Olmesartan medoxomil: current status of its use in monotherapy

Olmesartan medoxomil is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. In pooled analyses of seven randomized, double-blind trials, 8 weeks' treatment with olmesartan medoxomil was significantly more effective than placebo in terms of the response rate, proportion of patients achieving target blood pressure (BP) and mean change from baseline in diastolic (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Olmesartan medoxomil had a fast onset of action, with significant between-group differences evident from 2 weeks onwards. The drug was well tolerated with a similar adverse event profile to placebo. In patients with type 2 diabetes, olmesartan medoxomil reduced renal vascular resistance, increased renal perfusion, and reduced oxidative stress. In several large, randomized, double-blind trials, olmesartan medoxomil 20 mg has been shown to be significantly more effective, in terms of primary endpoints, than recommended doses of losartan, valsartan, irbesartan, or candesartan cilexetil, and to provide better 24 h BP protection. Olmesartan medoxomil was at least as effective as amlodipine, felodipine and atenolol, and significantly more effective than captopril. The efficacy of olmesartan medoxomil in reducing cardiovascular risk beyond BP reduction is currently being investigated in trials involving patients at high risk due to atherosclerosis or type 2 diabetes.     

缬沙坦／氨氯地平和依贝沙坦／双氢克尿噻联合治疗老龄高血压疗效的研究

目的 比较缬沙坦/氨氯地平和依贝沙坦/双氢克尿噻两种联合用药对老龄高血压患者的疗效.方法 经过4周药物洗刷期,94例老龄高血压患者被随机分为缬沙坦160 mg/氨氯地平5 mg和依贝沙坦300 mg/双氢克尿噻12.5 mg两组,治疗周期为24周,对于药物治疗4周后无反应的患者氨氯地平或双氧克尿噻加倍剂量给药.观察期间测定卧位、坐位及立位血压（收缩压和舒张压）和心率,治疗结束后并测定尿酸和血钾数值.结果 用药后两组各自的血压值均明显下降（氨氯地平和双氢克尿噻剂量加倍者分别为9例和11例）,但两组间的比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）,从卧位到站立血压下降在依贝沙坦/双氢克尿噻组中比缬沙坦/氨氯地平组更明显,分别为-17.2/-9.1 mmHg和-10.1/-1.9mmHg（SBP：t=2.14,P＜0.05,DBP：t=3.11,P＜0.01）.在依贝沙坦/双氢克尿噻组中,相对治疗前血钾水平明显降低（-0.4 mmol/L,t=2.33,P＜0.05）,尿酸明显升高（＋29.7 μmol/L,t=2.54,P＜0.05）.结论 两组药物均能显著降低老龄患者的高血压状况,但缬沙坦/氨氯地平组在对由体位改变引起的血压变化情况影响较小,且有较少的代谢副作用.     

重庆市某社区卫生服务中心门诊高血压患者用药情况分析

目的分析重庆市某社区卫生服务中心门诊高血压患者用药情况,为指导社区高血压患者合理用药提供依据。方法收集2018年1-12月重庆市某社区卫生服务中心门诊处方(临床诊断为高血压的处方)3779张,对抗高血压药的应用品种、销售金额、用药频度(DDDs)、日均费用(DDC)及药物联用情况等进行统计分析。结果所有处方共涉及843例高血压患者,其中男性358人,女性485人;年龄范围31~97岁。55岁以上的中老年患者共740人(87.79%)。抗高血压药物中销售金额最高的为钙通道阻滞剂(CCB)类(54.66%),其次为血管紧张素Ⅱ受体阻断剂(ARB)类(38.67%)。DDDs排序居前3位的药品分别为苯磺酸左旋氨氯地平片、坎地沙坦酯片和替米沙坦片。在843例患者降压药的使用中,单一用药386例(45.79%),二联用药336例(39.86%),三联用药36例(4.27%)。在二联降压治疗中,以CCB和ARB联用为主(82.73%)。在三联降压治疗中,以CCB+ARB+β受体阻断剂(β-RB)联用为主(52.78%)。结论该社区门诊抗高血压药物应用种类及降压治疗方案使用基本合理,但在考虑用药的经济性方面欠佳,多药联用方案仍需进一步进行规范。此外,临床药师对社区高血压患者进行合理用药宣教时,应重点关注CCB及ARB类药物的使用情况,特别注意潜在的药物相互作用,以降低药物不良反应发生率,提高患者用药依从性。     

Fixed combinations in the management of hypertension: patient perspectives and rationale for development and utility of the olmesartan-amlodipine combination

Although the awareness and control of hypertension has increased, only 37% of hypertensive patients in the US achieve the conservative goal of <140/90 mmHg. Achieving optimal blood pressure (BP) control is the most important single issue in the management of hypertension, and in most hypertensive patients, it is difficult or impossible to control BP with one drug. Blocking two or more BP regulatory systems provides a more effective and more physiologic reduction in BP, and current guidelines have recommended the use of combination therapy as first-line treatment, or early in the management of hypertension. Fixed combination therapy is an efficacious, relatively safe, and may be cost-effective method of decreasing BP in most patients with essential hypertension. Similar to other combinations, fixed-dose combination tablets containing the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker amlodipine and the angiotensin II receptor blocker olmesartan bring together two distinct and complementary mechanisms of action, resulting in improved BP control and potential for improved target organ protection relative to either class of agent alone.     

Management of Hypertension in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are significant and independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease.Antihypertensive therapy reduces cerebrovascular and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with hypertension. Tight blood pressure (BP) control [target diastolic BP (DBP) ≤80mm Hg] reduced the incidence of major cardiovascular events by 51% compared with less tight control (DBP ≤90mm Hg) in patients with diabetes mellitus in the Hypertension Optimal Treatment (HOT) study. Similarly, in the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), tight BP control [mean systolic BP (SBP)/DBP = 144/82mm Hg] with captopril or atenolol reduced diabetes mellitus-related morbidity and mortality by 24% compared with less tight control (mean SBP/DBP = 154/87mm Hg). Importantly, the frequency of microvascular disease (including retinopathy) was reduced by 37% among those randomised to tight BP control in the UKPDS.In the diabetic subgroup in the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE) study, there was a 25% reduction in the composite end-point of death due to cardiovascular causes, or myocardial infarction or stroke during 5 years of treatment with ramipril 10 mg/day relative to placebo.Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor indicated for use in hypertension, heart failure and post-myocardial infarction. As an antihypertensive agent the drug is effective and generally well tolerated in patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus and in those with early or overt nephropathy.In the Swedish Treatment of Old People (STOP) Hypertension 2 trial, there was no difference in the relative risk of cardiovascular death between those assigned to ACE inhibitors (lisinopril or enalapril), calcium channel blockers (felodipine or isradipine) or ‘conventional’ antihypertensive therapy (thiazide diuretics or β blockers); treatment effects did not differ significantly between diabetic and nondiabetic patients (10.9% of the 6614 patients had diabetes mellitus). Importantly, lower frequencies of nonfatal or fatal myocardial infarction [relative risk (RR) 0.77; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61 to 0.96] and congestive heart failure (RR 0.78; CI 0.83 to 0.97) were detected during 4 years’ treatment with lisinopril or enalapril than felodipine or isradipine in this study.Lisinopril reduced albumin excretion rates in patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus. In the 2-year EURODIAB Controlled Trial of Lisinopril in IDDM (EUCLID) study, albumin excretion rates decreased by 49.7% relative to placebo in normotensive patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and microalbuminuria during treatment with lisinopril 10 to 20 mg/day. Progression of retinopathy was attenuated in normotensive patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus during treatment with lisinopril in this study.In conclusion, lisinopril, like other ACE inhibitors should be considered a first-line agent for reducing BP and attenuating nephropathy in patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus.     

A review of telmisartan in the treatment of hypertension: blood pressure control in the early morning hours

Measurement of blood pressure in the clinic may provide a false impression of blood pressure control. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) allows the automatic recording of the circadian variation in blood pressure and evaluation of the efficacy of antihypertensive medication throughout the dosing interval. Ambulatory blood pressure provides more effective prediction of cardiovascular risk; blood pressure control at the time of heightened risk in the early morning after waking and before taking the next dose of medication is becoming important in order to improve long-term prognosis. To achieve blood pressure control in the early morning, a long-acting antihypertensive agent is essential. Telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, as well as having a terminal elimination half-life of 24 h, has a large volume of distribution due to its high lipophilicity. The efficacy of telmisartan 80 mg monotherapy has been demonstrated using ABPM, with superior reduction in mean values for the last 6 h of the dosing interval compared with ramipril 10 mg and valsartan 80 mg. In addition, telmisartan 80 mg provides superior blood pressure control after a missed dose compared with valsartan 160mg. When combined with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 12.5 mg, telmisartan 40mg and 80mg is more effective than losartan/HCTZ (50/12.5 mg) at the end of the dosing interval. Furthermore, greater reductions in last 6 h mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) are achieved with telmisartan/HCTZ (80/12.5 mg) than with valsartan/HCTZ (160/12.5 mg) in obese patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Recent data from a large group of patients show that telmisartan 80 mg controls the early morning blood pressure surge more effectively than ramipril 5-10 mg and, thus, may have a greater beneficial effect on long-term cardiovascular risk. This supposition is being tested in the ONgoing Telmisartan Alone and in combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial (ONTARGET) programme.     

儿童期血压偏高对成年期高血压的影响研究

目的 本研究旨在探讨儿童期血压偏高对成年期高血压的影响,为成人高血压的早期防控提供科学依据。方法 基于“中国居民健康与营养调查”资料(1991-2011年),纳入儿童期(6~17岁)和成年期(18~38岁)均进行至少1次随访的研究对象。儿童期血压偏高前期定义采用中国儿童青少年血压参考值性别和年龄的第90百分位(P₉₀)至第95百分位(P₉₅),儿童期血压偏高采用≥P₉₅。成年期高血压前期为收缩压/舒张压≥120/80 mmHg且<140/90 mmHg;成年期高血压为收缩压/舒张压≥140/90 mmHg,或有高血压史,或目前正服用降压药物。采用协方差分析和Cox比例风险回归模型分析儿童期血压偏高对成年期高血压前期和高血压的影响,控制混杂因素包括儿童期性别和年龄,成年期的体重指数(BMI)、吸烟和饮酒。结果 本研究共纳入1 984名数据完整的研究对象,中位随访时间为11.7年。基线儿童期共有108人(5.4%)为血压偏高前期,199人(10.0%)为血压偏高。随访成年期共有697人(35.1%)为高血压前期,104人(5.2%)为高血压。协方差分析表明,成年期收缩压和舒张压水平均随着儿童期血压百分位的增加而增加(P_趋势<0.001)。多因素Cox回归分析显示,儿童期血压偏高者成年后为高血压前期的风险增加(HR=1.41,95%CI:1.12~1.77)。儿童期血压偏高者成年后为高血压的风险显著增加(HR=1.73,95%CI:1.01~2.98)。结论 儿童期血压偏高会增加成年期罹患高血压的风险。应该重视儿童青少年血压监测,对血压偏高的高危儿童应及时采取干预措施。     

Fixed combination of zofenopril plus hydrochlorothiazide in the management of hypertension: a review of available data

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors effectively interfere with the renin-angiotensin system and exert various beneficial actions on vascular structure and function beyond their blood pressure-lowering effects. Zofenopril, a potent sulphydryl ACE inhibitor, is characterized by high lipophilicity, sustained cardiac ACE inhibition, and antioxidant and tissue protective activities. Its ancillary properties, such as antioxidant activity and cardiovascular (CV) protection, make this drug potentially suitable for the treatment and prevention of certain CV diseases. The Survival of Myocardial Infarction Long term Evaluation trials have demonstrated that the early administration of zofenopril to patients with acute myocardial infarction is associated with a significant reduction in the 6-week occurrence of major CV events in high-risk patients with anterior non-thrombolyzed myocardial infarction. The fixed combination of zofenopril-hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 30/12.5 mg/day is approved for the management of mild-to-moderate hypertension in different European countries. In clinical trials comparing zofenopril-HCTZ with each agent administered as monotherapy, combination therapy was clearly more effective in normalizing blood pressure (BP). In addition, combination therapy provided sustained and consistent BP control over the entire 24 hour dosing interval. The efficacy and safety profile of zofenopril-HCTZ highlights that this combination is a potentially useful addition to currently available therapy for patients with BP inadequately controlled by monotherapy, as well as for patients who require more rapid and intensive BP control.     

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.     

Effectively Prescribing Oral Magnesium Therapy for Hypertension: A Categorized Systematic Review of 49 Clinical Trials

Trials and meta-analyses of oral magnesium for hypertension show promising but conflicting results. An inclusive collection of 49 oral magnesium for blood pressure (BP) trials were categorized into four groups: (1) Untreated Hypertensives; (2) Uncontrolled Hypertensives; (3) Controlled Hypertensives; (4) Normotensive subjects. Each group was tabulated by ascending magnesium dose. Studies reporting statistically significant (p < 0.05) decreases in both systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) from both baseline and placebo (if reported) were labeled “Decrease”; all others were deemed “No Change.” Results: Studies of Untreated Hypertensives (20 studies) showed BP “Decrease” only when Mg dose was >600 mg/day; <50% of the studies at 120–486 mg Mg/day showed SBP or DBP decreases but not both while others at this Mg dosage showed no change in either BP measure. In contrast, all magnesium doses (240–607 mg/day) showed “Decrease” in 10 studies on Uncontrolled Hypertensives. Controlled Hypertensives, Normotensives and “magnesium-replete” studies showed “No Change” even at high magnesium doses (>600 mg/day). Where magnesium did not lower BP, other cardiovascular risk factors showed improvement. Conclusion: Controlled Hypertensives and Normotensives do not show a BP-lowering effect with oral Mg therapy, but oral magnesium (≥240 mg/day) safely lowers BP in Uncontrolled Hypertensive patients taking antihypertensive medications, while >600 mg/day magnesium is required to safely lower BP in Untreated Hypertensives; <600 mg/day for non-medicated hypertensives may not lower both SBP and DBP but may safely achieve other risk factor improvements without antihypertensive medication side effects.     

Blood pressure and dietary intake in a French population sample from three regions

In order to determine the possible relationship between nutritional factors and blood pressure (BP), a sample of 1128 men of the population living in the three French MONICA centres, Bas-Rhin (BR), Haute-Garonne (HG) and the Urban Community of Lille (UCL), was included in a nutritional survey. Of the sample, 16.2% were taking antihypertensive drugs and 34.1% of the remainder had high BP. Prevalence of high BP was greater in BR and UCL than in HG, the differences persisting after adjustment for body mass index (BMI) and age. BMI and geographic location were the best predictors of high systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). Age was positively correlated with SBP, but not with DBP. Alcohol intake was the dietary component which had the most consistent relationship with SBP and DBP. However, greater intakes of total fat and of cholesterol were also associated with higher DBP and SBP respectively. A small but significant contribution of sodium chloride to SBP and DBP was also found, whereas no influence of the intake of calcium or of any diary product was observed.     

ACE inhibitor-based treatment and antihypertensive effects in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM: The presence of hypertension significantly increases cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients. Different classes of antihypertensive drugs, by targeting different pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic targets, might provide different antihypertensive effects. The authors speculated that drugs specifically targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system provide better antihypertensive control than other therapeutic agents. METHODS: Fifty consecutive type 2 diabetic patients with hypertension (M:F 29:21) were followed for 3-9 yrs. Antihypertensive treatment was stable for the last 12 months and included angiotensin convertying enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (ACEI) alone in 8 patients (group IA), ACEI combined with other drugs in 11 patients (group IB) and non-ACEI treatment in 31 patients (group II), 23 of whom were treated with Ca-channel blockers and 8 were treated with beta-blockers alone or with diuretics. During the last month of the study a 3-7 days antihypertensive drugs wash-out was performed. Measurements were performed in sitting position in the same ambulatory conditions, in supine position after 20 min of absolute rest, and in motionless standing station after quickly rising up from sitting rest. RESULTS: Groups IA, IB, and II had similar blood pressure values during antihypertensive therapy within the last year. However, blood pressure values after antihypertensive drug wash-out were significantly higher in groups IA and IB vs. group II (SBP and DBP resting sitting position, P=0.039 and P=0.014 respectively; SBP and DBP in standing position, P=0.001 and P=0.016, respectively). CONCLUSION: These data show that the underlying condition in terms of pathophysiologic mechanisms is more severe in groups IA and IB, including a greater increase of peripheral resistance. Thus we may conclude that the antihypertensive effect of ACEI is greater than other classes of antihypertensive drugs.     

Fixed combination of losartan and hydrochlorothiazide and reduction of risk of stroke

A fixed-dose combination of losartan/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) therapy may be a logical choice for antihypertensive treatment, including for initial therapy in patients with blood pressure elevation >20/10 mmHg above treatment target. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system-activating effect of hydrochlorothiazide augments the efficacy of blocking the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor with losartan. Some adverse effects associated with hydrochlorothiazide, including increased risk for new-onset diabetes mellitus, may be offset by losartan. Losartan was frequently administered with hydrochlorothiazide in the Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension (LIFE) study, in which there was a 25% risk reduction for stroke in the losartan-based compared with the atenolol-based treatment group. The efficacy, tolerability, and convenience of losartan/HCTZ combination therapy may increase patient compliance and lower risk for stroke, a devastating outcome in patients with hypertension.     

A prospective study of blood pressure and risk of cataract in men

PURPOSE: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Blood pressure has been identified as a risk factor in some, but not all, previous studies. We aimed to test prospectively the hypothesis that high blood pressure increases risk of age-related cataract. METHODS: Participants in the Physicians' Health Study of 22,071 men aged 40 to 84 years in 1982 completed annual questionnaires that provided medical history including self-reported blood pressure, treatment for hypertension, and cataract. Over 12 years, 1392 cataracts were confirmed by medical record review among 17,762 physicians with complete data and no reported cataract at baseline. We used proportional hazards regression models to examine relations of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), hypertension, as well as antihypertensive medications with cataract, after control for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: In models adjusting for age and randomized treatment assignment, there was a significant relationship of SBP, but not DBP, hypertension, or antihypertensive medications (each p > or = 0.23) with incident cataract. Estimates were attenuated after adjusting for multiple potential confounders, although the relationship of SBP with incident cataract remained significant. The multivariate adjusted rate ratio (95% confidence interval) of cataract for SBP > or = 150 versus < 120 mm Hg was 1.31 (1.04-1.66), p for trend = 0.04. For DBP > or = 90 versus < 70 mm Hg, the estimate was 1.11 (0.84-1.45), p for trend = 0.33.CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these data suggest that the relationship of blood pressure with cataract is not strong, and is subject to confounding by other risk factors. The modest magnitude of the association with SBP and lack of significant relationships with DBP and hypertension may suggest a non-causal relationship of blood pressure with cataract.     

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.     

Manidipine-delapril combination in the management of hypertension

High blood pressure (BP) is the major cardiovascular risk factor and the main cause of death around the world. Control of blood pressure reduces the high mortality associated with hypertension and the most recent guidelines recommend reducing arterial BP values below 140/90 mmHg for all hypertensive patients (130/80 in diabetics) as a necessary step to reduce global cardiovascular risk, which is the fundamental objective of the treatment. To achieve these target BP goals frequently requires combination therapy with two or more antihypertensive agents. Although the combination of a diuretic and an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) is the most commonly used in the clinical practice, the combination of an ACEI and a calcium channel blocker may have an additive antihypertensive effect, a favorable effect on the metabolic profile, and an increased target organ damage protection. The new oral fixed combination manidipine 10 mg/delapril 30 mg has a greater antihypertensive effect than both components of the combination separately, and in non-responders to monotherapy with manidipine or delapril the average reduction of systolic and diastolic BP is 16/10 mmHg. The combination is well tolerated and the observed adverse effects are of the same nature as those observed in patients treated with the components as monotherapy. However, combination therapy reduces the incidence of ankle edema in patients treated with manidipine.     

Blood pressure target attainment in the background of guidelines: the very elderly in Swiss primary care

Background There are only a few trials for the very elderly population (>79 years). No consensus, which blood pressure (BP) goals and substances should be applied, has been found yet. This survey was undertaken to investigate how octogenarians are treated and attain BP targets in the Swiss primary care. Methods Data from 4594 hypertensive patients were collected within 7 days. Eight hundred and seventy-seven patients met the requirement to be >79 years. We assessed substances/combinations and investigated pulse pressure and target blood pressure attainment (TBPA) using three different recommendations [Canadian Hypertension Education Program (CHEP), Swiss Society of Hypertension (SSH), European Society of Hypertension-European Society of Cardiology (ESH-ESC)]. Secondarily, we compared TBPA attained by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/diuretic (D), angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)/D and calcium channel blocker (CCB)/D with any other dual therapy and investigated whether Ds/beta-blockers (BBs) or Ds/renin angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (RAAS-Is) lead to higher TBPA. Finally, we assessed the impact of drug administration, practical work experience, location and specialization of GPs on TBPA. Results Octogenarians attained target blood pressure (TBP) between 44% (ESH-ESC) and 74% (SSH). Optimal/normal BP was reached in 22.8% of patients. Pulse pressure <65 mmHg was shown in 66.4% of patients. Monotherapy was most commonly applied followed by dual single-pill combination with ARB/D (46.5%) or ACEI/D (36.0%). No benefit in TBPA was found comparing a RAASI/D and CCB/D treatment with any other dual combination. There was also no difference between BB/D and RAAS-I/D combination therapy and between single-pill combination and dual free combinations. Conclusions GPs adhere to the use of substances proven in outcome trials and attain high TBP. No difference in meeting BP goals could be found using different drug classes. There is an unmet need to harmonize recommendations and to add additional information for the treatment of octogenarians.     

Pet ownership and blood pressure in old age

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that pet ownership improves cardiovascular health. This study examines the relation of pet ownership with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, and hypertension in a large sample of older men and women. METHODS: Participants were 1179 community-dwelling men (n = 498) and women (n = 681) age 50-95 years. Participants responded to a 1991-1992 mailed questionnaire ascertaining pet ownership, and they attended a 1992-1996 clinic visit at which systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures were measured and use of antihypertensive medication was validated. Pulse pressure was calculated as SBP minus DBP. Mean arterial pressure was calculated as (SBP+DBP)/2. Body mass index, waist-hip ratio, and information on other potential confounders were obtained. RESULTS: Average age of participants was 70.4 +/- 10.8 years; 30.0% reported current pet ownership. Mean SBP was 137.5 +/- 21.4 mm Hg, and DBP was 76.1 +/- 9.3 mm Hg; 55.6% were hypertensive (SBP >or= 140, DBP >or= 90 or taking hypertension medication). Pet owners were younger and slightly more overweight and they exercised less than nonowners; owners were somewhat more likely to have diabetes and to use beta-blockers. In unadjusted analyses, pet owners had lower SBP, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure, and a reduced risk of hypertension (odds ratio = 0.62; 95% confidence interval = 0.49-0.80). However, after adjustment for age and other confounders, pet ownership was not associated with systolic or diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure or risk of hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that pet ownership is not independently associated with blood pressure, vascular reactivity, or hypertension.     

淮安市某医院住院病人高血压用药情况分析

目的了解淮安市第一人民医院住院高血压病人口服用药情况,并对用药的合理性进行分析,以促进临床合理用药。方法查阅该院抗高血压药品种。挑选出住院药房心内科、神经科、老年科共88位高血压病人电子处方进行分析。对其病人进行随访并与医生、护士进行沟通。结果处方名次排列前10位的抗高血压药物依次为非洛地平、倍他乐倍、他乐克缓释片、依那普利、贝那普利、氢氯噻嗪、卡托普利、拜新同、厄贝沙坦氢氯噻嗪、苯磺酸氨氯地平。各亚类前5位为血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂（ACE1）、钙离子拮抗剂（CCB）、β-受体阻滞剂、利尿降压药、血管紧张素Ⅱ受体拮抗剂（ARB）。单一用药16张、2或2种以上降压药联用的处方共72张,分别占抗高血压处方的的18．18％、81．82％。同时存在用药误区。结论基本符合当前高血压治疗原则及个体化治疗方案。ACEI与CCB、β-受体阻滞剂是临床降压治疗的主要药物。临床合理用药需卫生工作者共同努力。     

Relation of the difference between blood pressure before and after 5 minutes' rest to blood pressure status one year later in an epidemiological setting]

The relationship of the difference between blood pressures before and after 5 minutes' rest (before minus after) to resting blood pressures one year later was studied on 439 subjects, aged 35 to 44 years, not being treated for hypertension, in an epidemiological setting. Multiple regression analysis was applied to systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) separately. Both the resting SBP level and the SBP difference were significant predictors of the resting SBP one year later in both sexes. For resting DBP one year later, the resting DBP level and DBP difference were found to be significant in females. Multiple logistic analysis was used to identify the factors which predict development from normotension to above borderline hypertension one year later. The SBP difference as well as the resting DBP level were significant predictors in males. These findings suggest that BP difference between before and after 5 minutes' rest may be an important indicator of subsequent BP status, and therefore there would be value in measuring blood pressure before as well as after rest with particular attention to BP difference.