Hypertension in China: Time to Transition From Knowing the Problem to Implementing the Solution

A Systematic Literature Review and Network Meta-analysis of Azilsartan Medoxomil Compared to Other Anti-hypertensives Efficacy in Lowering Blood Pressure Amongst Mild to Moderate Hypertensive Patients

INTRODUCTION

A systematic literature review and network meta-analysis was conducted on azilsartan medoxomil (AZL-M) versus other antihypertensive drugs' efficacy in hypertensive patients.

METHODS

The search utilized English platforms, from January 2000 until December 2023, resulting in 10,380 articles being screened. Screening criteria included hypertension (mild or moderate); first-line treatment and washout periods; studies (monotherapy) with AZL-M, angiotensin type II receptor blockers (ARBs), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNIs), beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and diuretics, either as intervention or comparator; and antihypertension efficacy as an outcome measure. Study design was randomized clinical trials. Efficacy variables included absolute office systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) reductions. A total of 21 publications provided adequate data for analysis, of which 20 studies reported both systolic and diastolic BP and one study reported only the diastolic BP.

RESULTS

In 21 studies on systolic BP, against the common comparator placebo, the differences in systolic BP were significantly in favor of AZL-M, amlodipine, candesartan, irbesartan, nebivolol, nifedipine, olmesartan, sacubitril valsartan, telmisartan, and valsartan. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) ranking shows that AZL-M 80 mg had the highest ranking, with a possibility of 93% being the best in all other included treatments. In 20 studies on diastolic BP, against the common comparator placebo, the differences in diastolic BP were significantly in favor of AZL-M, amlodipine, bisoprolol, nebivolol, olmesartan, sacubitril valsartan, telmisartan, and valsartan. The SUCRA ranking shows that AZL-M 80 mg had the highest ranking, with a possibility of 90% being the best in all other included treatments.

CONCLUSION

AZL-M at 40 mg and 80 mg shows favorable efficacy compared to other anti-hypertensives, and the 80 mg dosage seemed to be the most efficacious of all the included treatments in reducing both office systolic and diastolic BP in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension.

Exposure to Multiple Metal(loid)s and Hypertension in Chinese Older Adults

Evidence about effects of metal(loid)s on hypertension among adults is insufficient. The aim of our study was to evaluate the individual and joint associations between seven selected metal(loid)s and hypertension, including lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and vanadium (V)) in Chinese older adults. This study included 1009 older adults, and the blood concentrations of seven metal(loid)s were evaluated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The following conditions were considered as hypertension: (1) either systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg, (2) a self-reported history of hypertension, or (3) currently taking antihypertensive medications. Logistic regression was utilized to investigate the association between individual metal(loid) and hypertension, while Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was employed to investigate the association of the metal(loid) mixture with hypertension. Adjusted single-metal(loid) model showed a significant positive association between Pb and hypertension (OR = 1.24, 95%CI = 1.03-1.50). This significant association still existed in multi-metal(loid) model (OR = 1.22, 95%CI = 1.01-1.47). BKMR further indicated a positive linear association of Pb with hypertension. The metal(loid) mixture was positively associated with hypertension in older adults, although not significant. Within the mixture, Pb had the highest posterior inclusion probabilities value (PIP = 0.9192). There were multiplicative interactions of Pb and Mn on hypertension. In addition, Pb and Mn had additive effects on the association of other blood metal(loid)s with hypertension. The associations of multiple metal(loid)s with hypertension are dependent on diabetes, areas, age, and BMI. The metal(loid) mixture exposure may contribute to hypertension in Chinese older adults, mainly driven by Pb and interactions of Pb and Mn. Reducing exposure to these metal(loid)s may prevent hypertension among older adults, which is especially true for those living with diabetes.

Cardiometabolic factors and population risks of cardiovascular disease in community-dwelling adults with varied blood pressure statuses

AIMS

To examine the differential associations between cardiometabolic risk factors and cardiovascular disease (CVD), and to evaluate the population-attributable fractions (PAFs) for CVD among community-dwelling adults with varied blood pressure (BP) statuses.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included participants without prevalent CVD from a subcohort of the China Patient-Centred Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events Million Persons Project. Participants were divided into four BP groups according to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines. The study exposure comprised the selected cardiometabolic risk factors, including waist circumference (WC), body mass index, (BMI) heart rate, fasting blood glucose (FBG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and remnant cholesterol. The outcome was hospitalizations for CVD. Cox proportional hazard models were conducted, and the PAFs were calculated in the analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 94 183 participants (39.0% were men, mean age: 54.2 years), 26.6% had Stage 1 hypertension and 30.8% had Stage 2 hypertension. A total of 6065 hospitalizations for CVD were captured after a median follow-up of 3.5 years. BP (per 1-standard deviation [SD]: hazard ratio [HR] 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29, 1.40), FBG (per 1-SD: HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.14, 1.19) and WC (per 1-SD: HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.36, 1.47) were three major contributors to CVD events. BP status significantly modified the associations of abdominal obesity, suboptimal BMI, suboptimal heart rate and abnormal FBG with CVD, with stronger associations with CVD observed in optimal BP groups compared to hypertensive groups (p for risk factor-by-BP group interaction <0.05). Participants with all cardiometabolic risk factors were at the highest risk for CVD, accounting for 35.6% (95% CI 30.0, 40.8) of the PAF for CVD. Among the risk factors, BP control explained the highest PAF for CVD (15.1%, 95% CI 8.2, 21.4) The overall PAFs of cardiometabolic risk factors for CVD were higher among the normotensive participants compared to the hypertensive participants.

CONCLUSIONS

The awareness and control rates of hypertension were extremely low among Southern Chinese adults. BP status significantly modified the associations between cardiometabolic risk factors and CVD, and the overall PAFs for CVD were higher among people with normal BP. Dedicated efforts are needed to improve the management of cardiometabolic factors.

Trends by age and sex and projections of disease prevalence from studying hypertensive heart disease in China over the past three decades

BACKGROUND

Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) is a common cause of cardiovascular disease and mortality worldwide, and its burden is increasing with aging populations.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and mortality rates of HHD in mainland China and Taiwan Province using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019), and forecast the development trend of HHD from 2020 to 2024.

METHODS

We obtained data on number of cases, deaths, crude prevalence rate, crude death rate, age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), and age-standardized death rate (ASDR) for mainland China and Taiwan Province from 1990 to 2019 from the GBD 2019. Joinpoint software was used to estimate average annual percentage change (AAPC) with 95% confidence intervals, and the number of HHD cases in China from 2022 to 2024 was predicted by the exponential smoothing method.

RESULTS

Between 1990 and 2019, HHD cases and deaths increased in mainland China, but the ASPR and ASDR decreased by 5.96% and 48.72%, respectively. In Taiwan Province, ASPR and ASDR decreased by 7.66% and 52.14%, respectively. The number of HHD cases and death rates varied by region, age, and sex, with a higher number of cases in mainland China than in Taiwan Province. By 2024, the number of HHD cases in mainland China was projected to be over 9.6 million cases, and in Taiwan Province, it was projected to surpass 120,000 cases.

CONCLUSION

The differences in HHD cases between mainland China and Taiwan Province in terms of age and sex indicated the need for effective prevention and control measures, especially targeting the elderly population. These findings can inform policymakers and health professionals in the development of targeted prevention and treatment strategies and resource allocation for HHD in China.

A Bayesian network for estimating hypertension risk due to occupational aluminum exposure

Background

The correlation between metals and hypertension, such as sodium, zinc, potassium, and magnesium, has been confirmed, while the relationship between aluminum and hypertension is not very clear. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between plasma aluminum and hypertension in electrolytic aluminum workers by the Bayesian networks (BN).

Methods

In 2019, 476 male workers in an aluminum factory were investigated. The plasma aluminum concentration of workers was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The influencing factors on the prevalence of hypertension were analyzed by the BN.

Results

The prevalence of hypertension was 23.9% in 476 male workers. The risk of hypertension from plasma aluminum in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups was 5.20 (1.90-14.25), 6.92 (2.51-19.08), and 7.33 (2.69-20.01), respectively, compared with that in the Q1 group. The risk of hypertension from the duration of exposure to aluminum of >10 years was 2.23 (1.09-4.57), compared without aluminum exposure. Area under the curve was 0.80 of plasma aluminum and the duration of exposure to aluminum was based on covariates, indicating that aluminum exposure had important predictive value in the prevalence of hypertension in the occupational population. The results of the study using the BN model showed that if the plasma aluminum of all participants was higher than Q4 (≥47.86 µg/L) and the participants were drinking, smoking, diabetes, central obesity, dyslipidemia, and aged >50 years, the proportion of hypertension was 71.2%.

Conclusions

The prevalence of hypertension increased significantly with the increase of plasma aluminum level.

Systolic blood pressure status modifies the associations between the triglyceride-glucose index and incident cardiovascular disease: a national cohort study in China

BACKGROUND

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and blood pressure (BP) are correlated and serve as risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The potential impact of BP status on the association between the TyG index and CVD risk remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the relationships between the TyG index and incident CVD in Chinese middle-aged and elderly adults, considering variations in BP status among participants.

METHODS

6558 participants (mean age: 58.3 (± 8.7) years; 46.0% were men) without prevalent CVD were recruited from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Participants were divided into three groups according to their systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels (< 120mmHg, 120 ∼ 129mmHg, ≥ 130mmHg). The TyG index was computed as ln[triglyceride (mg/dl) * fasting blood glucose (mg/dl)/2]. The primary outcome was CVD (heart disease and stroke), and the secondary outcomes were individual CVD components. Cox regression models and restricted cubic splines were performed to investigate the associations between continuous and categorical TyG with CVD.

RESULTS

1599 cases of CVD were captured during 58,333 person-years of follow-up. Per 1-SD higher TyG index was associated with a 19% (HR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.27) higher risk for incident CVD, and the participants with the highest quartile of TyG index had a 54% (HR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.29, 1.84) higher risk of CVD compared to those in the lowest quartile. SBP significantly modifies the association between the TyG index and CVD, with higher HRs for CVD observed in those with optimal and normal SBP. SBP partially mediated the associations between the TyG index with CVD. The results were generally consistent among participants with varying pulse pressure statuses rather than diastolic BP statuses.

CONCLUSIONS

The associations between the TyG index and CVD were modified by BP status, with greater HRs for CVD observed among those who had SBP < 130mmHg. SBP can partially mediate the association between the TyG index with CVD, highlighting the importance of early screening for the TyG index to identify at risk of hypertension and CVD.

Associations of exposure to multiple metals with blood pressure and hypertension: A cross-sectional study in Chinese preschool children

Exposure to metals might be a risk factor for hypertension, which contributes largely to the global burden of disease and mortality. However, relevant epidemiological studies of associations between metals exposure with hypertension among preschoolers are limited. This study aimed to explore the associations of urine metals with blood pressure and hypertension among Chinese preschoolers. A total of 1220 eligible participants who had urine metals measurement, blood pressure measurements, and relevant covariates were included in this cross-sectional study. Urine concentrations of metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The single and multiple metals regression models were used to investigate the associations of urine metal with blood pressure and the risk of hypertension after adjusting for potential confounders. We observed urine concentrations of chromium, iron, and barium were negatively associated with levels of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and the risk of hypertension in the single metal model (all P-FDR adjustment <0.05). Significant associations of urine chromium concentrations with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and the risk of hypertension were found in the multi-metal model (β or OR (95% confidence interval) was -3.07 (-5.12, -1.02), -2.25 (-4.29, -0.22), and 0.51 (0.26, 0.97) for 3rd quartile, compared with 1st quartile, respectively). The same association was found for barium concentrations in the multi-metal model, while none of the associations among iron quartiles was significant. In addition, urine chromium, iron and barium may have joint effects on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and hypertension. Children's age and body mass index could modify the associations of chromium, iron, and barium concentrations with blood pressure. Our findings suggested that exposure to chromium, iron, and barium was inversely associated with blood pressure and hypertension among preschool children. These findings need further validation in prospective studies.

Blood pressure mediated the effects of cognitive function impairment related to aluminum exposure in Chinese aluminum smelting workers

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects that the Al on blood pressure and the effect of hypertension in aluminum-induced cognitive impairment in electrolytic aluminum worker.

METHODS

The study was conducted 392 male aluminum electrolytic workers in an aluminum plant of China. The concentration of alumina dust in the air of the electrolytic aluminum workshop is 1.07mg/m3-2.13mg/m3. According to the Permissible concentration-Time Weighted Average of alumina dust is 4mg/ m3, which does not exceed the standard. The blood pressure of the workers was measured. The plasma aluminum concentration of workers was determined by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry). Cognitive functions were measured using MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination), VFT (Verbal Fluency Test), ATIME (Average Reaction Time), FOM (Fuld Object Memory Evaluation), DST (Digit Span Test), CDT (Clock Drawing Test) scales. Modified Poisson regression was used to analyze the risk of hypertension and cognitive impairment with different plasma aluminum concentrations. Generalized linear regression model was used to analyze the relationship between aluminum and cognitive function, blood pressure and cognitive function. Causal Mediation Analysis was used to analyze the mediation effect of blood press in aluminum-induced cognitive impairment.

RESULTS

Plasma aluminum appeared to be a risk factor for hypertension (PR (prevalence ratio) = 1.630, 95%-CI (confidence interval): 1.103 to 2.407), systolic blood pressure (PR = 1.578, 95%-CI: 1.038 to 2.399) and diastolic blood pressure (PR = 1.842, 95%-CI: 1.153 to 2.944). And plasma aluminum increased by e-fold, the scores of MMSE and VFT decreased by 0.630 and 2.231 units respectively and the time of ATIME increased by 0.029 units. In addition, generalized linear regression model showed that blood press was negatively correlated with the scores of MMSE and VFT. Finally, causal Mediation Analysis showed that hypertension was a part of the mediating factors of aluminum-induced decline in MMSE score, and the mediating effects was 16.300% (7.100%, 33.200%). In addition, hypertension was a part of the mediating factors of aluminum-induced decline in VFT score, and the mediating effects was 9.400% (2.600%, 29.000%) CONCLUSION: Occupational aluminum exposure increases the risk of hypertension and cognitive impairment. And hypertension may be a mediating factor of cognitive impairment caused by aluminum exposure.

Factors affecting reductions in dietary salt consumption in people of Chinese descent: An integrative review

Aims

To identify and synthesize the evidence on the perceptions of the health effects of dietary salt consumption and barriers to sustaining a salt‐reduced diet for hypertension in Chinese people.

Design

A systematic integrated review integrating quantitative and qualitative studies using the PRISMA guidelines.

Data sources

Three databases, MEDLINE, PubMed and CINAHL, were systematically searched for articles published between January 2001 and July 2020.

Review methods

The quality of the included studies was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tools for cross‐sectional and qualitative studies. Descriptive analysis and constant comparison methods were used to analyse the extracted data.

Results

Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The synthesized results identified that (i) adequate salt‐related health education had a positive influence on dietary behaviour modifications, (ii) the level of educational exposure to the health benefits of salt reduction influenced Chinese people's perceptions of the health impact associated with high salt intake, (iii) the complexity of salt measurement was a barrier to salt reduction, (iv) salt reduction is a challenge to Chinese food culture, and (v) Chinese migrants may experience linguistic and cultural challenges when they seek appropriate dietary education and advice for hypertension management in their host countries.

Conclusion

There is room for improvement in recognizing and translating the knowledge of salt‐related health issues and the benefits of that knowledge about salt reduction into action. Future nursing interventions should incorporate individuals' cultural needs and the dietary culture of immediate family members.

Impact

This integrative review reveals that unique Chinese customs and practices reduce the effectiveness of salt reduction campaigns. The effects of education vanish without family support, resulting in suboptimal adherence to dietary salt reduction strategies.

Hypertension in China: burdens, guidelines and policy responses: a state-of-the-art review

Hypertension is a leading risk factor of cardiovascular disease and it is becoming increasingly prevalent globally. Correspondingly, the Chinese government and public health institutions have issued a series of policy documents and guidelines for hypertension. However, no comprehensive review of such documents has been conducted. Hence, this review aims to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive assessment of not only the disease burden, but also hypertension management policies and guidelines in China. A total of 15 epidemiological studies based on national population surveys, 15 Chinese Hypertension Guidelines, and seven policy documents were identified. We found a larger burden of hypertension in men, while the awareness, treatment, and control rates have remained low in both sexes. The ranges of hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rate among hypertensive patients were 18.0-44.7%, 23.6-56.2%, 14.2-48.5%, and 4.2-30.1% respectively. Chinese hypertension guidelines provide evidence-based instructions to healthcare practitioners over hypertension management in which primary healthcare is increasingly emphasized. Finally, the policy documents set national goals for hypertension management and standardized the services provided in primary healthcare. The findings highlight the importance of integrating new guidelines into hypertension management provided by primary healthcare practitioners and the need to evaluate the implementation of guidelines and policies.

A comparison of carotid atherosclerosis in symptomatic patients between 2002-2005 and 2012-2015 cohorts using multi-contrast magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging

OBJECTIVE

To compare the morphological and compositional characteristics of carotid plaques in two cohorts (2002−2005 and 2012−2015) of Chinese patients using magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging.

METHODS

Symptomatic patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques who underwent carotid vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging between 2002−2005 and 2012−2015 were retrospectively recruited. Plaque morphology [including mean wall area, wall thickness, and maximum normalized wall index (NWI)] and composition [including calcification, intraplaque hemorrhage, and lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC)] in symptomatic carotid arteries were evaluated and compared between patients in these two time periods.

RESULTS

A total of 258 patients, including 129 patients in the 2002−2005 cohort and 129 patients in the 2012−2015 cohort, were recruited. Statin use (49.6%vs. 32.6%, P = 0.004) and hypertension (76.0% vs. 62.8%, P = 0.015) were significantly more common in the 2012–2015 cohort than in the 2002−2005 cohort. Patients in the 2012−2015 cohort also exhibited significantly low plaque burden parameters (allP < 0.05), as well as a lower prevalence (68.2% vs. 89.9%, P < 0.001) and volume percentages of LRNC (11.2% ± 14.2% vs. 25.7% ± 17.7%, P < 0.001). These differences remained significant after adjustment for clinical factors. The differences in the volume percentages of LRNC also remained significant after an additional adjustment for maximum NWI ( P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients in the 2012−2015 cohort had a lower plaque burden and volume percentages of LRNC in symptomatic carotid arteries than those in the 2002−2005 cohort. These findings indicate that carotid plaques in the recent cohort had a lower severity and vulnerability.

Association of Depression with Uncontrolled Hypertension in Primary Care Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study in Less-Developed Northwest China

Background

Hypertensive patients commonly experience comorbid depression, which is closely associated with adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to examine the association between depression and uncontrolled hypertension in primary care setting of Northwest China.

Methods

We used a stratified multistage random sampling method to obtain 1856 hypertensives subjects aged ≥18 years among primary care setting in Xinjiang, Northwest China, between April and October 2019. Depression was evaluated by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), with a cut-off score ≥8. We related depression to uncontrolled hypertension, using multiple logistic regression, adjusting for minimally sufficient adjustment set of variables retrieved from a literature-based directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) and optimal adjustment set of variables derived from the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression.

Results

A total of 1,653 (89.1%) patients had uncontrolled hypertension. The prevalence of depression was 14.5% and 7.4% among patients with uncontrolled and controlled hypertension. Depression was associated with 1.12-fold increased odds of uncontrolled hypertension [odds ratio (OR) 2.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23-3.65]. The association remained significant even after adjusting for the minimal sufficient adjustment sets and the optimal adjustment set of variables.

Conclusion

Depression is significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension in primary care setting of northwest China. The integrated management of depression and hypertension in the setting might be warranted.

Clinically relevant high levels of human C-reactive protein induces endothelial dysfunction and hypertension by inhibiting the AMPK-eNOS axis

Successful treatment of resistant hypertension accompanied by elevated human C-reactive protein (hCRP) remains a key challenge in reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases. It is still unclear whether clinically relevant high-level hCRP is merely a marker or a key driver of hypertension. Here, we investigated the role and mechanism of clinically relevant high level of hCRP in hypertension. Elevated blood pressure was observed in all three hCRP overexpression models, including adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)-transfected mice, AAV9-transfected rats and hCRP transgenic (hCRPtg) rats. hCRPtg rats expressing clinically relevant high-level hCRP developed spontaneous hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis and impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation. Mechanistically, studies in endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) knockout mice transfected with AAV9-hCRP and phosphoproteomics analysis of hCRP-treated endothelial cells revealed that hCRP inhibited AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-eNOS phosphorylation pathway. Further, activation of AMPK by metformin normalized endothelial-dependent vasodilation and decreased the blood pressure of hCRPtg rats. Our results show that clinically relevant high-level hCRP induces hypertension and endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting AMPK-eNOS signaling, and highlight hCRP is not only an inflammatory biomarker but also a driver of hypertension. Treatment with metformin or a synthetic AMPK activator may be a potential strategy for vaso-dysfunction and hypertension in patients with high hCRP levels.

[Blood pressure and heart rate changes of 640 single dental implant surgeries]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the blood pressure and heart rate changes and influencing factors during single dental implant surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Six hundred and forty cases underwent single dental implant placement in Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January 2016 to December 2016 were recruited in this study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were divided into different groups according to the exposure factors which were patient characteristics (gender, age) and surgical procedures (immediate placement, flap elevation, bone grafting). The correlation between blood pressure and heart rate variability during single dental implant surgery and the patient characteristics and surgical procedures were analyzed.

RESULTS

The average systolic blood pressure variability was 9.47%±6.45% (maximum 46.04%), the average diastolic blood pressure variability was 12.18%±9.39% (maximum 88.00%), and the average heart rate variability was 10.59%±7.68% (maximum 49.12%). The effects of age and bone grafting on blood pressure variability, and of gender and immediate placement on heart rate variability, were statistically significant (P < 0.05), respectively. The incidence of abnormal intraoperative blood pressure rise was 4.69%, of which there were 4 cases (0.63%) of systolic blood pressure ≥180 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥110 mmHg. The incidence of abnormal intraoperative heart rate rise was 6.72%. Hierarchical analysis showed a higher risk of abnormal intraoperative blood pressure rise in the elderly (≥60 years) male patients [P < 0.05, RR=3.409 (95%CI: 1.155-10.062) ] and flap elevation with bone grafting cases [P < 0.05, RR=2.382 (95%CI: 1.126-5.040)], respectively. There was no statistically significant association between abnormal heart rate rise and patient characteristics or surgical procedures (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

There was a certain risk of blood pressure and heart rate variability during dental implant surgery. Elderly male patients and flap elevation with bone grafting were risk factors of abnormal intraoperative blood pressure rise.

Regularity of Clinical Visits and Medication Adherence of Patients with Hypertension or Diabetes in Rural Yunnan Province of China

Chronic diseases can be controlled through effective self-management. The purpose of this study is to explore the regularity of clinical visits and medication adherence of patients with hypertension or diabetes (PWHD), and its association with the first experience with care and individual factors in rural Southwestern China. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Yunnan province in 2018 and recruited 292 PWHD and 122 village clinics from 122 villages in 10 counties. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Results show around 39% of hypertensive and 25% of diabetic patients neither visited physicians nor took medicine regularly during the preceding three months of the interview date. The regression results further indicated that individual characteristics of the PWHD, including patient age, health status, and economic level, as well as their first experience with care, were significantly associated with their regular healthcare behavior. In addition to providing medical services, on average each sample village clinic, with around two physicians, simultaneously managed 180 hypertensive and 45 diabetic patients. This study revealed the need for further reforms in terms of improving self-management and thus recommends an increase in the quantity and the quality of human resources in the primary healthcare realm in rural China.

Deaths from total and premature cardiovascular disease associated with high normal blood pressure and hypertension in rural Chinese men and elderly people

To investigate the association of blood pressure (BP) categories with total and premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in rural Chinese. The study included 14,539 adults ≥18 years in rural China. Baseline study visits were conducted in 2007-2008, and follow-up visits in 2013-2014. Data were collected by face-to-face questionnaire interview, and anthropometric and laboratory measurements. A sub-distribution hazards model was used to calculate adjusted sub-distribution hazard ratios (aSHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During the 6-year follow-up, 257 total and 209 premature CVD deaths occurred. As compared with normal BP (systolic BP/diastolic BP (SBP/DBP) < 120/80 mmHg), for men and people aged ≥60 years, hypertension (SBP/DBP ≥ 140/90 mmHg) associated with total CVD mortality (aSHR 3.57, 95% CI 2.06-6.17; aSHR 2.15, 1.29-3.56) and premature CVD mortality (aSHR 4.41, 2.37-8.21; aSHR 2.31, 1.27-4.19). Also, as compared with normal BP, for men and people aged ≥60 years with high normal BP (SBP/DBP 120-139/80-89 mmHg), risk of total CVD mortality increased (aSHR 1.85, 1.05-3.28; aSHR 1.78, 1.05-3.04), as was premature CVD mortality (aSHR 1.89, 0.99-3.64; aSHR 1.91, 1.03-3.54). Among men and people aged ≥60 years in rural China, risk of total and premature CVD mortality was increased for those with high normal BP and hypertension. Prevention and treatment strategies for additional CVD risk reduction targeting men and elderly people with hypertension or even high normal BP are needed to reduce CVD mortality risk.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in various ethnic groups (Hui, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Mongolian, Tajik) in Xinjiang, Northwest China

Purpose: Credible data is scarce in representative population aged ≥18 years, though hypertension is highly prevalent and poorly controlled in population aged ≥30 years in Xinjiang Northwest China. Therefore, we tried to provide data on hypertension status for reference.Materials and methods: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey between 2014 and 2015 using stratified multi-stage random sampling as part of a national survey. Hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥140 mmHg, and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg and/or taking anti-hypertensive agents. We assessed prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rates of hypertension by rural and urban regions, by gender and by ethnicity, and related factors including agent prescription pattern.Results: Data for 6807 subjects ≥18 years with 79.2% rural and 52.0% women subjects are analyzed. Overall age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension in population aged ≥18 years is 22.2%, and shows no disparity between genders and regions. By ethnicity, the prevalence of hypertension was the highest in Tajik subjects (25.4%), followed by Mongolian (25.3%) and Kazakh (24.8%) subjects and the lowest in Kyrgyz (20.2%) subjects. Of the hypertensives, 55.5% have awareness, 43.9% receive anti-hypertensive treatment, whereas only 14.5% have their BP controlled. In different ethnic groups, the awareness, control and control in treatment rates showed no significant disparities, except for the treatment rate. It was the highest in Kazakh subjects (50.0%) and the lowest in Hui subjects (36.7%). The most common prescribed agent encompassed ACEI/ARBs (41.1%) and calcium channel blockers (30.4%). Over 87.2% of hypertensives were prescribed for single drug regimen.Conclusions: Hypertension is moderately prevalent in Xinjiang, whereas poorly controlled. Standardization of its treatment such as introducing treatment algorithm might be the priorities for future improvement, with healthy life promotion.

Chart review of patients receiving valsartan-amlodipine single-pill combination versus valsartan and amlodipine combination for blood pressure goal achievement and effects on the Hamilton anxiety rating/Hamilton depression rating scales

This study aimed to compare the Hamilton anxiety rating/Hamilton depression rating (HAMA/HAMD) scale scores and blood pressure (BP) goal achievement associated with the use of valsartan-amlodipine single-pill combinations (SPCs) versus valsartan and amlodipine combination in adult hypertensive patients.A total of 476 hypertensive patients were randomly assigned into the SPC (valsartan-amlodipine) and control (valsartan and amlodipine combination) groups. All patients had an uncontrolled BP (160-179/100-109 mm Hg). BP goal was <140/90 mm Hg. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to analyze the likelihood of HAMA/HAMD scales, SPCs, control group, and daily dosage number. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the rates of BP goal achievement over time among the 2 groups.A total of 476 patients were included in the study, and 439 patients completed the follow-up and received the index drug therapy. There was a significant difference in BP between the 2 groups on days 28, 42, and 56. Patients who received SPCs had a significantly higher rate of BP goal achievement over time (P = .000). The average HAMD scores in the SPC and control groups were 5.54 and 5.49 and 6.06 and 6.21 on days 28 and 56, respectively. The average HAMA scores in the SPC and control groups were 7.41 and 7.13 and 7.90 and 8.01 on days 28 and 56, respectively. The means of HAMD and HAMA scores were 5.826 and 7.614, respectively. The higher the HAMA/HAMD scores, the lower was the BP goal achievement. The number of drugs taken by the patients was associated with the HAMA and HAMD scores. There was no significant difference between HAMA scores of patients taking 1 tablet daily (7.22 ± 1.885) and those taking two-tablets daily (7.38 ± 1.953) (P = .408). However, when these scores were compared to those of patients taking 4 tablets daily (8.08 ± 2.285), a significant difference was observed (P = .000, P = .000).Hypertensive patients treated with valsartan-amlodipine SPCs were significantly more likely to achieve BP goal and have lesser HAMA/HAMD scores compared to patients treated with valsartan and amlodipine combination.

Trends and Inequalities in the Health Care and Hypertension Outcomes in China, 2011 to 2015

Background: Hypertension is one of the most significant and common risk factors for cardiovascular disease, yet it remains poorly controlled in China. This study aims to examine trends and socioeconomic inequalities in the management of hypertension between 2011 and 2015 in China and to investigate the association between antihypertensive medication treatment and reduction of blood pressure, using nationally representative data. Methods: Concentration curve and concentration index were used to assess socioeconomic-related inequalities in hypertension care and health service utilisation. The fixed-effects analysis was performed to measure the impact of medication treatment on reduction of blood pressure among people with hypertension by using linear regression models. Results: Among hypertensive individuals, there were growing trends in the rates of awareness and treatment from 55.87% and 48.44% in 2011, to 68.31% in 2013 and 61.97% in 2015, respectively. The proportion of hypertension control was still below 30%. The fixed-effects models indicated that medication treatment was statistically significant and associated with the patients' systolic blood pressure (β: -13.483; 95% CI: -15.672, -11.293) and diastolic blood pressure (β: -5.367; 95% CI: -6.390, -4.344). Conclusions: China has made good progress in the hypertension diagnosis, medication treatment and coverage of health services over the last 10 years; however, pro-rich inequalities in hypertension care still exist, and there is considerable progress to be made in the prevention, treatment and effective control of hypertension.

Neck circumference as an indicator of elevated blood pressure independent from body composition: implications from the China nation health survey (CNHS)

Background

The independent association of neck circumference (NC) on elevated blood pressure is still uncertain in adults of China. The aim of this study is to explore such association and investigate the predictive value of NC on hypertension.

Methods

A total of 4279 adults aged 20–80 years participated in the cross-sectional study in 2014. Anthropometric information, NC, body composition indexes such as waist circumference, hip circumference and body fat percentage, and blood pressure were measured. General linear regression model was used to explore the association between NC and blood pressure; Logistic regression models were fitted to calculate the multi-variable adjusted prevalence, and the association of NC with hypertension.

Results

The overall prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension were 11.05 and 23.63%, respectively. NC was positively associated with both SBP and DBP (p < 0.001). The adjusted prevalence of hypertension increased with elevated NC quartiles in both sexes (p for trend < 0.001), from 17.81 to 42.93% in male and 9.72 to 21.31% in female. For male, NC was only associated with hypertension (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.05–1.25) but not with pre-hypertension (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.88–1.06). However, in female, NC was associated with both pre-hypertension and hypertension, the BMI adjusted ORs were 1.15 (1.03–1.28) and 1.24 (1.14–1.34). The sex-specific AUCs for NC predicting hypertension were 0.633 in male and 0.663 in female, similar with AUCs of other body fat indexes.

Conclusions

NC was associated with both pre-HTN and HTN independent from other body composition indexes. NC is a simple and useful anthropometric index to identify elevated blood pressure in Chinese adults.

Urinary metal/metalloid levels in relation to hypertension among occupationally exposed workers

Occupational exposure to metals can have an adverse effect on the cardiovascular system. However, epidemiological studies of the associations of metals expose with hypertension among occupationally exposed workers were limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association between urinary metal levels and the risk of hypertension among molybdenum miners and iron and steel foundry workers. The cross-sectional study had 395 participants. Urinary metal levels were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Log-binomial regression model and two-piece-wise regression model were applied to assess the dose-response relationship between metal exposure and hypertension. We observed that increased prevalence ratios for hypertension among the quartile of urinary concentrations of molybdenum, arsenic and lead were positive (all P for trend <0.05). Compared with the lowest quartiles, participants in the highest quartiles of molybdenum, arsenic and lead had a 2.58-fold, 4.30-fold and 4.85-fold increased probability of having hypertension, respectively. In the threshold effect analyses, we found the relationship was nonlinear between urinary molybdenum, cobalt, cadmium, arsenic and lead concentrations and the prevalence of hypertension. In addition, Pb, Mo, As and Co may have joint effect, and a strong positive correlation with the prevalence of hypertension. Conversely, the association between the joint effect of Cd, Pb and Mo versus the prevalence of hypertension is not significant. We provide reference levels of molybdenum, cobalt, cadmium, arsenic and lead that can be used to assess the effects of occupational metal exposure on hypertension.

Excess weight loss is a vital strategy for controlling hypertension among multi-ethnic population in northwest China: A cross-sectional analysis

Hypertension is a common global health problem including China. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and awareness of hypertension, and evaluate risk factors associated with hypertension among multi-ethnic population in northwest China using a random sampling cross-sectional data.A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 2014 and 2015 as part of a nationwide survey using stratified four-stage random sampling in Xinjiang. Hypertension was defined as mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥140/90 mm Hg and/or taking anti-hypertensive medication. In addition, the prevalence of hypertension (SBP ≥ 130 or DBP ≥ 80 mm Hg) was also estimated according to the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) High Blood Pressure Guideline. Awareness of hypertension was based on self-report. An optimized risk score model was used to assess the risk and determine the predictive power of risk factors on hypertension.Totally 6722 subjects aged ≥18 years were enrolled and prevalence of hypertension was 24.3%, while the prevalence of hypertension based on the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline was approximately twice as high as that based on 2010 Chinese guideline (37.6%). Among individuals with hypertension, 55.5% were aware of their condition. Six potential factors were estimated to be associated with increased risk of hypertension including age, ethnicity, marital status, body mass index (BMI), waistline circumference, and comorbidity. In the analyses of calculated risk score, BMI ≥ 28.0 corresponded to the highest risk score of 23 points. The area under the receiver operation curve for the multivariable prediction model was 0.803 (95%CI: 0.789-0.813).There is a considerable prevalence of hypertension among Xinjiang adults, northwest China; awareness of hypertension is low. Excess weight loss may be a vital strategy for controlling hypertension, particularly if accompanied with other preventive measures in this region.

Visceral fat reduction is positively associated with blood pressure reduction in overweight or obese males but not females: an observational study

BACKGROUND

Visceral adiposity has been reported to play a key role in hypertension compared with other measurements of regional or general obesity. The aim of current study was to evaluate the relationship between visceral fat reduction and changes in blood pressure in a group of overweight or obese Chinese individuals.

METHODS

An observational study was conducted with 168 participants (ChiCTR-OOC-17012000). Body composition, blood parameters and blood pressure were assessed at the beginning and end of the intervention. Males and females were categorized separately into quartiles according to changes in visceral fat during the intervention. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the associations of changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure with changes of visceral fat area, adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Changes in visceral fat was significantly associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in men for systolic (β = 0.234, 95% CI: 0.103, 0.365; p = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (β = 0.237; 95% CI: 0.127, 0.346; p <0.001), but not in women after adjustment for the same potential confounders for systolic blood (β = - 0.003, 95% CI: - 0.260, 0.255; p = 0.984) and diastolic blood pressure (β = 0.101, 95% CI: - 0.072, 0.273; p = 0.249).

CONCLUSIONS

A positive association was observed between reduction in visceral fat and improvements in both systolic blood and diastolic blood pressures in males but not females in a 12-week meal replacement intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The Ethics Committee of Peking University Health Science Center approved the study protocol on 6 July 2017. The authors confirm that all ongoing and related trials for this intervention were carried out following the rules of the Declaration of Helsinki of 1975 and registered (ChiCTR-OOC-17012000). http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=20426.

A Study of Machine-Learning Classifiers for Hypertension Based on Radial Pulse Wave

Objective

In this study, machine learning was utilized to classify and predict pulse wave of hypertensive group and healthy group and assess the risk of hypertension by observing the dynamic change of the pulse wave and provide an objective reference for clinical application of pulse diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Method

The basic information from 450 hypertensive cases and 479 healthy cases was collected by self-developed H20 questionnaires and pulse wave information was acquired by self-developed pulse diagnostic instrument (PDA-1). H20 questionnaires and pulse wave information were used as input variables to obtain different machine learning classification models of hypertension. This method was aimed at analyzing the influence of pulse wave on the accuracy and stability of machine learning model, as well as the feature contribution of hypertension model after removing noise by K-means.

Result

Compared with the classification results before removing noise, the accuracy and the area under the curve (AUC) had been improved. The accuracy rates of AdaBoost, Gradient Boosting, and Random Forest (RF) were 86.41%, 86.41%, and 85.33%, respectively. AUC were 0.86, 0.86, and 0.85, respectively. The maximum accuracy of SVM increased from 79.57% to 83.15%, and the AUC stability increased from 0.79 to 0.83. In addition, the features of importance on traditional statistics and machine learning were consistent. After removing noise, the features with large changes were h1/t1, w1/t, t, w2, h2, t1, and t5 in AdaBoost and Gradient Boosting (top10). The common variables for machine learning and traditional statistics were h1/t1, h5, t, Ad, BMI, and t2.

Conclusion

Pulse wave-based diagnostic method of hypertension has significant value in reference. In view of the feasibility of digital-pulse-wave diagnosis and dynamically evaluating hypertension, it provides the research direction and foundation for Chinese medicine in the dynamic evaluation of modern disease diagnosis and curative effect.