Regression of electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy predicts regression of echocardiographic left ventricular mass: the LIFE study

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is widely used for detection of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). However, whether changes in ECG LVH during antihypertensive therapy predict changes in LV mass remains unclear. Baseline and year-1 ECGs and echocardiograms were assessed in 584 hypertensive patients with ECG LVH by Sokolow-Lyon or Cornell voltage-duration product criteria at entry into the Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension (LIFE) echocardiographic substudy. A >/=25% decrease in Cornell product defined regression of ECG LVH; a <25% decrease defined no significant regression; and an increase defined progression of ECG LVH. Regression of echocardiographic LVH was defined by a >/=20% reduction in LV mass. After 1 year of therapy, 155 patients (27%) had regression of ECG LVH, 286 (49%) had no significant change, and 143 (25%) had progression of ECG LVH. Compared with patients with progression of ECG LVH, patients with no significant decrease and patients with regression of ECG LVH had stepwise greater absolute decreases in LV mass (-16+/-33 vs -29+/-37 vs -32+/-41 g, P<0.001), greater percent reductions in LV mass (-5.7+/-14.6 vs -11.3+/-13.6 vs -12.3+/-15.6%, P<0.001), and were more likely to decrease LV mass by >/=20% (11.2 vs 24.8 vs 36.1%, P<0.001), even after adjusting for possible effects of baseline and change in systolic and diastolic pressures. Compared with progression of ECG LVH, regression of the Cornell product ECG LVH is associated with greater reduction in LV mass and a greater likelihood of regression of anatomic LVH.     

White coat effect in treated and untreated patients with high office blood pressure. Relationship with pulse wave velocity and left ventricular mass index.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in hypertensive patients whether the white coat effect is associated with target-organ damage and whether it is modified by anti-hypertensive therapy. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study we evaluated blood pressure (BP) measured in the office and by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) as an index of aortic stiffness, and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in 88 subjects (aged 49 +/- 2 years) with white-coat hypertension (WCH, office BP > 140/90, daytime BP < 130/84 mmHg), 31 under antihypertensive therapy, 57 untreated, and in 115 patients with office and ambulatory hypertension (HT, aged 51 +/- 2 years, office BP > 140/90, daytime BP > 135/85), 65 under antihypertensive therapy, 50 untreated. In a longitudinal study in 15 patients with HT and in 11 patients with WCH we evaluated the influence of antihypertensive therapy (> 6 months) on office and ambulatory BP and on PWV. RESULTS: The intensity of the white coat effect (office BP-daytime BP) was greater in WCH than in HT. Taking all subjects, the white coat effect did not correlate with PWV (r = 0.08, ns) or with LVMI (r = 0.01, ns), whereas daytime BP correlated significantly with PWV (r = 0.41, p < 0.01) and with LVMI (r = 0.32, p < 0.05). WCH subjects showed lower PWV and LVMI than HT subjects. Treated and untreated WCH, with similar office and daytime BP, showed similar values of PWV and LVMI. Treated and untreated HT showed similar office BP values but treated HT showed lower daytime BP and PWV values. In the longitudinal study, antihypertensive therapy significantly reduced daytime BP and PWV values in the 15 HTs, whereas in the 11 WCH it did not alter daytime BP or PWV values. CONCLUSIONS: 1. In both WCH and HT (treated and untreated) the intensity of the white coat effect does not reflect either the severity of hypertension measured by target organ damage or the efficacy of antihypertensive treatment. 2. In WCH antihypertensive therapy does not improve either ambulatory BP values or damage to target organs.     

Target organ damage in "white coat hypertension" and "masked hypertension"

BACKGROUND: In this study we investigated (i) the prevalence of white coat hypertension (WCH) and masked hypertension (MH) in patients who had never been treated earlier with antihypertensive medication, and (ii) the association of these conditions with target organ damage. METHODS: A total of 1,535 consecutive patients underwent office blood pressure (BP) measurements, 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), echocardiography, and ultrasonography of the carotid arteries. Subjects who showed normotension or hypertension on the basis of both office and ambulatory BP (ABP) measurement were characterized as having confirmed normotension or confirmed hypertension, respectively. WCH was defined as office hypertension with ambulatory normotension, and MH as office normotension with ambulatory hypertension. RESULTS: WCH was found in 17.9% and MH in 14.5% of the subjects. The prevalence of WCH was significantly higher in subjects with obesity, while the prevalence of MH was significantly higher in normal-weight subjects. The confirmed hypertensive subjects as well as the masked hypertensive subjects had significantly higher left ventricular mass (LVM) (corrected for body surface area) and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) than the confirmed normotensive subjects did (108.9 +/- 30.6, 107.1 +/- 29.1 vs. 101.4 +/- 29.9 g/m(2) and 0.68 +/- 0.16, 0.68 +/- 0.21 vs. 0.63 +/- 0.15 mm, respectively, P < 0.005). White coat hypertensive subjects did not have a significantly higher LVM index than confirmed normotensive subjects (101.5 +/- 25.9 vs. 101.4 +/- 29.9 g/m(2)); they tended to have higher cIMT than the confirmed normotensive subjects, but the difference was not statistically significant (0.67 +/- 0.15 vs. 0.63 +/- 0.15 mm). CONCLUSIONS: WCH and MH are common conditions in patients who visit hypertension outpatient clinics. Confirmed hypertension and MH are accompanied by increased LVM index and cIMT, even after adjusting for other risk factors.     

Prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy detected by Cornell voltage-duration product in a hypertensive population

INTRODUCTION: Detection and treatment of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in hypertension is important in order to reduce cardiovascular risk. The product of QRS voltage and duration (e.g. Cornell voltage-duration product; CorP), is a good marker of LVH and the current study was designed to determine the prevalence of LVH in patients with essential hypertension treated in general practice. METHODS: This study was a multicenter, cross-sectional survey in outpatient hypertensive patients attending clinics across Spain. The primary endpoint for detection of LVH was a CorP >2.440 mm.ms on ECG recordings, which were independently assessed. RESULTS: Seven hundred and eighty-two patients were evaluated (66.1+/-10.4 years; 50.6% males; body mass index 28.2+/-6.1 kg/m2) with a mean baseline blood pressure (BP) of 155.7+/-17.7/90.8+/-10.6 mmHg. Only 13.2% of the study population had BP that was adequately controlled. LVH was detected in 23.4% of patients using the CorP method. Predictors of LVH were prior history of LVH, hypertensive retinopathy, age, grade II hypertension and male gender. CONCLUSIONS: Almost one-quarter of hypertensive patients who attended outpatient clinics in Spain had LVH detected by CorP. The CorP criterion appears to be a useful method for detecting LVH in general practice.     

Spot urinary albumin-creatinine ratio predicts left ventricular hypertrophy in young hypertensive African-American men

Hypertensive patients with target organ damage are at increased cardiovascular risk, and should be treated most aggressively. The association between urinary albumin excretion and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in prior studies is inconsistent, and has not been described using a single, random spot urine specimen. Therefore, we evaluated the association between the urinary albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) and left ventricular (LV) mass and also tested the hypothesis that a simple random, single-void urine ACR would identify high risk young, hypertensive, African-American men. We measured echocardiographic LV mass and a random spot urinary ACR in 109 untreated, hypertensive, young, inner city, African-American men. The mean age was 41 +/- 6 years and the mean blood pressure (BP) was 157 +/- 19/107 +/- 13 mm Hg. Microalbuminuria (ACR 30 to 300 mg/g) was present in 22% of subjects. The ACR is higher in the men with LVH than in the men without LVH (P < .05). Increased ACR is a predictor of increased LV mass index (P < .003) using multiple linear regression. An ACR >30 mg/g has a sensitivity of 33% and a specificity of 82% for the diagnosis of echocardiographic LVH. In conclusion, elevated random spot ACR is a marker of increased LV mass, independent of BP, in young urban African-American men with hypertension, and may help to determine the aggressiveness of antihypertensive therapy in this high-risk group.     

Office blood pressure underestimates ambulatory blood pressure in peripheral arterial disease in comparison to healthy controls

Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) constitute a subgroup of high-risk hypertensives, but controlled studies on 24-h blood pressure (BP) and diurnal variation of BP are lacking. This study was performed in order to test the hypothesis that office BP (OBP) may underestimate 24-h BP in PAD patients in comparison to a matched control group. In all, 98 male patients (mean age 68 years) with a history of intermittent claudication and an ankle/brachial index less than 0.9, and 94 controls matched for age but without PAD or ischaemic heart disease performed 24-h recordings of ambulatory BP. A total of 59 patients had a history of hypertension and 69 were on treatment with BP-lowering drugs as compared to 17 and 23 of the control subjects, respectively. Office as well as 24-h systolic BP (SBP) were higher in patients as compared to controls (151 +/- 22 vs 140 +/- 20 mmHg, P < 0.001 and 142 +/- 14 vs 133 +/- 15 mmHg, P < 0.001, respectively), but did not differ with regard to diastolic BP. In an analysis of covariance with the continuous factors age, office SBP and the categorical factor antihypertensive treatment, 24-h SBP was higher in PAD patients compared to controls (P < 0.05). The difference between office and night SBP was lower in PAD patients with antihypertensive treatment compared to controls (P = 0.01). In conclusion, Male patients with PAD had higher systolic but not diastolic BP than age-matched control subjects. In PAD patients, 24-h SBP was higher than expected from OBP compared to controls. Night SBP was higher only in patients with antihypertensive treatment. In PAD patients, especially when on antihypertensive treatment, the severity of hypertension may be underestimated when based on OBP only.     

Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy and prevention of stroke in hypertensive subjects

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a risk marker for stroke and its regression confers protection from stroke. The relationship between serial LVH changes and risk of stroke has never been investigated in a mixed population of hypertensive subjects with and without LVH. METHODS: In this study, 880 initially untreated hypertensive subjects (mean age 48 years, office blood pressure (BP) 155/98 mm Hg; 24-h BP 137/87 mm Hg) underwent tests including echocardiography and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring at entry and after a median of 3.5 years, still in the absence of cardiovascular events. RESULTS: Months or years after the follow-up study, 34 of these subjects developed a first cerebrovascular event (stroke in 21, transient ischemic attack in 13). Event rate (x 100 patients per year) was 0.25 among the subjects who never developed echocardiographic LVH or with regression of LVH, versus 1.16 among the subjects with lack of regression or new development of LVH (log-rank test: P = .00001). Serial electrocardiogram (ECG) changes failed to define groups at different risk. In a Cox analysis, the risk of cerebrovascular events was 2.8 times higher (95% CI: 1.18-6.69) in the subset with lack of regression or new development of LVH than in that with LVH regression or persistently normal LV mass. Such effect was independent of age (P = .001) and 24-h systolic BP (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: In a mixed hypertensive population with and without LVH at entry, serial changes in the echocardiographic indexes of LVH predict subsequent cerebrovascular events independently of office and ambulatory BP and other individual risk factors.     

Twenty-four hour ambulatory blood pressure for the management of antihypertensive treatment: a randomized controlled trial

The aim of this study was to assess whether the use of 24-h blood pressure (BP) measurement in the management of antihypertensive therapy improves BP in patients with sustained hypertension. Patients with sustained hypertension (office BP > or =140/90 mm Hg, and 24-h systolic BP > or =130/80 mm Hg) were randomly assigned to a strategy using 24-h BP to manage antihypertensive treatment (target <130/80 mm Hg) or to a standard strategy using office BP (target <140/90 mm Hg). The primary end point was change in 24-h systolic BP at 1 year of follow-up. We included 136 patients in the primary analysis. After 1 year of follow-up, the change in 24-h systolic BP was significantly greater in the ambulatory BP group compared with the office BP group (mean difference (95% confidence interval) -3.6 (-7.0, -0.3), P=0.03). Intention-to-treat analysis revealed essentially unchanged results. The mean number of antihypertensive drugs per participant at 1 year of follow-up was 1.76+/-1.1 and 1.95+/-0.9 in the ambulatory and office BP group, respectively (P=0.049). The benefit of ambulatory BP monitoring was mainly seen in patients with previously known hypertension (mean difference -7.2 (-11.6, -2.8), P=0.002), but not in those with newly detected hypertension (mean difference 0.2 (-4.9, 5.4), P=0.93). In conclusion, using 24-h BP for the management of antihypertensive therapy in patients with sustained hypertension leads to a greater BP reduction compared with a standard treatment strategy using office BP, although fewer antihypertensive drugs were used in the ambulatory BP group.     

Clinical prediction of normotension in borderline hypertensive men--a 10 year study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate 24-h ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM) as a tool for long-term prediction of future blood pressure (BP) status in high normal and low stage 1 hypertensives. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 165 men from a population screening program with diastolic BP (DBP) 85-94 mmHg and a systolic BP (SBP) < 150 mmHg performed a 24-h ABPM. Ten years later, 120 participants (73%) returned for renewed measurements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Blood pressure status at 10 years. RESULTS: At the 10-year follow-up, 53% of the participants were classified as hypertensive (HT) (BP > or = 140/90 or taking anti-hypertensive medication) and 47% were classified as normotensive (NT) (BP < 140/90 mmHg). There was no significant baseline differences in office SBP levels between those who were normotensive or hypertensive at follow-up (136/91 versus 138/92 mmHg), whereas both SBP and DBP night-time levels were significantly lower in the future normotensives as compared to the future hypertensives (107/69 versus 112/74 mmHg, P < 0.01). Using recommended normalcy night-time ABP levels of < 120/75 mmHg in addition to office BP (140/90) at baseline, over 85% of the subjects were correctly classified provided they met both clinic and ambulatory night-time criteria for HT and NT classification at baseline. CONCLUSION: The use of ABPM in addition to office BP's in patients with borderline hypertension greatly increases the possibility of identifying those individuals who are at a very small risk of developing future hypertension. This could potentially lead to considerable savings in both patient anxiety, physician time and resource consumption.     

Isolated ambulatory hypertension and changes in target organ damage in treated hypertensive patients

Isolated ambulatory hypertension is a condition characterized by elevated ambulatory but normal clinic blood pressure (BP), and has been reported to be associated with increased cardiovascular risk in untreated subjects. However, little is known about the relationship between this condition and intermediate end points such as target organ damage (TOD) in treated hypertensives. We investigated the impact of isolated ambulatory hypertension on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and microalbuminuria (MA) in a selected sample of treated nondiabetic hypertensives with effective and prolonged clinic BP control (BP<140/90 mmHg). Clinic BP measurements, routine diagnostic procedures, echocardiography and 24-h urine collection for MA, were undertaken in 80 patients (mean age 53+/-8 years) with essential hypertension attending our hospital outpatient centre at baseline and after an average follow-up of 30 months. At follow-up evaluation BP status was assessed by self-measurement of BP and ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). At the follow-up visit, 51 out of 80 patients (63.7%) reached a BP control according to ABP (average daytime BP<132/85 mmHg) criteria (group I) whereas the remaining 29 did not (group II); home BP was controlled (BP<135/85 mmHg) in all members of group I and in 86% of group II. In the overall study population, mean Sokolow voltage, LV mass index (LVMI) and urinary albumin excretion (UAE) decreased compared to baseline from 24.1+/-5.0 to 18.9+/-5.1 mm (P<0.05), 115.6+/-24.1 to 97.7+/-21.6 g/m(2) (P<0.01), 11.8+/-23.7 to 5.8+/-14.9 mg/24 h (P<0.05), respectively. The prevalence of ECG LVH, altered LV patterns and MA fell from 7.5 to 2.5% (P=NS), from 45 to 25 (P<0.01) and from 13.7 to 5.1% (P<0.05), respectively. However, when data were analysed separately for the two groups a significant decrease of echo LVH and MA was found only in patients with controlled ABP. LVMI and MA decreased from 117.1+/-23.1 to 95.9+/-22.1 g/m(2) (P<0.01) and 12.8+/-24.7 to 4.1+/-5.7 mg/24 h (P<0.05) in group I, and from 114.1+/-24.8 to 102.3+/-20.3 (P=NS) and 11.9+/-22.1 to 6.3+/-18.1 mg/24 h (P=NS) in group II. In conclusion, in the present study isolated ambulatory hypertension in treated patients is associated with a lack of regression in cardiac and extracardiac TOD, suggesting that a tight BP control throughout the 24 h plays a key role in lowering hypertension-induced structural and functional alterations at cardiac and renal level.     

Losartan controlled blood pressure and reduced left ventricular hypertrophy but did not alter arrhythmias in hypertensive men with preserved systolic function

The effect of antihypertensive therapy on arrhythmias is controversial. An initial study in patients with chronic heart failure indicated that losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, may possess antiarrhythmic properties. However, the effect of AT1 receptor antagonists on arrhythmias of subjects with good systolic function has never been evaluated. Thirty-nine men with primary hypertension (18 without left ventricular hypertrophy [LVH], and 21 with LVH, aged 48.2 +/-8.6 and 50.5 +/-6.0 years, respectively), 15 healthy normotensive subjects (47.9 +/-8.5 years), and 14 highly trained athletes (34.1 +/-1.6 years) were studied. Transthoracic echocardiography and 24-hour Holter ambulatory monitoring were performed at baseline (without treatment). Hypertensive patients underwent the same examinations after 8 months of losartan administration. The prevalence and complexity of ventricular arrhythmias, and the frequency of supraventricular arrhythmias were increased in hypertensive patients with LVH compared to normotensive controls and athletes, at baseline. A similar significant reduction of blood pressure (BP) was noted in both groups of patients (p < 0.001). The LVH was reduced in hypertensives with LVH (the left ventricular mass index by 12%, the interventricular septum by 8.1%, the posterior wall by 7%, all p < 0.01). However, the arrhythmias did not change in either group of patients, even if all hypertensives were considered as 1 group. In conclusion, an 8-month course with losartan was effective in lowering BP and reducing LVH. However, the increased arrhythmias, which were registered in hypertensive patients with LVH at baseline, did not change.     

Effect of body weight changes on 24-hour blood pressure and left ventricular mass in hypertension: a 4-year follow-up

BACKGROUND: Few data are available on the long-term effects of weight loss on 24-h blood pressure (BP) and left ventricular mass in overweight hypertensive patients. METHODS: A total of 181 never-treated overweight hypertensive subjects (body mass index, 25 to 39 kg/m(2), office BP 145/94 +/- 12/7 mm Hg) had 24-h BP monitoring and echocardiography twice, at baseline and after 3.8 +/- 2 years (minimum 1 year). None of the subjects received antihypertensive drugs during the follow-up. Main outcome measures were changes in 24-h BP and in left ventricular mass. RESULTS: Percent change in body weight had a direct relationship with 24-h BP changes (r = 0.35 and 0.31 for systolic and diastolic BP, respectively; both P <.001). The associations with office BP changes (r = 0.13, P =.10 for systolic BP; r = 0.15, P =.06 for diastolic BP) were significantly weaker (both P <.01, z test). The patients who lost weight during follow-up (n = 106) had a significantly lower increase in 24-h BP (+0.6 +/- 9/ +0.2 +/- 6 v +4.9 +/- 9/ +2.7 +/- 7 mm Hg for systolic/diastolic BP, both P <.01) and in left ventricular mass (-3 +/- 30 g v +9 +/- 32 g, P <.02) than the remaining subjects. In a multiple linear regression, a 10% weight loss independently predicted a 4.3/3.8 mm Hg decrease in 24-h systolic/diastolic BP. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term weight loss determines a sustained BP reduction during the 24 h and a decrease in left ventricular mass in overweight hypertensive subjects. The relation of weight loss with ambulatory BP changes is closer than that with office BP.     

Baseline characteristics in relation to electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients: the Losartan intervention for endpoint reduction (LIFE) in hypertension study. The Life Study Investigators

The Losartan Intervention For Endpoint (LIFE) reduction in hypertension study is a double-blind, prospective, parallel group study designed to compare the effects of losartan with those of atenolol on the reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A total of 9194 patients with hypertension and ECG left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) by Cornell voltage-duration product and/or Sokolow-Lyon voltage criteria were enrolled in the study, with baseline clinical and ECG data available in 8785 patients (54% women; mean age, 67+/-7 years). ECG LVH by Cornell voltage-duration product criteria was present in 5791 patients (65.9%) and by Sokolow-Lyon voltage in 2025 patients (23.1%). Compared with patients without ECG LVH by Cornell voltage-duration product criteria, patients with ECG LVH by this method were older; more obese; more likely to be female, white, and to have never smoked; more likely to be diabetic and have angina; and had slightly higher systolic, diastolic, and pulse blood pressures. In contrast, patients with ECG LVH by Sokolow-Lyon criteria were slightly younger; less obese; more likely to be male, black, and current smokers; less likely to have diabetes; more likely to have angina and a history of cerebrovascular disease; and had higher systolic and pulse blood pressure but slightly lower diastolic blood pressure than patients without ECG LVH by this method. By use of multivariate logistic regression analyses, presence of ECG LVH by Cornell voltage-duration product criteria was predominantly associated with higher body mass index, increased age, and female gender, whereas presence of ECG LVH by Sokolow-Lyon voltage criteria was predominantly related to lower body mass index, male gender, and black race. Thus, hypertensive patients who meet Cornell product and Sokolow-Lyon voltage criteria are associated with different, but potentially equally adverse, risk factor profiles.     

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in Uygur centenarians.

Cross-sectional surveillance was carried out in long-lived Uygur in China to investigate blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate (PR) variation in centenarians. The study group comprised 33 centenarians (age > or = 100 years), 103 longevous subjects (age 90-99 years) and 100 elderly (age 65-70 years) subjects. Office BP was measured, and 24-h noninvasive ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was performed. The office BP was higher and hypertension occurred more frequently in the centenarians than in either the longevous or elderly subjects. Mean 24-h systolic and diastolic BP was higher in the centenarians than in the other 2 groups. However, mean 24-h PR did not differ between them. Day-night differences in systolic BP decreased, and the non-dipper-type BP pattern was common in the centenarians (79.1% vs 68% and 63.6% in longevous and elderly subjects, respectively). Circadian BP was characterized by 3 peaks in longevous subjects and multiple peaks in centenarians. Morning rising and nocturnal dipping of BP were observed in both longevous and elderly subjects. In conclusion, BP in longevous and elderly Uygur was characterized by circadian rhythmicity, but the nocturnal fall in BP was not seen in centenarians. Differences in day-night BP and circadian rhythmicity may decrease with advancing age, especially in centenarians.     

Comparison of randomization techniques for clinical trials with data from the HOMERUS-trial

Background. Several methods of randomization are available to create comparable intervention groups in a study. In the HOMERUS-trial, we compared the minimization procedure with a stratified and a non-stratified method of randomization in order to test which one is most appropriate for use in clinical hypertension trials. A second objective of this article was to describe the baseline characteristics of the HOMERUS-trial. Methods. The HOMERUS population consisted of 459 mild-to-moderate hypertensive subjects (54% males) with a mean age of 55 years. These patients were prospectively randomized with the minimization method to either the office pressure (OP) group, where antihypertensive treatment was based on office blood pressure (BP) values, or to the self-pressure (SP) group, where treatment was based on self-measured BP values. Minimization was compared with two other randomization methods, which were performed post-hoc: (i) non-stratified randomization with four permuted blocks, and (ii) stratified randomization with four permuted blocks and 16 strata. In addition, several factors that could influence outcome were investigated for their effect on BP by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Results. Minimization and stratified randomization did not lead to significant differences in 24-h ABPM values between the two treatment groups. Non-stratified randomization resulted in a significant difference in 24-h diastolic ABPM between the groups. Factors that caused significant differences in 24-h ABPM values were: region, centre of patient recruitment, age, gender, microalbuminuria, left ventricular hypertrophy and obesity. Conclusion. Minimization and stratified randomization are appropriate methods for use in clinical trials. Many outcome factors should be taken into account for their potential influence on BP levels. Recommendation. Due to the large number of potential outcome factors that can influence BP levels, minimization should be the preferred method for use in clinical hypertension trials, as it has the potential to randomize more outcome factors than stratified randomization.     

动态血压监测二级筛选诊断高血压的价值

选择上海人民出版社医务室管辖的７７０名职工中的１０８例高血压（确诊１０２例，临界６例）为对象，观察停服降压药２周以上后的２４ｈ动态血压（ＡＢＰ）参数。在１０１例（检测率９３．５％）受检患者中，ＡＢＰ各项参数均正常者占１９．８％，随年龄增大而减少，男性１５．２％，女性３６．４％（Ｐ＜０．０５）；各项参数均升高者占２５．７％，随年龄增大而增加，男性３０．４％，女性９．１％（Ｐ＜０．１）。高血压患病率根据随测血压的ＷＨＯ标准为１４．０％，按照ＡＢＰ参数则为１１．２％。结果提示动态血压监测可以作为高血压诊断的二级筛选手段，有助于识别＂诊所高血压＂和高危患者。     

Sequential follow-up clinic and ambulatory blood pressure evaluation in a low risk population of white-coat hypertensive patients and in normotensives

BACKGROUND: In subjects with white-coat hypertension (WCH) it is unclear how ambulatory blood pressure (ABPM) progresses over time and whether they exhibit an increased cardiovascular risk. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated the transition of clinic and ABPM values in 39 clinic and ABPM normotensive subjects (NT) (clinic BP<140/90 mmHg and awake BP<130/85 mmHg, ages 43.4+/-2.6 y) and in 79 untreated subjects (47.2+/-2.4 y) with WCH (clinic BP>140/90, awake ABP<130/85 mmHg) with no other major cardiovascular risk factors. Ambulatory blood pressure was evaluated at baseline and on at least two further occasions during follow-up. RESULTS: At baseline all subjects were untreated and groups did not differ on values of metabolic parameters, BMI, left ventricular mass index, and ABPM values. Subjects were revaluated for ABPM half way through and at the end of follow-up, 35+/-3 and 86+/-4 months in NT and 49+/-4 and 90+/-4 months in WCH. Thirty-six WCH were on antihypertensive treatment (AH) after baseline until the end of follow-up (WCH-tr), whereas 43 WCH (WCH-untr) were free from AH throughout the study. In a similar way all groups showed a significant (p<0.01) progressive increase in 24-h ABPM systolic blood pressure (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) from baseline throughout the follow-up in NT (+4.9/2.1+/-0.8/0.9 mmHg), average annual increase of 0.72/0.37 mmHg/y, in WCH-tr (+ 5.0/1.2+/-1.1/1.5 mmHg), average annual increase of 0.66/0.31 mmHg/y and in WCH-untr (+5.4/3.2+/-0.9/1.1 mmHg), average annual increase of 0.74/0.39 mmHg/y. During the follow-up office SBP/DBP (mmHg) significantly rose in NT (+5.7/3.9) but was reduced in WCH-tr (-7.8/5.2) and in WCH-untr (-4.7/1.1). Development of ambulatory hypertension (daytime BP >130 and/or >85 mmHg) occurred in 15.4% (6/39) of NT, in 22.7% (8/36) of WCH-tr and in 26.1% (11/43) of WCH-untr (NS). First cardiovascular events recorded were three in subjects with WCH and none in NT. CONCLUSIONS: After 7.4 years of follow-up, both the progressive increase in ABPM and the rate of transition to ambulatory hypertension in subjects with WCH (either treated or untreated), who were selected under strict criteria were similar to that of normotensive subjects. Also there was no evidence that WCH exhibited a clear higher risk of development cardiovascular events.     

Gender differences in regression of electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy during antihypertensive therapy

Although men and women differ in the magnitude of ECG left ventricular hypertrophy, whether gender differences exist in the degree of regression of ECG left ventricular hypertrophy during antihypertensive therapy is unclear. ECG left ventricular hypertrophy defined using gender-adjusted Cornell product and Sokolow-Lyon voltage criteria was assessed serially in 9193 hypertensive patients treated with losartan- or atenolol-based regimens. Changes in ECG left ventricular hypertrophy were measured from baseline to last in-study visit, and above-average regression of hypertrophy was identified by a >or=236-mm . ms reduction in Cornell product or >or=3.5-mm reduction in Sokolow-Lyon voltage. During mean follow-up of 4.8+/-0.9 years, women had less reduction in Cornell product (-149+/-823 versus -251+/-890 mm . ms) and Sokolow-Lyon voltage (-3.0+/-6.8 versus -4.8+/-7.7 mm) than men (both P<0.001). After adjusting for baseline ECG left ventricular hypertrophy levels, baseline and change in systolic and diastolic pressures, treatment group, age, and other baseline gender differences, women had significantly less reduction in both Cornell product (adjusted means: -137 versus -276 mm . ms; P<0.001) and Sokolow-Lyon voltage (-3.6 versus -4.1 mm; P=0.005) than men and were 32% less likely to have had greater than the median level of regression of Cornell product left ventricular hypertrophy (95% CI: 24% to 39%; P<0.001) and 15% less likely to have had regression of left ventricular hypertrophy by Sokolow-Lyon criteria (95% CI: 5% to 23%; P=0.003). Thus, women have less regression of ECG left ventricular hypertrophy than men in response to antihypertensive therapy, independent of baseline gender differences in the severity of ECG left ventricular hypertrophy and after taking into account treatment effects and blood pressure changes.     

24-h Ambulatory blood pressure in patients with ECG-determined left ventricular hypertrophy: left ventricular geometry and urinary albumin excretion-a LIFE substudy

This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationships among left ventricular (LV) geometric patterns and urinary albumin excretion in patients with hypertension and electrocardiographic (ECG) LV hypertrophy. In 143 patients with stage II-III hypertension, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring, single urine albumin determination, and echocardiography were performed after 14 days of placebo treatment. Mean age was 68+/-7 years, 35% were women, body mass index was 28+/-5 kg/m(2), LV mass index (LVMI) was 125+/-26 g/m(2), and 24% had microalbuminuria. The mean office BP was 176+/-15/99+/-8 mmHg and the mean daytime ambulatory BP was 161+/-18/92+/-12 mmHg. Ambulatory BP, but not office BP, was higher among albuminuric compared to normoalbuminuric patients. In patients with established hypertension, daytime pulse pressure and office BP were different in the four patterns of LV geometry, with the highest pressure in those with abnormal geometry. Furthermore, microalbuminuria was more frequent in hypertensive patients with LV hypertrophy than in those with either normal geometry or concentric remodelling. White coat hypertensives (10%) showed lower LVMI and no microalbuminuria compared to patients with established hypertension. There were no differences in the prevalence of nondippers (26%) among the four LV geometric patterns or in microalbuminuria. In conclusion, increased daytime pulse pressure and office BP were associated with increased prevalence of abnormal LV geometry. Microalbuminuria was more frequent in groups with concentric and eccentric LV hypertrophy. Ambulatory BP, but not office BP, was higher in albuminuric than normoalbuminuric patients. With regard to the relationship among BP, LV geometric patterns, and urine albumin excretion in this population, 24-h ambulatory BP did not provide additional information beyond the office BP.     

Left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with autonomic failure

BACKGROUND: In autonomic failure (AF), supine hypertension may predispose patients to end-organ damage. The pathophysiology of hypertensive heart disease in AF is not known. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence and predisposing factors of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with AF. METHODS: We studied 25 patients with AF (67 +/- 8 years); 80% were being treated for orthostatic hypotension. Twenty patients with essential hypertension (68 +/- 6 years) were considered as the control group. All subjects underwent echocardiography for measurement of left ventricular mass (LVM). The patients with AF underwent a 24-h BP monitoring and long-term blood pressure (BP) variability was calculated as standard deviation (SD) of the average of the half-hour mean values. RESULTS: The LVM is comparable in patients with AF and hypertensive controls (145 +/- 35 g/m2 v 127 +/- 32 g/m2, P = .07). The proportion of patients with LVH is similar in both populations (AF 80%, hypertensive 70%). The patients with AF were divided into two groups, with and without LVH. The SDs are significantly higher in AF patients with LVH than in those with normal LVM (SD 24-h systolic BP: 22 +/- 4 v 14 +/- 1 mm Hg, P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of patients with AF show LVH. The LVM values are comparable with those of patients with essential hypertension. The development of LVH seems to depend on high BP variability, characteristic of AF patients. Detection of LVH may help in the choice of treatment for orthostatic hypotension and in the prevention of heart failure.