Unmasking hypertension in children and adolescents with sickle/beta‐thalassemia

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, although blood pressure (BP) levels have been reported to be lower in SCD patients compared to general population. Aims of the present study were to investigate the prevalence of BP phenotypes and levels of arterial stiffness in pediatric patients with SCD and to assess the differences with children at risk for hypertension. We included in the study 16 pediatric SCD (HbS/β‐thalassemia, S/β‐thal) patients and 16 consecutive children at risk for hypertension referred to our hypertension clinic that served as high‐risk controls. All patients underwent ambulatory BP monitoring and measurement of carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). S/β‐thal patients had lower office systolic BP than the high‐risk control group (115.43 ± 10.03 vs 123.37 ± 11.92, P = .05) but presented similar levels of day and night ambulatory BP. Office hypertension was found in 12.5% of the S/β‐thal patients and in 43.8% of the high‐risk controls (P = .06), while 18.8% of the S/β‐thal patients and 25% of the high‐risk controls presented hypertension by ambulatory BP levels (P = .21). All of the S/β‐thal patients with ambulatory hypertension had night hypertension (one combined night and day hypertension) with office normotension (masked hypertension). S/β‐thal patients and high‐risk controls presented equal prevalence of masked hypertension (18.8%). Children and adolescents with S/β‐thal present similar prevalence of BP phenotypes and levels of PWV with children at risk for hypertension. A significant number of children and adolescents with S/β‐thal may have masked nighttime hypertension despite normal office BP levels.     

Self‐measured worksite blood pressure and its association with organ damage in working adults: Japan Morning Surge Home Blood Pressure (J‐HOP) worksite study

The effects of elevations in blood pressure (BP) on worksite stress as an out‐of‐office BP setting have been evaluated using ambulatory BP monitoring but not by self‐measurement. Herein, we determined the profile of self‐measured worksite BP in working adults and its association with organ damage in comparison with office BP and home BP measured by the same home BP monitoring device. A total of 103 prefectural government employees (age 45.3 ± 9.0 years, 77.7% male) self‐measured their worksite BP at four timepoints (before starting work, before and after a lunch break, and before leaving the workplace) and home BP in the morning, evening, and nighttime (at 2, 3, and 4 a.m.) each day for 14 consecutive days. In the total group, the average worksite systolic BP (SBP) was significantly higher than the morning home SBP (129.1 ± 14.3 vs. 124.4 ± 16.4 mmHg, p = .026). No significant difference was observed among the four worksite SBP values. Although the average worksite BP was higher than the morning home BP in the study participants with office BP < 140/90 mmHg (SBP: 121.4 ± 9.4 vs. 115.1 ± 10.4 mmHg, p < .001, DBP: 76.0 ± 7.7 vs. 72.4 ± 8.4 mmHg, p = .013), this association was not observed in those with office BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or those using antihypertensive medication. Worksite SBP was significantly correlated with the left ventricular mass index evaluated by echocardiography (r = 0.516, p < .0001). The self‐measurement of worksite BP would be useful to unveil the risk of hypertension in working adults who show normal office and home BP.     

Impact of disease duration and cardiovascular dysautonomia on hypertension in Parkinson's disease

The authors evaluated the association of Parkinson’s disease (PD) duration with hypertension, assessed by office measurements and 24‐hour (ambulatory) monitoring, in 167 patients. Hypertension was evaluated through both office and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) measurements. Among participants (mean age 73.4±7.6 years; 35% women), the prevalence of hypertension was 60% and 69% according to office and ambulatory BP measurements, respectively (Cohen's k=0.61; P<.001). PD duration was inversely associated with hypertension as diagnosed by office measurements (odds ratio [OR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86–0.98) but not by ambulatory monitoring (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.81–1.01). Ambulatory BP patterns showed higher nocturnal BP among patients with long‐lasting disease. In conclusion, ambulatory BP monitoring improves the detection of hypertension by 15% in PD, compared with office evaluation. The likelihood of having hypertension does not decrease during the PD course; rather, BP pattern shifts towards nocturnal hypertension.     

12-Month Results From the Unblinded Phase of the RADIANCE-HTN SOLO Trial of Ultrasound Renal Denervation

ObjectivesThis study reports the 12-month results of the RADIANCE-HTN (A Study of the ReCor Medical Paradise System in Clinical Hypertension) SOLO trial following unblinding of patients at 6 months.BackgroundThe blood pressure (BP)–lowering efficacy and safety of endovascular ultrasound renal denervation (RDN) in the absence (2 months) and presence (6 months) of antihypertensive medications were previously reported.MethodsPatients with daytime ambulatory BP ≥135/85 mm Hg after 4 weeks off medication were randomized to RDN (n = 74) or sham (n = 72) and maintained off medication for 2 months. A standardized medication escalation protocol was instituted between 2 and 5 months (blinded phase). Between 6 and 12 months (unblinded phase), patients received antihypertensive medications at physicians’ discretion. Outcomes at 12 months included medication burden, change in daytime ambulatory systolic BP (dASBP) and office or home systolic BP (SBP), visit-to-visit variability in SBP, and safety.ResultsSixty-five of 74 RDN patients and 67 of 72 sham patients had 12-month dASBP measurements. The proportion of patients on ≥2 medications (27.7% vs. 44.8%; p = 0.041), the number of medications (1.0 vs. 1.4; p = 0.015), and defined daily dose (1.4 vs. 2.2; p = 0.007) were less with RDN versus sham. The decrease in dASBP from baseline in the RDN group (−16.5 ± 12.9 mm Hg) remained stable at 12 months. The RDN versus sham adjusted difference at 12 months was −2.3 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI]: −5.9 to 1.3 mm Hg; p = 0.201) for dASBP, −6.3 mm Hg (95% CI: −11.1 to −1.5 mm Hg; p = 0.010) for office SBP, and −3.4 mm Hg (95% CI: −6.9 to 0.1 mm Hg; p = 0.062) for home SBP. Visit-to-visit variability in SBP was smaller in the RDN group. No renal artery injury was detected on computed tomographic or magnetic resonance angiography.ConclusionsDespite unblinding, the BP-lowering effect of RDN was maintained at 12 months with fewer prescribed medications compared with sham.     

Changes in Plasma Renin Activity After Renal Artery Sympathetic Denervation

BackgroundThe renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system plays a key role in blood pressure (BP) regulation and is the target of several antihypertensive medications. Renal denervation (RDN) is thought to interrupt the sympathetic-mediated neurohormonal pathway as part of its mechanism of action to reduce BP.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone before and after RDN and to assess whether these baseline neuroendocrine markers predict response to RDN.MethodsAnalyses were conducted in patients with confirmed absence of antihypertensive medication. Aldosterone and PRA levels were compared at baseline and 3 months post-procedure for RDN and sham control groups. Patients in the SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED Pivotal trial were separated into 2 groups, those with baseline PRA ≥0.65 ng/ml/h (n = 110) versus <0.65 ng/ml/h (n = 116). Follow-up treatment differences between RDN and sham control groups were adjusted for baseline values using multivariable linear regression models.ResultsBaseline PRA was similar between RDN and control groups (1.0 ± 1.1 ng/ml/h vs. 1.1 ± 1.1 ng/ml/h; p = 0.37). Change in PRA at 3 months from baseline was significantly greater for RDN compared with control subjects (?0.2 ± 1.0 ng/ml/h; p = 0.019 vs. 0.1 ± 0.9 ng/ml/h; p = 0.14), p = 0.001 for RDN versus control subjects, and similar differences were seen for aldosterone: RDN compared with control subjects (?1.2 ± 6.4 ng/dl; p = 0.04 vs. 0.4 ± 5.4 ng/dl; p = 0.40), p = 0.011. Treatment differences at 3 months in 24-h and office systolic blood pressure (SBP) for RDN versus control patients were significantly greater for patients with baseline PRA ≥0.65 ng/ml/h versus <0.65 ng/ml/h, despite similar baseline BP. Differences in office SBP changes according to baseline PRA were also observed earlier at 2 weeks post-RDN.ConclusionsPlasma renin activity and aldosterone levels for RDN patients were significantly reduced at 3 months when compared with baseline as well as when compared with sham control. Higher baseline PRA levels were associated with a significantly greater reduction in office and 24-h SBP. (SPYRAL PIVOTAL - SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED Study; NCT02439749)     

Renal Denervation for Treating Hypertension: Current Scientific and Clinical Evidence

Initial studies of catheter-based renal denervation (RDN) for uncontrolled HTN using radiofrequency ablation in the main renal arteries showed that RDN was effective in lowering office blood pressure (BP). However, the first randomized sham-controlled trial, SYMPLICITY-HTN-3, did not show significantly lower office or 24-h ambulatory systolic BP compared with sham treatment. Subsequent studies in both animals and humans demonstrated the potential importance of more distal and branch renal artery radiofrequency ablation, and a second-generation multielectrode system became available. Two recent randomized sham-controlled trials in patients not taking antihypertensive drugs (SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED) or continuing to take drugs (SPYRAL HTN-ON MED) performed RDN with the second-generation radiofrequency ablation system using an ablation protocol that included treatment of the distal renal artery as well as the branch renal arteries. These studies showed that RDN significantly reduced office and 24-h ambulatory BP compared with sham treatment. Another recent randomized sham-controlled trial in patients not receiving medications showed that RDN with catheter-based ultrasound (RADIANCE-HTN SOLO) applied in just the main renal arteries significantly lowered daytime ambulatory and office BP compared with sham treatment. These trials have renewed clinical and scientific interest in defining the appropriate role of RDN in hypertension treatment. In addition, other important issues will need to be addressed in the future such as the development of tests to determine the extent of RDN at the time of the procedure and the potential of renal nerve fibers to regain their patency at some later stage following the ablation procedure.     

Desnervação renal em doentes com hipertensão arterial resistente: resultados aos seis meses de seguimento

IntroductionIncreased activation of the sympathetic nervous system plays a central role in the pathophysiology of hypertension (HTN). Catheter‐based renal denervation (RDN) was recently developed for the treatment of resistant HTN.AimTo assess the safety and efficacy of RDN for blood pressure (BP) reduction at six months in patients with resistant HTN.MethodsIn this prospective registry of patients with essential resistant HTN who underwent RDN between July 2011 and May 2013, the efficacy of RDN was defined as ≥10 mmHg reduction in office systolic blood pressure (SBP) six months after the intervention.ResultsIn a resistant HTN outpatient clinic, 177 consecutive patients were evaluated, of whom 34 underwent RDN (age 62.7 ± 7.6 years; 50.0% male). There were no vascular complications, either at the access site or in the renal arteries. Of the 22 patients with complete six‐month follow‐up, the response rate was 81.8% (n = 18). The mean office SBP reduction was 22 mmHg (174 ± 23 vs. 152 ± 22 mmHg; p < 0.001) and 9 mmHg in diastolic BP (89 ± 16 vs. 80 ± 11 mmHg; p = 0.006). The number of antihypertensive drugs (5.5 ± 1.0 vs. 4.6 ± 1.1; p = 0.010) and pharmacological classes (5.4 ± 0.7 vs. 4.6 ± 1.1; p = 0.009) also decreased significantly. Of the 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring and echocardiographic parameters analyzed, there were significant reductions in diastolic load (45 ± 29 vs. 27 ± 26%; p = 0.049) and in left ventricular mass index (174 ± 56 vs. 158 ± 60 g/m²; p = 0.014).ConclusionIn this cohort of patients with resistant HTN, RDN was safe and effective, with a significant BP reduction at six‐month follow‐up.     

Efficacy and safety of 3D reconstruction and basket multi-electrode renal denervation (RDN) for refractory hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease

Renal Artery Sympathetic Denervation (RDN) can lower blood pressure. Different ablation catheters (single electrode, multi-electrode) have different scopes of ablation (renal artery main stem and branches). Few studies have compared the advantages and disadvantages of different ablation catheters and different procedures in terms of antihypertensive efficacy. To compare the efficacy and safety of 3D reconstruction radiofrequency ablation (3DRA) and basket multi-electrode radiofrequency ablation (BMRA) in Renal Artery Sympathetic Denervation. Fifty-three patients with Refractory hypertension (RHT) were divided into BMRA, (n = 28) and 3DRA(n = 25). BMRA group used a stereobasket multi-electrode ablation catheter with a controlled ablation temperature of 60°C and an ablation time of 120 s per site. 3DRA group used a NavStar pressure-monitored perfusion monopolar ablation catheter with a controlled ablation temperature of 40°C, an ablation time of 40 s per site, and an ablation energy of 12 W. Baseline and RDN parameters and complications were compared in both groups. Home and 24 h ambulatory blood pressure, type of anti-hypertensive medication taken, and serum creatinine were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after the RDN. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. (23.14 ± 2.00)months of follow-up in the BMRA group resulted in a total of (25.86 ± 8.61) loci ablation. (19.28 ± 7.40)months of follow-up in the 3DRA group resulted in a total of (21.04 ± 6.47)loci ablation. Home SBP was significantly lower in both groups at 1 month after RDN treatment compared to baseline(H-SBP/mmHg: BMRA 149.9 ± 10.59 vs. baseline 168.36 ± 12.76; 3DRA 152.6 ± 14.91 vs. 164.89 ± 12.96, both p < .05). The proportion of people with 24 h ambulatory SBP attainment was significantly higher in both groups and was maintained for 24 months. At each follow-up time point, there were no differences in home and 24-h flow SBP, DBP, or Scr between the two groups. There were two cases of severe renal artery complications from implanted vascular stents and one case of femoral artery pseudoaneurysm in the 3DRA group. At follow-up, 1 (1.9%) patient in the 3DRA group died of unexplained death and 1 (1.9%) patient developed heart failure, and 1 (1.9%) patient in the BMRA group died of unexplained death. Basket multi-electrode radiofrequency ablation and 3D reconstruction radiofrequency ablation of the renal artery applied to RDN have comparable efficacy in reducing systolic blood pressure.     

Salt intake and blood pressure response to percutaneous renal denervation in resistant hypertension

The effect of lowering sympathetic nerve activity by renal denervation (RDN) is highly variable. With the exception of office systolic blood pressure (BP), predictors of the BP‐lowering effect have not been identified. Because dietary sodium intake influences sympathetic drive, and, conversely, sympathetic activity influences salt sensitivity in hypertension, we investigated 24‐hour urinary sodium excretion in participants of the SYMPATHY trial. SYMPATHY investigated RDN in patients with resistant hypertension. Both 24‐hour ambulatory and office BP measurements were end points. No relationship was found for baseline sodium excretion and change in BP 6 months after RDN in multivariable‐adjusted regression analysis. Change in the salt intake–measured BP relationships at 6 months vs baseline was used as a measure for salt sensitivity. BP was 8 mm Hg lower with similar salt intake after RDN, suggesting a decrease in salt sensitivity. However, the change was similar in the control group, and thus not attributable to RDN.     

Efficacy and safety of renal denervation in elderly patients with resistant hypertension

Background : Catheter‐based renal sympathetic denervation (RD) causes significant blood pressure (BP) reductions in patients with resistant hypertension (rHTN). However, hypertensive elderly patients reportedly have a lower sympathetic tone than younger patients and a BP lowering effect of RD in this population has not yet been demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of RD in elderly patients. Methods : We reviewed all consecutive patients aged ≥ 75 years (mean: 78 years) with rHTN treated with RD. Twenty‐four patients were included in this prospective study. Office and ambulatory BPs were assessed at baseline and 6‐months follow‐up. Primary endpoint was the change in office systolic BP at 6 months. Results : Baseline mean office BP was 173/86 ± 21/13 mm Hg. Baseline 24‐hr mean ambulatory BP, available in 22 patients, was 158/80 ± 20/13 mm Hg. Baseline creatinine was 1.0 ± 0.18 mg/dl and mean number of antihypertensive agents at baseline 4.3 ± 1.4. No device‐ or procedure‐related adverse events occurred. At 6‐months follow‐up, the mean office BP decreased by 19/11 ± 29/16 mm Hg (P < 0.01 compared to baseline). Mean systolic 24 hr ambulatory BP, available in 17 patients, decreased by 9/5 ± 13/13 mm Hg. Antihypertensive medications could be reduced in nine patients. Furthermore, renal function was not impaired. Conclusion : According to our findings, a similar magnitude of BP reduction as reported in previous trials can be expected in elderly patients. Elderly patients with rHTN should not be excluded from renal denervation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Sex difference in sympathetic nervous system activity and blood pressure in hypertensive patients

Increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity leads to increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study investigated whether there were sex differences in SNS activity among Chinese patients with hypertension. Ethnic Chinese non‐diabetic hypertensive patients aged 20–50 years were enrolled in Taiwan. A total of 970 hypertensive patients (41.0 ± 7.2 years) completed the study, 664 men and 306 women. They received comprehensive evaluations including office blood pressure (BP) measurement, 24‐h ambulatory BP monitoring, and 24‐h urine sampling assayed for catecholamine excretion. Compared to women, men were younger, had higher body mass index (BMI), office systolic BP (SBP), office diastolic BP (DBP), 24‐h ambulatory BP, and 24‐h urine catecholamine excretion. In men, 24‐h urine total catecholamine levels were correlated with 24‐h SBP (r = 0.103, p = .008) and 24‐h DBP (r = 0.083, p = .033). In women, however, there was no correlation between 24‐h urine total catecholamine levels and 24‐h ambulatory BP. Multivariate linear regression indicated that being male (β = 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01–3.29, p = .048) and 24‐h urine total catecholamine (β = 5.03, 95% CI 0.62–9.44, p = .025) were both independently associated with 24‐h SBP; being male was independently associated with 24‐h DBP (β = 3.55, 95% CI 2.26–4.85, p < .001). In conclusion, Chinese men with hypertension had higher SNS activity than women, and SNS activity was independently associated with 24‐h ambulatory BP in men rather than in women. These findings suggest that different hypertensive treatment strategies should be considered according to patient sex.     

Masked nocturnal hypertension—a novel marker of risk in type 2 diabetes

Aims/hypothesis  This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of masked nocturnal hypertension (MNHT) and its impact on arterial stiffness and central blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods  Middle-aged patients (n = 414) with type 2 diabetes underwent clinic and ambulatory BP measurements and applanation tonometry. Results  MNHT (clinic BP < 130/80 mmHg and night-time BP ≥ 120/70 mmHg) was found in 7.2% of patients (n = 30). Compared with patients with both clinical and nocturnal normotension (n = 70), patients with MNHT had higher aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) (10.2 ± 1.8 m/s vs 9.4 ± 1.7 m/s; p = 0.03) and higher central BP (117.6 ± 13.9/74.0 ± 9.1 mmHg vs 110.4 ± 16.4/69.7 ± 9.6 mmHg, p = 0.04). In patients with clinical normotension, night-time systolic BP correlated significantly with PWV. Conclusions/interpretation  Thirty per cent of patients with clinical normotension had nocturnal hypertension. This was accompanied by increased arterial stiffness and higher central BP. We conclude that in clinically normotensive patients with type 2 diabetes, ambulatory BP measurement may help clinicians to identify patients with increased cardiovascular risk.     

Atrial Remodeling Following Catheter-Based Renal Denervation Occurs in a Blood Pressure– and Heart Rate–Independent Manner

ObjectivesThis study sought to investigate left atrial (LA) remodeling in relation to blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) after renal sympathetic denervation (RDN).BackgroundIn addition to reducing BP and HR in certain patients with hypertension, RDN can decrease left ventricular (LV) mass and ameliorate LV diastolic dysfunction.MethodsBefore and 6 months after RDN, BP, HR, LV mass, left atrial volume index (LAVI), diastolic function (echocardiography), and premature atrial contractions (PAC) (Holter electrocardiogram) were assessed in 66 patients with resistant hypertension.ResultsRDN reduced office BP by 21.6 ± 3.0/10.1 ± 2.0 mm Hg (p < 0.001), and HR by 8.0 ± 1.3 beats/min (p < 0.001). At baseline, LA size correlated with LV mass, diastolic function, and pro-brain natriuretic peptide, but not with BP or HR. Six months after RDN, LAVI was reduced by 4.0 ± 0.7 ml/kg/m² (p < 0.001). LA size decrease was stronger when LAVI at baseline was higher. In contrast, the decrease in LAVI was not dependent on LV mass or diastolic function (E/E′ or E/A) at baseline. Furthermore, LAVI decreased without relation to decrease in systolic BP or HR. Additionally, occurrence of PAC (median of >153 PAC/24 h) was reduced (to 68 PAC/24 h) by RDN, independently of changes in LA size.ConclusionsIn patients with resistant hypertension, LA volume and occurrence of PAC decreased 6 months after RDN. This decrease was independent of BP and HR at baseline or the reduction in BP and HR reached by renal denervation. These data suggest that there is a direct, partly BP-independent effect of RDN on cardiac remodeling and occurrence of premature atrial contractions.     

Renal Denervation in High-Risk Patients With Hypertension

BackgroundRenal denervation (RDN) is under investigation for treatment of uncontrolled hypertension and might represent an attractive treatment for patients with high cardiovascular (CV) risk. It is important to determine whether baseline CV risk affects the efficacy of RDN.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess blood pressure (BP) reduction and event rates after RDN in patients with various comorbidities, testing the hypothesis that RDN is effective and durable in these high-risk populations.MethodsBP reduction and adverse events over 3 years were evaluated for several high-risk subgroups in the GSR (Global proSpective registrY for syMPathetic renaL denervatIon in seleCted IndicatIons Through 3 Years Registry), an international registry of RDN in patients with uncontrolled hypertension (n = 2,652). Comparisons were made for patients age ≥65 years versus age <65 years, with versus without isolated systolic hypertension, with versus without atrial fibrillation, and with versus without diabetes mellitus. Baseline cardiovascular risk was estimated using the American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology (ACC) atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score.ResultsReduction in 24-h systolic BP at 3 years was −8.9 ± 20.1 mm Hg for the overall cohort, and for high-risk subgroups, BP reduction was −10.4 ± 21.0 mm Hg for resistant hypertension, −8.7 ± 17.4 mm Hg in patients age ≥65 years, −10.2 ± 17.9 mm Hg in patients with diabetes, −8.6 ± 18.7 mm Hg in isolated systolic hypertension, −10.1 ± 20.3 mm Hg in chronic kidney disease, and −10.0 ± 19.1 mm Hg in atrial fibrillation (p < 0.0001 compared with baseline for all). BP reduction in patients with measurements at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months showed similar reductions in office and 24-h BP for patients with varying baseline ASCVD risk scores, which was sustained to 3 years. Adverse event rates at 3 years were higher for patients with higher baseline CV risk.ConclusionsBP reduction after RDN was similar for patients with varying high-risk comorbidities and across the range of ASCVD risk scores. The impact of baseline risk on clinical event reduction by RDN-induced BP changes could be evaluated in further studies. (Global proSpective registrY for syMPathetic renaL denervatIon in seleCted IndicatIons Through 3 Years Registry; NCT01534299)     

The cuffless SOMNOtouch NIBP device shows poor agreement with a validated oscillometric device during 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

Repeated cuff‐based blood pressure (BP) measurements may cause discomfort resulting in stress and erroneous recording values. SOMNOtouch NIBP is an alternative cuff‐less BP measurement device that calculates changes in BP based on changes in pulse transit time (PTT) and a software algorithm. The device is calibrated with a single upper arm cuff‐based BP measurement. We tested the device against a validated 24‐h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) device using both the previous (SomBP1) and the current software algorithm (SomBP2). In this study, 51 patients (mean age ± SD 61.5 ± 13.0 years) with essential hypertension underwent simultaneous 24‐h ABPM with the SOMNOtouch NIBP on the left arm and a standard cuff‐based oscillometric device on the right arm (OscBP). We found that mean daytime systolic BP (SBP) with OscBP was 140.8 ± 19.7 compared to 148.0 ± 25.2 (P = .008) and 146.9 ± 26.0 mmHg (P = .034) for SomBP1 and SomBP2, respectively. Nighttime SBP with OscBP was 129.5 ± 21.1 compared with 146.1 ± 25.8 (P < .0001) and 141.1 ± 27.4 mmHg (P = .001) for SomBP1 and SomBP2, respectively. Ninety‐five% limits of agreement between OscBP and SomBP1 were ± 36.6 mmHg for daytime and ± 42.6 mmHg for nighttime SBP, respectively. Agreements were not improved with SomBP2. For SBP, a nocturnal dipping pattern was found in 33% of the study patients when measured with OscBP but only in 2% and 20% with SomBP1 and ‐2, respectively. This study demonstrates that BP values obtained with the cuff‐less PTT‐based SOMNOtouch device should be interpreted with caution as these may differ substantially from what would be obtained from a validated cuff‐based BP device.     

The first study comparing a wearable watch‐type blood pressure monitor with a conventional ambulatory blood pressure monitor on in‐office and out‐of‐office settings

Wearable blood pressure (BP) monitoring devices which measure BP levels accurately both in and out of the office are valuable for hypertension management using digital technology. The authors have conducted the first comparison study of BPs measured by a recently developed wrist‐worn watch‐type oscillometric BP monitoring (WBPM) device, the “HeartGuide,” versus BPs measured by an ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) device, A&D TM‐2441, in the office (total of 4 readings alternately measured in the sitting position) and outside the office (30‐minutes interval measurements during daytime) in 50 consecutive patients (mean age 66.1 ± 10.8 years). The 2 BP monitoring devices were simultaneously worn on the same non‐dominant arm throughout the monitoring period. The mean difference (±SD) in systolic BPs (average of 2 readings) between WBPM and ABPM was 0.8 ± 12.8 mm Hg (P = .564) in the office and 3.2 ± 17.0 mm Hg (P < .001) outside the office. The proportion of differences that were within ±10 mm Hg was 58.7% in the office and 47.2% outside the office. In a mixed‐effects model analysis, the temporal trend in the difference between the out‐of‐office BPs measured by the two devices was not statistically significant. In conclusion, the difference between the WBPM and ABPM device was acceptable both in and out of the office.     

Antecedent rest may not be necessary for automated office blood pressure at lower treatment targets

In SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial), use of the Omron 907XL blood pressure (BP) monitor set at 5 minutes of antecedent rest to record BP produced an automated office BP value 7/6 mm Hg lower than awake ambulatory BP at 27 months. The authors studied the impact on automated office BP of setting the Omron 907XL to 0 minutes instead of 5 minutes of rest in patients with readings in the lower normal BP range, similar to on‐treatment BP in the SPRINT intensive therapy group. Patients (n = 100) in cardiac rehabilitation were randomized to three BP readings at 1‐minute intervals using an Omron 907XL BP device set for 5 or 0 minutes of antecedent rest. Mean (±standard deviation) automated office BP (mm Hg) after 5 minutes of rest (120.2 ± 14.6/66.9 ± 8.6 mm Hg) was lower (P < .001/P < .01) than without rest (124.2 ± 16.4/67.9 ± 9.1 mm Hg). When target BP is in the lower normal range, automated office BP recorded without antecedent rest using an Omron 907XL device should be higher and closer to the awake ambulatory BP, compared with readings taken after 5 minutes of rest.     

Daytime Systolic Ambulatory Blood Pressure With a Direct Switch Between Candesartan Monotherapy and the Fixed‐Dose Combination Olmesartan/Amlodipine in Patients With Uncontrolled Essential Hypertension (SEVICONTROL‐1)

A direct switch of candesartan to the fixed‐dose combination olmesartan/amlodipine in uncontrolled hypertension is a frequent clinical requirement but is not covered by current labeling. An open‐label, prospective, single‐arm phase IIIb study was performed in patients with 32 mg candesartan followed by olmesartan/amlodipine 40/10 mg. The primary endpoint was change in mean daytime systolic blood pressure (BP). Mean daytime systolic BP was reduced by 9.2±12.6 mm Hg (P<.0001) after substituting candesartan for olmesartan/amlodipine (baseline BP 140.2±9.7 mm Hg). The reduction in office BP was 9.4±18.4/4.0±9.6 mm Hg; P<.002). Overall, 61.3% of patients achieved a target BP <140/90 mm Hg using office BP and <135/85 mm Hg using ambulatory BP measurement. There were 8 adverse events with a possible relation to study drug and 1 unrelated serious adverse events. In conclusion, patients with uncontrolled moderate arterial hypertension being treated using candesartan monotherapy achieve a further reduction of BP when switched directly to a fixed‐dose combination of olmesartan 40 mg/amlodipine 10 mg.     

Perception of uncontrolled blood pressure and non-adherence to anti-hypertensive agents in diabetic hypertensive patients

We assessed the association between adherence to antihypertensive drug treatment and patient's perception of uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) in diabetic hypertensive subjects. This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated adherence to antihypertensives (Morisky questionnaire), patients' perception of abnormal BP, office BP, and ambulatory BP monitoring in diabetic hypertensive subjects. We evaluated 323 patients, 65.2% women, aged 56.5 ± 7 years, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 8.0% (range, 6.9%–9.6%), diabetes duration of 10 years (range, 5–17 years). Adherence to drug treatment was 51.4%. Patients who reported hypertension-related symptoms (60.4%) had a lower level of adherence (P < .001). Non-adherence occurred four times more frequently in patients who reported hypertension-related symptoms (P < .001, adjusted for use of three or more anti-hypertensives, age, and duration of diabetes). Non-adherents had higher office diastolic BP (83.6 ± 11.9 vs. 79.8 ± 9.9; P = .003), but no difference between groups was observed considering systolic, diastolic, and mean BP evaluated by ambulatory BP monitoring. Low rates of adherence to antihypertensive drug treatment were observed in outpatient hypertensive diabetic subjects. Perception of uncontrolled BP levels was strongly and independently associated with non-adherence. Non-adherence determined repercussion on office BP that may have clinical implications in cardiovascular risk.     

Uncontrolled hypertension in older patients: markers and associated factors to masked and white-coat effect

Background Hypertension is the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, affecting more than half the elderly population. It is essential to know if they have proper control of hypertension. The aim of this study was to identify the associated factors to masked uncontrolled hypertension and false uncontrolled hypertension in older patients. Methods Two-hundred seventy-three individuals (70.1 ± 6.7 years-old) had blood pressure (BP) measured at the office and by ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), with the definition of controlled group (C), individuals with high office BP and adequate ABPM, called white-coat effect group (WCE), uncontrolled (UC), and subjects with appropriate office BP and elevated ABPM denominated masked effect group (ME). Age, body mass index, diabetes, pulse pressure (PP) and BP dipping during sleep were evaluated (Kruskal-Wallis test and logistic regression models). Results Age was higher in UC than in C and ME (P < 0.01), and 24-h ABPM PP was lower in C (48 ± 7 mmHg) and WCE (51 ± 6 mmHg) than in UC (67 ± 12 mmHg) and ME (59 ± 8 mmHg) (P < 0.01). Sleep systolic BP dipping was lower in ME than in C (P = 0.03). Female gender was associated with a greater chance of being of ME group, which showed a higher PP and lower BP dipping during sleep. Conclusions In older individuals, office BP measurements did not allow the detection of associated factors that would permit to differentiate WCE from UC group and C from ME group. ABPM favored the identification of a higher PP and a lower BP dipping during sleep in the masked effect and uncontrolled groups.