Associations of the nocturnal blood pressure fall and morning surge with cardiovascular events and mortality in individuals with resistant hypertension

Simultaneous 24-h ambulatory blood pressure measurement on both arms: a consideration for improving hypertension management

OBJECTIVE

Arterial hypertension is one of the common treatment goals in today's medicine. 24-h ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) performed by oscillometric cuff-based devices is considered as the gold standard in hypertension diagnostics. This study aims at examining the measurement accuracy of a widely used, ABPM device.

METHODS

Fifty-two young and healthy participants underwent simultaneous 24-h ABPM on the left and the right upper arm using two Boso/A&D TM-2430 oscillometric cuff-based devices. Pressure curves of the cuffs, as well as hydrostatic pressure difference between the cuffs were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean differences between both simultaneous measurements were 1.16 mmHg with limits of agreement of 36.23 mmHg for SBP and 1.32 mmHg with limits of agreement of 32.65 mmHg for DBP. Excluding measurements where the pressure curves were disturbed and correcting for hydrostatic pressure difference between the cuffs, reduced the measurement error. However, limits of agreement remained around 20 mmHg. There were large differences in hypertension grading and dipping pattern classification between simultaneous measurements on the left and right arm.

CONCLUSION

The cuff-based ABPM device reveals notable measurement uncertainties, influencing hypertension grading, dipping pattern classification and blood pressure variability. These effects are attributed in part to disturbances during cuff deflation and hydrostatic influences. Nonetheless, ABPM has shown its clinical values in several studies, while this study underscores its still unlocked potential to improve hypertension management.

Assessment of Nocturnal Blood Pressure: Importance of Determining the Time in Bed-A Pilot Study

Objectives: Nocturnal blood pressure (BP) monitoring is essential for evaluating cardiovascular risk and guiding treatment decisions. However, the standardized narrow-fixed nighttime period between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. may not accurately reflect individual sleep schedules. This pilot study aimed to investigate the comparability between the standardized nighttime period and actual time in bed (TIB) regarding BP assessment. Further, our goal was to evaluate the clinical relevance of the observed BP differences. Methods: A total of 30 participants underwent 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Patient-specific TIB was precisely assessed through an accelerometer and a position sensor from the SOMNOtouch NIBP™ (SOMNOmedics GmbH, Randersacker, Germany). We analysed the effect of considering individual TIB as nighttime instead of the conventional narrow-fixed interval on the resulting nocturnal BP levels and dipping patterns. Results: We observed differences in both systolic and diastolic BP between the standardized nighttime period and the TIB. Furthermore, a notable percentage of patients (27%) changed their dipping pattern classification as a function of the nighttime definition adopted. We found strong correlations between the start (r = 0.75, p < 0.01), as well as the duration (r = -0.42, p = 0.02) of TIB and the changes in dipping pattern classification. Conclusions: Definition of nocturnal period based on the individual TIB leads to clinically relevant changes of nocturnal BP and dipping pattern classifications. TIB is easily detected using a body position sensor and accelerometer. This approach may thus improve the accuracy of cardiovascular risk evaluation and enhance treatment strategies.

Systolic Blood Pressure and Pulse Pressure Are Predictors of Future Cardiovascular Events in Patients with True Resistant Hypertension

Given the increased risk of cardiovascular events associated with resistant hypertension, predictive cardiovascular prognosis is extremely important. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is mandatory for resistant hypertension diagnosis, but its use for prognosis is scarce. This observational longitudinal study included 258 patients (mean age of 60.4 ± 11.2 years; 61.2% male), who underwent 24 h ABPM in a hypertension unit from 1999 to 2019. The outcomes were global cardiovascular events (cerebrovascular, coronary, and other cardiovascular events). The mean follow-up period was 6.0 ± 5.0 years. Sixty-eight cardiovascular events (61 nonfatal) were recorded. Patients who experienced cardiovascular events were generally older, with higher rates of chronic kidney disease and prior cardiovascular events. The 24 h systolic blood pressure (hazard ratio 1.44; 95% CI 1.10-1.88), night systolic blood pressure (1.35; 95% CI 1.01-1.80), and 24 h pulse pressure (2.07; 95% CI 1.17-3.67) were independent predictors of global cardiovascular events. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed a higher risk of future cardiovascular events, particularly in patients with a 24 h daytime and nighttime pulse pressure > 60 mm Hg with respective hazard ratios of 1.95; 95% CI 1.01-3.45; 2.15; 95% CI 1.21-3.83 and 2.07; 95% CI 1.17-3.67. In conclusion, APBM is a fundamental tool not only for the diagnosis of resistant hypertension, but also for predicting future cardiovascular events.

Role of basal autonomic functions in patients with increased morning blood pressure surge

BACKGROUND

Morning blood pressure (BP) surge (MS) is associated with cardiovascular events. The autonomic nervous system plays an active role in the regulation of BP and its function can be evaluated by heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. This study aimed to evaluate autonomic nervous system functions in patients with increased MS.

METHODS

Patients who underwent ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and 24-h rhythm Holter in our hospital during the same period between 2017 and 2022 were evaluated. HRV parameters were obtained from 24-h rhythm Holter recordings. MS values of the patients were calculated from ABPM records and patients were divided into four groups according to the MS quartiles. HRV parameters and other parameters were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 129 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 57.2 ± 18.2 years, and 63 (48.8%) were male. HF, the square root of the mean squared differences of successive normal-to-normal intervals (rMSSD), and the proportion of adjacent RR intervals differing by >50 ms in the 24-h recording (pNN50) were statistically significant between the groups ( P  = 0.039, P  = 0.013, P  = 0.011, respectively). In univariate regression analysis, low-frequency/high-frequency ratio was positively associated with MS and HF, SDNNi, rMSSD, and pNN50 were negatively associated ( β  = 0.207, P  = 0.019; β  = -0.272, P  = 0.002; β  = -0.201, P  = 0.022; β  = -0.265, P  = 0.002; β  = -0.278, P  = 0.001, respectively). Multiple linear regression analysis showed an independent association between HF, low-frequency/high-frequency ratio, rMSSD, pNN50, and MS ( β  = -0.247, P  = 0.005; β=0.206, P  = 0.017; β  = -0.209, P  = 0.005; β  = -0.227, P  = 0.008, respectively).

CONCLUSION

We found an independent association between HRV parameters associated with vagal tone and MS. The findings of our study suggest that the increased sympathetic activity detected in patients with high MS in previous studies may be due to a decrease in basal vagal tone.

Possibilities of Interpreting the Night-to-Day Ratio Specified by 24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring

Aim

Specify the risk rate of incorrect patient classification based on the night-to-day ratio specification from singular 24-h ABPM in comparison to the results of 7-day ABPM monitoring.

Materials and Methods

1197 24 h cycles were enrolled in 171 subjects in the study and divided into 4 groups: group 1 (40 healthy men and women without exercise), group 2 (40 healthy exercise-training men and women), group 3 (40 patients with ischemic coronary artery disease without exercise), and group 4 (51 patients with ischemic coronary artery disease following cardiovascular rehabilitation). The subject of the evaluation was the percentage rate of incorrect subject classification (dipper, nondipper, extreme dipper, and riser) based on the mean blood pressure values for 7 days and from seven independent 24-hour cycles (the mean value mode).

Results

In the case of the individuals included in the monitored groups, the mean night-to-day ratio-based (mode for the 7 days versus the individual days of 24-hour monitoring) classification accordance ranged between 59% and 62%. Only in singular cases did the accordance reach 0% or 100%. The accordance size was not dependent on the health or cardiovascular disease (p < 0.594; 56% vs. 54%) or physical activity (p < 0.833; 55% vs. 54%) of the monitored individuals.

Conclusion

The specification of the night-to-day ratio of each individual for each day of the 7-day ABPM monitoring would be the most convenient option. In many patients, diagnosing could thus be based on the most frequently occurring values (mode specification).

Compliance to Multidisciplinary Lifestyle Intervention Decreases Blood Pressure in Patients with Resistant Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Hypertension is a common chronic medical condition. Treatment is not satisfactory in a significant proportion of patients with primary hypertension, despite the concurrent use of three or more medications with different mechanisms of action. Such treatment-resistant hypertension is a clinical challenge associated with poor prognosis and needs further investigation. The efficacy of lifestyle changes has not been established yet in patients with resistant hypertension, and educational efforts appear clinically irrelevant in patients who must achieve behavioral changes without supervision. A 6-month multidisciplinary pilot intervention enrolled 50 patients with established resistant hypertension. The aims were: (1) to examine whether intensive and supervised lifestyle changes contribute to decreasing blood pressure in this condition, and (2) to identify which components affect compliance and feasibility. The program provided intensive changes in nutrition, physical exercise, and control of sleep disturbances supervised by nutritionists, physiotherapists, and psychologists. Nurses and pharmacists followed up on adherence to the antihypertensive medication. The primary outcome was 24 h blood pressure control. Data in patients with full compliance (n = 30) indicate that lifestyle modifications in resistant hypertension significantly reduced 24 h both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.01), body mass index (p < 0.01), medication burden (p = 0.04), improving physical fitness, and cardiovascular risk markers such as heart rate (p = 0.01) and augmentation index (p = 0.02). The adherence to the intervention was moderate, with an attrition rate of 12%. A modified version reducing visits and explorations will likely improve compliance and can be used to assess the long-term maintenance of these benefits in managing resistant hypertension by diverse healthcare providers.

Factors Associating with Non-Dipping Pattern of Nocturnal Blood Pressure in Patients with Essential Hypertension

Background: In patients with essential hypertension, a non-dipping blood pressure pattern is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. However, background factors associating with such a blood pressure pattern remain unknown. Methods: Untreated essential hypertensive patients without chronic kidney diseases who were admitted to our outpatient clinic were included. Blood sampling and 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were mandatorily performed. Non-dipper status was defined as a maximum decrease in nocturnal systolic blood pressure within 10%. Clinical factors associating with non-dipper status were investigated. Results: A total of 154 patients (56 ± 12 years old, 86 men) were included. Among baseline characteristics, a higher serum uric acid level was independently associated with non-dipper status (odds ratio 1.03, 95% confidence interval 1.00−1.05, p < 0.05). Among those with non-dipper status, a higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level tended to be associated with incremental nighttime systolic blood pressure levels (p = 0.065). Conclusions: Hyperuricemia and micro-inflammation might be associated with attenuated nocturnal blood pressure dipping and incremental nighttime systolic blood pressure levels.

Reproducibility of sequential ambulatory blood pressure and pulse wave velocity measurements in normotensive and hypertensive individuals

OBJECTIVE

Errors in blood pressure (BP) measurement account for a large proportion of misclassified hypertension diagnoses. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is often considered to be the gold standard for measurement of BP, but uncertainty remains regarding the degree of measurement error. The aim of this study was to determine reproducibility of sequential ABPM in a population of normotensive and well controlled hypertensive individuals.

METHODS

Individual participant data from three randomized controlled trials, which had recorded ABPM and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) at least twice were combined ( n  = 501). We calculated within-individual variability of daytime and night-time BP and compared the variability between normotensive ( n  = 324) and hypertensive ( n  = 177) individuals. As a secondary analysis, variability of PWV measurements was also calculated, and multivariable linear regression was used to assess characteristics associated with blood pressure variability (BPV).

RESULTS

Within-individual coefficient of variation (CoV) for systolic BP was 5.4% (day) and 7.0% (night). Equivalent values for diastolic BP were 6.1% and 8.4%, respectively. No statistically significant difference in CoV was demonstrated between measurements for normotensive and hypertensive individuals. Within-individual CoV for PWV exceeded that of BP measurements (10.7%). BPV was associated with mean pressures, and BMI for night-time measurements. PWV was not independently associated with BPV.

CONCLUSION

The variability of single ABPM measurements will still yield considerable uncertainty regarding true average pressures, potentially resulting in misclassification of hypertensive status and incorrect treatment regimes. Repeated ABPM may be necessary to refine antihypertensive therapy.

Clinical usability of morning surge blood pressure for predicting future hypertension in a young population

Objective    Early diagnosis of hypertension (HT) is a critical issue for physicians. This study was conducted to determine if morning surge blood pressure (MSBP) could be used to predict future HT. The study also examined which demographic data in a regression model might help to detect future HT without any invasive procedure.Material and methods    A young population between 18 and 40 yrs of age was included in the study. MSBP and demographic data were used to determine an optimal model for predicting future HT by using Bayesian information criteria and binary logistic regression.Results    1321 patients with 24 hr ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were included in this study. The odds ratio of 10 units of increase in diastolic MSBP was 1.173511 in the model, which indicates that a 10 mmHg increase in diastolic MSBP increases the odds of future HT in the patient by 17.4 %. The odds ratio of age was 1.096365, meaning that at each age above 18 yrs, the patients' odds of future HT rise by 9.6 %. The odds ratios for gender (male) and previous HT were 1.656986 and 3.336759, respectively. The odds of future HT in males were 65 % higher than for females, and a history of HT implies that the odds of future HT were higher by 230 %.Conclusion    Diastolic MSBP can be used to predict HT in young individuals. In addition, age, male gender, and previous HT add more predictive power to diastolic MSBP. This statistically significant, predictive model could be useful in lessening or preventing future HT.

Association of Morning Surge and Postexercise Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Recovery

INTRODUCTION

The autonomic nervous system plays an active role in the regulation of early morning blood pressure (BP) and BP/pulse regulation in the treadmill exercise test (TET).

AIM

We evaluated the relationship between BP/pulse changes during TET and morning blood pressure surge (MS).

METHODS

Patients who underwent ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) and TET in the same visit between 2017 and 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with previously diagnosed hypertension and/or using antihypertensives and office BP ≥ 140/90 were excluded from the study.MS values and dipping percentage were calculated from ABPM data. The patients were analyzed by dividing them into two groups according to the MS median, and BP/pulse values during exercise and recovery periods were compared in these groups.

RESULTS

202 patients [median age 45 (39-51), male 134 (66.3%)] were included in the study. MS median was 18.5 (10.75-27) mmHg. TET recovery period 3rd-min systolic blood pressure (RSBP) was higher in the group with high MS (p: 0.017). Systolic and diastolic dipping percentages were higher in the group with higher MS (p: 0.015, p: 0.040, respectively). Peak systolic and diastolic BP, RSBP, and recovery 3rd min diastolic BP were positively correlated with MS (p < 0.05, for all). Additionally, an independent relationship was observed between RSBP and MS (β: 0.205, p: 0.028).

CONCLUSION

We found an independent association between RSBP and MS. Increased RSBP may be associated with target organ damage and cardiovascular events such as MS.

Prognostic Value of Changes in Aortic Stiffness for Cardiovascular Outcomes and Mortality in Resistant Hypertension: a Cohort Study

The prognostic importance of changes in aortic stiffness for the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortality has never been investigated in patients with resistant hypertension. We aimed to evaluate it in a prospective cohort of 442 resistant hypertension individuals. Changes in aortic stiffness were assessed by 2 carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV) measurements performed over a median time interval of 4.7 years. Multivariate Cox analysis examined the associations between changes in CF-PWV (evaluated as continuous variables and categorized into quartiles and as increased/persistently high or reduced/persistently low) and the occurrence of total cardiovascular events (CVEs), major adverse CVEs, and cardiovascular/all-cause mortalities. During a median follow-up of 4.1 years after the second CF-PWV measurement, there were 49 total CVEs (42 major adverse CVEs) and 53 all-cause deaths (32 cardiovascular). As continuous variables, increments in absolute and relative changes in CF-PWV were associated with higher risks of CVEs and major adverse CVEs occurrence, but not of mortality. Divided into quartiles of CF-PWV changes, risks increased in the third and fourth quartile subgroups in relation to the reference first quartile subgroup (those with greatest CF-PWV reductions) for all outcomes. Patients who either increased or persisted with high CF-PWV had excess risks of cardiovascular morbidity/mortality, with hazard ratios ranging from 2.7 to 3.0, in relation to those who reduced or persisted with low CF-PWV values. In conclusion, reducing or preventing progression of aortic stiffness was associated with significant cardiovascular protection in patients with resistant hypertension, suggesting that it may be an additional clinical target of antihypertensive treatment.

Prognostic Impact of Home Blood Pressures for Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes and Mortality in Patients With Resistant Hypertension: A Prospective Cohort Study

[Figure: see text].

Chronotherapy for morning blood pressure surge in hypertensive patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) is related to an exaggerated risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. With increasing attention on circadian change in blood pressure and extensive use of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), chronotherapy that administration of medication according to biological rhythm, is reported to improve cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of chronotherapy of antihypertensive drugs upon MBPS in hypertensive patients.

METHODS

A search strategy was applied in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane (Wiley) CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the Chinese Biomedical literature database. No language and date restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) assessing the efficacy of evening and morning administration of the same medications in adult patients with primary hypertension were included.

RESULTS

A total of ten trials, comprising 1724 participants with a mean age of 61 and 51% female, were included in this study. Combined analysis observed significant reduction of MBPS (- 5.30 mmHg, 95% CI - 8.80 to - 1.80), night-time SBP (- 2.29 mmHg, 95% CI - 4.43 to - 0.15), night-time DBP (- 1.63 mmHg, 95 %CI - 3.23 to - 0.04) and increase in night blood pressure dipping (3.23%, 95% CI 5.37 to 1.10) in evening dosage compared with traditional morning dosage of blood pressure-lowering drugs. No significant difference was found in the incidence of overall adverse effects (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.41) and withdrawal due to adverse effects (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.71).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested that evening administration of antihypertensive medications exerted better blood pressure-lowering effect on MBPS compared with conventional morning dosage. Safety assessment also indicated that the evening regimen did not increase the risk of adverse events. However, endpoint studies need to be carried out to confirm the significance and feasibility of this treatment regimen in clinical practice.