN were enrolled. Using radial applanation tonometry, pulse wave analysis (PWA) was performed for evaluation of systemic arterial stiffness. All patients underwent both home BP monitoring (HBPM) and PWA. Home BP variability was calculated as the standard deviation (SD) of 7 measurements of HBPM. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to estimate and test the independent effects of home BP variability on the arterial stiffness.Mutivariate analysis showed that both systolic and diastolic morning BP variabilities were correlated with arterial stiffness expressed as augmentation pressure (AP, β-coefficient = 1.622, P = .01 and β-coefficient = 1.07, P = .035). The SDs of systolic and diastolic BP of evening were also associated with AP (β-coefficient = 1.843, P = .001 and β-coefficient = 1.088, P = .036). The SDs of morning and evening systolic BP were associated with augmentation index (AI, β-coefficient = 1.583, P = .02 and β-coefficient = 1.792, P = .001) and heart rate (75 bpm) adjusted AI (β-coefficient = 1.592, P = .001 and β-coefficient = 1.792, P = .001).In present study, the variability of systolic BP was closely related with arterial stiffness. The home BP variability might be important indicator of arterial stiffness.

Cardiovascular Event Risks Associated With Masked Nocturnal Hypertension Defined by Home Blood Pressure Monitoring in the J-HOP Nocturnal Blood Pressure Study

There is no information regarding the potential association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) event risks and masked nocturnal hypertension defined by home blood pressure (BP) monitoring. We sought to examine this association in a general practice population. For this purpose, we used data from the J-HOP (Japan Morning Surge-Home Blood Pressure) Nocturnal BP Study, which recruited 2745 high-cardiovascular-risk participants (mean [SD] age, 63.6 [10.4] years; 48.7% men; 82.7% on antihypertensive medications). Nocturnal home BPs (HBPs) were measured at 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 AM using a validated, automated HBP device for 14 consecutive days. The average (SD) of nocturnal HBP measures was 17.1 (13.5). The percentages of participants with controlled BP (nocturnal HBP <120/70 mm Hg and average morning and evening BP <135/85 mm Hg), daytime hypertension (nocturnal HBP <120/70 mm Hg and average morning and evening BP ≥135/85 mm Hg), masked nocturnal hypertension (nocturnal HBP ≥120/70 mm Hg and average morning and evening BP <135/85 mm Hg), and sustained hypertension (nocturnal HBP ≥120/70 mm Hg and average morning and evening BP ≥135/85 mm Hg) were 31.7%, 7.9%, 26.7%, and 33.7%, respectively. During a median 7.6-year follow-up (19 519 person-years), 162 CVD events occurred. The cumulative incidence of CVD events was higher in those with masked nocturnal hypertension and sustained hypertension than in the controlled BP group. Results from Cox models suggested that masked nocturnal hypertension (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.00–2.46]) and sustained hypertension (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.97 [95% CI, 1.26–3.06]) were associated with increased risk of CVD events. Participants with masked nocturnal hypertension defined by HBP monitoring are at high risk of future CVD events.

Exploring the Use of Telemonitoring for Patients at High Risk for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in the Antepartum and Postpartum Periods: Scoping Review

Background

High blood pressure complicates 2% to 8% of pregnancies, and its complications are present in the antepartum and postpartum periods. Blood pressure during and after pregnancy is routinely monitored during clinic visits. Some guidelines recommend using home blood pressure measurements for the management and treatment of hypertension, with increased frequency of monitoring for high-risk pregnancies. Blood pressure self-monitoring may have a role in identifying those in this high-risk group. Therefore, this high-risk pregnancy group may be well suited for telemonitoring interventions.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the use of telemonitoring in patients at high risk for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) during the antepartum and postpartum periods. This paper aims to answer the following question: What is the current knowledge base related to the use of telemonitoring interventions for the management of patients at high risk for HDP?

Methods

A literature review following the methodological framework described by Arksey et al and Levac et al was conducted to analyze studies describing the telemonitoring of patients at high risk for HDP. A qualitative study, observational studies, and randomized controlled trials were included in this scoping review.

Results

Of the 3904 articles initially identified, 20 met the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies (13/20, 65%) were published between 2017 and 2018. In total, there were 16 unique interventions described in the 20 articles, all of which provide clinical decision support and 12 of which are also used to facilitate the self-management of HDP. Each intervention’s design and process of implementation varied. Overall, telemonitoring interventions for the management of HDP were found to be feasible and convenient, and they were used to facilitate access to health services. Two unique studies reported significant findings for the telemonitoring group, namely, spontaneous deliveries were more likely, and one study, reported in two papers, described inductions as being less likely to occur compared with the control group. However, the small study sample sizes, nonrandomized groups, and short study durations limit the findings from the included articles.

Conclusions

Although current evidence suggests that telemonitoring could provide benefits for managing patients at high risk for HDP, more research is needed to prove its safety and effectiveness. This review proposes four recommendations for future research: (1) the implementation of large prospective studies to establish the safety and effectiveness of telemonitoring interventions; (2) additional research to determine the context-specific requirements and patient suitability to enhance accessibility to healthcare services for remote regions and underserved populations; (3) the inclusion of privacy and security considerations for telemonitoring interventions to better comply with healthcare information regulations and guidelines; and (4) the implementation of studies to better understand the effective components of telemonitoring interventions.

Hypertension Subtypes among Thai Hypertensives: An Analysis of Telehealth-Assisted Instrument in Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Nationwide Pilot Project

Background

White-coat hypertension (HT), masked HT, HT with white-coat effect, and masked uncontrolled HT are well-recognized problems of over- and undertreatment of high blood pressure in real-life practice. However, little is known about the true prevalence in Thailand.

Objectives

To examine the prevalence and characteristics of each HT subtype defined by mean home blood pressure (HBP) and clinic blood pressure (CBP) using telemonitoring technology in Thai hypertensives.

Methods

A multicenter, observational study included adult hypertensives who had been diagnosed for at least 3 months based on CBP without the adoption of HBP monitoring. All patients were instructed to manually measure their HBP twice a day for the duration of at least one week using the same validated automated, oscillometric telemonitoring devices (Uright model TD-3128, TaiDoc Corporation, Taiwan). The HBP, CBP, and baseline demographic data were recorded on the web-based system. HT subtypes were classified according to the treatment status, CBP (≥or <140/90 mmHg), and mean HBP (≥or <135/85 mmHg) into the following eight subtypes: in nonmedicated hypertensives, there are four subtypes that are normotension, white-coat HT, masked HT, and sustained HT; in treated hypertensives, there are four subtypes that are well-controlled HT, HT with white-coat effect, masked uncontrolled HT, and sustained HT.

Results

Of the 1,184 patients (mean age 58 ± 12.7 years, 59% women) from 46 hospitals, 1,040 (87.8%) were taking antihypertensive agents. The majority of them were enrolled from primary care hospitals (81%). In the nonmedicated group, the prevalence of white-coat and masked HT was 25.7% and 7.0%, respectively. Among the treated patients, the HT with white-coat effect was found in 23.3% while 46.7% had uncontrolled HBP (a combination of the masked uncontrolled HT (9.6%) and sustained HT (37.1%)). In the medicated older subgroup (n = 487), uncontrolled HBP was more prevalent in male than in female (53.6% vs. 42.4%, p=0.013).

Conclusions

This is the first nationwide study in Thailand to examine the prevalence of HT subtypes. Almost one-fourth had white-coat HT or HT with white-coat effect. Approximately half of the treated patients especially in the older males had uncontrolled HBP requiring more intensive interventions. These results emphasize the role of HBP monitoring for appropriate HT diagnosis and management. The cost-effectiveness of utilizing THAI HBPM in routine practice needs to be examined in the future study.

Association of Cardiovascular Outcomes With Masked Hypertension Defined by Home Blood Pressure Monitoring in a Japanese General Practice Population

Importance

The clinical outcomes associated with masked hypertension defined by home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) in clinical settings remain uncertain.

Objective

To assess the association between masked hypertension and cardiovascular disease events in clinical settings.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This observational cohort study used data from 4261 outpatients treated at 71 primary practices or university hospitals throughout Japan who were enrolled in the Japan Morning Surge-Home Blood Pressure study between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2012. Participants had a history of or risk factors for cardiovascular disease and were followed up through March 31, 2015. Participants underwent clinic blood pressure (BP) measurements on 2 occasions as well as HBPM measurements in the morning and evening for a 14-day period. Urine albumin to creatinine ratio and circulating brain (or B-type) natriuretic peptide levels were quantified at baseline as a marker of cardiovascular end-organ damage. Data were analyzed from July 1, 2017, to October 31, 2017.

Exposures

Participants were categorized into 4 BP groups: (1) masked hypertension-hypertensive home BP levels (systolic, ≥135 mm Hg; diastolic, ≥85 mm Hg) and nonhypertensive clinic BP levels (systolic, <140 mm Hg; diastolic, <90 mm Hg); (2) white-coat hypertension-nonhypertensive home BP levels (systolic, <135 mm Hg; diastolic, <85 mm Hg) and hypertensive clinic BP levels (systolic, ≥140 mm Hg; diastolic, ≥90 mm Hg); (3) sustained hypertension-hypertensive home and clinic BP levels; and (4) controlled BP-nonhypertensive home and clinic BP levels.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Incident stroke and coronary heart disease.

Results

Of the 4261 participants, 2266 (53.2%) were women, 3374 (79.2%) were taking antihypertensive medication, and the mean (SD) age was 64.9 (10.9) years. During a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 3.9 (2.4-4.6) years, 74 stroke (4.4 per 1000 person-years) and 77 coronary heart disease (4.6 per 1000 person-years) events occurred. The masked hypertension group had a greater risk for stroke compared with the controlled BP group (hazard ratio, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.20-6.37), independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, urine albumin to creatinine ratio, and circulating B-type natriuretic peptide levels. Conversely, masked hypertension yielded no association with coronary heart disease risk.

Conclusions and Relevance

In the Japanese general practice population, masked hypertension defined by HBPM may be associated with an increased risk for stroke events. Use of HBPM may improve the assessment of BP-related risks and identify new therapeutic interventions aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease events.

Expert panel consensus recommendations for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in Asia: The HOPE Asia Network

Hypertension is an important public health issue because of its association with a number of significant diseases and adverse outcomes. However, there are important ethnic differences in the pathogenesis and cardio-/cerebrovascular consequences of hypertension. Given the large populations and rapidly aging demographic in Asian regions, optimal strategies to diagnose and manage hypertension are of high importance. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is an important out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurement tool that should play a central role in hypertension detection and management. The use of ABPM is particularly important in Asia due to the specific features of hypertension in Asian patients, including a high prevalence of masked hypertension, disrupted BP variability with marked morning BP surge, and nocturnal hypertension. This HOPE Asia Network document summarizes region-specific literature on the relationship between ABPM parameters and cardiovascular risk and target organ damage, providing a rationale for consensus-based recommendations on the use of ABPM in Asia. The aim of these recommendations is to guide and improve clinical practice to facilitate optimal BP monitoring with the goal of optimizing patient management and expediting the efficient allocation of treatment and health care resources. This should contribute to the HOPE Asia Network mission of improving the management of hypertension and organ protection toward achieving "zero" cardiovascular events in Asia.

ECONOMIC JUSTIFICATION OF THE APPLICATION OF THE AUTOMATIC REMOTE BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING

Introduction. Among the priorities of the strategic development of the health care system there is the telemedicine technologies implementation. Material and methods. The project was developed in the Penza State University. For the economic justification of the remote BP monitoring, the project technological scheme has been prepared, the market capacity has been assessed and competition has been analyzed, the business model and financial model of the project have been developed, and risks have been evaluated. Results. The project is deployed at the base and with the participation of the budget medical institution. The patient is provided with a tonometer with built-in GSM or blutooth module. After the patient’s BP has been measured, the data in an encrypted format is transmitted to the remote monitoring center and stored in the cloud base. For each patient, the doctor sets target and individual thresholds for blood pressure. Intermediate monitoring of BP is carried out by paramedical personnel who, in case of deviations from reference values, notify the attending physician. The patient receives feedback in the form of SMS-messages to his mobile phone: time for BP measuring, taking drugs and recommendations for the therapy correction. Payment is carried out according to the approved Mandatory Medical Insurance Fund tariff. Conclusion. The introduction of remote blood pressure monitoring will reduce the cost of providing medical care by reducing the number of hypertension complications, open up prospects for research and development of medical professionals. Fundamentally new conditions will arise for the study of chronopharmacology of antihypertensive drugs in patients with hypertension.

Validation of two automatic devices, Omron HEM-6232T and HEM-6181, for self-measurement of blood pressure at the wrist according to the ANSI/AAMI/ISO 81060-2:2013 protocol and the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010

Objective

The performance of Omron HEM-6232T and Omron HEM-6181 for monitoring blood pressure (BP) at the wrist was validated in accordance with the ANSI/AAMI/ISO 81060-2:2013 protocol (ANSI/AAMI/ISO) and the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010 (ESH IP2).

Methods

Three trained medical technologists validated the performance of these devices by comparing data obtained from these devices with those obtained using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer.

Results

The mean differences between the devices and mercury readings for SBP and DBP were as follows: HEM-6232T, -0.4±6.7 mmHg and 1.6±5.4 mmHg, respectively; HEM-6181, -0.7±6.2 mmHg and -0.7±5.2 mmHg, respectively, satisfying the ANSI/AAMI/ISO protocol. The mean device-observer measurement difference was -0.9±5.7 mm Hg and 0.2±4.6 mm Hg for SBP and 0.5±4.9 mm Hg and 1.4±3.5 mm Hg for DBP, for HEM-6232T and HEM-6181, respectively, satisfying part 1 of the ESH-IP2. All differences for SBP and DBP in both devices satisfied part 2 of the ESH-IP2. The number of absolute differences in the values obtained using the devices and those measured by the observers fulfilled the requirements of the ANSI/AAMI/ISO and the ESH IP2.

Conclusion

The Omron HEM-6232T and HEM-6181 devices met all the requirements of the ANSI/AAMI/ISO and the ESH IP2.

Development and evaluation of a home nocturnal blood pressure monitoring system using a wrist-cuff device

OBJECTIVE

The conventional nocturnal blood pressure monitoring (NBPM) systems can disturb sleep and lead to false measurements. The present study compared the validity and acceptability of a newly developed wrist-cuff system with that of the conventional upper arm-cuff system for NBPM.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Home blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate (PR) were measured in hypertensive patients (n=57) every 30 min at night using a wrist-cuff system and at 2 am (fixed time) and 4 h after going to bed (flexible time) using an upper arm-cuff system. The nocturnal BPs with the wrist-cuff system at 2 am and at 4 h after going to bed were selected from the measurements taken every 30 min at night. The same systems were used to measure the morning and evening home BP and PR, after rising and before going to bed. Measurements were taken for two nights separately for each system. BP, PR, sleep quality, and the perception of several stimuli during NBPM were compared between the two systems. Systolic BP/diastolic BP (DBP) in the supine position at 2 am and at 4 h after going to bed were corrected by the mean difference between the wrist-cuff and the arm-cuff systems.

RESULTS

Compared with the arm-cuff system, the wrist-cuff system had significantly lower systolic BP (mean±SD: 106.3±13.4 vs. 109.8±10.8 mmHg, P<0.05), DBP (59.4±11.0 vs. 64.5±7.8 mmHg, P<0.005), and PR (53.8±7.1 vs. 60.5±8.1 bpm, P<0.0005) at 2 am and significantly lower DBP (60.2±10.3 vs. 66.0±9.8 mmHg, P<0.005) and PR (53.6±7.4 vs. 60.9±8.5 bpm, P<0.0005) at 4 h after going to bed. Among the participants, sleep disturbance during NBPM was reported in less than 20% with the wrist-cuff system and in 70% with the arm-cuff system. A significantly higher rate of participants who wore the wrist-cuff system reported that they were not bothered by various stimuli, such as noise, during NBPM.

DISCUSSION

The newly developed wrist-cuff home NBPM system provided information on BP as a function of time, especially at night, with minimal sleep disturbance and with more frequent BP measurements.

Automated, Noncontact Intraocular Pressure Home Monitoring after Implantation of a Novel Telemetric Intraocular Pressure Sensor in Patients with Glaucoma: A Feasibility Study

Purpose

Reliable and regular assessment of intraocular pressure (IOP) is important for the monitoring of patients with glaucoma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a novel system for the automated, noncontact measurement of IOP.

Patients and Methods

A first-generation telemetric IOP sensor was previously implanted in the ciliary sulcus of six patients with open-angle glaucoma during cataract surgery. Using this technology, automated noninvasive tonometry may be performed in a home setting. In the present study, a modified sleep mask and a modified eyepatch with incorporated coil antennae for measurements during nighttime and daytime, respectively, were tested on a single patient.

Results

In this feasibility study, the 24 h wear of the prototype measuring apparatus was well tolerated. Three sequences of 24 h IOP measurements with at least 200 IOP measurements per day were performed (Sequence 1: mean 19.6 ± 2.7 mmHg, range 13.4–28.7 mmHg; Sequence 2: mean 21.0 ± 3.0 mmHg, range 13.1–30.5 mmHg; Sequence 3: mean 19.9 ± 2.4 mmHg, range 12.6–27 mmHg).

Conclusions

For the first time, repeated and automated 24-hour measurements are possible using a prototype noncontact reading system after implantation of a novel telemetric IOP sensor in patients with glaucoma.

Relationships among clinic, home, and ambulatory blood pressures with small vessel disease of the brain and functional status in older people with hypertension

BACKGROUND

Subcortical small vessel disease, represented as white matter hyperintensity (WMH) on magnetic resonance images (MRI) is associated with functional decline in older people with hypertension. We evaluated the relationships of clinic and out-of-office blood pressures (BP) with WMH and functional status in older persons.

METHODS

Using cross-sectional data from 199 older study participants enrolled in the INFINITY trial, we analyzed the clinic, 24-hour ambulatory, and home BPs and their relationships with WMH burden and mobility and cognitive outcomes.

RESULTS

Volume of WMH was associated with clinic and 24-hour ambulatory systolic BP but not home systolic BP. The mobility measure, supine-to-sit time, had a significant association with 24-hour systolic BP and pulse pressure but not with diastolic BP or values obtained by home BP. Cognitive measures of processing speed (Trails Making Test Part A and the Stroop Word Test) were significantly associated with 24-hour systolic BP, but not clinic and home BPs.

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate that ambulatory BP measurements in older people are more strongly associated with WMH and certain measures of functional status compared to home BP measurements. Hence, home BP may not be a useful substitute for ambulatory BP for assessing subcortical small vessel disease and its consequences. Further longitudinal analyses comparing clinic and various types of out-of-office BP measures with small vessel brain disease are needed. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01650402.

Comparison of different schedules of nocturnal home blood pressure measurement using an information/communication technology-based device in hypertensive patients

The objective of this study was to test our hypothesis that nocturnal home blood pressure (BP) measurement adapted to the chosen bedtime of participants (measurement at 2, 3, and 4 hour after the chosen bedtime) would be more reliable than measurement at fixed time points (2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 am). Forty-eight hypertensives were randomized to two groups undergoing two seven-night measurement phases in a crossover manner and were asked to measure nocturnal home BP for 14 consecutive nights using a validated automatic information/communication technology-based device. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of systolic BP (SBP) obtained by a single measurement per night over two nights showed lower agreement than those of systolic BP obtained by multiple measurements based on a participant-specified bedtime (0.539-0.625 vs 0.675-0.768) and multiple measurements at fixed times (0.468-0.505 vs 0.661-0.790). The ICCs obtained using specific bedtime-based time points and those obtained using fixed time points showed major agreement when SBP was obtained by multiple measurements. The standard errors of measurement for SBP were similar between the bedtime-based measurement phase (1.4-1.7 mm Hg) and the fixed-time measurement phase (1.2-1.6 mm Hg). Neither a fixed bias nor a proportional bias was observed between the SBP values measured by the specific bedtime-based time points and those measured by the fixed-time measurement phase. In conclusion, the reliability of nocturnal home BP measurement appeared to be similar between nocturnal home BP adapted to the chosen bedtime of participants and that measured at fixed time points.

Understanding short-term blood-pressure-variability phenotypes: from concept to clinical practice

Clinic blood pressure (BP) is recognized as the gold standard for the screening, diagnosis, and management of hypertension. However, optimal diagnosis and successful management of hypertension cannot be achieved exclusively by a handful of conventionally acquired BP readings. It is critical to estimate the magnitude of BP variability by estimating and quantifying each individual patient's specific BP variations. Short-term BP variability or exaggerated circadian BP variations that occur within a day are associated with increased cardiovascular events, mortality and target-organ damage. Popular concepts of BP variability, including "white-coat hypertension" and "masked hypertension", are well recognized in clinical practice. However, nocturnal hypertension, morning surge, and morning hypertension are also important phenotypes of short-term BP variability that warrant attention, especially in the primary-care setting. In this review, we try to theorize and explain these phenotypes to ensure they are better understood and recognized in day-to-day clinical practice.

Home blood pressure and cardiovascular outcomes in very elderly patients receiving antihypertensive drug therapy: a subgroup analysis of Home blood pressure measurement with Olmesartan Naive patients to Establish Standard Target blood pressure (HONEST) study

The appropriate target blood pressure (BP) in elderly patients with hypertension remains uncertain. We investigated the relationship between morning home systolic blood pressure (MHSBP) during follow-up and cardiovascular (CV) risk in outpatients receiving olmesartan-based treatment aged <75 years (n = 16799) and ≥75 years (n = 4792) in the HONEST study. In the follow-up period (mean 2.02 years), the risk for major CV events was significantly higher in patients with MHSBP ≥155 mmHg compared with <125 mmHg in both age groups in Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for other risk factors and there was no significant difference in trend between the two groups (interaction P = 0.9917 for MHSBP). Hazard ratios for CV events for 1-mmHg increase in MHSBP were similar in patients aged <75 years and in patients aged ≥75 years. The incidence of adverse drug reactions related to excessive BP lowering was lower in patients <75 years than in patients ≥75 years (0.73 vs 1.02%, P = 0.0461). In conclusion, the study suggests even in patients ≥75 years antihypertensive treatment targeting the same MHSBP levels in patients <75 years may be beneficial in reducing CV risk when treatment is tolerated.

Guidance on home blood pressure monitoring: A statement of the HOPE Asia Network

Hypertension is an important modifiable cardiovascular risk factor and a leading cause of death throughout Asia. Effective prevention and control of hypertension in the region remain a significant challenge despite the availability of several regional and international guidelines. Out-of-office measurement of blood pressure (BP), including home BP monitoring (HBPM), is an important hypertension management tool. Home BP is better than office BP for predicting cardiovascular risk and HBPM should be considered for all patients with office BP ≥ 130/85 mm Hg. It is important that HBPM is undertaken using a validated device and patients are educated about how to perform HBPM correctly. During antihypertensive therapy, monitoring of home BP control and variability is essential, especially in the morning. This is because HBPM can facilitate the choice of individualized optimal therapy. The evidence and practice points in this document are based on the Hypertension Cardiovascular Outcome Prevention and Evidence (HOPE) Asia Network expert panel consensus recommendations for HBPM in Asia.

Agreement between home and ambulatory blood pressure measurement in non-dialysed chronic kidney disease patients in Cameroon

Introduction

home blood pressure measurement (HBPM) is not entirely capable of replacing ambulatory blood pressure (BP) measurement (ABPM), but is superior to office blood pressure measurement (OBPM). Although availability, cost, energy and lack of training are potential limitations for a wide use of HBPM in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the method may add value for assessing efficacy and compliance in specific populations. We assessed the agreement between HBPM and ABPM in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in Douala, Cameroon.

Methods

from March to August 2014, we conducted a cross sectional study in non-dialyzed CKD patients with hypertension. Using the same devices and methods, the mean of nine office and eighteen home (during three consecutive days) blood pressure readings were recorded. Each patient similarly had a 24-hour ABPM. Kappa statistic was used to assess qualitative agreement between measurement techniques.

Results

forty-six patients (mean age: 56.2 ± 11.4 years, 28 men) were included. The prevalence of optimal blood pressure control was 26, 28 and 32% for OBPM, HBPM and ABPM respectively. Compared with ABPM, HBPM was more effective than OBPM, for the detection of non-optimal BP control (Kappa statistic: 0.49 (95% CI: 0.36 - 0.62) vs. 0.22 (95%CI: 0.21 - 0.35); sensitivity: 60 vs 40%; specificity: 87 vs. 81%).

Conclusion

HBPM potentially averts some proportion of BP misclassification in non-dialyzed hypertensive CKD patients in Cameroon.

Effect of amlodipine, efonidipine, and trichlormethiazide on home blood pressure and upper-normal microalbuminuria assessed by casual spot urine test in essential hypertensive patients

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of irbesartan alone and combined with amlodipine, efonidipine, or trichlormethiazide on blood pressure (BP) and urinary albumin (UA) excretion in hypertensive patients with microalbuminuria (30≤UA/creatinine (Cr) ratio [UACR] <300 mg/g Cr) and upper-normal microalbuminuria (10≤UACR<30 mg/g Cr). This randomized controlled trial enrolled 175 newly diagnosed and untreated hypertensive patients (home systolic blood pressure [SBP]≥135 mmHg; 10≤UACR<300 mg/g Cr of casual spot urine at the first visit to clinic). All patients were treated with irbesartan (week 0). Patients who failed to achieve home SBP ≤125 mmHg on 8-week irbesartan monotherapy (nonresponders, n = 115) were randomized into three additional drug treatment groups: trichlormethiazide (n = 42), efonidipine (n = 39), or amlodipine (n = 34). Irbesartan monotherapy decreased home SBP and first morning urine samples (morning UACR) for 8 weeks (p < 0.0001). At 8 weeks after randomization, all three additional drugs decreased home SBP (p < 0.0002) and trichlormethiazide significantly decreased morning UACR (p = 0.03). Amlodipine decreased morning UACR in patients with microalbuminuria based on casual spot urine samples (p = 0.048). However, multivariate analysis showed that only higher home SBP and UACR at week 8, but not any additional treatments, were significantly associated with UACR reduction between week 8 and week 16. In conclusion, crucial points of the effects of combination therapy on UACR were basal UACR and SBP levels. The effect of trichlormethiazide or amlodipine treatment in combination with irbesartan treatment on microalbuminuria needs to be reexamined based on a larger sample size after considering basal UACR and SBP levels.

Comparison of Optimal Diagnostic Thresholds of Hypertension With Home Blood Pressure Monitoring and 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring

BACKGROUND

Differences between the recently suggested outcome-driven diagnostic threshold of home blood pressure (HBP) measurements and the currently recommended diagnostic threshold of HBP measurements may cause a disagreement between 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) and HBP measurements in the diagnosis of hypertension. We evaluated the agreement of various HBP diagnostic thresholds (135/85, 130/85, and 130/80 mm Hg) to ABP measurements, as a reference method.

METHODS

Patients who were confirmed to have high BP (≥140/90 mm Hg) at the outpatient clinic were referred. HBP measurement was performed for 7 days in triplicates every morning and evening. The 24-hour ABP measurement was performed on the 8th day. Using 24-hour ABP measurement as a reference method, we analyzed HBP diagnostic thresholds at 135/85, 130/85, and 130/80 mm Hg.

RESULTS

Among 319 patients, 256 patients (mean age, 51.8 ± 9.7 years; 119 men) with valid HBP measurements and 24-hour ABP measurements were enrolled. The threshold of 130/80 mm Hg showed the highest diagnostic sensitivity (P = 0.001) with diagnostic agreement by Kappa statistics. Using 130/80 mm Hg as a diagnostic threshold of hypertension, the prevalence of masked hypertension was significantly lower than 130/85 and 135/85 mm Hg (7.8, 15.2, and 18.4%, respectively, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that lowering the diagnostic thresholds of HBP measurement from 135/85 mm Hg to 130/80 mm Hg may improve diagnostic accuracy for hypertension.

The velocity of antihypertensive effects of seven angiotensin II receptor blockers determined by home blood pressure measurements

BACKGROUND

We aimed to examine the blood pressure (BP)-lowering effect and the time to attain the maximal antihypertensive effect (stabilization time) of several angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) based on home BP measurements.

METHODS

We surveyed consecutive newly diagnosed, untreated patients with hypertension who started the treatment with a mid-level dose of one of seven ARBs (losartan 50 mg, telmisartan 40 mg, candesartan 8 mg, olmesartan 20 mg, valsartan 80 mg, irbesartan 100 mg, or azilsartan 20 mg). All study participants measured home BP in the morning for at least 1 week during an untreated period and 4 weeks during the treatment period.

RESULTS

Age, the proportion of men, and baseline home BP levels did not differ significantly between groups (total n = 232; age, 62.2 years; 50.9% men; home SBP/DBP, 151.6/90.0 mmHg). Significant differences in the BP-lowering effect and the stabilization time between ARBs were observed (P ≤ 0.02). The extent of BP-lowering effects of azilsartan 20 mg was significantly greater than that of valsartan 80 mg or irbesartan 100 mg (15.3 vs. 7.9 or 8.2 mmHg, respectively P ≤ 0.03). The stabilization time of losartan for home SBP was significantly longer than that of valsartan, irbesartan, or azilsartan (22.8 vs. 7.1, 4.7, or 7.1 days, respectively, P ≤ 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The maximum effect and the stabilization time differed among ARBs used at the mid-level dose in Japan. An ARB should be chosen based on its desired characteristics.

Ambulatory and home blood pressure monitoring: gaps between clinical guidelines and clinical practice in Singapore

Purpose

Out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurements (home blood pressure monitoring [HBPM] and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring [ABPM]) provide important additional information for effective hypertension detection and management decisions. Therefore, out-of-office BP measurement is now recommended by several international guidelines. This study evaluated the practice and uptake of HBPM and ABPM among physicians from Singapore.

Materials and methods

A sample of physicians from Singapore was surveyed between 8 September and 5 October 2016. Those included were in public or private practice had been practicing for ≥3 years, directly cared for patients ≥70% of the time, and treated ≥30 patients for hypertension per month. The questionnaire covered six main categories: general BP management, BP variability (BPV) awareness/diagnosis, HBPM, ABPM, BPV management, and associated training needs.

Results

Sixty physicians (30 general practitioners, 20 cardiologists, and 10 nephrologists) were included (77% male, 85% aged 31–60 years, and mean 22-year practice). Physicians recommended HBPM and ABPM to 81% and 27% of hypertensive patients, respectively. HBPM was most often used to monitor antihypertensive therapy (88% of physicians) and 97% thought that ABPM was useful for providing information on BPV. HBPM instructions often differed from current guideline recommendations in terms of frequency, number of measurements, and timing. The proportion of consultation time devoted to discussing HBPM and BPV was one-quarter or less for 73% of physicians, and only 55% said that they had the ability to provide education on HBPM and BPV. Patient inertia, poor patient compliance, lack of medical consultation time, and poor patient access to a BP machine were the most common challenges for implementing out-of-office BP monitoring.

Conclusion

Although physicians from Singapore do recommend out-of-office BP measurement to patients with hypertension, this survey identified several important gaps in knowledge and clinical practice.

Difference in evening home blood pressure between before dinner and at bedtime in Japanese elderly hypertensive patients

The authors evaluated the differences between evening home blood pressure (HBP) readings taken before dinner and those taken at bedtime, which were documented in a European and a Japanese guideline, respectively. Forty-eight patients (mean age, 76.4 years) measured their evening HBP twice each day (two measurements both before dinner and at bedtime) for 14 days. The authors defined the at-bedtime (B) minus the before-dinner (D) systolic HBP as the B-D difference. The mean B-D difference was -8.7 mm Hg (P<.001). The depressor effect of bathing was significantly prolonged for 120 minutes. The B-D difference with alcohol consumption was significantly greater than that without alcohol. In the linear mixed model analysis, time after bathing ≤120 minutes and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with the B-D difference after adjustment with covariates. There was a marked difference between evening HBP values. When patients' evening HBP is measured according to the guidelines, their daily activities should be considered.