Cardiovascular and mortality risk of apparent resistant hypertension in women with suspected myocardial ischemia: a report from the NHLBI-sponsored WISE Study

Effects of baroreflex activation therapy on cardiac function and morphology

AIMS

Arterial hypertension (aHTN) plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The risk of heart failure increases with therapy-resistant arterial hypertension (trHTN), defined as inadequate blood pressure (BP) control ≥140/90 mmHg despite taking ≥3 antihypertensive medications including a diuretic. This study investigates the effects of the BP lowering baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) on cardiac function and morphology in patients with trHTN with and without HFpEF.

METHODS

Sixty-four consecutive patients who had been diagnosed with trHTN and received BAT implantation between 2012 and 2016 were prospectively observed. Office BP, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic data were collected before and after BAT implantation.

RESULTS

Mean patients' age was 59.1 years, 46.9% were male, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 33.2 kg/m2. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 38.8%, atrial fibrillation was 12.2%, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage ≥3 was 40.8%. Twenty-eight patients had trHTN with HFpEF, and 21 patients had trHTN without HFpEF. Patients with HFpEF were significantly older (64.7 vs. 51.6 years, P < 0.0001), had a lower BMI (30.0 vs. 37.2 kg/m2, P < 0.0001), and suffered more often from CKD-stage ≥3 (64 vs. 20%, P = 0.0032). After BAT implantation, mean office BP dropped in patients with and without HFpEF (from 169 ± 5/86 ± 4 to 143 ± 4/77 ± 3 mmHg [P = 0.0019 for systolic BP and 0.0403 for diastolic BP] and from 170 ± 5/95 ± 4 to 149 ± 6/88 ± 5 mmHg [P = 0.0019 for systolic BP and 0.0763 for diastolic BP]), while a significant reduction of the intake of calcium-antagonists, α2-agonists and direct vasodilators, as well as a decrease in average dosage of ACE-inhibitors and α2-agonists could be seen. Within the study population, a decrease in heart rate from 74 ± 2 to 67 ± 2 min-1 (P = 0.0062) and lengthening of QRS-time from 96 ± 3 to 106 ± 4 ms (P = 0.0027) and QTc-duration from 422 ± 5 to 432 ± 5 ms (P = 0.0184) were detectable. The PQ duration was virtually unchanged. In patients without HF, no significant changes of echocardiographic parameters could be seen. In patients with HFpEF, posterior wall diameter decreased significantly from 14.0 ± 0.5 to 12.7 ± 0.3 mm (P = 0.0125), left ventricular mass (LVM) declined from 278.1 ± 15.8 to 243.9 ± 13.4 g (P = 0.0203), and e' lateral increased from 8.2 ± 0.4 to 9.0 ± 0.4 cm/s (P = 0.0471).

CONCLUSIONS

BAT reduced systolic and diastolic BP and was associated with morphological and functional improvement of HFpEF.

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Cardiovascular Comorbidities of Resistant Hypertension among Treated Hypertensives in a Nigerian Population

The true prevalence and cardiovascular comorbidities of resistant hypertension (RH) in Nigeria and Africa are not known. We sought to determine the prevalence and cardiovascular comorbidities of resistant hypertension in a treated Nigerian hypertensive population. We analyzed 1,378 patients with essential hypertension from a prospective clinical registry, the Federal Medical Centre Abuja Hypertension Registry. Resistant hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg despite the use of ≥3 guideline-recommended antihypertensive medications including a diuretic, reninangiotensin system blocker and calcium-channel blocker at optimal or best-tolerated doses or blood pressure <140/90 mmHg on ≥4 antihypertensive medications. Resistant hypertension was confirmed with the use of home blood pressure monitoring while adherence was determined by monitoring prescription orders. The prevalence of resistant hypertension was 15.5%, with 12.3% as controlled resistant hypertension and 3.3% as uncontrolled resistant hypertension. Risk factors independently associated with the odds of resistant hypertension were male sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-2.21, p = 0.002), obesity, and diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, patients with resistant hypertension were more likely to have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (AOR: 3.36, 95% CI 1.25-9.07, p = 0.017), cerebrovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. In our treated hypertensive cohort, resistant hypertension was associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and it appears this burden maybe 2-3 times more in those with resistant hypertension compared to those without. Concerted efforts to prevent or promptly treat resistant hypertension in our population will reduce cardiovascular comorbidities.

Trilogy of drug repurposing for developing cancer and chemotherapy-induced heart failure co-therapy agent

Chemotherapy-induced complications, particularly lethal cardiovascular diseases, pose significant challenges for cancer survivors. The intertwined adverse effects, brought by cancer and its complication, further complicate anticancer therapy and lead to diminished clinical outcomes. Simple supplementation of cardioprotective agents falls short in addressing these challenges. Developing bi-functional co-therapy agents provided another potential solution to consolidate the chemotherapy and reduce cardiac events simultaneously. Drug repurposing was naturally endowed with co-therapeutic potential of two indications, implying a unique chance in the development of bi-functional agents. Herein, we further proposed a novel "trilogy of drug repurposing" strategy that comprises function-based, target-focused, and scaffold-driven repurposing approaches, aiming to systematically elucidate the advantages of repurposed drugs in rationally developing bi-functional agent. Through function-based repurposing, a cardioprotective agent, carvedilol (CAR), was identified as a potential neddylation inhibitor to suppress lung cancer growth. Employing target-focused SAR studies and scaffold-driven drug design, we synthesized 44 CAR derivatives to achieve a balance between anticancer and cardioprotection. Remarkably, optimal derivative 43 displayed promising bi-functional effects, especially in various self-established heart failure mice models with and without tumor-bearing. Collectively, the present study validated the practicability of the "trilogy of drug repurposing" strategy in the development of bi-functional co-therapy agents.

What is resistant arterial hypertension?

PURPOSE

The current review is to describe the definition and prevalence of resistant arterial hypertension (RAH), the difference between refractory hypertension, patient characteristics and major risk factors for RAH, how RAH is diagnosed, prognosis and outcomes for patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

According to the WHO, approximately 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 worldwide have arterial hypertension, and over 80% of them do not have blood pressure (BP) under control. RAH is defined as above-goal elevated BP despite the concurrent use of 3 or more classes of antihypertensive drugs, commonly including a long-acting calcium channel blocker, an inhibitor of the renin-angiotensin system (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker), and a thiazide diuretic administered at maximum or maximally tolerated doses and at appropriate dosing frequency. RAH occurs in nearly 1 of 6 hypertensive patients. It often remains unrecognised mainly because patients are not prescribed ≥3 drugs at maximal doses despite uncontrolled BP.

CONCLUSION

RAH distinctly increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke and chronic kidney disease and confers higher rates of major adverse cardiovascular events as well as increased all-cause mortality. Timely diagnosis and treatment of RAH may mitigate the associated risks and improve short and long-term prognosis.

Characterization of Individuals With Apparent Resistant Hypertension Using Contemporary Guidelines: Insights From CV-QUIC

BACKGROUND

Apparent resistant hypertension (aRH) carries excess cardiovascular risk beyond nonresistant forms of hypertension; however, our understanding of this at-risk population, as defined by current US practice guidelines, is limited. Accordingly, we sought to evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and pharmacotherapeutic patterns of patients with aRH using contemporary blood pressure guidance.

METHODS

We classified patients at 3 large healthcare systems by hypertensive status using contemporary hypertension guidelines. We subsequently described the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with aRH and compared these factors among hypertensive patients without aRH and between those with controlled and uncontrolled aRH.

RESULTS

A total of 2 420 468 patients were analyzed, of whom 1 343 489 (55.6%) were hypertensive according to contemporary guidelines. Among hypertensive patients, 11 992 (8.5%) met criteria for aRH, with nearly all assessed comorbid conditions, particularly diabetes and heart failure, being more common in those with aRH. When compared with patients with uncontrolled aRH, those with controlled aRH were more frequently prescribed a beta-blocker, diuretic, and nitrate, with the largest standardized difference observed for a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (35.4% versus 10.4%, Cohen D 0.62). Consistent findings were noted in sensitivity analyses using the blood pressure threshold of 140/90 mm Hg.

CONCLUSIONS

In an analysis of over 2.4 million individuals, a lower prevalence of aRH was observed than previously reported (12%-15%), but with a high burden of comorbidities. Identification of differences in pharmacotherapy between patients with controlled and uncontrolled aRH, particularly lower rates of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist use, help define potential opportunities to improve care and lower cardiovascular risk.

Eleven-Year Experience with Selective Adrenal Vein Sampling in Management of Primary Adrenal Hormonal Hypersecretion

Introduction: Nearly half of the adult population in the United States has been diagnosed with hypertension. Adrenal hormonal hypersecretion is a leading cause of secondary hypertension. Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) may assist in differentiating between unilateral and bilateral adrenal hormonal hypersecretion to identify patients who are candidates for adrenalectomy. We reviewed the use of AVS at our institution along with associated outcomes after adrenalectomy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients with a diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) or adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent Cushing syndrome (AICS) and who underwent adrenalectomy between January 1, 2010, and December 1, 2021. Patient data of baseline characteristics, preoperative workup, including AVS, and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: Seventy-one patients were identified in the study period (48 PA and 23 AICS). Computed tomography scan identified unilateral adrenal nodules in 52 patients (29 left; and 23 right), bilateral nodules in 13 patients, and no nodules in 6 patients. AVS was performed in 45 patients with PA (93%) and 5 patients with AICS (21%). After surgery, the number of PA patients with hypokalemia or requiring potassium supplementation significantly decreased after adrenalectomy (before surgery: 33 [68.7%]; and after surgery: 5 [10.4%], P < .01). The number of medications required for hypertension in AICS patients also significantly decreased. No major adverse events were noted. Conclusions: Our long-term experience demonstrates the ongoing use of AVS during workup of patients with primary hyperaldosteronism and for select patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent Cushing syndrome. However, a low level of discordance between imaging and AVS findings in PA patients suggests that there may be a subset of patients in whom preoperative AVS is not necessary.

Role of home blood pressure monitoring in resistant hypertension

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

Promise of Physiological Profiling to Prevent Stroke in People of African Ancestry: Prototyping Ghana

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Worldwide, compared to other racial/ethnic groups, individuals of African ancestry have an excessively higher burden of hypertension-related morbidities, especially stroke. Identifying modifiable biological targets that contribute to these disparities could improve global stroke outcomes. In this scoping review, we discuss how pathological perturbations in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathways could be harnessed via physiological profiling for the purposes of improving blood pressure control for stroke prevention among people of African ancestry.

RECENT FINDINGS

Transcontinental comparative data from the USA and Ghana show that the prevalence of treatment-resistant hypertension among stroke survivors is 42.7% among indigenous Africans, 16.1% among African Americans, and 6.9% among non-Hispanic Whites, p < 0.0001. A multicenter clinical trial of patients without stroke in 3 African countries (Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa) demonstrated that physiological profiling using plasma renin activity and aldosterone to individualize selection of antihypertensive medications compared with usual care resulted in better blood pressure control with fewer medications over 12 months. Among Ghanaian ischemic stroke survivors treated without renin-aldosterone profiling data, an analysis revealed that those with low renin phenotypes did not achieve any meaningful reduction in blood pressure over 12 months on 3-4 antihypertensive medications despite excellent adherence. For a polygenic condition such as hypertension, individualized therapy based on plasma renin-aldosterone-guided selection of therapy for uncontrolled BP following precision medicine principles may be a viable strategy for primary and secondary stroke prevention with the potential to reduce disparities in the poor outcomes of stroke disproportionately shared by individuals of African ancestry. A dedicated clinical trial to test this hypothesis is warranted.

Mechanisms of Coronary Ischemia in Women

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Obstructive coronary artery disease is a major cause of ischemia in both men and women; however, women are more likely to present with ischemia in the setting of no obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) and myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), conditions that are associated with adverse cardiovascular prognosis despite absence of coronary stenosis. In this review, we focus on mechanisms of coronary ischemia that should be considered in the differential diagnosis when routine anatomic clinical investigation leads to the finding of non-obstructive coronary artery disease on coronary angiography in the setting of acute myocardial infarction.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are multiple mechanisms that contribute to MINOCA, including atherosclerotic plaque disruption, coronary artery spasm, coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), coronary embolism and/or thrombosis, and spontaneous coronary artery dissection. Non-coronary causes such as myocarditis or supply-demand mismatch should also be considered on the differential when there is an unexplained troponin elevation. Use of advanced imaging and diagnostic techniques to determine the underlying etiology of MINOCA is feasible and helpful, as this has the potential to guide management and secondary prevention. Failure to identify the underlying cause(s) may result in inappropriate treatment and inaccurate counseling to patients. MINOCA predominates in young women and is associated with a guarded prognosis. The diagnosis of MINOCA should prompt further investigation to determine the underlying cause of troponin elevation. Patients with INOCA and MINOCA are heterogeneous, and response to treatments can be variable. Large randomized controlled trials to determine longer-term optimal medical therapy for management of these conditions are under investigation.

Apparent Treatment-Resistant Hypertension Among Stroke Survivors: A Transcontinental Study Assessing Impact of Race and Geography

BACKGROUND

Race and geographic differences in the prevalence and predictors of hypertension in stroke survivors have been reported, but apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) among stroke survivors by race (African ancestry vs. non-Hispanic Caucasians) and by geography (continental Africa vs. the United States) are under studied.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study using ethically approved stroke registries from the University of Florida and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Univariate and multivariate regression was used to evaluate for differences in prevalence of aTRH and associations with clinical covariates.

RESULTS

Harmonized data were available for 3,365 stroke survivors of which 943 (28.0%) were indigenous Africans, 558 (16.6%) African Americans, and 1,864 (55.4%) non-Hispanic Caucasians with median ages (interquartile range) of 59 (49-68), 61 (55-72), and 70 (62-78) years, P < 0.0001. The overall frequency of aTRH was 18.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.2%-19.8%) with 42.7% (95% CI: 39.6%-46.0%) among indigenous Africans, 16.1% (95% CI: 13.2%-19.5%) among African Americans, and 6.9% (95% CI: 5.8%-8.2%) among non-Hispanic Caucasians, P < 0.0001. Five factors associated with aTRH: age, adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of 0.99 (0.98-0.99), female sex 0.70 (0.56-0.87), cigarette smoking 1.98 (1.36-2.90), intracerebral hemorrhage 1.98 (1.57-2.48), and Black race namely indigenous Africans 4.42 (3.41-5.73) and African Americans 2.44 (1.81-3.29).

CONCLUSIONS

Future studies are needed to investigate the contribution of socioeconomic disparities in the prevalence aTRH in those with African Ancestry to explore the long-term impact, and evaluate effective therapeutic interventions in this subpopulation.

Key determinants of long-term post-stroke mortality in Ghana

BACKGROUND

Stroke affects a predominantly young to middle-aged population in Africa and is associated with poor outcomes. There are limited data on patient-level determinants of long-term stroke survival on the continent.

PURPOSE

To assess factors associated with long-term, all-cause mortality among stroke survivors in a Ghanaian medical system.

METHODS

We analyzed the dataset of clinical trial involving hypertensive stroke survivors (n = 60) who enrolled in a 9-month study primarily assessing the effect of an m-health intervention on blood pressure control. This was a single tertiary center study conducted in a Ghanaian medical center. Participants or relatives were contacted by a phone call to assess vital status 4.5 years after stroke onset. Demographic, psycho-social and vascular risk factors data were collected during the study. Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to assess the factors associated with death.

RESULTS

Among the study participants, long term information was obtainable on 58 of 60 (97%). After a median follow-up of 52 months [IQR: 48 to 53 months], 16 participants had died, resulting in a mortality rate of 27.6% (95% CI of 16.6% - 40.9%). Upon adjustment for confounders, the two factors independently associated with long-term mortality were resistant hypertension (Hazard Ratio 3.99; 95% CI: 1.29-12.37] and depression (Hazard Ratio 1.18; 95% CI: 1.05-1.31; per unit rise on the Hamilton Depression Scale).

CONCLUSION

In this convenience sample of recent stroke patients in Ghana, over a quarter had died within 5 years of index stroke onset. Resistant hypertension and depression may be modifiable therapeutic targets to improve outcomes in these patients.

Microvascular Angina: Diagnosis and Management

Recognition of suspected ischaemia with no obstructive coronary artery disease – termed INOCA – has increased over the past decades, with a key contributor being microvascular angina. Patients with microvascular angina are at higher risk for major adverse cardiac events including MI, stroke, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and death but to date there are no clear evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. Recently, the Coronary Vasomotion Disorders International Study Group proposed standardised criteria for diagnosis of microvascular angina using invasive and non-invasive approaches. The management strategy for remains empirical, largely due to the lack of high-levelevidence- based guidelines and clinical trials. In this review, the authors will illustrate the updated approach to diagnosis of microvascular angina and address evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for patients with the condition.

Resistance to antihypertensive treatment and long-term risk: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study

More stringent blood pressure (BP) goals have led to greater prevalence of apparent resistant hypertension (ARH), yet the long‐term prognostic impact of ARH diagnosed according to these goals in the general population remains unknown. We assessed the prognostic impact of ARH according to contemporary BP goals in 9612 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study without previous cardiovascular disease. ARH, defined as BP above goal (traditional goal <140/90 mmHg, more stringent goal <130/80 mmHg) despite the use of ≥3 antihypertensive drug classes or any BP with ≥4 antihypertensive drug classes (one of which was required to be a diuretic) was compared with controlled hypertension (BP at goal with 1‐3 antihypertensive drug classes). Cox regression models were adjusted for age, sex, race, study center, BMI, heart rate, smoking, eGFR, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and diabetes. Using the traditional BP goal, 133 participants (3.8% of the treated) had ARH. If the more stringent BP goal was instead applied, 785 participants (22.6% of the treated) were reclassified from controlled hypertension to uncontrolled hypertension (n = 725) or to ARH (n = 60). Over a median follow‐up time of 19 years, ARH was associated with increased risk for a composite end point (all‐cause mortality, hospitalization for myocardial infarction, stroke, or heart failure) regardless of whether traditional (adjusted HR 1.50, 95% CI: 1.23‐1.82) or more stringent (adjusted HR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.20‐1.70) blood pressure goals were applied. We conclude that in patients free from cardiovascular disease, ARH predicted long‐term risk regardless of whether traditional or more stringent BP criteria were applied.

Eligibility for Baroreflex Activation Therapy and medication adherence in patients with apparently resistant hypertension

Uncontrolled hypertension is a main risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity. Baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) is an effective therapy option addressing true resistant hypertension. We evaluated patients’ eligibility for BAT in a staged assessment as well as adherence to antihypertensive drug therapy. Therefore, we analyzed files of 345 patients, attending the hypertension clinic at University Medicine Göttingen. Additionally, gas chromatographic‐mass spectrometric urine analyses of selected individuals were performed evaluating their adherence. Most common cause for a revoked BAT recommendation was blood pressure (BP) control by drug adjustment (54.2%). Second leading cause was presence of secondary hypertension (31.6%). Patients to whom BAT was recommended (59 (17.1%)) were significantly more often male (67.8% vs. 43.3%, P = .0063), had a higher body mass index (31.8 ± 5.8 vs. 30.0 ± 5.7 kg/m², P = .0436), a higher systolic office (168.7 ± 24.7 vs. 147.7 ± 24.1 mmHg, P < .0001), and 24h ambulatory BP (155.0 ± 14.6 vs. 144.4 ± 16.8 mmHg, P = .0031), took more antihypertensive drugs (5.8 ± 1.3 vs. 4.4 ± 1.4, P < .0001), and suffered more often from numerous concomitant diseases. Eventually, 27 (7.8%) received a BAT system. In the toxicological analysis of 75 patients, mean adherence was 75.1%. 16 patients (21.3%) showed non‐adherence. Thus, only a small number of patients eventually received a BAT system, as treatable reasons for apparently resistant hypertension could be identified frequently. This study is—to our knowledge—the first report of a staged assessment of patients’ suitability for BAT and underlines the need for a careful examination and indication. Non‐adherence was proven to be a relevant issue concerning apparently resistant hypertension and therefore non‐eligibility for interventional antihypertensive therapy.

We evaluated the eligibility for baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) of 345 patients, attending the hypertension clinic at University Medicine Göttingen. Patients’ drug adherence was investigated by 75 toxicological analyses. Most common cause for a revoked BAT recommendation was blood pressure control by drug adjustment. Eventually, only less patients (7.8%) received a BAT system. Patients receiving a BAT recommendation showed specific characteristics and suffered numerous comorbidities, leading to a high cardiovascular risk, and therefore seem to greatly benefit from BAT implantation. 21.3% of patients showed non‐adherence, proving non‐adherence to be a relevant issue.

Angiogenic CD34 Stem Cell Therapy in Coronary Microvascular Repair-A Systematic Review

Ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) is an increasingly recognized disease, with a prevalence of 3 to 4 million individuals, and is associated with a higher risk of morbidity, mortality, and a worse quality of life. Persistent angina in many patients with INOCA is due to coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), which can be difficult to diagnose and treat. A coronary flow reserve <2.5 is used to diagnose endothelial-independent CMD. Antianginal treatments are often ineffective in endothelial-independent CMD and thus novel treatment modalities are currently being studied for safety and efficacy. CD34+ cell therapy is a promising treatment option for these patients, as it has been shown to promote vascular repair and enhance angiogenesis in the microvasculature. The resulting restoration of the microcirculation improves myocardial tissue perfusion, resulting in the recovery of coronary microvascular function, as evidenced by an improvement in coronary flow reserve. A pilot study in INOCA patients with endothelial-independent CMD and persistent angina, treated with autologous intracoronary CD34+ stem cells, demonstrated a significant improvement in coronary flow reserve, angina frequency, Canadian Cardiovascular Society class, and quality of life (ESCaPE-CMD, NCT03508609). This work is being further evaluated in the ongoing FREEDOM (NCT04614467) placebo-controlled trial.

Apparent treatment resistant hypertension and the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with established vascular disease

AIM

To quantify the relation between apparent treatment resistant hypertension (aTRH) and the risk of recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE including stroke, myocardial infarction and vascular death) and mortality in patients with stable vascular disease.

METHODS

7455 hypertensive patients with symptomatic vascular disease were included from the ongoing UCC-SMART cohort between 1996 and 2019. aTRH was defined as an office blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg despite treatment with ≥3 antihypertensive drugs including a diuretic. Cox proportional hazard models were used to quantify the relation between aTRH and the risk of recurrent MACE and all-cause mortality. In addition, survival for patients with aTRH was assessed, taking competing risk of non-vascular mortality into account.

RESULTS

A total of 1557 MACE and 1882 deaths occurred during a median follow-up of 9.0 years (interquartile range 4.8-13.1 years). Compared to patients with non-aTRH, the 614 patients (8%) with aTRH were at increased risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.27; 95% CI 1.03-1.56) and death from any cause (HR 1.25; 95% CI 1.07-1.45) but not recurrent MACE (HR 1.13; 95% CI 0.95-1.34). At the age of 50 years, patients with aTRH after a first cardiovascular event on average had a 6.4 year shorter median life expectancy free of recurrent MACE than patients with non-aTRH.

CONCLUSION

In hypertensive patients with clinically manifest vascular disease, aTRH is related to a higher risk of vascular death and death from any cause. Moreover, patients with aTRH after a first cardiovascular event have a 6.4 year shorter median life expectancy free of recurrent cardiovascular disease.

Testing for Primary Aldosteronism and Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Use Among U.S. Veterans : A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Primary aldosteronism is a common cause of treatment-resistant hypertension. However, evidence from local health systems suggests low rates of testing for primary aldosteronism.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate testing rates for primary aldosteronism and evidence-based hypertension management in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

U.S. Veterans Health Administration.

PARTICIPANTS

Veterans with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (n = 269 010) from 2000 to 2017, defined as either 2 blood pressures (BPs) of at least 140 mm Hg (systolic) or 90 mm Hg (diastolic) at least 1 month apart during use of 3 antihypertensive agents (including a diuretic), or hypertension requiring 4 antihypertensive classes.

MEASUREMENTS

Rates of primary aldosteronism testing (plasma aldosterone-renin) and the association of testing with evidence-based treatment using a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) and with longitudinal systolic BP.

RESULTS

4277 (1.6%) patients who were tested for primary aldosteronism were identified. An index visit with a nephrologist (hazard ratio [HR], 2.05 [95% CI, 1.66 to 2.52]) or an endocrinologist (HR, 2.48 [CI, 1.69 to 3.63]) was associated with a higher likelihood of testing compared with primary care. Testing was associated with a 4-fold higher likelihood of initiating MRA therapy (HR, 4.10 [CI, 3.68 to 4.55]) and with better BP control over time.

LIMITATIONS

Predominantly male cohort, retrospective design, susceptibility of office BPs to misclassification, and lack of confirmatory testing for primary aldosteronism.

CONCLUSION

In a nationally distributed cohort of veterans with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension, testing for primary aldosteronism was rare and was associated with higher rates of evidence-based treatment with MRAs and better longitudinal BP control. The findings reinforce prior observations of low adherence to guideline-recommended practices in smaller health systems and underscore the urgent need for improved management of patients with treatment-resistant hypertension.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

National Institutes of Health.

Adverse Health Outcomes Associated With Refractory and Treatment-Resistant Hypertension in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort

Refractory hypertension (RfH) is a severe phenotype of antihypertension treatment failure. Treatment-resistant hypertension (TRH), a less severe form of difficult-to-treat hypertension, has been associated with significantly worse health outcomes. However, no studies currently show how health outcomes may worsen upon progression to RfH. RfH and TRH were studied in 3147 hypertensive participants in the CRIC (Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort study). The hypertensive phenotype (ie, no TRH or RfH, TRH, or RfH) was identified at the baseline visit, and health outcomes were monitored at subsequent visits. Outcome risk was compared using Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying covariates. A total of 136 (4.3%) individuals were identified with RfH at baseline. After adjusting for participant characteristics, individuals with RfH had increased risk for the composite renal outcome across all study years (50% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate or end-stage renal disease; hazard ratio for study years 0-10=1.73 [95% CI, 1.42-2.11]) and the composite cardiovascular disease outcome during later study years (stroke, myocardial infarction, or congestive heart failure; hazard ratio for study years 0-3=1.25 [0.91-1.73], for study years 3-6=1.50 [0.97-2.32]), and for study years 6-10=2.72 [1.47-5.01]) when compared with individuals with TRH. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality between those with refractory versus TRH. We provide the first evidence that RfH is associated with worse long-term health outcomes compared with TRH.

Optimizing identification of resistant hypertension: Computable phenotype development and validation

PURPOSE

Computable phenotypes are constructed to utilize data within the electronic health record (EHR) to identify patients with specific characteristics; a necessary step for researching a complex disease state. We developed computable phenotypes for resistant hypertension (RHTN) and stable controlled hypertension (HTN) based on the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network (PCORnet) common data model (CDM). The computable phenotypes were validated through manual chart review.

METHODS

We adapted and refined existing computable phenotype algorithms for RHTN and stable controlled HTN to the PCORnet CDM in an adult HTN population from the OneFlorida Clinical Research Consortium (2015-2017). Two independent reviewers validated the computable phenotypes through manual chart review of 425 patient records. We assessed precision of our computable phenotypes through positive predictive value (PPV) and test validity through interrater reliability (IRR).

RESULTS

Among the 156 730 HTN patients in our final dataset, the final computable phenotype algorithms identified 24 926 patients with RHTN and 19 100 with stable controlled HTN. The PPV for RHTN in patients randomly selected for validation of the final algorithm was 99.1% (n = 113, CI: 95.2%-99.9%). The PPV for stable controlled HTN in patients randomly selected for validation of the final algorithm was 96.5% (n = 113, CI: 91.2%-99.0%). IRR analysis revealed a raw percent agreement of 91% (152/167) with Cohen's kappa statistic = 0.87.

CONCLUSIONS

We constructed and validated a RHTN computable phenotype algorithm and a stable controlled HTN computable phenotype algorithm. Both algorithms are based on the PCORnet CDM, allowing for future application to epidemiological and drug utilization based research.

Screening Rates for Primary Aldosteronism in Resistant Hypertension: A Cohort Study

Resistant hypertension is associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and death than primary hypertension. Although clinical practice guidelines recommend screening for primary aldosteronism among persons with resistant hypertension, rates of screening are unknown. We identified 145 670 persons with hypertension and excluded persons with congestive heart failure or advanced chronic kidney disease. Among this cohort, we studied 4660 persons ages 18 to <90 from the years 2008 to 2014 with resistant hypertension and available laboratory tests within the following 24 months. The screening rate for primary aldosteronism in persons with resistant hypertension was 2.1%. Screened persons were younger (55.9±13.3 versus 65.5±11.6 years; P<0.0001) and had higher systolic (145.1±24.3 versus 139.6±20.5 mm Hg; P=0.04) and diastolic blood pressure (81.8±13.6 versus 74.4±13.8 mm Hg; P<0.0001), lower rates of coronary artery disease (5.2% versus 14.2%; P=0.01), and lower serum potassium concentrations (3.9±0.6 versus 4.1±0.5 mmol/L; P=0.04) than unscreened persons. Screened persons had significantly higher rates of prescription for calcium channel blockers, mixed α/β-adrenergic receptor antagonists, sympatholytics, and vasodilators, and lower rates of prescription for loop, thiazide, and thiazide-type diuretics. The prescription of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists or other potassium-sparing diuretics was not significantly different between groups (P=0.20). In conclusion, only 2.1% of eligible persons received a screening test within 2 years of meeting criteria for resistant hypertension. Low rates of screening were not due to the prescription of antihypertensive medications that may potentially interfere with interpretation of the screening test. Efforts to highlight guideline-recommended screening and targeted therapy are warranted.

Treatment of Resistant and Refractory Hypertension

Resistant hypertension (RHTN) is defined as uncontrolled blood pressure despite the use of ≥3 antihypertensive agents of different classes, including a diuretic, usually thiazide-like, a long-acting calcium channel blocker, and a blocker of the renin- angiotensin system, either an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor or an ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker), at maximal or maximally tolerated doses. Antihypertensive medication nonadherence and the white coat effect, defined as elevated blood pressure when measured in clinic but controlled when measured outside of clinic, must be excluded to make the diagnosis. RHTN is a high-risk phenotype, leading to increased all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease outcomes. Healthy lifestyle habits are associated with reduced cardiovascular risk in patients with RHTN. Aldosterone excess is common in patients with RHTN, and addition of spironolactone or amiloride to the standard 3-drug antihypertensive regimen is effective at getting the blood pressure to goal in most of these patients. Refractory hypertension is defined as uncontrolled blood pressure despite use of ≥5 antihypertensive agents of different classes, including a long-acting thiazide-like diuretic and an MR (mineralocorticoid receptor) antagonist, at maximal or maximally tolerated doses. Fluid retention, mediated largely by aldosterone excess, is the predominant mechanism underlying RHTN, while patients with refractory hypertension typically exhibit increased sympathetic nervous system activity.

Intensive Blood Pressure Treatment for Resistant Hypertension

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Evidence about the target blood pressure (BP) in patients with resistant hypertension is limited. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of intensive BP treatment (systolic BP target, <120 mm Hg) versus standard BP treatment (systolic BP target, <140 mm Hg) in patients with resistant hypertension. This is a secondary analysis using data from SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial). This study included 1397 patients with resistant hypertension and 7698 without resistant hypertension. Using the Cox proportional hazards model, we compared time to first occurrence of a major adverse cardiovascular event (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) between the intensive and standard BP treatment groups. Mean follow-up was 3.1 years; major adverse cardiovascular events was confirmed in 381 patients. Risk of major adverse cardiovascular events was significantly lower in the intensive treatment group than in the standard treatment group (hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.40–0.96; P=0.03). Risks of all-cause and cardiovascular death in patients with resistant hypertension were also significantly lower in the intensive treatment group than in the standard treatment group (hazard ratio for all-cause death: 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38–0.97; P=0.03; hazard ratio for cardiovascular death: 0.34; 95% CI, 0.15–0.81; P=0.01). Similar associations were observed in various subgroups. Intensive BP treatment was significantly associated with a decreased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with resistant hypertension.

Resistant Hypertension: Detection, Evaluation, and Management: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Resistant hypertension (RH) is defined as above-goal elevated blood pressure (BP) in a patient despite the concurrent use of 3 antihypertensive drug classes, commonly including a long-acting calcium channel blocker, a blocker of the renin-angiotensin system (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker), and a diuretic. The antihypertensive drugs should be administered at maximum or maximally tolerated daily doses. RH also includes patients whose BP achieves target values on ≥4 antihypertensive medications. The diagnosis of RH requires assurance of antihypertensive medication adherence and exclusion of the "white-coat effect" (office BP above goal but out-of-office BP at or below target). The importance of RH is underscored by the associated risk of adverse outcomes compared with non-RH. This article is an updated American Heart Association scientific statement on the detection, evaluation, and management of RH. Once antihypertensive medication adherence is confirmed and out-of-office BP recordings exclude a white-coat effect, evaluation includes identification of contributing lifestyle issues, detection of drugs interfering with antihypertensive medication effectiveness, screening for secondary hypertension, and assessment of target organ damage. Management of RH includes maximization of lifestyle interventions, use of long-acting thiazide-like diuretics (chlorthalidone or indapamide), addition of a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (spironolactone or eplerenone), and, if BP remains elevated, stepwise addition of antihypertensive drugs with complementary mechanisms of action to lower BP. If BP remains uncontrolled, referral to a hypertension specialist is advised.

Incidence, prevalence, and predictors of treatment-resistant hypertension with intensive blood pressure lowering

Recent guidelines call for more intensive blood pressure (BP)-lowering and a less-stringent treatment-resistant hypertension (TRH) definition, both of which may increase the occurrence of this high-risk phenotype. We performed a post hoc analysis of 11 784 SPRINT and ACCORD-BP participants without baseline TRH, who were randomized to an intensive (<120 mm Hg) or standard (<140 mm Hg) systolic BP target. Incidence, prevalence, and predictors of TRH were compared using the updated definition (requiring ≥4 drugs to achieve BP < 130/80 mm Hg) during intensive treatment, vs the former definition (requiring ≥4 drugs to achieve BP < 140/90 mm Hg) during standard treatment. Incidence/prevalence of apparent refractory hypertension (RFH; uncontrolled BP despite ≥5 drugs) was similarly compared. Overall, 5702 and 6082 patients were included in the intensive and standard treatment cohorts, respectively. Crude TRH incidence using the updated definition under intensive treatment was 30.3 (95% CI, 29.3-31.4) per 100 patient-years, compared with 9.7 (95% CI, 9.2-10.2) using the prior definition under standard treatment. Point prevalence using the prior TRH definition at 1-year was 7.5% in SPRINT and 14% in ACCORD vs 22% and 36%, respectively, with the updated TRH definition. Significant predictors of incident TRH included number of baseline antihypertensive drugs, having diabetes, baseline systolic BP, and Black race. Incidence of apparent RFH was also significantly greater using the updated vs prior definition (4.5 vs 1.0 per 100 person-years). Implementation of the 2017 hypertension guideline, including lower BP goals for most individuals, is expected to substantially increase treatment burden and incident TRH among the hypertensive population.

Resistant hypertension and cardiovascular disease mortality in the US: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

Background

Apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) is a common condition associated with risk of cardiovascular events. However, the risk of cardiovascular mortality associated with aTRH in the US population is unknown. We aimed to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality associated with aTRH in the US population.

Methods

We analyzed data from 6357 adult hypertensive participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994 and 1999–2010) linked to the National Death Index. Based on presence of uncontrolled hypertension [blood pressure (BP) ≥140/90 mmHg] and the number of antihypertensives prescribed, we classified participants into the following groups: non-aTRH (BP < 140/90 mmHg and ≤ 3 antihypertensives); controlled aTRH (BP < 140/90 mmHg and ≥ 4 antihypertensives); and uncontrolled aTRH (BP ≥140/90 mmHg and ≥ 3 antihypertensives).

Results

Of the 6357 participants, 1522 had aTRH, representing a US prevalence of 7.6 million. Of the participants with aTRH, 432 had controlled aTRH and 1090 had uncontrolled aTRH. During follow-up (median 6 years), there were 550 CVD deaths. The cumulative incidence of CVD mortality was significantly higher in the aTRH group compared with non-aTRH group (log-rank p < 0.001). In fully adjusted models, aTRH was associated with a 47% higher risk of CVD mortality compared with the non-aTRH group [1.47 (1.1–1.96)]. Similar increase in risk of CVD mortality was noted across aTRH subgroups compared with the non-aTRH group: controlled aTRH [1.66 (1.03–2.68)] and uncontrolled aTRH [1.43 (1.05–1.94)]. Among non-aTRH subgroups, those on 3 antihypertensive medications had a 35% increased risk of CVD mortality than those on < 3 medications [1.35 (0.98–1.86)].

Conclusions

aTRH is a common condition, affecting approximately 7.6 million Americans. Regardless of BP control, people with aTRH remain at a higher risk of cardiovascular outcomes. The risk of cardiovascular disease mortality remains high among those with controlled BP on 3 medications (non-aTRH) or ≥ 4 medications (controlled aTRH), groups not generally considered at high risk. Future risk reduction interventions should consider focusing on these high-risk groups.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12882-019-1315-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Optimal Systolic Blood Pressure Target in Resistant and Non-Resistant Hypertension: A Pooled Analysis of Patient-Level Data from SPRINT and ACCORD

BACKGROUND

Prior studies suggest benefits of blood pressure lowering on cardiovascular risk may be attenuated in patients with resistant hypertension compared with the general hypertensive population, but prospective data are lacking.

METHODS

We assessed intensive (<120 mm Hg) versus standard (<140 mm Hg) systolic blood pressure targets on adverse outcome risk according to baseline resistant hypertension status, using Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) and Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) patient-level data. Patients were categorized as having baseline apparent resistant hypertension (blood pressure ≥130/80 mm Hg while using 3 antihypertensive drugs or use of ≥4 drugs regardless of blood pressure) or non-resistant hypertension (all others). Cox regression was used to assess effects of treatment assignment, resistant hypertension status, their interaction, and other covariates, on first occurrence of 2 outcomes: myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular death ± heart failure, and the same outcomes plus all-cause death, individually.

RESULTS

Among 14,094 patients, 2710 (19.2%) had baseline apparent resistant hypertension. In adjusted models, an intensive target reduced risk of both outcomes (myocardial infarction/stroke/cardiovascular death: hazard ratio [HR], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-0.93; myocardial infarction/stroke/heart failure/cardiovascular death: HR 0.78; 95% CI, 0.69-0.88) as well as stroke (HR 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55-0.94) and heart failure (HR 0.73; 95% CI, 0.59-0.91). An intensive target also appeared to reduce myocardial infarction, cardiovascular death, and all-cause death risk. Benefits were observed irrespective of baseline resistant hypertension status.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide the first evidence to support guidance to treat resistant hypertension to the same blood pressure goal as non-resistant hypertension.

Maladaptive left ventricular remodeling in women: An analysis from the Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation-Coronary Vascular Dysfunction study

BACKGROUND

Women represent approximately half of heart failure hospitalizations and are disproportionately affected by heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Women with signs and symptoms of ischemia, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and no obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) often have elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). However, isolated elevated LVEDP in the absence of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is not understood.

METHODS

Among 244 women with signs and symptoms of ischemia, no obstructive CAD, and preserved LVEF who underwent invasive coronary reactivity testing (CRT), 43 (18%) women had no evidence of CMD. LVEDP was measured at time of CRT, and left ventricular (LV) volumes and mass were assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.

RESULTS

Of the 43 women without CMD, 24 (56%) had elevated LVEDP [mean 18 mm Hg (SD = 3)] compared to 19 (44%) with normal LVEDP [11 mm Hg (SD = 3)]. The elevated LVEDP group had a comparatively higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lower LV end-diastolic volume index (EDVI), and higher mass-to-volume ratio. Other functional parameters were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

Among women with signs and symptoms of ischemia without obstructive CAD, absence of CMD, and preserved LVEF, isolated elevated LVEDP is associated with a significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, higher LV mass-to-volume ratio and lower LV EDVI. These results suggest these women have maladaptive remodeling to blood pressure. Given the relatively high prevalence of HFpEF in women, these hypothesis-generating results suggest that further study of ventricular remodeling is warranted.

Modulation of Sympathetic Overactivity to Treat Resistant Hypertension

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the role and evidence for sympathetic overactivity in resistant hypertension and review the therapies that have been studied to modulate the sympathetic nervous system to treat resistant hypertension, with a focus on non-pharmacologic therapies such as renal denervation, baroreflex activation therapy, and carotid body ablation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Based on the two best current techniques available for assessing sympathetic nerve activity, resistant hypertension is characterized by increased sympathetic nerve activity. Several device therapies, including renal denervation baroreflex activation therapy and carotid body ablation, have been developed as non-pharmacologic means of reducing blood pressure in resistant hypertension. With respect to renal denervation, the technologies for renal denervation have evolved since the unfavorable results from the HTN-3 study, and the revised technologies are being actively studied. Data from the first phase of the SPYRAL HTN Clinical Trial Program have been published. Results from the SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED trial suggest that ablating renal nerves can reduce blood pressure in patients with untreated mild-to-moderate hypertension. The SPYRAL HTN-ON MED trial demonstrated the safety and efficacy of catheter-based renal denervation in patients with uncontrolled hypertension on antihypertensive treatment. Interestingly, there was a high rate of medication non-adherence among patients with hypertension in this study. One attractive alternative to radiofrequency ablation is the use of ultrasound for renal denervation. Proof of concept data for the Paradise endovascular ultrasound renal denervation system was recently published in the RADIANCE-HTN SOLO trial. The results of this trial indicate that, among patients with mild to moderate hypertension on no medications, renal denervation with the Paradise system results in a greater reduction in both SBP and DBP at 2months compared with a sham procedure. Overall reductions were similar in magnitude to those noted in the SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED study. With respect to carotid body ablation, there is an ongoing proof of concept study that is investigating the safety and feasibility of ultrasound-based endovascular carotid body ablation in 30 subjects with treatment-resistant hypertension outside of the USA. The sympathetic nervous system is an important contributor to resistant hypertension. Modulation of sympathetic overactivity should be an important goal of treatment. Innovative therapies using non-pharmacologic means to suppress the sympathetic nervous system are actively being studied to treat resistant hypertension.

Kidneys and women's health: key challenges and considerations

The theme of World Kidney Day 2018 is 'kidneys and women's health: include, value, empower'. To mark this event, Nature Reviews Nephrology asked four leading researchers to discuss key considerations related to women's kidney health, including specific risk factors, as well as the main challenges and barriers to care for women with kidney disease and how these might be overcome. They also discuss policies and systems that could be implemented to improve the kidney health of women and their offspring and the areas of research that are needed to improve the outcomes of kidney disease in women.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of apparent therapy-resistant hypertension in patients with cardiovascular disease: a cross-sectional cohort study in secondary care

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of apparent therapy-resistant hypertension (aTRH) in patients with clinical manifest cardiovascular disease (CVD), and to study clinical characteristics related to aTRH in this population.

SETTING

The SMART (Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease) study is a large, single-centre cohort study in secondary care.

PARTICIPANTS

Office blood pressure (BP) at inclusion was used to evaluate BP control in 6191 hypertensive patients with clinical manifest (cardio)vascular disease. Therapy-resistant hypertension was defined as BP ≥140/90 mm Hg despite use of antihypertensive drugs from ≥3 drug classes including a diuretic or use of ≥4 antihypertensive drugs irrespective of BP. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between clinical characteristics measured at baseline and presence of aTRH.

RESULTS

The prevalence of aTRH was 9.1% (95% CI 8.4 to 9.8). Prevalence increased with age and when albuminuria was present and was higher in patients with lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Presence of aTRH was related to diabetes, female sex, duration and multiple locations of vascular disease, body mass index and waist circumference. Carotid intima-media thickness was higher (0.99±0.28 vs 0.93±0.28 mm) and ankle-brachial index lower (1.07±0.20 vs 1.10±0.19) in patients with aTRH compared with patients without aTRH.

CONCLUSION

aTRH is prevalent in patients with clinical manifest CVD and is related to clinical factors known to be related with increased vascular risk, and with lower eGFR.

Refractory versus resistant hypertension: Novel distinctive phenotypes

Resistant hypertension (RHTN) is relatively common with an estimated prevalence of 10-20% of treated hypertensive patients. It is defined as blood pressure (BP) >140/90 mmHg treated with ≥3 antihypertensive medications, including a diuretic, if tolerated. Refractory hypertension is a novel phenotype of severe antihypertensive treatment failure. The proposed definition for refractory hypertension, i.e. BP >140/90 mmHg with use of ≥5 different antihypertensive medications, including a diuretic and a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) has been applied inconsistently. In comparison to RHTN, refractory hypertension seems to be less prevalent than RHTN. This review focuses on current knowledge about this novel phenotype compared with RHTN including definition, prevalence, mechanisms, characteristics and comorbidities, including cardiovascular risk. In patients with RHTN excess fluid retention is thought to be a common mechanism for the development of RHTN. Recently, evidence has emerged suggesting that refractory hypertension may be more of neurogenic etiology due to increased sympathetic activity as opposed to excess fluid retention. Treatment recommendations for RHTN are generally based on use and intensification of diuretic therapy, especially with the combination of a long-acting thiazide-like diuretic and an MRA. Based on findings from available studies, such an approach does not seem to be a successful strategy to control BP in patients with refractory hypertension and effective sympathetic inhibition in such patients, either with medications and/or device based approaches may be needed.

Ischemia and No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (INOCA): Developing Evidence-Based Therapies and Research Agenda for the Next Decade

The Cardiovascular Disease in Women Committee of the American College of Cardiology, in conjunction with interested parties (from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, American Heart Association, and European Society of Cardiology), convened a working group to develop a consensus on the syndrome of myocardial ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries. In general, these patients have elevated risk for a cardiovascular event (including acute coronary syndrome, heart failure hospitalization, stroke, and repeat cardiovascular procedures) compared with reference subjects and appear to be at higher risk for development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. A subgroup of these patients also has coronary microvascular dysfunction and evidence of inflammation. This document provides a summary of findings and recommendations for the development of an integrated approach for identifying and managing patients with ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries and outlines knowledge gaps in the area. Working group members critically reviewed available literature and current practices for risk assessment and state-of-the-science techniques in multiple areas, with a focus on next steps needed to develop evidence-based therapies. This report presents highlights of this working group review and a summary of suggested research directions to advance this field in the next decade.

Trends in Antihypertensive Medication Use Among US Patients With Resistant Hypertension, 2008 to 2014

Little is known of US trends in antihypertensive drug use for patients with treatment-resistant hypertension (TRH). We analyzed antihypertensive use among patients with TRH (treated with ≥4 antihypertensive drugs concurrently) from July 2008 through December 2014 using Marketscan administrative data. We included adults aged 18 to 65 years, with ≥6 months of continuous enrollment, a hypertension diagnosis, and ≥1 episode of overlapping use of ≥4 antihypertensive drugs; patients with heart failure were excluded. We identified 411 652 unique TRH episodes from 261 652 patients with a mean age of 55.9 years. From 2008 to 2014, we observed an increased prevalence, among TRH episodes, of β-blockers (+6.8% [79% to 85.8%]) and dihydropyridine calcium antagonists (+8.1% [69.1% to 77.2%]), and a decreased prevalence of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (-12.5% [60.4% to 47.9%]) and nondihydropyridine calcium antagonists (-5.0% [15% to 10%]). The prevalence of most other classes changed by <5% from 2008 to 2014. Thiazide diuretic use was largely unchanged from 2008 to 2014, with hydrochlorothiazide being by far the most prevalent thiazide diuretic; chlorthalidone use increased only modestly (+2.6% [3.8% to 6.4%]). Aldosterone antagonist use increased only modestly (+2.9% [7.3% to 10.2%]). Use of optimal regimens increased steadily (+13.8% [50.8% to 64.6%]) during the study period, whereas combined angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker use declined (-11.4% [17.7% to 6.3%]). Our results highlight the persistent infrequent use of recommended therapies in TRH, including spironolactone and chlorthalidone, and suggest a need for better efforts to increase the use of such approaches in light of recent evidence demonstrating their efficacy.

Women, Hypertension, and the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial

Hypertension accounts for approximately 1 in 5 deaths in American women and is the major contributor to many comorbid conditions. Although blood pressure lowering reduces cardiovascular disease outcomes, considerable uncertainty remains on best management in women. Specifically, female blood pressure treatment goals have not been established, particularly among older and African American and Hispanic women, for whom hypertension prevalence, related adverse outcomes, and poor control rates are high. The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) planned to clarify optimal blood pressure management in both sexes. Although confirming that a lower blood pressure goal is generally better, because female enrollment and event rates were low and follow-up shortened, outcomes differences in women were not statistically significant. Thus optimal blood pressure goals for women have not been established with the highest evidence. This review addresses SPRINT's significance and key remaining knowledge gaps in optimal blood pressure management to improve women's health.

Environment-Wide Association Study of Blood Pressure in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2012)

Identifying environmental exposures associated with blood pressure is a priority. Recently, we proposed the environment-wide association study to search for and replicate environmental factors associated with phenotypes. We conducted the environment-wide association study (EWAS) using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (1999–2012) which evaluated a total of 71,916 participants to prioritize environmental factors associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. We searched for factors on participants from survey years 1999–2006 and tentatively replicated findings in participants from years 2007–2012. Finally, we estimated the overall association and performed a second meta-analysis using all survey years (1999–2012). For systolic blood pressure, self-reported alcohol consumption emerged as our top finding (a 0.04 increase in mmHg of systolic blood pressure for 1 standard deviation increase in self-reported alcohol), though the effect size is small. For diastolic blood pressure, urinary cesium was tentatively replicated; however, this factor demonstrated high heterogeneity between populations (I² = 51%). The lack of associations across this wide of an analysis raises the call for a broader search for environmental factors in blood pressure.

Interventional therapy for hypertension: Back on track again?

Treatment-resistant hypertension, or resistant hypertension, is defined as blood pressure that remains above target despite concurrent use of at least three antihypertensive agents from different classes at optimal doses, one of which should be a diuretic. Important considerations in the diagnosis of treatment-resistant hypertension include the exclusion of pseudoresistance and the evaluation of potential secondary causes of hypertension and of concomitant conditions that maintain high blood pressure. The ability to diagnose true treatment-resistant hypertension is important for selection of patients who may be appropriately treated with an invasive therapy. Currently, there are three interventional approaches to treat resistant hypertension, namely: (1) reduction of the activity of the sympathetic nervous system by renal nerve ablation, (2) stimulation of baroreceptors and (3) creation of a peripheral arterial venous anastomosis. This review focuses on the rationale behind these invasive approaches and the clinical results.

Mortality Risk Associated With Resistant Hypertension Among Women: Analysis from Three Prospective Cohorts Encompassing the Spectrum of Women's Heart Disease

BACKGROUND

Women are at greater risk of developing resistant hypertension (RH) than men, yet scarce data exist on RH-associated outcomes in women. We aimed to determine all-cause mortality risk associated with apparent RH (aRH) among women across the spectrum of underlying coronary disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed data from St. James Women Take Heart (WTH; women without coronary disease at baseline), Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (women with signs/symptoms of ischemia at baseline), and the INternational VErapamil-Trandolapril STudy (INVEST; women with coronary artery disease and hypertension at baseline), totaling 15,108 adult women with no hypertension, non-RH (blood pressure [BP] ≥140/90 mmHg on ≤2 drugs or BP <140/90 mmHg on 1-3 drugs), or aRH (BP ≥140/90 mmHg on ≥3 drugs or anyone on ≥4 drugs) at baseline. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Prevalence of aRH ranged from 0.4% (WTH) to 10.6% (INVEST). Women with aRH, compared to those without, were older, more often black, and more likely to be obese or diabetic. Pooling all cohorts, risk for all-cause death was greater in women with aRH than in women with non-RH (adjusted HR 1.40; 95% CI 1.27-1.55) and women without hypertension (adjusted HR 2.34; 95% CI 1.76-3.11) over a median follow-up of 14.3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

aRH prevalence in women varies according to underlying coronary disease, and aRH is associated with a substantial, early, and sustained increased risk of all-cause death. Additional research into early recognition and prevention strategies for RH are needed, especially in black and older women, and those with known cardiovascular risk factors.

Physician-pharmacist collaboration versus usual care for treatment-resistant hypertension

Team-based care has been recommended for patients with treatment-resistant hypertension (TRH), but its efficacy in this setting is unknown. We compared a physician-pharmacist collaborative model (PPCM) to usual care in patients with TRH participating in the Collaboration Among Pharmacists and Physicians To Improve Outcomes Now study. At baseline, 169 patients (27% of Collaboration Among Pharmacists and Physicians To Improve Outcomes Now patients) had TRH: 111 received the PPCM intervention and 58 received usual care. Baseline characteristics were similar between treatment arms. After 9 months, adjusted mean systolic blood pressure was reduced by 7 mm Hg more with PPCM intervention than usual care (P = .036). Blood pressure control was 34.2% with PPCM versus 25.9% with usual care (adjusted odds ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.33-11.2). These findings suggest that team-based care in the primary care setting may be effective for TRH. Additional research is needed regarding the long-term impact of these models and to identify patients most likely to benefit from team-based interventions.

Quality of Life in Treatment-Resistant Hypertension

Treatment-resistant hypertension (TRH) is an increasingly common and clinically challenging hypertension phenotype associated with adverse impact on cardiovascular events and death. Recent evidence, although limited, suggests that TRH may also adversely affect health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and other patient-reported outcomes. However, the precise mechanisms for this link remain unknown. A number of recent studies focusing on both the general hypertensive population and those with TRH suggest that patient awareness of difficult-to-control blood pressure, chronically elevated blood pressure levels, and the use of aggressive medication regimens with attendant cumulative adverse effects may play significant roles. This review summarizes the existing literature on HrQoL in persons with TRH, highlights literature from the general hypertensive population with relevance to TRH, and discusses important remaining questions regarding HrQoL in persons with TRH.

Analysis of high risk factors and characteristics of coronary artery in premenopausal women with coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the high risk factors and coronary lesion features in premenopausal women with coronary artery disease (CAD) and provide guideline for diagnosis and therapy.

METHODS

114 premenopausal women and 134 postmenopausal women were conducted coronary angiography in our hospital from September, 2012 to September, 2014. According to the results of coronary angiography, premenopausal and postmenopausal women with coronary artery disease were divided into two groups respectively, including 48 premenopausal women with CAD group, 66 premenopausal women with normal coronary artery group, 76 postmenopausal women with CAD group and 58 postmenopausal women with normal coronary artery group. Clinical characteristics and coronary lesion features were analyzed.

RESULTS

Incidence rates of hypertension disease and diabetes were higher in premenopausal women with CAD group than control group. Most of premenopausal women suffered from single vessel lesion and the length of impaired vessel was less than 20 mm, meanwhile, postmenopausal women easily confronted from double vessels or mutivessle lesion and the length of impaired vessel was more than 20 mm. Left anterior descending coronary artery lesion was common for premenopausal women.

CONCLUSION

Hypertension disease and diabetes were the main high risk factors for premenopausal women and high triglyceride was the optimal predictable factor, furthermore, single vessel lesion and short artery lesion were common in premenopausal women, which often happened in the anterior descending coronary artery.

Reducing women's cardiovascular disease risk profile

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. Unique risk factors have been recognized, including pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and autoimmune diseases. Diabetes and hypertension (HTN) also play a unique role in women. Women with diabetes have a higher risk for coronary heart disease and microvascular disease compared with males. Additionally, older women have a high prevalence of uncontrolled HTN and women tend to have more treatment resistant HTN, increasing risk for cardiovascular events and mortality. The outcomes of cardiovascular disease have shown an increase in the number of heart attacks in younger women, though there is decreasing mortality. Treatment with coronary artery bypass graft surgery and percutaneous intervention has also shown to have poorer outcomes in women.