Association Between Ambulatory Systolic Blood Pressure During the Day and Asymptomatic Intracranial Arterial Stenosis

Is remote blood pressure monitoring and management a better approach for patients with hypertension? A narrative review

Hypertension is a global public health problem which affects the physical and mental health of individuals. The management of hypertension is a long-term process that requires the cooperation of both doctors and patients, and the blood pressure variability is closely related to the clinical prognosis. In recent years, the development of telemedicine has promoted better blood pressure monitoring and management for patients, as well as better medical intervention and health education for patients by medical staff. This article provides a review of remote blood pressure monitoring and management.

Advancement in the Cuffless and Noninvasive Measurement of Blood Pressure: A Review of the Literature and Open Challenges

Hypertension is a chronic condition that is one of the prominent reasons behind cardiovascular disease, brain stroke, and organ failure. Left unnoticed and untreated, the deterioration in a health condition could even result in mortality. If it can be detected early, with proper treatment, undesirable outcomes can be avoided. Until now, the gold standard is the invasive way of measuring blood pressure (BP) using a catheter. Additionally, the cuff-based and noninvasive methods are too cumbersome or inconvenient for frequent measurement of BP. With the advancement of sensor technology, signal processing techniques, and machine learning algorithms, researchers are trying to find the perfect relationships between biomedical signals and changes in BP. This paper is a literature review of the studies conducted on the cuffless noninvasive measurement of BP using biomedical signals. Relevant articles were selected using specific criteria, then traditional techniques for BP measurement were discussed along with a motivation for cuffless measurement use of biomedical signals and machine learning algorithms. The review focused on the progression of different noninvasive cuffless techniques rather than comparing performance among different studies. The literature survey concluded that the use of deep learning proved to be the most accurate among all the cuffless measurement techniques. On the other side, this accuracy has several disadvantages, such as lack of interpretability, computationally extensive, standard validation protocol, and lack of collaboration with health professionals. Additionally, the continuing work by researchers is progressing with a potential solution for these challenges. Finally, future research directions have been provided to encounter the challenges.

The Effects of Mean of Visit-to-Visit Blood Pressure on Incident Brain Vascular Lesions and Functional-Cognitive Decline

BACKGROUND

Cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) is an underlying cause of cognitive impairment and dementia. Hypertension is a known risk factor of CeVD, but the effects of mean of visit-to-visit blood pressure (BP) on incident CeVD and functional-cognitive decline remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between mean of visit-to-visit BP with the incidence and progression of CeVD [white matter hyperintensities (WMH), infarcts (cortical infarcts and lacunes), cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), intracranial stenosis, and hippocampal volume] as well as functional-cognitive decline over 2 years of follow-up.

METHODS

373 patients from a memory-clinic underwent BP measurements at baseline, year 1, and year 2. The mean of visit-to-visit systolic BP, diastolic BP, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure were calculated. Baseline and year 2 MRI scans were graded for WMH, infarcts, CMBs, intracranial stenosis, and hippocampal volume. Functional-cognitive decline was assessed using locally validated protocol. Logistic and linear regression models with odds ratios, mean difference, and 95%confidence interval were constructed to analyze associations of visit-to-visit BP on CeVD incidence and progression as well as functional-cognitive decline.

RESULTS

Higher mean of visit-to-visit diastolic BP was associated with WMH progression. Higher tertiles of diastolic BP was associated with WMH progression and incident CMBs. There was no association between mean of visit-to-visit BP measures with incident cerebral infarcts, intracranial stenosis, change in hippocampal volume, and functional-cognitive decline.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest the possibility of hypertension-related vascular brain damage. Careful monitoring and management of BP in elderly patients is essential to reduce the incidence and progression of CeVD.

Association of self-measured home, ambulatory, and strictly measured office blood pressure and their variability with intracranial arterial stenosis

OBJECTIVE

Hypertension and intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS) are closely related; however, few studies have compared the strength of the relationship between strictly measured office and out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurements. The relationship of day-by-day or short-term variability in BP to asymptomatic ICAS also remains unclear.

METHODS

In apparently healthy 677 men (mean age, 70 years) from a population-based cohort, we examined the association of strictly measured office BP and 7-day home BP with ICAS on magnetic resonance angiography. We conducted 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring in 468 of the men. Variability indices included day-by-day, daytime, and night-time variability, nocturnal decline, and morning pressor surge. Any ICAS was defined as either mild (1-49%) or severe (≥50%) stenosis.

RESULTS

We observed mild and severe ICAS in 153 (22.6%) and 36 (5.3%) participants, respectively. In multivariable-adjusted Poisson regression with robust error variance, higher SBP in office, home, or ambulatory BP monitoring was associated with the presence of any or severe ICAS. The associations with ICAS were comparable between office, home, and ambulatory SBP (all heterogeneity P values >0.1). Independent of mean SBP, greater nocturnal decline or morning pressor surge, but not day-by-day, daytime, or night-time variability, in SBP was associated with higher burden of any or severe ICAS.

CONCLUSION

The magnitude of association of strictly measured office BP for asymptomatic ICAS was comparable with that of BP measured at home or in ambulatory BP monitoring. Circadian BP variation based on ambulatory BP monitoring was positively associated with asymptomatic ICAS burden.

Relationship of Four Blood Pressure Indexes to Subclinical Cerebrovascular Diseases Assessed by Brain MRI in General Japanese Men

Aim: The relationship of blood pressure (BP) indexes (systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], pulse pressure [PP], mean arterial pressure [MAP]) to subclinical cerebrovascular diseases (SCVDs) remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship of four BP indexes measured at two visits on SCVDs assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in general Japanese men.

Methods: In general Japanese men aged 40–79 years ( N =616), office BP indexes were measured at two visits (Visits 1 [2006–2008] and 2 [2010–2014]). MRI images obtained on the third visit (2012–2015) were examined for prevalent SCVDs: lacunar infarction, periventricular hyperintensity (PVH), deep subcortical white matter hyperintensity (DSWMH), microbleeds, and intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS). Using a multivariable logistic regression analysis, we computed and estimated the odds ratio of each prevalent SCVD for one standard deviation higher BP indexes. The same analyses were performed using home BP.

Results: All four office BP indexes at both visits associated with lacunar infarction. Visit 1 and 2 DBP and Visit 1 MAP associated with PVH and DSWMH, and Visit 1 SBP associated with DSWMH. All Visit 2 BP indexes appear to show stronger association with microbleeds than Visit 1 indexes, and Visit 1 and 2 SBP, PP, and MAP showed similar associations with ICAS. Additional analyses using home BP indexes revealed similar relationships; however, the significance of some relationships decreased.

Conclusion: In general Japanese men, BP indexes were associated with most of SCVDs, and BP indexes measured at different periods associated with different SCVDs assessed by MRI.

Management of Hypertension in the Digital Era: Small Wearable Monitoring Devices for Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring

Out-of-office blood pressure measurement is an essential part of diagnosing and managing hypertension. In the era of advanced digital health information technology, the approach to achieving this is shifting from traditional methods (ambulatory and home blood pressure monitoring) to wearable devices and technology. Wearable blood pressure monitors allow frequent blood pressure measurements (ideally continuous beat-by-beat monitoring of blood pressure) with minimal stress on the patient. It is expected that wearable devices will dramatically change the quality of detection and management of hypertension by increasing the number of measurements in different situations, allowing accurate detection of phenotypes that have a negative impact on cardiovascular prognosis, such as masked hypertension and abnormal blood pressure variability. Frequent blood pressure measurements and the addition of new features such as monitoring of environmental conditions allows interpretation of blood pressure data in the context of daily stressors and different situations. This new digital approach to hypertension contributes to anticipation medicine, which refers to strategies designed to identify increasing risk and predict the onset of cardiovascular events based on a series of data collected over time, allowing proactive interventions to reduce risk. To achieve this, further research and validation is required to develop wearable blood pressure monitoring devices that provide the same accuracy as current approaches and can effectively contribute to personalized medicine.

Diversity of and initiatives for hypertension management in Asia-Why we need the HOPE Asia Network

The Hypertension Cardiovascular Outcome Prevention and Evidence in Asia (HOPE Asia) Network was set up to improve the management of hypertension in Asia with the ultimate goal of achieving "zero" cardiovascular events. Asia is a diverse continent, and the prevalence of hypertension has increased over the last 30 years. There are a number of Asia-specific features of hypertension and hypertension-related cardiovascular complications, which means that a region-specific approach is needed. White-coat hypertension will become more of an issue over time as Asian populations age, and masked hypertension is more prevalent in Asian than in Western countries. Identifying and treating masked hypertension is important to reduce cardiovascular risk. Abnormal patterns of blood pressure (BP) variability common in Asia include exaggerated early morning BP surge and nocturnal hypertension. These are also important cardiovascular risk factors that need to be managed. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is an important tool for detecting white-coat and masked hypertension, and monitoring BP variability, and practices in Asia are variable. Use of HBPM is important given the Asia-specific features of hypertension, and strategies are needed to improve and standardize HBPM usage. Development of HBPM devices capable of measuring nocturnal BP along with other information and communication technology-based strategies are key developments in the widespread implementation of anticipation medicine strategies to detect and prevent cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension. Region-wide differences in hypertension prevalence, control, and management practices in Asia highlight the importance of information sharing to facilitate best practices.

Association of antinuclear antibodies with the risk of intracranial arterial stenosis

The prevalence of intracranial arterial stenosis (IAS) as well as antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity was found to be higher in Asians than that in the Western population. To investigate the relation of ANAs with IAS in patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease, we enrolled 2492 patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack into the study. All the patients were categorized into 3 groups according to the IAS burden. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used in statistical analysis. The positive rate of ANAs in the IAS ≥ 2 group was higher than that in the single IAS group and the no IAS group (p<0.001). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for IAS ≥ 2 in ANAs-positive patients was 3.737 (95%CI=2.676-5.220, p<0.001) compared with the ANAs-negative patients. ANAs were associated with multiple IAS rather than single IAS in both male and female subgroups. Besides, ANAs were significantly associated with single and multiple IAS in individuals ≤ 60 years. However, ANAs were only associated with two or more IAS in two age groups (between 61 to 75 years and >75 years old). In summary, ANAs are associated with IAS in patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease.

[Cerebral perfusion, arterial hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis]

To study the relationship between cerebral perfusion with arterial hypertension (AH) and the state of endothelium in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy-eight patients with RA were divided into two groups: with- and without AH.The functional methods included ultrasonic duplex angioscanning and dopplerografy of the extracranial and intracranial arteries of the head and neck and daily 24 hour monitoring of arterial blood pressure (BP). C-reactive protein (CRP), vascular endothelial adhesion molecule type 1 (sVCAM-1), von Willebrand Factor antigen (vWF AG), interleukin-8 (Il-8), rheumatoid factor (RF) IgG, endothelin-1 (ET-1) were determined by immunoenzyme analysis and velocity of sedimentation (VS). The dysfunction of endothelium was evaluated by calculation of the number of desquamated endotheliocytes cells (DE).

RESULTS

AH occurred in 46 (59%) patients. Cerebral hypoperfusion was observed in patients with RA in whom the reduction in the high-speed indices of blood flow were correlated with BP increase. There were negative correlations between the linear speed of blood flow on the common carotid arteries and average day and night systolic BP, average day and night diastolic BP, indices of time systolic BP and diastolic BP and avariability of BP. The same results were established for the intracranial arteries: inverse correlations between the linear speed on the anterior cerebral arteries and average day systolic BP. The signs of endothelial dysfunction represented by significant differences among the indices of activation of endothelium in RA patients in comparison with the control group were shown. Content of ET-1, sVCAM-1, vWF AG, Il-8, CRP was higher in RA. The number of DE was significantly higher as well. These indices showed significant differences depending on RA activity. Correlation analysis revealed that the markers of endothelium activation sVCAM-1, vWF AG were positively correlated with the indices of immune inflammation.

CONCLUSION

An increase in the activity of inflammatory process in RA leads to endothelial dysfunction, which contributes to the increase in the peripheral vascular resistance of cerebral arteries, reduction in the high-speed indices of blood flow, growth of BP variability and the increase in load by pressure.

Hypertension: a new treatment for an old disease? Targeting the immune system

Arterial hypertension represents a serious public health problem, being a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The availability of many antihypertensive therapeutic strategies still fails to adequately treat around 20% of hypertensive patients, who are considered resistant to conventional treatment. In the pathogenesis of hypertension, immune system mechanisms are activated and both the innate and adaptive immune responses play a crucial role. However, what, when and how the immune system is triggered during hypertension development is still largely undefined. In this context, this review highlights scientific advances in the manipulation of the immune system in order to attenuate hypertension and end-organ damage. Here, we discuss the potential use of immunosuppressants and immunomodulators as pharmacological tools to control the activation of the immune system, by non-specific and specific mechanisms, to treat hypertension and improve end-organ damage. Nevertheless, more clinical trials should be performed with these drugs to establish their therapeutic efficacy, safety and risk-benefit ratio in hypertensive conditions. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Immune Targets in Hypertension. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.12/issuetoc.

Comparison Between Home and Ambulatory Morning Blood Pressure and Morning Hypertension in Their Reproducibility and Associations With Vascular Injury

Morning blood pressure (BP) is recommended to be assessed by either 24-hour ambulatory or home BP monitoring. By which methods morning BP assessed is more reproducible and more closely associated with vascular injury remains unknown. We, therefore, addressed this issue in 1049 referred untreated outpatients (51.9% women; average age, 51 years) who had performed 24-hour ambulatory and 7-day home BP monitoring and vascular evaluations. Irrespective of the assessment methods, morning BPs were all significantly ( P≤0.027) associated with the arterial measures. The partial correlation coefficients of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio with home morning BPs were greater than those with the ambulatory morning pressures among the first 2 hours after awakening (0.21-0.37 versus 0.15-0.24; P<0.05). The associations with home morning systolic BP remained significant ( P≤0.002) after full adjustment for evening BP, whereas those with ambulatory morning BPs became nonsignificant after full adjustment for 24-hour BP except that of the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity with ambulatory morning (6:00-10:00) systolic BP. Of the 135 subjects who had both home and repeated 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring within 1 month, the coefficients of variation were ≈11% for ambulatory morning BPs and 5% for home self-measurements. In conclusion, morning BP, irrespective of the assessment methods and definitions, was generally reproducible and significantly associated with vascular indices. Nevertheless, home morning BP might be preferred than ambulatory measurements because of better reproducibility and stronger correlation with vascular indices.

[Endothelial damage and circadian blood pressure profile in rheumatoid arthritis]

AIM

To study the influence of the state of endothelium on the daily profile of arterial pressure (AP) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 70 RA pts carried out C-reactive protein (CRP), vascular endothelial adhesion molecule type 1 (sVCAM-1), antigen von Willebrand Factor (AG WF), interleukin-8 (Il-8), rheumatoid factor (RF), IgG, endotheline-1 (ET-1), number of desquamated endotheliocytes cells (DE), VS, activity of renin by immunoenzyme analysis. The dysfunction of endothelium was evaluated by calculation of DE. The functional methods included the daily monitoring of arterial pressure (AP).

RESULTS

Arterial hypertension (AH) occurred in 40 (57.1%) pts. RA pts are revealed the signs of endothelial dysfunction, about which significant differences among the indices of activation of endothelium in comparison with control group testify. ET-1, sVCAM-1, vWF AG, Il-8, CRP content was higher in RA pts. Reliably above there was a number of DE. Reliable differences according to these indices depending of RA activity were discovered. With conducting of correlation analysis it is revealed, that markers of the activation of endothelium: sVCAM-1, vWF AG positively correlated with increasing RF IgG and indices of the immune inflammation: CRP, and DE number. In patients suffering from RA, showed signs of endothelial dysfunction. The positive correlation between endothelial damage and daily profile of AP show the relationship of these processes.

CONCLUSION

Positive correlations between the damage of endothelium and disturbance of AP daily profile testify about the interrelation of these processes.

Early morning-Best time window of hourly 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure in relation to hypertensive organ damage: The Japan Morning Surge-Home Blood Pressure study

The correlations between organ damage and hourly ambulatory blood pressure (BP) have not been established. The patients were 1464 participants of the Japan Morning Surge-Home Blood Pressure (J-HOP) study participants who underwent ambulatory BP monitoring. The hourly systolic BP (SBP) at x o'clock was defined as the average of SBP values measured at times x - 30 minutes, x, and x + 30 minutes. The mean age was 64.8 ± 11.6 years. The percentage of male participants was 47.8%. The left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was significantly associated with SBP at 6 o'clock (r = 0.166, P < 0.001). The carotid intima-media thickness was significantly associated with SBP at 5 o'clock (r = 0.196, P < 0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, smoking, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, antihypertensive drug use, clinic SBP, and 24-hour ambulatory SBP, the correlations of the LVMI and hourly SBP at 6 o'clock remained significant (beta coefficient = 0.125, P < 0.01). In conclusion, morning ambulatory systolic BP especially at 5 and 6 o'clock was independently associated with organ damage.

Risk factors for intracranial atherosclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) is a predictable and preventable condition, but existing evidence concerning its risk factors has not been quantitatively assessed. The aim of this meta-analysis is to identify the non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors for ICAS.

METHODS

PubMed and EMBASE were searched (1995-May 15, 2018) for cross-sectional and longitudinal studies exploring risk factors for ICAS. The risk estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in multivariate analysis were aggregated using random-effect models.

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies comprising 59,736 subjects met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review involving thirty-one risk or protective factors. Seven factors were associated with ICAS, as suggested by the meta-analysis, including advanced age (odds ratio (OR) 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.08), metabolic syndrome (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.35-3.37), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.69-2.31), hypertension (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.69-2.31), dyslipidemia (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.04-1.59), high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00-1.12) and high levels of apolipoprotein A1 (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.15-0.75). The subgroup analysis for study populations indicated advanced age, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus and hypertension as an elevated risk of ICAS among community subjects and stroke patients; according to the subgroup analysis for ethnicity, similar associations remained in Asians, but only metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus were correlated with ICAS in Caucasians.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with advanced age, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia might have a higher risk of ICAS, whereas high levels of apolipoprotein A1 might protect against ICAS.

Association of Homocysteine with Aysmptomatic Intracranial and Extracranial Arterial Stenosis in Hypertension Patients

Elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) is suggested as an independent risk factor for stroke. We aimed to investigate the association of Hcy concentration with intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) and extracranial AS (ECAS) in hypertensive patients without stroke in Chinese population and to explore modified effect of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T on their relationship. The stenosis of intracranial and extracranial arteries were evaluated in a total of 929 subjects through computerized tomographic angiography (CTA) from aortic arch to the skull base. Hcy concentration showed significantly association with both ICAS (OR: 1.105; 95% CI: 1.057-1.155) and ECAS (OR: 1.096; 95% CI: 1.047-1.146) for 1 µmol/L increment in Hcy. Meanwhile, hyperhomocysteinemia (≥15 µmol/L) was also displayed association with ICAS (OR: 1.587; 95% CI: 1.029-2.446) and ECAS (OR: 2.164; 95% CI: 1.392-3.364) after fully adjustment. Furthermore, in the subgroup analysis, such association remained significant only in the subjects that were younger, with normal renal function and with MTHFR 677 C allele. Our study showed the significant association of Hcy with ECAS and ICAS in asymptomatic hypertension patients. Hcy played a universal effect on the cervico-cerebral atherosclerosis. Such association was modified by the MTHFR C677T genotype.

Association of Inter-arm Blood Pressure Difference with Asymptomatic Intracranial and Extracranial Arterial Stenosis in Hypertension Patients

Inter-arm blood pressure (BP) difference has been associated with ischemic stroke. Local atherosclerosis of stroke differ among vulnerable individuals, whereas intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) is more frequently affected Asians, and extracranial arterial stenosis (ECAS) is more prevalent among whites. We hereby sought to explore the association of inter-arm BP difference with ICAS and ECAS in stroke-free hypertensive patients in Chinese population. All the 885 subjects were evaluated of ICAS and ECAS through computerized tomographic angiography. Both arm BP was measured simultaneously by Vascular Profiler-1000 device. In the continuous study, ICAS was significantly associated with age, male, average brachial SBP, diabetes, anti-hypertensive treatment and inter-arm DBP difference. ECAS was associated with age, inter-arm SBP and LDL. In the categorical study, subjects with the top quartile of inter-arm DBP difference (≥4 mmHg) showed significantly higher risk of ICAS (OR = 2.109; 95% CI, 1.24–3.587). And the participants with the top quartile of inter-arm SBP difference (≥6 mmHg) showed significantly higher risk of ECAS (OR = 2.288; 95% CI, 1.309–3.998). In conclusion, we reported a diverse association of inter-arm SBP/DBP difference with the ICAS/ECAS. Inter-arm DBP difference might be the early symbol of ICAS in Chinese population, which need further verification in long-term cohort study.

Association of Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity with Asymptomatic Intracranial Arterial Stenosis in Hypertension Patients

BACKGROUND

Intracranial arterial stenosis is a common cause of ischemic stroke in Asians. We therefore sought to explore the relationship of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and intracranial arterial stenosis in 834 stroke-free hypertensive patients.

METHODS

Intracranial arterial stenosis was evaluated through computerized tomographic angiography. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity was measured by an automated cuff device.

RESULTS

The top decile of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity was significantly associated with intracranial arterial stenosis (P = .027, odds ratio = 1.82; 95% confidence interval: 1.07-3.10). The patients with the top decile of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity showed 56% higher risk for the presence of intracranial arterial stenosis to the whole population, which was more significant in patients younger than 65 years old. We also found that brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity related to both intracranial arterial stenosis and homocysteine.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed the association of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity with asymptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis in hypertension patients, especially in relative younger subjects. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity might be a relatively simple and repeatable measurement to detect hypertension patients in high risk of intracranial arterial stenosis.

Different blood pressure indexes on intracranial arterial stenosis in Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities in Community study in China

BACKGROUND

The association between hypertension and cerebrovascular events is shown in some large-scale studies, but it remains unclear which blood pressure index is the most sensitive risk factor for cerebrovascular stenosis.

METHODS

We investigated the potential associations between different blood pressure indexes and intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) in the study. The population-based Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities in Community study examined asymptomatic intracranial arterial abnormalities in a Chinese population and included participants aged more than 40 years without a history of stroke, transient ischemic attack, and coronary heart disease. ICAS was diagnosed by transcranial Doppler sonography. Blood pressure was measured with a mercury manometer three times; an average result of SBP and DBP was used, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP) were calculated for the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Out of the 4422 study participants, 711 (16.1%) showed an asymptomatic ICAS. After adjusting for age, waist circumference, drinking, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and blood concentration of uric acid, C-reactive protein, and homocysteine, ICAS was significantly associated with a higher SBP [from decile 6, odds ratio (OR) 3.093; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.909, 5.012; P < 0.01), a higher MAP (from decile 7, OR 2.889; 95% CI 1.853, 4.504; P < 0.01), and a higher PP (from decile 5, OR 2.295;95% CI 1.463, 3.601; P < 0.01). Using a receiver-operating characteristic curve to estimate the predictive value of different blood pressure indexes for ICAS, SBP, MAP, and PP, were predictive indexes for ICAS and PP showed the largest predictive value (area under the curve = 0.737).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study results suggest that SBP, MAP, and PP are all associated with asymptomatic ICAS. PP may be the most sensitive index to predict ICAS.

Association of Lp-PLA2 Mass and Aysmptomatic Intracranial and Extracranial Arterial Stenosis in Hypertension Patients

Background and Purpose

Intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) is a common cause of ischemic stroke in Asians, whereas whites tend to have more extracranial lesions. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂) has been associated with ischemic stroke by a large amount of work. However, there are few studies focusing on the relationship of Lp-PLA₂ and asymptomatic ICAS or extracranial arterial stenosis (ECAS). Wehereby sought to explore the relationship of Lp-PLA₂ and ICAS, ECAS and concurrent stenosis in stroke-free hypertensive patients in Chinese population.

Methods

All the subjects were evaluated for the presence and severity of ICAS and ECAS through computerized tomographic angiography (CTA) covered the whole brain down to the level of aortic arch. Lp-PLA₂ mass was measured by enzyme linked immunoassay. The association of Lp-PLA₂ and vascular stenosis was analyzed through multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Among 414 participants, 163 (39.4%) had no ICAS or ECAS, 63 (15.2%) had ECAS only, 111 (26.8%) had ICAS only and 77 (18.6%) had concurrent extraintracranial stenosis. Lp-PLA₂ mass was significantly associated with isolated ICAS (OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.14-4.64), and concurrent stenosis (OR: 3.93; 95% CI: 1.62-9.51), but was not related to isolated ECAS (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 0.68-3.48). Lp-PLA₂ mass was also associated with moderate to severe ICAS no matter how was the ECAS. Moreover, patients with higher Lp-PLA₂ mass showed more sever ICAS and had more intracranial arterial lesions.

Conclusion

This study revealed the association of Lp-PLA₂ mass with ICAS in stroke-free hypertensive patients in Chinese population. The further long-term cohort study was warranted to elucidate the concrete effect of Lp-PLA₂ on the asymptomatic ICAS.

Key Points of the Japanese Society of Hypertension Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension in 2014

The Japanese Society of Hypertension (JSH) published the new JSH guidelines for the management of hypertension in 2014, which is the revision of the JSH guidelines of 2009. The primary objective of the guideline is to provide physicians the standard treatment strategy of hypertension to prevent the hypertension-related target organ damage and cardiovascular events. The management of hypertension should be performed in hypertensive patients with a blood pressure of ≥140/90 mm Hg. As Asians have a higher prevalence of stroke than of coronary artery disease and stroke is more steeply associated with the level of blood pressure, the target blood pressure should be lower than 130/80 mm Hg for high-risk patients such as those with diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Because of the increasing prevalence of obesity and the related metabolic syndrome, more salt intake and higher salt sensitivity in the population, lifestyle modifications are necessary in hypertensive patients and subjects with high normal blood pressure. This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the management of patients with hypertension with the characteristics of our society.

Diffuse axonal injury after traumatic cerebral microbleeds: an evaluation of imaging techniques

Previous neuropathological studies regarding traumatic brain injury have primarily focused on changes in large structures, for example, the clinical prognosis after cerebral contusion, intracerebral hematoma, and epidural and subdural hematoma. In fact, many smaller injuries can also lead to severe neurological disorders. For example, cerebral microbleeds result in the dysfunction of adjacent neurons and the disassociation between cortex and subcortical structures. These tiny changes cannot be adequately visualized on CT or conventional MRI. In contrast, gradient echo sequence-based susceptibility-weighted imaging is very sensitive to blood metabolites and microbleeds, and can be used to evaluate traumatic cerebral microbleeds with high sensitivity and accuracy. Cerebral microbleed can be considered as an important imaging marker for diffuse axonal injury with potential relevance for prognosis. For this reason, based on experimental and clinical studies, this study reviews the role of imaging data showing traumatic cerebral microbleeds in the evaluation of cerebral neuronal injury and neurofunctional loss.