Magnitude of Hypotension Based on Office and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring: Results From a Cohort of 5066 Treated Hypertensive Patients Aged 80 Years and Older

Background and objective

Elderly patients can be particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of excessive blood pressure (BP) lowering by antihypertensive treatment. The identification of hypotension is thus especially important. Ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) is a more accurate technique than office for classifying BP status. This study examined the prevalence of hypotension and associated demographic and clinical factors among very old treated hypertensive patients undergoing ABPM.

Oat consumption does not affect resting casual and ambulatory 24-h arterial blood pressure in men with high-normal blood pressure to stage I hypertension

The results of epidemiologic studies suggest that increased intake of dietary fiber is associated with lower levels of arterial blood pressure (BP). However, there is little information available addressing the possibility that increased oat consumption may reduce arterial BP in individuals with elevated arterial BP. To test this hypothesis, middle-aged and older men (n = 36; body mass index, 25-35 kg/m(2); aged 50-75 y) with elevated BP (systolic BP 130-159 mmHg and/or diastolic BP 85-99 mmHg) were randomly assigned to consume an additional 14 g/d of dietary fiber in the form of oat (5.5 g beta-glucan, n = 18) or wheat cereals (no beta-glucan, n = 18) for 12 wk. Casual resting arterial BP was measured at baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 wk of intervention. The 24-h ambulatory arterial BP was measured at baseline and after 12 wk of intervention. There were no differences in casual resting or 24-h ambulatory BP at baseline in the two groups. Casual systolic BP (SBP) did not change as a result of the 12-wk intervention in the oat (138 plus minus 2 vs. 135 plus minus 3 mmHg) or wheat (142 plus minus 2 vs. 140 plus minus 3 mmHg) groups, respectively (all P > 0.05). Casual diastolic BP (DBP) also did not change in the oat (89 plus minus 2 vs. 88 plus minus 2 mmHg) or wheat (90 plus minus 2 vs. 91 plus minus 2 mmHg) group during this period (all P > 0.05). Further, 24-h, daytime and nighttime SBP and DBP did not decrease with the intervention. Therefore, the results of the present study suggest that any cardioprotective benefit of regular oat consumption may not be conferred via an arterial BP-lowering effect.     

动态血压监测指导腹膜透析患者高血压治疗的临床观察

目的　探讨动态血压监测指导腹膜透析患者高血压治疗的意义。方法　使用非侵入性的动态血压监测仪监测 34例腹膜透析 (CAPD)合并有高血压的患者 ,通常从早上 9:0 0开始每 30分钟记录 1次血压 ,共监测 2 4小时。结果　所有病人 2 4小时的平均血压是 14 5 6 / 91 3mmHg ,39 6 %收缩压记录超过 15 0mmHg ,4 8 7%的舒张压记录超过 90mmHg。糖尿病肾病患者 (12例 )平均血压是 15 7 3/ 88 8mmHg ,5 8 5 %的收缩压记录和 4 4 6 %的舒张压记录超过 15 0 / 90mmHg。平均血压、心率和血压负荷白天和夜间没有显著性差异。结论　大多数的CAPD患者伴有高血压的病人其血压控制不佳 ,糖尿病患者血压控制情况更差。大多数CAPD患者血压 2 4小时节律性消失 ,白天和夜间高血压控制不佳并没有区别 ,使用动态血压监测仪评估血压可以指导降压治疗和增加降压达标。     

Interrelations among smoking habits, casual blood pressure and intraocular pressure in middle and old-aged Japanese residents

Objectives To investigate the association of smoking habits with blood pressure (BP) and intraocular pressure (IOP), and to examine whether the smoking-BP association is related to the IOP level. Methods This study was conducted on the basis of a cross-sectional design using annual health check-up data during one-year between August, 1999 and August, 2000 for 611 middle and old-aged Japanese residents living in Ibaraki prefecture, Japan. Results After adjustment for age, gender, body mass index and alcohol intake score, the proportion of hypertensives, and the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) of the subjects without antihypertensive medications were the highest (50.4%, 129.6 mmHg and 75.9 mmHg, respectively) in the “smokers of 25 or more cigarettes per day with intraocular pressure (IOP)≥15 mmHg” of six subgroups crossed by three smoking categories (non-smokers, 1 to 24 cigarettes per day, and 25 or more cigarettes per day) and two IOP categories (less than 15 mmHg, and 15mmHg or greater). On the other hand, the adjusted proportion of hypertensives, and the adjusted mean SBP and DBP decreased with increasing smoking category in the individuals with less than 15 mmHg of the IOP (p for trend=0.028 for proportion of hypertensives 0.008 for the SBP, and 0.001 for the DBP, respectively). Conclusions Heavy smoking may be specifically related to ‘high BP accompanied by high IOP’, although the BP may be inversely associated with smoking under the condition without high IOP.     

动态血压监测药物治疗老年高血压病168例临床分析

目的探讨药物治疗对老年高血压病患者的疗效及24h血压昼夜变化、血压变异性的影响。方法将168例高血压病患者分为单纯收缩压增高（SH）和收缩压及舒张压均增高（DH）两组,治疗药物分为长效和短效,在治疗开始和治疗2个月后做24h动态血压监测;同时对两组患者的24h动态血压波动曲线的变化进行总结,结合临床资料进行统计学分析。结果DH组患者与SH组比较,24h血压波动曲线的昼夜节律变化、靶器官损害发生率差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）,血压负荷、血压变异性差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;DH组应用长、短效药物治疗,血压控制均不理想;SH组患者经过长效药物治疗,夜间的平均收缩压、舒张压和平均动脉压均比短效药物治疗组低（P〈0.05）,24h血压变化曲线大部分可以恢复昼夜节律,血压负荷明显减少,心脑血管并发症少见。结论应用动态血压监测有助于了解老年高血压患者24h血压波动曲线的变化规律,对指导患者临床治疗和判断预后有着十分重要的意义。     

福辛普利治疗老年2型糖尿病合并轻中度高血压的临床疗效

目的评价福辛普利治疗老年2型糖尿病合并轻中度高血压的临床疗效及其安全性。方法23例老年2型糖尿病合并轻中度高血压患者服用福辛普利10～40mg,1/d、疗程6周,采用随机测血压和24小时动态血压监测。同时监测治疗前后空腹血糖、空腹胰岛素、糖化血红蛋白、血脂(TC、TG、HDL、LDL)、肾功(BUN、Cr、BUA)及尿微量白蛋白/尿肌酐变化。结果谷峰比率收缩压为72.6%±8.5%,舒张压为59.5%±8.1%。治疗后,24h平均收缩压、白昼平均收缩压、夜间平均收缩压和血压负荷值均显著下降(P＜0.01),而24h平均舒张压、夜间平均舒张压、24h平均血压、夜间平均血压亦有明显的下降(P＜0.05)。治疗后空腹血糖、糖化血红蛋白及空腹胰岛素均明显降低(P＜0.05),而血脂(TC、TG、HDL、LDL)肾功(BUN、Cr、BUA)无明显改变,尿微量白蛋白/尿肌酐明显降低(P＜0.05)。结论福辛普利是治疗老年2型糖尿病合并轻中度高血压的安全、有效、耐受良好的药物。     

高血压病患者血压昼夜节律异常与心率变异减低的关系

目的：探讨高血压２血压昼夜节律异常与心率变异（ＨＲＶ）减低之间的关系。方法：按ＷＨ标准选择高血压病患者７０例,同期分别作动态血压监测及动态心电图ＨＲＶ分析。结果：血压昼夜节律消失组（Ａ组）较血压昼夜节律正常级（Ｂ组）夜间收缩压（ＳＢＰ）、夜间舒张压（ＤＢＰ）、２４ｈ平均ＳＢＰ、２４ｈ平均ＤＢＰ分别增高１５ｍｍｇ（Ｐ〈０．０１）、６ｍｍＨｇ（Ｐ〈０．０１）、８ｍｍＨｇ（Ｐ〈０．０１）、６ｍｍＨｇ（Ｐ     

Consumption of a Polyphenol-Rich Grape-Wine Extract Lowers Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Mildly Hypertensive Subjects

Polyphenols in grape and wine have been suggested to contribute to the cardiovascular health benefits of the Mediterranean lifestyle. The reported effects of grape products on blood pressure (BP) remain, however, equivocal. In a double-blind placebo controlled crossover study, the effect of two grape extracts on BP and vascular function was assessed in 60 untreated, mildly hypertensive subjects after four weeks intervention. Both extracts (grape-red wine and grape alone) had high concentrations of anthocyanins and flavonols, but the grape alone was relatively poor in catechins and procyanidins. Parameters measured included ambulatory and office BP, flow-mediated vasodilation, arterial distensibility, platelet function and plasma lipoproteins. Results showed that 24-hour ambulatory systolic/diastolic BPs were significantly lower in the grape-wine extract intervention (135.9 ± 1.3/84.7 ± 0.8 mmHg; mean ± SEM) compared to placebo (138.9 ± 1.3/86.6 ± 1.2 mmHg), predominantly during daytime. Plasma concentrations of the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 decreased by 10%, but other measures of vascular function were not affected. Grape juice extract alone had no effect on BP or any measures of vascular function. Polyphenol-rich food products, and may be specifically catechins and procyanidins, may thus help sustain a healthy BP and contribute to the healthy Mediterranean lifestyle.     

用动态血压监测老年高血压病心血管事件的危险性初探

目的研究动态血压监测(ABPM)对老年高血压病发生心血管事件危险性的预测价值。方法分析68例老年高血压病ABPM各项指标,与老年对照组比较。分析老年高血压组发生心血管事件的ABPM相关预测指标。结果老年高血压24h收缩压(包括日间及夜间)均升高,24h平均压也升高,而舒张压则多数不高。24h收缩压负荷值为(43.2±16.9)mmHg,正常老年组为(15.6±14.5)mmHg,p<0.05,老年高血压组非勺型40人,占59%。老年高血压组24h平均脉压(mPP)为(68.8±9.3)mmHg,正常老年人组为(42.2±9.5)mmHg,t=2.08,p<0.05。以mPP60mmHg为界,老年高血压组大于此值者,冠心病23例占58.9%,其中心血管事件共17例占43.6%,而mPP低于此值者发生冠心病9例,占31%,心血管事件仅6例,占20.6%。二者心血管事件总的发生率比较2>1.98,p<0.05。结论老年高血压患者ABPM出现平均脉压增大,非勺型、超勺型血压、负荷血压增大等指标时,预示着心血管事件发生的危险性增加,要加强对这些指标的干预,以减少心血管事件危险性的发生。     

Appropriate reductions in compliance among well-controlled hypertensive patients

Physicians have traditionally viewed partial compliance with medications as a concern only in hypertensive patients whose blood pressure (BP) is poorly controlled. However, partial compliance also occurs in patients whose BP: has become normal on medications; in them, reduced compliance may, indicate that they have been prescribed more medication than they need. During enrollment for a study of medication reduction in hypertensive patients, we identified 118 male veterans who were eligible for the, study because their diastolic BP had been less than 95 mmHg for more than 6 months. Fifty-nine of these patients (50.0%) agreed to participate in the study, of whom 71% successfully reduced or stopped (“stepped down”) one or more of their antihypertensive drugs over a 1-year period. The 59 patients who' did not enroll continued to receive routine care for hypertension in the clinic without intensive efforts at stepdown. Nevertheless, 24% o of these patients reduced or stopped at least one medication over the same time period. In the year prior to the study, 29 of the 118 eligible patients (24.6%) had obtained less than 80% of their medications, measured by pharmacy refill records. Compliance in obtaining antihypertensive medications prior to the study was lower among eligible patients who stepped down mediations during the study year (90.4% ± 18.7%) than in those who did not (1p2.1% ± 26.1%, p =0.006). After adjustment for other predictors of stepdown (number of medications, duration of clinic enrollment, and pre-reduction systolic BP), each 10% increase in compliance among all eligible patients was associated with a reduction in the odds ratio for successful stepdown of 0.8 (95% CI 0.5–1.0, p = 0.01). We conclude that many well-controlled hypertensives appropriately obtain less medications than they are prescribed. Such patients should be considered for reduction of antihypertensive drugs.     

Cognitive impairment and nocturnal blood pressure fall in treated elderly hypertensives

Objectives We investigated the association between the fall of nocturnal blood pressure (BP) and cognitive impairment in elderly subjects. Methods The study was a cross-sectional survey of 204 elderly subjects who had no cerebrovasucular episodes. Ambulatory BP monitoring and assessments of cognitive functions using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were performed at the subjects’ homes. We classified, the subjects treated with antihypertensive drugs into three groups: non-dippers (nocturnal fall<10% of the mean day diastolic BP; n=51), normal dippers (10% to less than 20%; n=58), and extreme dippers (20% or more; n=17). The subjects not treated with antihypertensive drugs were also classified as non-dippers (n=40), normal dippers (n=24), and extreme dippers (n=14). Results The mean age of participants was 75.2±7.2 years, and 126 (61.7%) were being treated with antihypertensive drugs. In the group of antihypertensive drug users, the number with MMSE≤23 was 30 and the adjusted odds ratio for cognitive impairment in those with an extreme dip in diastolic BP (DBP) was 4.18 (95% CI, 1.07–16.40) in reference to the normal dippers. In contrast, no association was observed between cognitive function and nocturnal BP fall in the group no using antihypertensive drugs. Conclusions Cognitive impairment was associated with an extreme dip in DBP in the antihypertensive drug users only. It remains to be seen whether careful monitoring of nighttime BP as well as daytime BP may reduce the risk of cognitive impairment in antihypertensive drug users.     

Randomized Trial on the Effects of Dietary Potassium on Blood Pressure and Serum Potassium Levels in Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease

In the general population, an increased potassium (K) intake lowers blood pressure (BP). The effects of K have not been well-studied in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This randomized feeding trial with a 2-period crossover design compared the effects of diets containing 100 and 40 mmol K/day on BP in 29 adults with stage 3 CKD and treated or untreated systolic BP (SBP) 120–159 mmHg and diastolic BP (DBP) <100 mmHg. The primary outcome was 24 h ambulatory systolic BP. The higher-versus lower-K diet had no significant effect on 24 h SBP (−2.12 mm Hg; p = 0.16) and DBP (−0.70 mm Hg; p = 0.44). Corresponding differences in clinic BP were −4.21 mm Hg for SBP (p = 0.054) and −0.08 mm Hg for DBP (p = 0.94). On the higher-K diet, mean serum K increased by 0.21 mmol/L (p = 0.003) compared to the lower-K diet; two participants had confirmed hyperkalemia (serum K ≥ 5.5 mmol/L). In conclusion, a higher dietary intake of K did not lower 24 h SBP, while clinic SBP reduction was of borderline statistical significance. Additional trials are warranted to understand the health effects of increased K intake in individuals with CKD.     

A prospective evaluation of persistence on antihypertensive treatment with different antihypertensive drugs in clinical practice

Persistence on treatment affects the efficacy of antihypertensive treatment. We prospectively investigated the persistence on therapy and the extent of blood pressure (BP) control in 347 hypertensive patients (age 59.4 +/- 6 years) randomly allocated to a first-line treatment with: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium-channel blockers (CCBs), beta-blockers, angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs), or diuretics and followed-up for 24-months. Persistence on treatment was higher in patients treated with ARBs (68.5%) and ACE inhibitors (64.5%) vs CCBs (51.6%; p < 0.05), beta-blockers (44.8%, p < 0.05), and diuretics (34.4%, p < 0.01). No ARB, ACE inhibitor, beta-blocker, or diuretic was associated with a higher persistence in therapy compared with the other molecules used in each therapeutic class. The rate of persistence was significantly higher in patients treated with lercanidipine vs others CCBs (59.3% vs 46.6%, p < 0.05). Systolic and diastolic BP was decreased more successfully in patients treated with ARBs (-11.2/-5.8 mmHg), ACE inhibitors (-10.5/-5.1 mmHg), and CCBs (-8.5/-4.6 mmHg) compared with beta-blockers (-4.0/-2.3 mmHg p < 0.05) and diuretics (-2.3/-2.1 mmHg, p < 0.05). No ARB, ACE inhibitor, beta-blocker, or diuretic was associated with a higher BP control compared with the other molecules used in each therapeutic class. A trend toward a better BP control was observed in response to lercanidipine vs other CCBs (p = 0.059). The present results confirm the importance of persistence on treatment for the management of hypertension in clinical practice.     

Closer look at white-coat hypertension

This review aims to clarify novel concepts regarding the clinical and laboratory aspects of white-coat hypertension(WCHT). Recent studies on the clinical and biological implications of WCHT were compared with existing knowledge. Studies were included if the WCHT patients were defined according to the 2013 European Society of Hypertension guidelines, i.e., an office blood pressure(BP) of ≥ 140/90 mm Hg, a home BP of ≤ 135/85 mm Hg, and a mean 24-h ambulatory BP of ≤ 130/80 mm Hg. WCHT studies published since 2000 were selected, although a few studies performed before 2000 were used for comparative purposes. True WCHT was defined as normal ABPM and home BP readings, and partial WCHT was defined as an abnormality in one of these two readings. The reported prevalence of WCHT was 15%-45%. The incidence of WCHT tended to be higher in females and in non-smokers. Compared with normotensive(NT) patients, WCHT was associated with a higher left ventricular mass index, higher lipid levels, impaired fasting glucose, and decreased arterial compliance. The circadian rhythm in WCHT patients was more variable than in NT patient's, with a higher pulse pressure and non-dipping characteristics. Compared with sustained hypertension patients, WCHT patients have a better 10-year prognosis; compared with NT patients, WCHT patients have a similar stroke risk, but receivemore frequent drug treatment. There are conflicting results regarding WCHT and markers of endothelial damage, oxidative stress and inflammation, and the data imply that WCHT patients may have a worse prognosis. Nitric oxide levels are lower, and oxidative stress parameters are higher in WCHT patients than in NT patients, whereas the antioxidant capacity is lower in WCHT patients than in NT patients. Clinicians should be aware of the risk factors associated with WCHT and patients should be closely monitored especially to identify target organ damage and metabolic syndrome.     

Frailty,Disability, and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Older Adults

Background and objective

Frailty and disability are associated with cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, in older people; however, little is known about their association with ambulatory blood pressure (BP). Thus, we assessed the relationship of frailty and disability with ambulatory BP in older adults.

Antihypertensive Potential of Combined Extracts of Olive Leaf,Green Coffee Bean and Beetroot: A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial

Extracts of olive leaf, green coffee bean and beetroot may deliver cardiovascular benefits. This study sought to evaluate the effects of regularly consuming a combination of these extracts on blood pressure (BP), arterial compliance, blood lipids, blood glucose and insulin sensitivity. A double-blind randomised placebo-controlled crossover trial was conducted in adults with untreated high normal or borderline elevated BP. They were randomised to take an active supplement, comprising 500 mg olive leaf extract, 100 mg green coffee bean extract and 150 mg beet powder, or a matching placebo twice daily for six weeks, followed by the alternate supplement for a further six weeks. Assessments of 24-h ambulatory BP (ABP), clinic BP arterial compliance (pulse-wave analysis), blood lipids, blood glucose and insulin were obtained at baseline and at the end of each treatment phase. Baseline clinic BP in 37 overweight middle-aged men and women who completed the trial averaged 145/84 mmHg. There was no significant effect of treatment on ABP or any other outcome measure. The failure to confirm prior evidence of the antihypertensive benefits of these extracts emphasises the importance of placebo control and the value of ABP monitoring. Further dose-response evaluation of olive leaf, green coffee bean or beetroot extracts is required to confirm or refute the purported benefits.     

Frequency and related factors of masked hypertension at a worksite in Korea

Objectives

Masked hypertension is associated with metabolic risks and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to identify the frequency of and risk factors of masked hypertension in Korean workers.

Methods

The study was conducted among 121 employees at a hotel in Gyeongju, Korea, from December 2008 to February 2009. We measured blood pressure (BP) both in the clinic and using 24-hour ambulatory BP monitors for all subjects. Hypertension was defined independently by both methods, and subjects were classified into four groups: true normotension, masked hypertension, white coat hypertension, and sustained hypertension.

Results

The frequency of masked hypertension in our study group was 25.6%. Compared with true normotension, the factors related to masked hypertension were male gender (odds ratio [OR], 10.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41 to 81.09), aging one year (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.78 to 0.99), clinic BP 120-129/80-84 mmHg (OR, 8.42; 95% CI, 1.51 to 46.82), clinic BP 130-139 / 85-89 mmHg (OR, 12.14; 95% CI, 1.80 to 81.85), smoking (OR, 5.51; 95% CI, 1.15 to 26.54), and increase of total cholesterol 1 mg / dL (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.08). In males only, these factors were clinic BP 120-129 / 80-84 mmHg (OR, 15.07; 95% CI, 1.55 to 146.19), clinic BP 130-139 / 85-89 mmHg (OR, 17.16; 95% CI, 1.56 to 189.45), smoking (OR, 11.61; 95% CI, 1.52 to 88.62), and increase of total cholesterol 1 mg/dL (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.09).

Conclusions

The frequency of masked hypertension was high in our study sample. Detection and management of masked hypertension, a known strong predictor of cardiovascular risk, could improve prognosis for at-risk populations.     

Morning surge in blood pressure using a random‐effects multiple‐component cosinor model

Blood pressure (BP) fluctuates throughout the day. The pattern it follows represents one of the most important circadian rhythms in the human body. For example, morning BP surge has been suggested as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular events occurring in the morning, but the accurate quantification of this phenomenon remains a challenge. Here, we outline a novel method to quantify morning surge. We demonstrate how the most commonly used method to model 24‐hour BP, the single cosinor approach, can be extended to a multiple‐component cosinor random‐effects model. We outline how this model can be used to obtain a measure of morning BP surge by obtaining derivatives of the model fit. The model is compared with a functional principal component analysis that determines the main components of variability in the data. Data from the Mitchelstown Study, a population‐based study of Irish adults (n = 2047), were used where a subsample (1207) underwent 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. We demonstrate that our 2‐component model provided a significant improvement in fit compared with a single model and a similar fit to a more complex model captured by b‐splines using functional principal component analysis. The estimate of the average maximum slope was 2.857 mmHg/30 min (bootstrap estimates; 95% CI: 2.855‐2.858 mmHg/30 min). Simulation results allowed us to quantify the between‐individual SD in maximum slopes, which was 1.02 mmHg/30 min. By obtaining derivatives we have demonstrated a novel approach to quantify morning BP surge and its variation between individuals. This is the first demonstration of cosinor approach to obtain a measure of morning surge.     

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Japanese rural communities]

BACKGROUND: In Japan, a national survey indicated that only 7% of hypertensive patients had a blood pressure less than 140/90 mmHg. There have been no reports of studies investigating all of the prevalence of hypertension, the percentage of subjects who are aware of hypertension, the percentage being treated, and the percentage that are well-controlled (awareness, treatment and control, respectively) among hypertensives in the Japanese general population. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of hypertension, and awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among hypertensives in a Japanese rural population. DESIGN: A cross-sectional analysis of base-line data of the Jichi Medical School Cohort Study. SETTING: Twelve rural communities is 8 prefectures in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling people who participated in the health examination program in 1992-1995. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Blood pressure (BP) measured once in the sitting position after a 5-minute rest using oscillometric automatic BP monitors (BP203RV-II; Nippon Colin, Japan), and history of hypertension assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 11,302 subjects (4,415 men and 6,887 women). The mean (standard deviation) age was 55(12) years for men and 55(11) years for women. Mean systolic BP and diastolic BP levels were, respectively, 131(21) mmHg and 79(12) mmHg for men and 128(21) mmHg and 76(12) mmHg for women. Prevalence of hypertension (systolic BP > or = 140 mmHg or diastolic BP > or = 90 mmHg or on antihypertensive medication) was 37% for men and 33% for women. Percentages for awareness (on medication or present past history), treatment and control (both systolic BP < 140 mmHg and diastolic BP < 90 mmHg) were, respectively, 39%, 27% and 10% for men and 46%, 38% and 13% for women. CONCLUSIONS: About one third of the study popUlation were hypertensive, and awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among the hypertensives were 43%, 34% and 12%, respectively. Less than half of the hypertensives were well-controlled even when measurement bias was considered. In the rural Japanese population, improvements are required with regard to awareness, treatment and control of hypertension.     

Influence of albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate on blood pressure response to antihypertensive drug therapy

Background

Albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), two factors linked to kidney and vascular function, may influence longitudinal blood pressure (BP) responses to complex antihypertensive drug regimens.

Methods

We reviewed the clinic records of 459 patients with hypertension in an urban, academic practice.

Results

Mean patient age was 57-years, 89% of patients were African American, and 69% were women. Mean patient systolic/diastolic BP (SBP/DBP) at baseline was 171/98 mmHg while taking an average of 3.3 antihypertensive medications. At baseline, 27% of patients had estimated (e)GFR <60 ml/min/1.73², 28% had micro-albuminuria (30–300 mg/g) and 16% had macro-albuminuria (>300 mg/g). The average longitudinal BP decline over the observation period (mean 7.2 visits) was 25/12 mmHg. In adjusted regression models, macro-albuminuria predicted a 10.3 mmHg lesser longitudinal SBP reduction (p < 0.001) and a 7.9 mmHg lesser longitudinal DBP reduction (p < 0.001); similarly eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73² predicted an 8.4 mmHg lesser longitudinal SBP reduction (p < 0.001) and a 4.5 lesser longitudinal DBP reduction (p < 0.001). Presence of either micro- or macro-albuminuria, or lower eGFR, also significantly delayed the time to attainment of goal BP.

Conclusions

These data suggest that an attenuated decline in BP in drug-treated hypertensives, resulting in higher average BP levels over the long-term, may mediate a portion of the increased risk of cardiovascular-renal disease linked to elevated urinary albumin excretion and reduced eGFR.