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.     

Regulation of diabetes and late complications in the ambulatory treatment of patients with Type II diabetes mellitus]

In order to obtain more information on the quality of metabolic control and presence of secondary complications in type 2 diabetic patients treated in a hospital outpatient-clinic, we studied 124 of our diabetic patients (56 males, 68 females, age 65 (SD 11) years, duration of diabetes 9, range 1-32 years). HbA1c levels were 7.9% in patients on oral hypoglycaemic agents (n = 56), and 8.2% in insulin-treated patients (n = 59). Cholesterol and triglyceride levels tended to be lower in the insulin-treated patients. The prevalence of vascular abnormalities was high: in comparison with a population of general practice patients more patients had hypertension (56% vs 38%), coronary artery disease (48% vs 40%), and cerebrovascular disease (15% vs 6%). In addition, 35% of our diabetics had signs of peripheral artery disease. Retinopathy was present in 35 patients, microalbuminuria was found in 31 patients, proteinuria in 18 patients. The presence of microalbuminuria and proteinuria was a strong indicator for cardiovascular disease, polyneuropathy and retinopathy. The use of cardiovascular medication was high: 57 patients used antihypertensive therapy, 37 used diuretics, and 26 long-acting nitrates. Only 25 patients took no medication apart from to their diabetes therapy.     

Quercetin reduces blood pressure in hypertensive subjects

Epidemiological studies report that quercetin, an antioxidant flavonol found in apples, berries, and onions, is associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Quercetin supplementation also reduces blood pressure in hypertensive rodents. The efficacy of quercetin supplementation to lower blood pressure in hypertensive humans has never been evaluated. We tested the hypothesis that quercetin supplementation reduces blood pressure in hypertensive patients. We then determined whether the antihypertensive effect of quercetin is associated with reductions in systemic oxidant stress. Men and women with prehypertension (n = 19) and stage 1 hypertension (n = 22) were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study to test the efficacy of 730 mg quercetin/d for 28 d vs. placebo. Blood pressure (mm Hg, systolic/diastolic) at enrollment was 137 +/- 2/86 +/- 1 in prehypertensives and 148 +/- 2/96 +/- 1 in stage 1 hypertensive subjects. Blood pressure was not altered in prehypertensive patients after quercetin supplementation. In contrast, reductions in (P < 0.01) systolic (-7 +/- 2 mm Hg), diastolic (-5 +/- 2 mm Hg), and mean arterial pressures (-5 +/- 2 mm Hg) were observed in stage 1 hypertensive patients after quercetin treatment. However, indices of oxidant stress measured in the plasma and urine were not affected by quercetin. These data are the first to our knowledge to show that quercetin supplementation reduces blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. Contrary to animal-based studies, there was no quercetin-evoked reduction in systemic markers of oxidative stress.     

The impact of vitamins and/or mineral supplementation on blood pressure in type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE: The present study designed to assess the effect of Mg+Zn, vitamin C+E, and combination of these micronutrients on blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial, 69 type 2 diabetic patients were randomly divided into four groups, each group receiving one of the following daily supplement for three months; group M: 200 mg Mg and 30 mg Zn (n = 16), group V: 200 mg vitamin C and 150 mg vitamin E (n = 18), group MV: minerals plus vitamins (n = 17), group P: placebo (n = 18). Blood pressure was measured at the beginning and at the end of the trial. Treatment effects were analyzed by general linear modeling. RESULTS: Results indicate that after three months of supplementation levels of systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure decreased significantly in the MV group by 8 mmHg (122 +/- 16 vs. 130 +/- 19 mmHg), 6 mmHg (77 +/- 9 vs. 83 +/- 11 mmHg), and 7 mmHg (92 +/- 9 vs. 99 +/- 13 mmHg), respectively (p < 0.05). Also combination of vitamin and mineral supplementation had significantly effects in increasing serum potassium (p < 0.05) and in decreasing serum malondialdehyde (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in the levels of these parameters in the other three groups. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicated that in type 2 diabetic patients a combination of vitamins and minerals, rather than vitamin C and E or Mg and Zn, might decrease blood pressure.     

Adherence with single-pill amlodipine/atorvastatin vs a two-pill regimen

While clinical trials demonstrate the benefits of blood pressure and cholesterol reduction, medication adherence in clinical practice is problematic. We hypothesized that a single-pill would be superior to a 2-pill regimen for achieving adherence. In this retrospective, cohort study based on pharmacy claims data, patients newly initiated on a calcium channel blocker (CCB) or statin simultaneously or within 30 days, regardless of sequence, were followed (N=4703). Adherence was measured over 6 months as proportion of days covered (PDC). At baseline, mean age was 63.0 years, 51.6% were female, and mean number of other medications was 7.8. Overall, 16.9% of patients were on single-pill amlodipine/atorvastatin, 15.6% amlodipine + atorvastatin, 24.7% amlodipine + other statin, 13.9% other CCB + atorvastatin, 28.9% other CCB + other statin. Percentages of patients achieving adherence (PDC >or= 80%) were: 67.7% amlodipine/atorvastatin; 49.9% amlodipine + atorvastatin; 40.4% amlodipine + other statin; 46.9% other CCB + atorvastatin; 37.4% other CCB +other statin. After adjusting for treatment selection and cohort differences, odds ratios for adherence with amlodipine/atorvastatin were 1.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.80-2.13) vs amlodipine + atorvastatin, 3.10 (95% CI, 2.85-3.38) vs amlodipine + other statin, 2.06 (95% CI, 1.89-2.24) vs other CCB + atorvastatin, 2.85 (95% CI, 2.61-3.10) vs other CCB + other statin (all p<0.0001). Single-pill amlodipine/atorvastatin may provide clinical benefits through improving adherence, offering clinicians a practical solution for cardiovascular risk management.     

Management of hypertensive emergencies of pregnancy by hydralazine bolus injection vs continuous drip--a comparative study

This prospective study was conducted at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Bangladesh. The objective was to identify the time required to control high blood pressure levels in obstetric patients by injection of hydralazine in a bolus intravenous dose vs continuous drip. Seventy-seven patients with eclampsia and hypertensive emergencies comprised the target population. Patients were managed either by hydralazine drip in normal saline (existing official protocol, n = 33) or hydralazine bolus injection (as experiment, n = 44) until diastolic blood pressure fell to 90-95 mmHg. Results were compared. Student's t-test was done for statistical significance, and a P value of <.05 was considered as significant. The groups were similar with respect to maternal age and their mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure at the time of enrollment. Patients who received bolus injection required less time to achieve the therapeutic goal (65.23 +/- 23.38 minutes) than continuous drip (186.36 +/- 79.77 minutes; P <.001). The experimental group also required significantly lower doses (6.68 +/- 1.66 mg) in comparison to that required by control group (20.07 +/- 11.38 mg; P <.001). There was no overshoot hypotension in either group. The data suggest that hydralazine bolus dose is equally safe and more effective than continuous drip in the management of hypertensive emergencies in pregnancy.     

Alcohol-induced macrocytosis and blood pressure.

The effect of alcohol on blood pressure was studied prospectively in consecutive general practice patients with macrocytosis (MCV greater than or equal to 100 fl). The patients were separated into misuser and non-misuser groups on the basis of the Malm? modified Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of antihypertensive medication between the misuser and non-misuser groups. When patients using antihypertensive medication were excluded and the groups were age-adjusted, male misusers (n = 95) compared to control patients (n = 22) had significantly higher diastolic (88 mmHg and 81 mmHg, respectively, P = 0.001) and systolic (146 mmHg and 137 mmHg, respectively, P less than 0.001) blood pressure values. Female misusers (n = 24), as compared to female non-misusers (n = 59) had significantly higher diastolic (83 mmHg and 82 mmHg, respectively, P = 0.04) but not systolic blood pressure values. Thus, alcohol seems to have a pressor effect predominantly among men. As 72% of men with macrocytosis were alcohol misusers and 41% of them either had elevated systolic or diastolic blood pressure, all patients with macrocytosis should be asked about their alcohol consumption and at least the males should have blood pressure measured.     

II型糖尿病血糖控制情况与合并肾病的关系

目的：探讨Ⅱ型糖尿病（ＮＩＤＤＭ）病人的血糖控制情况对糖尿病肾病（ＤＮ）发生的影响。方法：对合并有ＤＮ及未合并有ＤＮ的ＮＩＤＤＭ患者进行配对病例对照研究,共１０６对。有用硫柳酸法测定２４ｈ尿中总蛋白含量根据患儿ＤＭ以来（对于已患ＤＮ的患者,至其发生ＤＮ前）,平均空腹血糖值（ＦＢＧ）是否〉１４０ｍｇ／ｄｌ来评估血糖控制情况。对资料进行条件ｌｏｇｉｓｔｉｃ回归分析。结果：单因素结果显示：血糖控制情况与     

双嘧达莫联合厄贝沙坦治疗IgA肾病疗效分析

目的观察双嘧达莫联合厄贝沙坦对Ig A肾病的疗效及其安全性。方法将Ig A肾病患者62例随机分为治疗组32例和对照组30例,治疗组给予双嘧达莫150 mg/d、厄贝沙坦150 mg~300 mg/d,共12周;对照组单纯给予双嘧达莫150mg/d,共12周。观察两组患者治疗前后收缩压(SBP)、舒张压(DBP)、24 h尿蛋白定量、血尿素氮(BUN)、肌酐(Cr)和血K+等变化。结果治疗12周后,治疗组患者SBP、DBP、24 h尿蛋白定量、BUN、Cr均降低,治疗效果明显(P0.05);对照组患者用药后SBP、DBP、24 h尿蛋白定量、BUN、Cr均无明显降低,治疗效果不明显(P0.05)。结论双嘧达莫联合厄贝沙坦治疗Ig A肾病能明显降低血压、减少尿蛋白、改善肾功能,且无明显不良反应。     

贝叶斯累加回归树模型在高血压药物个性化疗效评价中的应用

  目的  以高血压合并糖尿病人群为例,应用贝叶斯累加回归树(Bayesian additive regression tree, BART)模型评价卡托普利及其联合尼群地平用药对血压控制的个性化疗效,并识别高收益患者亚组特征。  方法  纳入2011年1月至2015年7月山东省胶南市“全人群高血压、糖尿病综合防治项目”中的高血压合并糖尿病患者,按不同用药方式分为三组,采用倾向性得分随机化匹配形成可比样本后,建立BART模型探索用药的个性化疗效。  结果  在单用卡托普利与不用药、联合用药与不用药,联合用药与单用卡托普利三组对比中,三组模型曲线下面积(area under curre, AUC)及其95% CI分别为0.710(0.686~0.734)、0.796(0.754~0.838)、0.768(0.725~0.812)。对于大多数患者,联合用药效果优于单用卡托普利和不用药,其中,相比不用药者,SBP较低且有良好运动习惯是单用卡托普利和联合用药疗效更佳者的共同特征。  结论  构建的BART模型用于预测高血压合并糖尿病患者的高血压药物个性化疗效效果良好,并且能够用于总结高收益亚组特征,为精准医疗在高血压治疗中的实践提供依据。     

Lack of correlation between clinic and 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure in subjects participating in a therapeutic drug trial

Although previous studies document that blood pressure measured in the clinic may differ significantly from blood pressure recorded over 24 hours, the impact of these differences on patient selection for therapeutic drug trials is unknown. A placebo controlled double-blind evaluation of an experimental antihypertensive agent was conducted. Of 30 patients entered, 21 were admitted to the active drug phase of the protocol on the basis of a clinic supine diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 95 mmHg; 9 subjects with lower levels of diastolic blood pressure were dropped. Noninvasive ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed during the placebo period. Comparison of the two subgroups demonstrated similar levels of 24 hour blood pressure (142 +/- 13/86 +/- 7 vs 137 +/- 10/82 +/- 10). Analysis of individual patient data showed that 24 hour mean diastolic blood pressure was apparently normal (less than or equal to 80 mmHg) in 5/21 (24%) "admitted" and 3/9 (33%) "dropped" subjects. Circadian blood pressure pattern were similar in the two subgroups. A statistically large difference was noted between clinic and 24 hour blood pressures in the "admitted" subgroup (20 +/- 18/13 +/- 7 vs 7 +/- 12/4 +/- 6, p less than 0.08/p less than 0.001), suggesting that patients exhibiting a marked blood pressure rise in the clinic setting were preferentially selected.     

Long-term effects of a plant-based dietary portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods on blood pressure

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect on blood pressure of dietary advice to consume a combination of plant-based cholesterol-lowering foods (dietary portfolio). METHODS: For 1 year, 66 hyperlipidemic subjects were prescribed diets high in plant sterols (1.0 g/1000 kcal), soy protein (22.5 g/1000 kcal), viscous fibers (10 g/1000 kcal) and almonds (22.5 g/1000 kcal). There was no control group. Seven-day diet record, blood pressure and body weight were monitored initially monthly and later at 2-monthly intervals throughout the study. RESULTS: Fifty subjects completed the 1-year study. When the last observation was carried forward for non-completers (n=9) or those who changed their blood pressure medications (n=7), a small mean reduction was seen in body weight 0.7+/-0.3 kg (P=0.036). The corresponding reductions from baseline in systolic and diastolic blood pressure at 1 year (n=66 subjects) were -4.2+/-1.3 mm Hg (P=0.002) and -2.3+/-0.7 mm Hg (P=0.001), respectively. Blood pressure reductions occurred within the first 2 weeks, with stable blood pressures 6 weeks before and 4 weeks after starting the diet. Diastolic blood pressure reduction was significantly related to weight change (r=0.30, n=50, P=0.036). Only compliance with almond intake advice related to blood pressure reduction (systolic: r=-0.34, n=50, P=0.017; diastolic: r=-0.29, n=50, P=0.041). CONCLUSIONS: A dietary portfolio of plant-based cholesterol-lowering foods reduced blood pressure significantly, related to almond intake. The dietary portfolio approach of combining a range of cholesterol-lowering plant foods may benefit cardiovascular disease risk both by reducing serum lipids and also blood pressure.     

Effect of a milk drink supplemented with whey peptides on blood pressure in patients with mild hypertension

BACKGROUND: Inhibition of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) is a widely used principle for the treatment of hypertension. Fermentation of milk proteins was shown to lead to the formation of peptides with ACE-inhibiting activity. Milk products with ACE-inhibiting peptides may provide a useful approach to prevent or treat hypertension. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effect of a milk drink supplemented with whey peptides on blood pressure in mildly hypertensive subjects. METHODS: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial in two parallel groups was performed. A total of 54 hypertensive patients received either 125 ml of a milk drink supplemented with whey peptides every morning or a control product for 12 weeks after a run-in period of 2 weeks. Previous in vitro tests of the whey powder demonstrated ACE-inhibitory activity. Blood pressure was measured at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks for analysis of metabolic and inflammatory variables. RESULTS: Resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure values did not change in the milk drink group 144.1 +/- 8.6/91.0 +/- 5.5 mmHg at baseline vs. 143.7 +/- 13.5/90.4 +/- 6.5 mmHg after 12 weeks. In the control group systolic (p = 0.0431) and diastolic (p = 0.0081) blood pressure was significantly reduced 140.6 +/- 11.7/90.3 +/- 5.8 mmHg at baseline vs. 137.0 +/- 14.4/87.7 +/- 6.6 mmHg after 12 weeks. There was no difference between the two groups at any time point. No changes were seen when the results of the 24-h continuous blood pressure monitoring were compared after 12 weeks. No significant changes were detected for circulating levels of selected inflammation markers (interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), number of leukocytes, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) as well as for metabolic variables (insulin, plasma glucose, and lipids). CONCLUSIONS: The daily consumption of 125 ml of a milk drink supplemented with whey peptides was not found to reduce blood pressure and/or inflammation markers in mildly hypertensive subjects, although preceding in vitro tests showed a potent ACE-inhibition.     

Determination of free L-carnitine levels in type II diabetic women with and without complications

BACKGROUND: Studies on the determination of carnitine levels and nutritional status in patients of type II diabetes. OBJECTIVE: We designed this study to determine changes of serum-free L-carnitine in type II diabetic women. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study (case-control study). SETTING: Clinical of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Sina Hospital, Pharmacological Research Center, Tabriz Medical university, Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Taking into account the importance of the control of diabetes, in the present case-control study, the levels of serum-free L-carnitine, blood glucose and lipids, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and nutritional status assessed in the case and control groups which were selected by the simple sampling method. The control group (n=18) included patients with no complications and the case group (n=33) was grouped into three subgroups including patients with retinopathy, hyperlipidemia and neuropathy. RESULTS: Study results indicated that the mean serum-free L-carnitine concentration in the case group was significantly lower than its mean concentration level in the control group, 39.63+/-8.99 vs 53.42+/-0.93 micromol/l, respectively (P<0.001). Serum-free L-carnitine in retinopathy, hyperlipidemia and neuropathy case subgroups were 39.03+/-9.89, 39.63+/-8.99 and 40.44+/-12.50 micromol/l, respectively (P>0.05). No significant difference was found between the serum-free carnitine levels of the case subgroups. The mean blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: In this study, the mean serum-free L-carnitine levels in diabetic patients with complications was almost 25% lower than in diabetic patients with no complications. On the basis of the study results, carnitine supplementation in diabetic patients, especially in patients with diabetes complications, might be useful.     

Randomised, controlled, cross-over trial of soy protein with isoflavones on blood pressure and arterial function in hypertensive subjects

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of dietary soy/isoflavones on 24 hr blood pressure profiles and arterial function [systemic arterial compliance (SAC), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and brachial arterial flow mediated vasodilation (FMD)] compared to non legume-based plant protein without isoflavones, in hypertensive subjects. DESIGN: In a 6 month double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over trial, 41 hypertensive subjects (26 men, 15 postmenopausal women), 30-75 years, received soy cereal (40 g soy protein, 118 mg isoflavones) and gluten placebo cereal, each for 3 months. RESULTS: Thirty-eight subjects completed protocol with results expressed as mean or mean change (+/-SEM) with each intervention. Soy increased urinary isoflavones (daidzein: 8-fold; genistein: 8-fold; equol: 9-fold; ODMA: 18-fold) with no change during gluten placebo. There was no difference in the change in individual 24 hr ambulatory BP parameters (SBP: 2 +/- 2 vs -1 +/- 1 mmHg, p = 0.21; DBP: 1 +/- 1 vs -1 +/- 1 mmHg, p = 0.06) central BP (cSBP: -4 +/- 2 vs 0 +/- 2 mmHg, p = 0.2) or the change in arterial function (FMD: 0.3 +/- 0.5 vs -0.2 +/- 0.5%, p = NS; SAC: 0.02 +/- 0.02 vs -0.02 +/- 0.02 U/mmHg, p = NS; PWV central: -0.2 +/- 0.2 vs 0.0 +/- 0.2 m/sec, p = NS; PWV peripheral: 0.01 +/- 0.3 vs -0.4 +/- 0.4 m/sec, p = NS) noted between interventions. Analysis of the area under curve of 24 hr BP outputs demonstrated that soy protein compared to gluten protein resulted in higher 24 hr systolic BP by 2.3 mmHg (p = 0.003), a higher daytime systolic BP by 3.4 mmHg (p = 0.0002) and a higher daytime diastolic BP by 1.4 mmHg (p = 0.008). Overall 24 hr diastolic BP, night systolic BP and night diastolic BP were not significantly different between groups. Furthermore, soy protein compared to gluten protein resulted in higher 24 hr heart rates by 3.5 bpm (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In hypertensive subjects, compared to gluten placebo, soy dietary supplementation containing isoflavones had no effect on arterial function, on average 24 hr ambulatory blood pressure parameters or central blood pressure in men and women with hypertension. Area under the curve of 24 hr profiles demonstrated that daytime BP was higher after soy compared to gluten.     

Correlates of health care satisfaction in inner-city patients with hypertension and chronic renal insufficiency

Barriers to effective health care are potential contributors to the increased prevalence of hypertension and hypertension-related renal disease observed in black patients. We have enrolled 333 primarily elderly (mean age 69 years) black (87%) patients with hypertension and chronic renal insufficiency into a prospective randomized trial testing the effect of intense multidisciplinary management on progression of chronic renal insufficiency. These patients have an average 6 years of education and $400–$800 monthly household income; 57% have diabetes. Our baseline data include the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire administered by home interviewers who also recorded sociodemographic data, medications and questionnaires regarding medication compliance and symptoms related to anti-hypertensive drugs. Inpatient and outpatient vital signs, test results and diagnoses came from patients' computerized medical records. We used multiple linear regression to identify correlates of overall satisfaction. We also analyzed three subscales: access to care, financial aspects and interpersonal manner of physicians. We included only variables with univariate correlations (P < 0.05) in the models. Decreased overall satisfaction correlated with more symptoms related to anti-hypertensive drugs (P < 0.001), lower medication compliance (P = 0.01), and higher diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.08). Decreased satisfaction with access to care correlated with more symptoms related to anti-hypertensive drugs (P < 0.001) and decreased medication compliance (P = 0.08). Decreased satisfaction with financial aspects of care correlated with more symptoms related to anti-hypertensive drugs (P < 0.001), lower medication compliance (P = 0.01) and more proteinuria (P = 0.02). Finally, decreased satisfaction with interpersonal manner of physicians correlated with lower medication compliance (P < 0.001), lower albumin (P = 0.01) and sodium (P = 0.04), and higher diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.04). These cross-sectional baseline data describe a group of mostly black inner-city patients with hypertension and chronic renal insufficiency in whom decreased satisfaction with care correlates with decreased medication compliance, increased symptoms related to anti-hypertensive drug therapy, higher diastolic blood pressure and more proteinuria. Our prospective study may help determine whether improving satisfaction improves compliance and blood pressure control, and forestalls complications in this high-risk population.     

坎地沙坦联合苯磺酸氨氯地平对高血压蛋白尿的作用探析

目的：探究苯磺酸氨氯地平、坎地沙坦联合治疗对高血压蛋白尿患者的临床疗效。方法：选取本院2009年11月-2012年11月200例高血压伴蛋白尿患者,按随机数字表分为联合组及单用组各100例,对比两组患者间临床疗效及安全性。结果：联合组比单用组收缩压、舒张压下降幅度大,血压控制良好;尿白蛋白总量、血肌酐水平呈降低改变（P〈0．05）。结论：氨氯地平、坎地沙坦联合应用协同效果可,不仅有效降压,而且在不同机制下降低肾灌注压及滤过压,更有效减少蛋白尿,保护。肾脏,临床效果好,且不良反应少。     

氨氯地平联合培哚普利对高血压患者血压变异性的影响

目的 观察氨氯地平联合培哚普利对高血压患者血压变异性的影响.方法 选择2012年9月至2013年10月就诊的原发性高血压患者,均给予氨氯地平5 mg/d（4周）,4周后血压仍不能控制的患者（78例）,按随机数字表法分为A、B两组,每组39例,A组患者服用氨氯地平剂量加倍（10 mg/d）;B组在服用氨氯地平的基础上加服培哚普利4 mg/d.A、B两组患者均在加服药前与加服药8周后采用无创便携式动态血压监测仪检测24 h动态血压,以测量值的标准差和变异系数作为血压变异性的指标.结果 A组加服药8周后,24 h收缩压变异度（24 h SSD）、白天收缩压变异度（dSSD）、夜间收缩压变异度（nSSD）、夜间收缩压变异系数（nSCV）、24 h舒张压变异度（24h DSD）、白天舒张压变异度（dDSD）、夜间舒张压变异度（nDSD）均较加服药前降低[（13.22±1.10） mmHg（1 mmHg=0.133 kPa）比（15.97±1.65） mmHg、（12.04±2.21） mmHg比（15.15±2.89） mmHg、（10.22±3.29） mmHg比（12.23±3.21） mmHg、0.093±0.021比0.104±0.017、（11.33±2.09） mmHg比（13.27±1.43） mmHg、（10.64±1.81） mmHg比（12.57±1.43） mmHg、（9.56±1.32） mmHg比（11.23±2.26） mmHg],差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,但24 h收缩压变异系数（24 h SCV）、白天收缩压变异系数（dSCV）、24h舒张压变异系数（24 h DCV）、白天舒张压变异系数（dDCV）、夜间舒张压变异系数（nDCV）变化差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;B组加服药8周后,与加服药前比较,24 h SSD、24 h SCV、dSSD、dSCV、24 h DSD、24 h DCV、dDSD、dDCV、nDSD均显著下降[（10.23±4.72） mmHg比（15.27±3.23） mmHg、0.083±0.032比0.106±0.019、（10.85±3.29）mmHg比（15.09±3.21）mmHg、0.080±0.028比0.096±0.025、（10.13±2.43）mmHg比（13.37 ±3.13） mmHg、0.111±0.035比0.136±0.032、（9.58±2.49） mmHg比（12.29±3.27） mmHg、0.112±0.036比0.123±0.041、（9.46±2.78） mmHg比（11.19±4.26） mmHg],差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,但nSSD、nSCV及nDCV变化差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;加服药8周后,B组24 h SSD、24 h SCV、24 h DSD、24h DCV、dSSD、dDSD、dSCV及dDCV均显著低于A组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;两组nSSD、nDSD、nSCV及nDCV比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.结论 氨氯地平单药加倍剂量和氨氯地平联合培哚普利均能有效降低24 h收缩压及舒张压变异性,且联合治疗的效果更好,值得进一步推广使用.     

An oat-containing hypocaloric diet reduces systolic blood pressure and improves lipid profile beyond effects of weight loss in men and women

Hypertension, dyslipidemia and overweight contribute substantially to cardiovascular disease risk. One of the most effective methods for improving high blood pressure and lipid profiles is loss of excess weight. Other recommendations for reducing cardiovascular risk include changes in dietary micronutrient, macronutrient and fiber intakes. To better define a diet for reduction in cardiovascular risk, 43 adults (body mass index 26.4 +/- 3.3, range 20.5-33.9 kg/m(2)) participated in an 8-wk study to determine the effects of two diets on weight, blood pressure, lipids and insulin sensitivity. For 2 wk, weight was maintained and all subjects consumed a control diet. For the next 6 wk, subjects consumed one of two hypocaloric diets (maintenance energy minus 4.2 MJ/d): the control diet (n = 21) or a diet containing oats [45 g/(4.2 MJ dietary energy. d), n = 22]. There was no significant difference between groups in changes in weight loss (control -4.0 +/- 1.1 kg, oats -3.9 +/- 1.6 kg, P = 0.8). The oats diet resulted in greater decreases in mean systolic blood pressure (oats -6 +/- 7 mm Hg, control -1 +/- 10 mm Hg, P = 0.026), whereas diastolic blood pressure change did not differ between the two groups (oats -4 +/- 6 mm Hg, control -3 +/- 5 mm Hg, P = 0.8). The oat diet resulted in significantly greater decreases in total cholesterol (oats -0.87 +/- 0.47 mmol/L, control -0.34 +/- 0.5 mmol/L, P = 0.003) and LDL cholesterol (oats -0.6 +/- 0.41 mmol/L, control -0.2 +/- 0.41mmol/L, P = 0.008). In summary, a hypocaloric diet containing oats consumed over 6 wk resulted in greater improvements in systolic blood pressure and lipid profile than did a hypocaloric diet without oats.     

Soy milk lowers blood pressure in men and women with mild to moderate essential hypertension

Soy-based diets reduce blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats, but apparently not in hypertensive humans. In the present study, the antihypertensive potential of soy milk (500 mL twice daily) compared with cow's milk was investigated in a 3-mo double-blind randomized study of 40 men and women with mild-to-moderate hypertension. Before initiation of the study, urinary isoflavonoids (measured by HPLC) were undetectable in most cases (for genistein, they were always <100 micromol/L). After 3 mo of soy milk consumption, systolic blood pressure decreased by 18.4 +/- 10.7 mmHg compared with 1.4 +/- 7.2 mmHg in the cow's milk group (P < 0.0001), diastolic blood pressure decreased by 15.9 +/- 9.8 mmHg vs. 3.7 +/- 5.0 mmHg in the cow's milk group (P < 0.0001) and mean blood pressure decreased by 16.7 +/- 9.0 mmHg compared with 3.0 +/- 4.6 mmHg in the cow's milk group (P < 0.0001). Urinary genistein was strongly (r = -0.588) and significantly (P = 0.002) correlated with the decrease in blood pressure, particularly for diastolic values. In conclusion, chronic soy milk consumption had modest, but significant hypotensive action in essential hypertensive subjects. This hypotensive action was correlated with the urinary excretion of the isoflavonoid genistein.