The impact of body mass index on pulse pressure in obesity

Pulse pressure and its association with body composition among Chinese men and women without diagnosed hypertension: the China Kadoorie Biobank

BACKGROUND

Wide brachial pulse pressure (PP) has been associated with cardiovascular events, while its population distribution and association with body composition were poorly characterized in large populations.

METHODS

We evaluated the age and sex distributions of PP and its associations with body composition using baseline data from the China Kadoorie Biobank. A total of 434 200 participants without diagnosed hypertension were included in the analysis. Wide PP was defined as PP above 65 mmHg. Body composition variables, including BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), fat mass index (FMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), and body fat percentage (BF%), were obtained from bioelectrical impedance analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 14.3% of the participants had wide PP. Older age was consistently associated with wider PP in women but only after the andropause stage in men. The independent associations of BMI with wide PP were stronger than other body composition measures. The adjusted differences (men/women, mmHg) in PP per standard deviation (SD) increase in BMI (1.55/1.47) were higher than other body composition (BF%: 0.32/0.64, waist circumference: 0.33/0.39; WHR: 0.49/0.42). In addition, sex differences were observed. In men, the per SD difference in PP was higher for FFMI than for FMI (0.91 vs. 0.67, P  < 0.05), whereas in women, it was higher for FMI than for FFMI (1.01 vs. 0.72, P  < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our nationwide population-based study presented the sex-specific distribution of PP over age and identified differential associations of PP with fat and fat-free mass in men and women.

Higher Body Mass Index is associated with increased arterial stiffness prior to target organ damage: a cross-sectional cohort study

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with several neurohumoral changes that play an essential role in organ damage. Increased arterial stiffness causes functional vessel wall changes and can therefore lead to accelerated target organ damage as well. Whether obesity causes an independent increase in central arterial stiffness is, however, not yet fully known.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-three patients (63.2% male) were included. Body Mass Index (BMI) was defined as body weight in kilograms, divided by the square of body height in meters. Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine 2009 equation was used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Non-invasive applanation tonometry was used for arterial stiffness measurements (Sphygmocor Atcor Medical, Sydney, Australia). All patients underwent coronarography.

RESULTS

The mean age of our patients was 65.0 ± 9.2 years. Their mean BMI was 28.5 ± 4.4 kg/m2, eGFR 75.5 ± 17.2 ml/min/1.73 m2 and ankle-brachial index (ABI) 1.0 ± 0.1. Their arterial stiffness measurements showed mean carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) 10.3 ± 2.7 m/s, subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) 164.4 ± 35.0%, and pulse pressure (PP) 47.8 ± 14.5 mmHg. Spearman's correlation test revealed a statistically significant correlation between BMI and SEVR (r = -0.193; p = 0.026), BMI and cfPWV (r = 0.417; p < 0.001) and between BMI and PP (r = 0.227; p = 0.009). Multiple regression analysis confirmed an independent connection between BMI and cfPWV (B = 0.303; p < 0.001) and between BMI and SEVR (B = -0.186; p = 0.040). There was no association between BMI and kidney function, ABI, or coronary artery disease.

CONCLUSION

Increased BMI is independently associated with augmented central arterial stiffness and reduced subendocardial perfusion but not with coronary artery disease, kidney function, or ABI.

Relationship between pulse pressure and body mass index in active-duty Royal Thai Army personnel in Thailand

BACKGROUND

Elevated pulse pressure (PP) is a robust independent predictor of cardiovascular diseases. The relationship between PP and body mass index (BMI) was presented in a few studies. However, the findings were inconsistent. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to identify the association between elevated PP and BMI using a large sample of active-duty Royal Thai Army (RTA) personnel.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted through the use of the dataset obtained from the annual health examination database of RTA personnel in Thailand in 2022. BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m² was classified as obesity I, whereas BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m² was classified as obesity II. Elevated PP was defined as PP ≥ 50 mmHg. Multivariable linear regression and log-binomial regression models were utilized for determining the association between elevated PP and BMI.

RESULTS

A total of 62,113 active-duty RTA personnel were included in the study. The average BMI was 25.4 ± 3.8 kg/m², while the average PP was 50.1 ± 11.2 mmHg. Compared to individuals with normal weight, the [Formula: see text] coefficients of PP and BMI were 1.38 (95% CI: 1.15-1.60) and 2.57 (95% CI: 2.25-2.88) in individuals with obesity I and obesity II, respectively. Effect modification by high blood pressure (BP) on the association between elevated PP and BMI was observed. Among participants with normal BP, in comparison with BMI of 18.5-22.9 kg/m², the adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) for elevated PP was 1.23 (95% CI: 1.19-1.28) and 1.41 (95% CI: 1.35-1.48) in those with obesity I and obesity II, respectively. Meanwhile, among individuals with high BP, the adjusted PR for elevated PP was 1.05 (95% CI: 1.01-1.08) and 1.09 (95% CI: 1.06-1.13) in those with obesity I and obesity II, respectively.

CONCLUSION

PP was positively associated with BMI in active-duty RTA personnel. High BP was the modifier of the association between PP and BMI. A weaker association between elevated PP and BMI was observed among RTA personnel with high BP.

Weight-dependent and weight-independent effects of dulaglutide on blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists may experience reductions in weight and blood pressure. The primary objective of the current study was to determine the weight-dependent and weight-independent effects of ~ 6 months treatment with dulaglutide 1.5 mg treatment in participants with T2D.

METHODS

Mediation analysis was conducted for five randomized, placebo-controlled trials of dulaglutide 1.5 mg to estimate the weight-dependent (i.e., mediated by weight) and weight-independent effects from dulaglutide vs. placebo on change from baseline for systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse pressure. A random-effects meta-analysis combined these results. To investigate a dose response between dulaglutide 4.5 mg and placebo, mediation analysis was first conducted in AWARD-11 to estimate the weight-dependent and weight-independent effects of dulaglutide 4.5 mg vs. 1.5 mg, followed by an indirect comparison with the mediation result for dulaglutide 1.5 mg vs. placebo.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were largely similar across the trials. In the mediation meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials, the total treatment effect of dulaglutide 1.5 mg after placebo-adjustment on SBP was - 2.6 mmHg (95% CI - 3.8, - 1.5; p < 0.001) and was attributed to both a weight-dependent effect (- 0.9 mmHg; 95% CI: - 1.4, - 0.5; p < 0.001) and a weight-independent effect (- 1.5 mmHg; 95% CI: - 2.6, - 0.3; p = 0.01), accounting for 36% and 64% of the total effect, respectively. For pulse pressure, the total treatment effect of dulaglutide (- 2.5 mmHg; 95% CI: - 3.5, - 1.5; p < 0.001) was 14% weight-dependent and 86% weight-independent. For DBP there was limited impact of dulaglutide treatment, with only a small weight-mediated effect. Dulaglutide 4.5 mg demonstrated an effect on reduction in SBP and pulse pressure beyond that of dulaglutide 1.5 mg which was primarily weight mediated.

CONCLUSIONS

Dulaglutide 1.5 mg reduced SBP and pulse pressure in people with T2D across the placebo-controlled trials in the AWARD program. While up to one third of the effect of dulaglutide 1.5 mg on SBP and pulse pressure was due to weight reduction, the majority was independent of weight. A greater understanding of the pleotropic effects of GLP-1 RA that contribute to reduction in blood pressure could support developing future approaches for treating hypertension. Trial registrations (clinicaltrials.gov) NCT01064687, NCT00734474, NCT01769378, NCT02597049, NCT01149421, NCT03495102.

Attenuation by habitual alcohol drinking of the associations of obesity with blood pressure and pulse pressure

BACKGROUND

Obesity and alcohol drinking are known to be risk factors for hypertension. However, it remains to be determined whether alcohol affects the relationships of obesity with blood pressure and pulse pressure.

METHODS

The participants in this study were 29 171 men who had received annual health checkups. Relationships of BMI with blood pressure and pulse pressure were investigated in four subject groups divided by average daily alcohol consumption (grams of ethanol/day), non-, light (<22), moderate (≥22 and <44) and heavy (≥44) drinkers.

RESULTS

BMI was significantly correlated with SBP and DBP levels both in nondrinkers and drinkers. The strength of the correlations was significantly weaker in drinkers than in nondrinkers. Odds ratios for hypertension in subjects with vs. subjects without obesity tended to be lower with an increase in alcohol intake (odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals: 4.09 (3.69-4.52) in nondrinkers; 3.11 (2.62-3.68) in light drinkers; 2.87 (2.61-3.16) in moderate drinkers; 2.81 (2.49-3.18) in heavy drinkers). Pulse pressure was weakly but significantly associated with BMI and obesity, and these associations were significantly weaker in heavy drinkers than in nondrinkers. There were significant odds ratios for hypertension and high pulse pressure of the interaction term between obesity and alcohol drinking.

CONCLUSION

The associations of BMI with blood pressure and pulse pressure and the associations of obesity with hypertension and high pulse pressure were weaker in drinkers than in nondrinkers. Thus, alcohol drinking attenuates the associations of obesity with hypertension and high pulse pressure.

Urinary epidermal growth factor reflects vascular health in boys with either obesity or type 1 diabetes. A role for renin, or beyond?

An increased blood pressure is a known comorbidity of both type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and obesity in children. Increasing evidence suggests a subtle interplay between epidermal growth factor (EGF) and renin along the juxtaglomerular system, regulating the impact of blood pressure on kidney health and the cardiovascular system. In this study, we investigated the relation between urinary EGF, serum renin and blood pressure in children with obesity or T1DM. 147 non-obese children with T1DM and 126 children with obesity, were included. Blood pressure was measured and mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the pulse pressure (PP) were calculated. Serum renin and urinary EGF levels were determined with a commercial ELISA kit. Partial Spearman rank correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression models were used to study the association between renin, the urinary EGF/urinary creatinine ratio and blood pressure parameters. The urinary EGF/urinary creatinine ratio is correlated with the SBP and the MAP in boys with obesity as well as in boys with T1DM. Multiple regression analysis showed that sex and pulse pressure in male subjects were found to be independently associated with renin. Sex, the presence of diabetes, age, the glomerular filtration rate and both pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure in male subjects were independently associated with urinary EGF/urinary creatinine. In conclusion, in boys with either obesity or diabetes, pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure are negatively associated with the functional integrity of the nephron, which is reflected by a decreased expression of urinary EGF.

Pulse pressure and the risk of renal hyperfiltration in young adults: Results from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2019)

Background

High pulse pressure (PP) is associated with increased risk of decline of kidney function. However, little is known about the association between PP and RHF in young adults. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PP and RHF in healthy young adults.

Methods

Data were retrieved from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2010 to 2019. A total of 10,365 participants aged 19–39 years with no hypertension and normal kidney function were analyzed. RHF was defined as logarithm transformed estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with residuals >90th percentile after adjustment for sex, logarithm transformed age, weight, and height. Participants were divided into tertile based on PP levels.

Results

The prevalence of RHF was higher in higher PP tertile group (6.6, 10.5, and 12.7% in T1, T2, and T3; P for trend < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, the risk for RHF was increased in higher PP tertiles compared to the lowest tertile [odds ratio (OR), 1.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19–1.69 in T2; OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.20–1.73 in T3]. When PP levels were treated as continuous variable, the risk of RHF was increased 2.36 per 1.0 increase of PP (P < 0.001). In subgroup analyses stratified sex, histories of diabetes or dyslipidemia, and isolated systolic hypertension or isolated diastolic hypertension, there were no significant interactions with PP for the risk for RHF, suggesting that high PP was associated with increased risk of RHF regardless of subgroups. However, the subgroup with BMI showed significant interaction with PP for the risk of RHF, indicating that participants with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² were at higher risk of RHF with increasing PP levels than those with BMI < 25 kg/m² (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.25–2.87 in BMI < 25 kg/m²; OR, 3.16; 95% CI, 1.74–5.73 in BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²; P for interaction = 0.01).

Conclusion

High PP is associated with an increased risk of RHF in healthy young adults and this association is prominent in obese young adults. The assessment of PP and associated RHF may give benefit to early detect the potential risk of CKD development in young adults.

Serum uric acid and blood pressure among adolescents: data from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) 2010-2011

PURPOSE

Elevated serum uric acid (UA) is frequently observed in adults with high blood pressure (BP); however, data from adolescents are limited. We examined the association between serum UA and BP in a nationally representative sample of Taiwan adolescents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Some 1384 participants, aged 14-19 years, from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan 2010-2011 were included for the study. Elevated BP was defined as systolic or diastolic BP ≥120/80 mmHg. The analyses examined the relationship between serum UA and BP using linear regression and odds ratios of having an elevated BP using logistic regression.

RESULTS

In this study population, the mean age was 16.0 years, mean serum UA was 5.8 mg/dL, 22.5% were obese (body mass index ≥24 kg/m²) and 9.8% had an elevated BP. Compared to girls, boys are more likely to be obese and to have higher serum UA and BP. After full adjustments, systolic BP, diastolic BP and mean arterial pressure increased 0.45, 0.48 and 0.47 mmHg, respectively, for each 1-mg/dL increase in UA (p = 0.07, 0.03 and 0.02, respectively). The odds of having an elevated BP were 3.4 times higher in subjects of the upper tertile of serum UA than those of the lower tertile (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Adolescents with factors as male, obesity, and UA ≥5.5 mg/dL were prone to have an elevated BP, regardless of age and family history of hypertension. The present study found that serum UA levels are significantly correlated to BP in Taiwanese adolescents.

Uric Acid and Potassium Serum Levels Are Independent Predictors of Blood Pressure Non-Dipping in Overweight or Obese Subjects

Background: Obesity and sleeping blood pressure (BP) abnormalities are well recognized as some of the main risk factors for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of hypertension and non-dipping profile in overweight/obese subjects. Methods: A sample of 100 consecutive healthy overweight/obese subjects, aged 20–69 years and never treated with antihypertensive drugs was examined. Ambulatory 24 h BP monitoring was performed to diagnose hypertension and a non-dipping profile. Anthropometric, metabolic and routine hematochemical parameters were assessed. All subjects underwent ultrasound measurement of common carotid intima–media thickness. Results: Hypertension was demonstrated in 69% (n = 69) and 27% of the sample (n = 27) had a non-dipping profile. Among the hematochemical variables, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p = 0.02) and FT4 (p = 0.01) serum levels were higher in the hypertensive group than in the normotensive group. Lower potassium and uric acid serum levels (p = 0.05) were independent predictive factors of a non-dipping BP profile. Conclusions: This study shows, for the first time, that 1) an unexpectedly high percentage (69%) of overweight/obese subjects is affected by hypertension; 2) early hypertensive subjects have an increased eGFR and higher FT4 serum levels; 3) lower potassium and uric acid levels are independent predictors of pathological nocturnal non-dipping.

Cardiovascular responses to a glucose drink in young male individuals with overweight/obesity and mild alterations in glucose metabolism, but without impaired glucose tolerance

PURPOSE

Little is known about whether mild aberrations in glucose metabolism, which are seen in overweight/obese subjects (OW/OB) without impaired glucose tolerance, affect regulator control elements for blood pressure homeostasis.

METHODS

Hence, we measured in age-matched male subjects with normal weight (n = 16; BMI = 22.4 kg m^-2) and OW/OB (n = 11; BMI = 28.6 kg m^-2) continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, myocardial contractility and baroreflex sensitivity during a 30 min baseline and for 120 min after the ingestion of 75 g glucose dissolved in 300 mL tap water (OGTT). Blood samples for the assessment of plasma glucose and insulin were collected at baseline and every 30 min after the drink and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated.

RESULTS

At baseline, glucose (5.3 ± 0.4 SD vs 5.0 ± 0.4 mmol L^-1; p = 0.01), insulin (7.4 ± 0.4 vs 3.7 ± 2.7 mU L^-1; p = 0.02) and HOMA-IR (1.8 ± 1.3 vs 0.8 ± 0.6; p = 0.01) were significantly higher in subjects with OW/OB, but none classified as having impaired glucose tolerance (plasma glucose levels < 7.8 mmol L^-1 at 120 min post-OGTT) or hypertension (all < 130/80 mmHg at baseline). In response to the glucose drink, and in comparison to subjects with normal weight, we observed in subjects with OW/OB a trend towards increased plasma insulin levels (+7445 ± 4858 vs. +4968 ± 1924 mU h L^-1; p = 0.08), which was not seen for blood glucose (p = 0.59). Moreover, subjects with OW/OB showed impaired peripheral vasodilation, diminished heart rate and myocardial contractility responses but increased peripheral pulse pressure (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Young male subjects with OW/OB, but without glucose intolerance or hypertension, showed attenuated peripheral vasodilation and diminished cardiac responses to a glucose drink.

Comprehensive identification of pleiotropic loci for body fat distribution using the NHGRI-EBI Catalog of published genome-wide association studies

We conducted a hypothesis-free cross-trait analysis for waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for body mass index (WHR_adjBMI ) loci derived through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Summary statistics from published GWAS were used to capture all WHR_adjBMI single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and their proxy SNPs were identified. These SNPs were used to extract cross-trait associations between WHR_adjBMI SNPs and other traits through the NHGRI-EBI GWAS Catalog. Pathway analysis was conducted for pleiotropic WHR_adjBMI SNPs. We found 160 WHR_adjBMI SNPs and 3675 proxy SNPs. Cross-trait analysis identified 239 associations, of which 100 were for obesity traits. The remaining 139 associations were filtered down to 101 unique linkage disequilibrium block associations, which were grouped into 13 categories: lipids, red blood cell traits, white blood cell counts, inflammatory markers and autoimmune diseases, type 2 diabetes-related traits, adiponectin, cancers, blood pressure, height, neuropsychiatric disorders, electrocardiography changes, urea measurement, and others. The highest number of cross-trait associations were found for triglycerides (n = 10), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (n = 9), and reticulocyte counts (n = 8). Pathway analysis for WHR_adjBMI pleiotropic SNPs found immune function pathways as the top canonical pathways. Results from our original methodology indicate a novel genetic association between WHR_adjBMI and reticulocyte counts and highlight the pleiotropy between abdominal obesity, immune pathways, and other traits.

Pulse pressure and diabetes treatments: Blood pressure and pulse pressure difference among glucose lowering modality groups in type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is associated with higher pulse pressure. In this study, we assessed and compared effects of classic diabetes treatments on pulse pressure (PP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in patients with type 2 diabetes.In a retrospective cohort study, 718 non-hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes were selected and divided into 4 groups including metformin, insulin, glibenclamide+metformin, and metformin+insulin. They were followed for 4 consecutive visits lasting about 45.5 months. Effects of drug regimens on pulse and blood pressure over time were assessed separately and compared in regression models with generalized estimating equation method and were adjusted for age, duration of diabetes, sex, smoking, and body mass index (BMI).Studied groups had no significant change in PP, SBP, and DBP over time. No significant difference in PP and DBP among studied groups was observed (PP:P = 0.090; DBP:P = 0.063). Pairwise comparisons of PP, SBP, and DBP showed no statistically significant contrast between any 2 studied groups. Interactions of time and treatment were not different among groups.Our results demonstrate patients using metformin got higher PP and SBP over time. Averagely, pulse and blood pressure among groups were not different. Trends of variation in pulse and blood pressure were not different among studied diabetes treatments.

Body weight-dependent relationships between alcohol consumption and pulse pressure in middle-aged Japanese women

High pulse pressure is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and excessive alcohol drinking increases the risk of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between alcohol intake and pulse pressure in women and to determine whether body weight influences their relationship. The subjects were 18,791 Japanese middle-aged women, and they were divided into tertile groups for body weight or three different body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) groups (low BMI <22; middle BMI ≥22 and <25; high BMI ≥25). The subjects in each group were further divided into four groups of nondrinkers, occasional drinkers, regular light drinkers, and regular heavy drinkers by habitual alcohol consumption. Pulse pressure levels were compared between nondrinkers and drinkers in each group for body weight or BMI. Pulse pressure was significantly higher in regular heavy drinkers than in nondrinkers in the first tertile group for body weight and in the low BMI group but not in the second and third tertile groups for body weight and in the middle and high BMI groups. In all tertile groups and all BMI groups, pulse pressure was not significantly different in occasional drinkers and regular light drinkers than in nondrinkers. In women with lower body weight, heavy drinking was positively associated with pulse pressure, while this association was not found in women with middle or higher body weight. Thus, body weight potently confounds the relationship between alcohol consumption and pulse pressure.

Non-adherence in Hypertension Management Deficit in Information or Trust?

Hypertension, a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide, continues to challenge health professionals. There are too many patients with uncontrolled hypertension who end up with life altering or life ending complications. Over the years so much hypertension research has been conducted; and numerous effective antihypertensive drugs have been discovered and yet the rate of blood pressure control remains unacceptably low. It is high time that we focused our attention on the optimal use of the available knowledge and medications. More emphasis on teaching the patients and the public at large is required and patients need to have full trust of their health care providers in order to adhere to the prescriptions provided. If patients take their medications as prescribed and follow therapeutic lifestyle changes like physical activity and calorie and salt restrictions, there would be very few patients with uncontrolled hypertension and its complications.

Abnormalities of Anthropometric, Hemodynamic, and Autonomic Variables in Offspring of Hypertensive Parents

Young adult offspring of hypertensive parents (pHTN⊕) are a good model for assessing abnormalities of anthropometric, cardiometabolic, and autonomic variables prior to clinical hypertension. The objectives of this study were to determine whether these variables and autonomic responses to oral carbohydrates were altered in offspring of pHTN⊕. Two hundred consecutive patients, including 100 pHTN⊕, were evaluated, with 29 patients, including 14 pHTN⊕, given a 70-gram carbohydrate load. The pHTN⊕ group had higher blood pressure, pulse pressure, abdominal circumference (AC), weight, body mass index, and basal metabolic rate than offspring of normotensive parents (pHTN∅). At baseline, the low-frequency (LF, sympathetic) to high-frequency (HF, parasympathetic) ratio, assessed by spectral analysis of heart rate variability, was similar in both groups. After the carbohydrate load, the LF/HF ratio was greater in offspring of pHTN⊕. pHTN⊕ individuals have abnormalities of anthropometric and hemodynamic variables at baseline and autonomic responses to oral carbohydrates before developing hypertension.

Interaction of Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index With Risk of Incident Atrial Fibrillation in a Japanese Urban Cohort: The Suita Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To prevent stroke, strategies for atrial fibrillation (AF) prevention and an early detection of AF by electrocardiogram are essential. However, only a limited prospective studies have examined the risk factors for AF, even in blood pressure (BP) and body mass index (BMI), which are not clear among general populations. We investigated the impacts of BP and BMI on the risk of incident AF in a general population.

METHODS

A total of 6,906 participants (30-84 years) in the Suita Study were prospectively followed up for incident AF. Participants were diagnosed with AF if AF or atrial flutter was present on an electrocardiogram from a routine health examination (every 2 years) or if AF was indicated as a present illness from health examinations and/or medical records during follow-up. Adjusted Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated.

RESULTS

During the 12.8-year follow-up, 253 incident AF events occurred. Compared with the systolic BP (SBP) < 120 mm Hg and normal-weight, the adjusted HRs (95% confidence intervals; CIs) of incident AF in the systolic hypertension and the overweight (BMI ≥ 25kg/m(2)) groups were 1.74 (1.22-2.49) and 1.35 (1.01-1.80), respectively. Compared with SBP < 120 mm Hg and normal weight, the adjusted HRs (95% CIs) of incident AF in the SBP = 120-139 mm Hg with overweight and the systolic hypertension with normal or overweight were 1.72 (1.01-2.91), 1.66 (1.10-2.50), and 2.31 (1.47-3.65), respectively (P for interaction = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Systolic prehypertension and overweight are associated with incident AF in Japanese population. The association between SBP and AF may be evident by overweight.

Associations between body mass index, ambulatory blood pressure findings, and changes in cardiac structure: relevance of pulse and nighttime pressures

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is central in the management of hypertension. Factors related to BP, such as body mass index (BMI), may differently affect particular aspects of 24-hour ABPM profiles. However, the relevance of BMI, the most used index of adiposity, has been underappreciated in the determination of specific aspects of 24-hour ABPM profiles in hypertension. The authors evaluated the association between BMI and aspects of ABPM together with their associations with cardiac remodeling in 1841 patients. A positive association of BMI with 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime pulse pressure in untreated normal weight and overweight/obese hypertensive patients and a positive association of BMI with nocturnal BP parameters in treated overweight/obese hypertensive patients was observed. The clinical relevance of these findings was supported by the positive significant correlations of BMI-related BPs with left ventricular mass and atrial diameter.

Elevated pulse pressure is associated with hemolysis, proteinuria and chronic kidney disease in sickle cell disease

A seeming paradox of sickle cell disease is that patients do not suffer from a high prevalence of systemic hypertension in spite of endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation and vasculopathy. However, some patients do develop systolic hypertension and increased pulse pressure, an increasingly recognized major cardiovascular risk factor in other populations. Hence, we hypothesized that pulse pressure, unlike other blood pressure parameters, is independently associated with markers of hemolytic anemia and cardiovascular risk in sickle cell disease. We analyzed the correlates of pulse pressure in patients (n  =  661) enrolled in a multicenter international sickle cell trial. Markers of hemolysis were analyzed as independent variables and as a previously validated hemolytic index that includes multiple variables. We found that pulse pressure, not systolic, diastolic or mean arterial pressure, independently correlated with high reticulocyte count (beta  =  2.37, p  =  0.02) and high hemolytic index (beta  =  1.53, p = 0.002) in patients with homozygous sickle cell disease in two multiple linear regression models which include the markers of hemolysis as independent variables or the hemolytic index, respectively. Pulse pressure was also independently associated with elevated serum creatinine (beta  =  3.21, p  =  0.02), and with proteinuria (beta  =  2.52, p  =  0.04). These results from the largest sickle cell disease cohort to date since the Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease show that pulse pressure is independently associated with hemolysis, proteinuria and chronic kidney disease. We propose that high pulse pressure may be a risk factor for clinical complications of vascular dysfunction in sickle cell disease. Longitudinal and mechanistic studies should be conducted to confirm these hypotheses.

Relationship between obesity and pulse pressure in children: results of the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) 1988-1994

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a known cardiometabolic risk factor in children. In adults, pulse pressure (PP) is a known predictor and a risk factor of cardiovascular (CV) diseases. In this study, we examined the association between measures of obesity and PP in children.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 4667 children ages 6-17 years from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (1988-1994) was performed. We defined wide PP as 4th quartile PP and high waist circumference (WC) as >75th percentile based on age and gender.

RESULTS

There were 51% boys, 74% whites, 16% blacks, 10% Hispanics, 12% obese, 26% with high WC, 26% with wide PP, and 9% with high blood pressure (BP). Prevalence of wide PP was high among obese children. A significantly higher mean PP was observed in boys, Blacks, obese, those with high WC and high BP. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for wide PP was higher in boys, Blacks, and those with high WC.

CONCLUSION

There was a statistically significant independent association observed between wide PP and high WC, but not with obesity based on BMI. Further exploration of wide PP as a CV risk factor in childhood and its relationship to CV outcomes appears warranted.

The relationship between calcium metabolism, insulin-like growth factor-1 and pulse pressure in normotensive, normolipidaemic and non-diabetic patients

INTRODUCTION

Recent evidence suggests an interaction between bone metabolism and blood pressure (BP) regulation. The aim of our study was to evaluate endocrinological and metabolic factors related to pulse pressure (PP) in normotensive, normolipidaemic, non-smoker subjects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We consecutively enrolled 156 adults (37 males, 119 females) in summer 2009. The BP and body mass index (BMI) were recorded, and serum samples were taken for 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), growth hormone (GH), parathormone (PTH), calcium, albumin, phosphorus, glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

RESULTS

In the postmenopausal group, PP was significantly associated with age and BMI, while in premenopausal patients it was inversely related to ionized calcium. In men, a reverse relationship was present between GH and IGF-1 levels and PP.

CONCLUSIONS

The PP was predicted by different parameters in different genders and these predictors change even in the same gender before and after menopause. Well-known predictors of PP such as age and BMI were more pronounced in postmenopausal women, but none of the groups showed a relationship between PP and 25-OHD or PTH.

Association of body mass index and alcohol intake with hypertension subtypes among HAN Chinese

Obesity and excessive drinking are major risk factors for development of hypertension. We aimed to explore association of body mass index (BMI) and alcohol intake with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH), and combined systolic/diastolic hypertension (SDH) among Shandong Shengli Oil field workers. A total of 26,681 subjects were cross-sectionally analyzed. Statistical calculations included polytomous logistic regression and interaction analysis. After assigning normotensives as a reference, the odds of being ISH decreased by 4% for moderate drinkers, whereas that of being IDH and SDH increased significantly by 1.50 and 1.15 folds (P < 0.001). The odds for heavy drinkers of being ISH, IDH, and SDH increased by 1.38, 2.41, and 2.25 folds, respectively (P < 0.001). For BMI, the odds of being ISH, IDH, and SDH increased in a dose-response manner (P < 0.001). For patients with BMI of [23, 25), [25, 27), [27, 30) and ≥ 30 kg/m(2), the odds (95% confidence interval (CI)) of being SDH increased significantly by 2.28 (2.07-2.50), 3.22 (2.93-3.55), 5.44 (4.93-6.01), and 8.45 (7.31-9.77) folds, respectively. Interaction analysis indicated that BMI and alcohol intake were interactively associated with ISH (P ≤ 0.045) rather than IDH (P ≥ 0.161). Our results demonstrated that BMI and alcohol intake interactively influenced systolic hypertension, especially for overweight and obese patients.

Age at incident treatment of hypertension and risk of cancer: a population study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of treated hypertension on the risk of cancer.

METHODS

Population based external comparison study using the Saskatchewan Health databases.

RESULTS

A total of 42,270 subjects were followed for a median of 17.9 years after initiating antihypertensives for hypertension. The effect of hypertension on the risk of cancer varied significantly by age (interaction p < 0.001). Compared with the general population, subjects under 60 years at the time of initiation of antihypertensives had a significantly increased risk of cancer (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.18–1.52 adjusted for age, sex, and calendar year) while subjects over 60 had a significantly decreased risk (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.78–0.98). Similar results were obtained for cancer death outcomes. In each subgroup, relative risks across most cancer sites were similar in magnitude and direction. Results were essentially unchanged when analyses were restricted to cancers diagnosed after the first 10 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of treated hypertension on cancer risk varies by the age at incident treatment of hypertension.These findings are not a result of reverse causality or detection bias. However, they may in part be a consequence of residual confounding and/or reflect the type of hypertension being treated.

Cumulative community-level lead exposure and pulse pressure: the normative aging study

BACKGROUND

Pulse pressure increases with age in industrialized societies as a manifestation of arterial stiffening. Lead accumulates in the vasculature and is associated with vascular oxidative stress, which can promote functional and structural vascular disease.

OBJECTIVES

We tested the hypothesis that cumulative community-level lead exposure, measured with K-X-ray fluorescence, is associated with pulse pressure in a cohort of adult men.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a cross-sectional analysis of 593 men not treated with antihypertensive medication, tibia lead was positively associated with pulse pressure (p < 0.001). Adjusting for age, race, diabetes, family history of hypertension, education, waist circumference, alcohol intake, smoking history, height, heart rate, fasting glucose, and total cholesterol-to-HDL ratio, increasing quintiles of tibia lead remained associated with increased pulse pressure (ptrend = 0.02). Men with tibia lead above the median (19.0 microg/g) had, on average, a 4.2-mmHg (95% confidence interval, 1.9-6.5) higher pulse pressure than men with tibia lead level below the median. In contrast, blood lead level was not associated with pulse pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that lead exposure may contribute to the observed increase in pulse pressure that occurs with aging in industrialized societies. Lead accumulation may contribute to arterial aging, perhaps providing mechanistic insight into the observed association of low-level lead exposure with cardiovascular mortality.

The effect of massive weight loss on pulmonary function of morbid obese patients

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To test if morbid obesity causes pulmonary function changes and if massive weight loss have effect on pulmonary function (especially in subjects with BMI>or=60 kg/m(2)).

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-nine morbid obese subjects before and after massive weight loss.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Patients had baseline BMI>or=40 kg/m(2), pulmonary function test (PFT) before and after surgery for gastric volume reduction and massive weight loss, and presented no complaints unrelated to obesity. Based on initial BMI, the patients were divided in groups A (BMI 40-59.9 kg/m(2)) and B (BMI>or=60 kg/m(2)). Initially, group A (n=28) had normal PFT, however group B (n=11) presented FVC and FEV(1) measurements in the lowest limit of normality (with normal FEV(1)/FVC), significantly different from group A. After massive weight loss, the group B compared to A had a significant improvement in FVC (23.7% vs. 9.7%, P=0.012) and FEV(1) (25.6% vs. 9.1%, P=0.006); thus the initial difference in FVC and FEV(1) between groups no longer existed after weight loss.

CONCLUSIONS

These results point out that the severe morbid obesity (BMI>or=60 kg/m(2)) may lead to pulmonary function impairment and presents more prominent pulmonary function gain after massive weight reduction. The possible clinical implications of these results are that PFT abnormalities in subjects with BMI<60 kg/m(2) should probably be interpreted as consequence of intrinsic respiratory disease and that severe morbid obese patients may be encouraged to lose weight to improve their pulmonary function, especially those with concomitant pulmonary disorders.

Valor de la presión de pulso como marcador de riesgo cardiovascular

Pulse pressure is calculated as the difference between the systolic and diastolic components of arterial blood pressure. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that pulse pressure elevation directly correlates with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, as well as with target organ damage. From a pathophysiological point of view, pulse pressure can be considered a marker of the rigidity of large arteries, especially aorta. Loss of elastic properties of these large arteries is crucial in the development of isolated systolic hypertension, prevalent in the majority of the elderly, and in difficulties in organ perfusion. Some recent data suggest that both sedentary life and obesity enhance this loss of arterial elasticity. Pulse pressure reduction by antihypertensive treatment in subjects with elevation of this parameter (isolated systolic hypertensives) protects against cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, the independence of this protection regarding other blood pressure components or the existence of clear differences between antihypertensive drug classes on pulse pressure reduction are still unknown.