Antihypertensive effect of oral potassium aspartate supplementation in mild to moderate arterial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed that potassium chloride (48-120 mmol/day) supplementation reduced arterial blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to evaluate the effect of a lower dose of potassium aspartate salt on BP in individuals with essential arterial hypertension. METHODS: One hundred and four patients (65 males, age 53 +/- 12 years) with mild to moderate essential hypertension (systolic/diastolic BP 154.2/96.2 +/- 10.8/5.4 mmHg) were allocated in two comparable groups of 52 to receive or not 30 mmol/day per os of potassium aspartate supplementation for four weeks. Office and 24-h BP, as well as serum and urinary electrolytes, were measured at baseline and at the follow-up visit after four weeks. RESULTS: Office and 24-h BP did not change in the control group, while these values were significantly reduced in the potassium supplementation group. Changes in office (systolic BP: 154.4 +/- 8.2 vs. 142.2 +/- 7.6 mmHg; diastolic BP: 95.0 +/- 5.6 vs. 87.2 +/- 4.3 mmHg, P < 0.001 for both) and 24-h BP (systolic BP: 142.7 +/- 8.2 vs. 134.8 +/- 6.3 mmHg; diastolic BP: 90.8 +/- 4.4 vs. 84.6 +/- 3.8 mmHg, P < 0.001 for both) following potassium supplementation were highly significant. The changes in day time and night time BP were similar. The treated group showed significantly increased potassium serum level and 24-h urinary excretion of potassium (P < 0.01 in both cases) after four weeks, while the untreated group showed no significant changes of the same parameters. Urinary Na/K ratio decreased significantly with potassium supplementation (P < 0.001). In the treated group changes in office (r = 0.58, P < 0.001) and 24-h SBP (r = 0.51, P < 0.001), but not in DBP (r = 0.29 and r = 0.25, n.s.), correlated positively with the urinary Na/K ratio at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: A relatively low supplementation of 30 mmol/day of potassium as aspartate lowered office and 24-h ambulatory BP in subjects with mild to moderate essential hypertension. The antihypertensive effect was sustained throughout the day, and was greater in the patients with high basal urinary Na/K ratio.     

Effects of α, β–blocker, arotinolol chloride, on 24–h blood pressure–difference between elderly and younger hypertensive patients

To assess the effect of age on the circadian blood pressure (BP) after an α, β–adrenergic blocker, the ambulatory BP was measured before and after arotinolol chloride administration in nine younger (mean age 491 years) and 14 older (721 years) patients with essential hypertension. After a 4–week control period, arotinolol chloride was administered twice daily (08:00 and 20:00 hours) for 8 weeks and the ambulatory BP was measured non–invasively at the end of the control and treatment period. Arotinolol significantly reduced the daytime systolic BP from 1523 to 1409 mmHg (P < 005) and night–time systolic BP from 1373 to 1223 mmHg (P < 001) in the younger hypertensive patients. In contrast, in the older group, the night–time systolic BP did not show a significant change, although the daytime systolic BP was significantly reduced from 1550 to 1422 mmHg (P < 002). Diastolic BP in both groups was significantly reduced by arotinolol during the day and night. Night–time reduction of BP was significantly less in the older group (– 86 vs –151 mmHg for the systolic pressure P < 001; – 58 vs –98 mmHg for the diastolic pressure P <001).     

A review of the stability of ambulatory blood pressure: implications for diagnosis of hypertension

Ambulatory BP monitoring by obtaining many measurements on one day might eliminate the need for multiple visits on different days to diagnose hypertension. However, review of the published literature shows the stability of ambulatory BP as assessed by test-retest correlation between days to be similar to that of office BP in research settings: r = 0.87/0.70 vs 0.79/0.71 (systolic/diastolic). Between-day standard deviations of the difference are also similar: 8/7 mmHg vs 9/7 mmHg, respectively. The reproducibility of within-day fluctuation in BP is poor (r = 0.28/0.11) and may account for some of the difficulty in showing correlations between BP variability and target organ damage. Evidence to date suggests that ambulatory BP monitoring will not reduce observed between-day differences in BP. Diagnosis of elevated BP will require repeated visits whether office or ambulatory BP measurement is employed.     

Effect of Catheter-Based Renal Denervation on Uncontrolled Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of catheter-based renal denervation (RDN) for the treatment of uncontrolled hypertension by conducting a systematic review and a meta-analysis.MethodsThe Medline, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched for clinical studies between January 1, 2009, and July 16, 2018. Studies that evaluated the effect of RDN on uncontrolled hypertension were identified. The primary endpoints were changes in 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure (BP) and office systolic BP. The secondary endpoints included changes in 24-hour ambulatory diastolic BP, office diastolic BP, and major adverse events.ResultsAfter a literature search and detailed evaluation, 12 randomized controlled trials with a total of 1539 individuals were included in the quantitative analysis. Pooled analyses indicated that RDN was associated with a significantly greater reduction of 24-hour systolic BP (mean difference [MD], ?4.02 mm Hg; 95% CI, ?5.49 to ?2.56; P<.001) and office systolic BP (MD, ?8.93 mm Hg; 95% CI, ?14.03 to ?3.83; P<.001) than controls. Similarly, RDN significantly reduced 24-hour diastolic BP (MD, ?2.05 mm Hg; 95% CI, ?3.05 to ?1.05; P<.001) and office diastolic BP (MD, ?4.49 mm Hg; 95% CI, ?6.46 to ?2.52; P<.001). RDN was not associated with an increased risk of major adverse events (relative risk, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.57; P=.76).ConclusionsCatheter-based RDN was associated with a significant BP-lowering benefit without increasing major adverse events.     

动态脉压与诊所脉压对原发性高血压患者左室肥厚的评估价值

目的通过比较动态脉压和诊所脉压对原发性高血压患者左室肥厚的影响,为高血压患者的康复预防和介入提供理论依据. 方法选择初诊的轻-中度原发性高血压患者 337例,所有入选病例测量非同日 3次诊所血压、进行 24 h动态血压监测和超声心动图检查.①根据动态脉压水平分为 4组、根据诊所脉压水平分为 5组并分别比较.②根据左室质量指数分为左室肥厚组和非左室肥厚组. 结果动态脉压和诊所脉压均与年龄、原发性高血压史、左室质量指数、动脉僵硬度指数和 24 h平均心率呈非常显著的相关性.动脉僵硬度随分组脉压的增大呈显著递增,其与动态脉压的相关性明显强于诊所脉压 (r=0.670,P< 0.01和 r=0.399,P< 0.01. 24 h 脉压和 24 h收缩压在左室肥厚组均明显高于非左室肥厚组 [(49.0± 10.2)mmHg 和 ( 44.7± 8.9) mmHg,P< 0.001]和 [( 132.1± 13.1) mmHg 和( 126.5± 12.7) mmHg,P< 0.001](1 mmHg=0.13 kPa);动态脉压与左室质量指数的相关性明显强于诊所脉压 (r=0.277,P< 0.01和 r=0.105,P< 0.05). 结论 脉压升高是原发性高血压患者左室肥厚的重要危险因素;与诊所脉压比较,动态脉压更能反映高血压靶器官损害的程度.     

Blood pressure behaviour in chronic daily headache

The objective was to examine the association between high blood pressure (BP) and chronic daily headache using 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitorization (24-h ABPM). This was a cross sectional study in an out-patient clinic. Women were selected among patients referred for first evaluation, 62 with chronic daily headache and 57 without chronic daily headache. The main outcome measures were mean office systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), mean systolic and diastolic daytime and night-time BP and BP load, and mean systolic and diastolic nocturnal fall. Office systolic BP was 138.2 mmHg for women with chronic daily headache and 141.7 mmHg for women without headache (P = 0.36). Office diastolic BP was 88.9 mmHg for women with headache and 92.7 mmHg for women without headache (P = 0.17). Mean daytime and mean night-time systolic BP was, respectively, 122.2 mmHg and 108.8 mmHg for women with headache and 122.9 mmHg and 109.5 for women without headache (P = 0.82 and P = 0.80, respectively). Mean daytime and mean night-time diastolic BP was, respectively, 78.6 mmHg and 65.4 mmHg for women with headache and 79.9 mmHg and 67.1 mmHg for the women without headache (P = 0.80 and P = 0.45, respectively). There was no difference between the two groups regarding systolic and diastolic BP load and nocturnal systolic and diastolic fall. No significant difference in BP values was observed in women with chronic daily headache compared with women without headache using 24-h ABPM.     

The effects of home blood pressure monitoring on blood pressure control and treatment planning

Objectives: Blood pressure monitoring is essential in hypertension, which is an important public health issue. Our objective was to compare the rates of blood pressure control and to investigate factors that affect blood pressure control in patients with hypertension.

Methods: The records of 1006 patients with hypertension were examined retrospectively. The blood pressure control rates of the 394 patients who measured their blood pressure at home (group 1) and those who did not (group 2) were compared.

Results: In group 1, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 123.91±12.63/78.64±8.92 mmHg measured at home, whereas it was 140.31±20.56/85.76±11.55 mmHg in the office setting (p<0.0001). In the total group (N=1006), the blood pressure control achievement rate was 56.1%. The number of cardiovascular events, hypertension duration, and the rate of being employed was higher in group 1 (p<0.0001, p<0.0001 and p=0.0001, respectively), while heart rate and grade 3-4 retinopathy was lower in group 1 (p<0.0001 for both) . Occupational status, geographical origin, BMI and the use of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors were found to be the determinants of office BP control (p<0.05, p<0.05, p=0.001 and p<0.05, respectively), and BMI and grade 3-4 retinopathy findings were found to be the determinants of home BP control (p <0.05 for both).

Conclusion: Home blood pressure monitoring is useful in preventing complications and achieving therapy compliance and is essential in diagnosis and treatment planning of hypertension.     

Use of moxonidine in elderly patients with resistant hypertension

BACKGROUND: Treatment of hypertension in the elderly people reduces the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Effective treatment often will require the use of two or more antihypertensive agents. Elderly people are at increased risk of adverse events from medication because of physiological changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, polypharmacy and drug interactions. They might not tolerate conventional add-on regimens of antihypertensives as a result. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of the I1-imidazoline receptor agonist moxonidine as an 'add-on' agent in elderly patients with resistant hypertension. METHODS: We investigated the safety and efficacy of moxonidine (200-400 microg) in a group of elderly patients whose blood pressure (BP) control remained poor despite treatment with two or more antihypertensives. BP was assessed by ambulatory BP monitoring with Spacelabs oscillometric equipment (Model 90207) before and after 6 weeks of treatment with moxonidine used as an 'add-on' agent with the patients normal medication. RESULTS: Following treatment with moxonidine, the mean daytime systolic BP fell from 169.2 to 153.8 mmHg, a significant reduction of 15.4 +/- 8.9 mmHg (P = 0.003). The mean daytime diastolic BP fell from 91.6 to 84.2 mmHg, a reduction of 7.4 +/- 5.8 mmHg (P = 0.017). For the night-time readings, the systolic BP fell from 151.1 to 141.2 mmHg, a reduction of 9.3 +/- 9.3 mmHg (P = 0.05). The corresponding diastolic fall in BP was not significant (77.9-74.7 mmHg). The 24 h-readings showed a significant reduction in the mean systolic BP from 163.0 to 148.6 mmHg (P = 0.004). The mean diastolic BP also fell significantly from 87.2 to 80.2 mmHg (P = 0.013). Clinical BP readings also showed a significant reduction from 195.9 +/- 19.6 to 174 +/- 17.8 mmHg (P = 0.002) and 103.6 +/- 9.5 to 99.0 +/- 12.4 mmHg (P = 0.013) for systolic and diastolic readings respectively. Moxonidine was well tolerated in 11 of the14 patients. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that moxonidine might have a place as an 'add-on' treatment in elderly patients whose hypertension is poorly controlled despite treatment with two or more antihypertensive agents.     

The efficacy and tolerability of barnidipine hydrochloride in Thai patients with hypertension

This open-label, blinded study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of barnidipine at a titrated dose of 10-15 mg once daily for 8 weeks in the treatment of essential hypertension in 40 Thai patients. 'Office' blood pressure (BP) and 24-h ambulatory BP measurements were recorded. A systolic BP/diastolic BP (SBP/DBP) reduction of 18.0 +/- 13.6/9.1 +/- 6.6 mmHg was obtained. The full response rate among patients with systolic and diastolic hypertension was 63% using either SBP or DBP criteria, and 54% using both SBP and DBP criteria. One of the two patients with isolated systolic hypertension had a full response, and the BP in two of the three patients with isolated diastolic hypertension was normalized. The trough-to-peak ratio and smoothness index for SBP/DBP were acceptable (0.76 +/- 0.63/0.55 +/- 0.26 and 1.2 +/- 0.4/1.2 +/- 0.3, respectively). In conclusion, once-daily barnidipine monotherapy provides effective 24-h BP control and is generally well tolerated in ambulatory patients.     

Assessment of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Patients with Resistant Hypertension

Objective

To investigate the possible correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and resistant hypertension (RH).

Subjects and Methods

Patients who had undergone ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM) during outpatient controls were enrolled. Fifty subjects with RH, 50 with controlled hypertension (CHT) and 50 normotensive subjects (NT) were included in the study. RH was defined as ‘suboptimal blood pressure control despite using 3 antihypertensive agents including a diuretic or need for 4 or more drugs to control blood pressure−. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathormone levels were compared between the groups. Pearson''s correlation coefficient test was applied to assess the correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and office blood pressure (BP) and ABPM. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent correlates of RH.

Results

The 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was significantly lower in the RH group (17.02 ± 5.4 ng/ml) compared to the CHT (24.9 ± 4.8 ng/ml) and NT groups (28.0 ± 5.7 ng/ml, p < 0.001). In univariate correlation analysis, 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels had a significant negative correlation with office systolic BP (r = −0.329, p < 0.001), office diastolic BP (r = −0.395, p < 0.001), systolic ambulatory BP (r = −0.844, p = 0.004), and diastolic ambulatory BP (r = −0.567, p = 0.005). ROC analysis revealed that 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels <21.50 ng/ml predicted the presence of RH with a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 79% (AUC = 0.89, 95% CI 0.83-0.94). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was independently correlated with the presence of RH (β 0.660, 95% CI 0.572-0.760, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

There was an independent correlation between lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and presence of RH.Key Words: Ambulatory blood pressure, Office blood pressure, Parathormone, Resistant hypertension, Vitamin D     

Blood Pressure Measurement in Peritoneal Dialysis: Which Method Is Best?

♦ Background: The optimal approach to monitoring blood pressure (BP) in the peritoneal dialysis (PD) population is unclear. Ambulatory BP monitoring reliably predicts prognosis, but can be inconvenient. The accuracy of home BP monitoring in this population is unproven. The automated BpTRU device (BpTRU Medical Devices, Coquitlam, BC, Canada), which provides an average of up to 6 successive in-office BP measurements, has not been studied in this patient group.♦ Methods: We studied 17 patients (average age: 54 ± 12 years; 12 men, 5 women; 94% on automated PD) attending a single center. All patients underwent office, home, BpTRU, and ambulatory BP measurement. The reference standard for analysis was daytime ambulatory BP. Correlation between the referent method and each comparator method was determined (Pearson correlation coefficient), and Bland-Altman scatter plots depicting the differences in the BP measurements were constructed.♦ Results: Mean office BP (126.4 ± 16.9/78.8 ± 11.6 mmHg) and BpTRU BP (123.8 ± 13.7/80.7 ± 11.1 mmHg) closely approximated mean daytime ambulatory BP (129.3 ± 14.8/78.2 ± 7.9 mmHg). Mean home BP (143.8 ± 15.0/89.9 ± 28.1 mmHg) significantly overestimated mean daytime systolic BP by 14.2 mmHg (95% confidence interval: 4.3 mmHg to 24.1 mmHg; p = 0.008). Bland-Altman plots demonstrated poorest agreement between home BP and daytime ambulatory BP. No patient had “white-coat hypertension,” and only 1 patient had false-resistant hypertension. Most patients showed abnormal nocturnal dipping patterns (non-dipping: n = 11; reverse-dipping: n = 5; normal dipping: n = 1).♦ Conclusions: We report a novel finding that BP measurement using the BpTRU device is more accurate than home BP measurement in a PD population. Potential explanations for this observation include poor home BP measurement technique, use of poorly validated home BP measurement devices, or a reduced prevalence of white-coat effect among PD patients. Our study also confirms that, in the PD population, BP measurements vary considerably with patient location, time of day, and measurement technique.     

High blood pressure despite treatment: results from a cross-sectional primary healthcare-based study in southern Sweden

OBJECTIVE: To study degree of blood pressure (BP) control in primary healthcare (PHC) treated hypertensive patients in relation to sex, age, drug treatment, and concomitant diseases. DESIGN: Random sample of patients with hypertension. SETTING: Ten PHC centres in the Region of Sk?ne, Sweden. SUBJECTS: All the 30- to 95-year-old patients with hypertension who during the period 12 September to 24 September 2004 attended their PHC (146 men and 229 women). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Achievement of BP control (< 140/90 mmHg) according to European guidelines. RESULTS: Some 90% had been treated > 12 months, 40% had mono-therapy, 15% > or = 3 drugs. Use of diuretics was more common in women while use of ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers was common in men. Inadequate BP control was related to age; only 22% had BP < 140/90 mmHg, 38% had a BP > or = 160/100 mmHg. BP decline was inversely related to BP measured 12 months or more prior to the present follow-up (r = - 0.64, p < 0.001, for systolic and r = - 0.67, p < 0.001, for diastolic BP). The systolic or diastolic BP had in every fifth patient during treatment increased by > or = 10 mmHg. No association was found between average BP decline and prescribed number of drugs. CONCLUSION: A minority of the patients had BP below the level (< 140/90 mmHg) recommended by European guidelines. This study illustrates the need for continued follow-up of defined groups of patients in order to improve quality of care.     

The association of peritoneal transport properties with 24-hour blood pressure levels in CAPD patients.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effects of peritoneal transport characteristics on blood pressure (BP) parameters, measured by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), and on the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and prospective design. SETTING: Tertiary-care center. PATIENTS: 25 CAPD patients (11 male, 14 female; mean age 47 +/- 14 years) were included. Mean time on CAPD was 22.9 +/- 18 months and all patients had been dialyzed for more than 6 months. The patients were divided into high, high-average, low-average, and low transport groups according to peritoneal equilibration test results. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Daytime and nighttime systolic and diastolic BP and left ventricular mass index among the different peritoneal transport groups; changes in BP parameters before and after increase in ultrafiltration. RESULTS: On 24-hour ABPM records, 13 patients (52%) were found to be hypertensive. Both mean systolic and diastolic BP were significantly increased in high-transporter groups compared to low transporters in both daytime and nighttime BP parameters. Left ventricular mass index was higher in high transporters compared to low transporters, without reaching statistical significance: 160 +/- 23 vs 119 +/- 41 g/m2, p > 0.05. Following increase in ultrafiltration, mean systolic (145 +/- 13 vs 128 +/- 5 mmHg, p < 0.001) and diastolic (96 +/- 10 vs 81 +/- 3 mmHg, p < 0.001) BP decreased, and BP levels returned to normotensive levels in 6 (46%) of the 13 hypertensive patients, requiring discontinuation of antihypertensive drugs. CONCLUSION: Improvement in volume status resulted in a decrease in both daytime and nighttime BP. Differences in peritoneal transport properties were associated with the development of hypertension and LVH.     

Circadian blood pressure during the early course of type 1 diabetes. Analysis of 1,011 ambulatory blood pressure recordings in 354 adolescents and young adults.

OBJECTIVE: Little information is available on the early course of hypertension in type 1 diabetes. The aim of our study, therefore, was to document circadian blood pressure profiles in patients with a diabetes duration of up to 20 years and relate daytime and nighttime blood pressure to duration of diabetes, BMI, insulin therapy, and HbA1c. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Ambulatory profiles of 24-h blood pressure were recorded in 354 pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes (age 14.6 +/- 4.2 years, duration of diabetes 5.6 +/- 5.0 years, follow-up for up to 9 years). A total of 1,011 profiles were available for analysis from patients not receiving antihypertensive medication. RESULTS: Although daytime mean systolic pressure was significantly elevated in diabetic subjects (+3.1 mmHg; P < 0.0001), daytime diastolic pressure was not different from from the height- and sex-adjusted normal range (+0.1 mmHg, NS). In contrast, both systolic and diastolic nighttime values were clearly elevated (+7.2 and +4.2 mmHg; P < 0.0001), and nocturnal dipping was reduced (P < 0.0001). Systolic blood pressure was related to overweight in all patients, while diastolic blood pressure was related to metabolic control in young adults. Blood pressure variability was significantly lower in girls compared with boys (P < 0.01). During follow-up, no increase of blood pressure was noted; however, diastolic nocturnal dipping decreased significantly (P < 0.03). Mean daytime blood pressure was significantly related to office blood pressure (r = +0.54 for systolic and r = +0.40 for diastolic pressure); however, hypertension was confirmed by ambulatory blood pressure measurement in only 32% of patients with elevated office blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: During the early course of type 1 diabetes, daytime blood pressure is higher compared with that of healthy control subjects. The elevation of nocturnal values is even more pronounced and nocturnal dipping is reduced. The frequency of white-coat hypertension is high among adolescents with diabetes, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring avoids unnecessary antihypertensive treatment.     

Differential time effect profiles of amlodipine, as compared to valsartan, revealed by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, self blood pressure measurements and dose omission protocol

Amlodipine and valsartan are once-daily antihypertensive agents. To date, no comparison between these agents given as monotherapies was reported. This study was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic coverage and safety of amlodipine and valsartan in mild-to-moderate hypertensive patients. Multicenter, double-blind, randomized, comparative study. After a 4-week placebo wash-out period, 246 outpatients with office diastolic blood pressure 95 < or = DBP < or =110 mmHg and systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 180 mmHg, in addition to a mean daytime SBP and/or DBP > 135/85 mmHg on 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), were randomly allocated to once-daily amlodipine 5-10 mg or valsartan 40-80 mg, for 12 weeks. In a subgroup of patients, 48-h ABPM were performed at the end of the treatment period. Dose omission was simulated by a single-blind placebo dosing. The primary efficacy end-point was the 24-h trough office BP after 12 weeks of active therapy. The reductions in 24-h trough BP were more pronounced in amlodipine compared with valsartan group as well in office [SBP: -17.8 +/- 10.9 vs. -14.6 +/- 11.2, P = 0.025, DBP: -12.7 +/- 7.2 vs. -10.9 +/- 7.8 mmHg, P = 0.06) as in ambulatory BP (SBP/DBP: -13.0 +/- 13.7/-10.8 +/- 9.1 vs. -7.2 +/- 19.4/-4.9 +/- 13.4 mmHg, P < 0.05). Forty-eight hours after the last active dose, the slope of the morning BP surge (4-9 h) was less steep with amlodipine vs. valsartan [DBP (P < 0.04), SBP (n.s.)]. Ankle edema were more often reported in amlodipine group. These results suggest a superior BP lowering and a longer duration of action with amlodipine compared with valsartan.     

Vascular effects of combined enriched Korean Red ginseng (Panax Ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius) administration in individuals with hypertension and type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundType 2 diabetes is known to abrogate the vascular response. Combination of two commonly consumed ginseng species, American ginseng (AG) and a Korean Red ginseng (KRG), enriched with ginsensoide Rg3, was shown to concomitantly improve glucemic control and blood pressure. We evaluated the hypothesis that improvements in central hemodynamics, vascular function and stiffness markers are involved in observed benefits of co-administration.MethodsIn this randomized, placebo controlled, two-center trial, patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension were assigned to either 2.25 g ginsenoside Rg3-enriched KRG&AG co-administration or a control 3 times daily for 12-weeks, treated by standard of care. The effects on central hemodynamics, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and endothelial function over the 12-week administration were analyzed.ResultsIn intent-to-treat analysis of 80 individuals, a reduction in central systolic BP (-4.69 ± 2.24 mmHg, p = 0.04) was observed with co-administration of Rg3-KRG + AG relative to control at 12-weeks, which was characterized by a decrease in end-systolic pressure (-6.60 ± 2.5 mmHg, p = 0.01) and area under the systolic/diastolic BP curve (-132.80 ± 65.1, p = 0.04, 220.90 ± 91.1, p = 0.02, respectively). There was no significant change in reactive hyperemia index (0.09 ± 0.11, p = 0.44), PWV (-0.40 ± 0.28 %, p = 0.17), and other related pulse wave analysis components.ConclusionCo-administration of complementary ginseng species improved central systolic BP and components of pulse waveform without a direct effect on endothelial function, when added to background pharmacotherapy in individuals with diabetes. These data support potential utility of ginseng for modest blood pressure benefit to broaden its role in diabetes management.     

Renal sympathetic denervation therapy in the real world: results from the Heidelberg registry

Introduction

Renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) is a novel treatment option in patients with treatment-resistant arterial hypertension. A subset of recently published randomized and non-randomized trials indicates that RDN leads to sustained lowering of blood pressure (BP) under controlled study conditions. However, registry data that allow evaluation of safety and efficacy in a real-world setting are largely missing.

Methods

Sixty-three consecutive patients with treatment-resistant hypertension underwent RDN with the radiofrequency-based Symplicity? catheter. As part of our prospective registry, treatment efficacy and safety were monitored after 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

At 6 months follow-up, office systolic BP significantly improved by 19 + 23 mmHg as compared to baseline, while diastolic BP values reduced by 6 + 13 mmHg (p < 0.05). One year after RDN, office BP levels further improved (26 + 25 mmHg in systolic BP and 9 + 13 mmHg in diastolic BP, respectively), even though 19 patients had reduced the number and/or dosage of antihypertensive agents. The response rate, defined as reduction of office systolic BP of ≥10 mmHg, was 73 % after 6 months. Baseline BP was the only significant predictor of blood pressure response, whereas no correlation was found between the number of ablation points and the individual changes in office blood pressure. Interestingly, patients with challenging renal anatomy profited somewhat less from the procedure than those with “normal” renal anatomy. Procedure related adverse events occurred in three patients (4.7 %) and were limited to vascular access complications.

Conclusions

RDN with the Symplicity? system is safe and effective in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension also in a real-world setting.     

Fixed-Dose Triple Combination of Antihypertensive Drugs Improves Blood Pressure Control: From Clinical Trials to Clinical Practice

Introduction

Blood pressure (BP) control is the main clinical goal in the management of hypertensive patients; however, BP in most of these patients remains uncontrolled, despite the widespread availability of antihypertensive drugs as free-combination therapy. This study compared the efficacy of a fixed-dose triple combination (FDTC) of antihypertensive drugs with that of a free combination of three antihypertensives in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

Methods

Ninety-two patients (mean age 60.8 ± 12.1, 58.0% male) with uncontrolled essential hypertension (office systolic BP ≥ 140 or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg) previously treated with a renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitor plus hydrochlorothiazide were switched to once-daily FDTC therapy with perindopril/indapamide/amlodipine (5–10/1.25–2.5/5–10 mg). Patients were age- and sex-matched with a control group of hypertensive patients receiving free-combination therapy with three drugs including a RAAS inhibitor, a diuretic, and a calcium channel blocker. Office BP and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) were evaluated at baseline and after 1 and 4 months.

Results

Significant reductions in ambulatory 24-h, daytime, and nighttime systolic BP, and pulse pressure (PP) were found in the FDTC group relative to reductions seen with free-combination therapy, after the first month only of follow-up. Target BP values (mean 24-h ambulatory systolic/diastolic BP < 130/80 mmHg) were reached by more recipients of FDTC than free-combination therapy (64.8% vs. 46.9%, p < 0.05) at month 4 of follow-up, despite reductions in 24-h ABPM values from baseline being similar in both groups at this time point.

Conclusion

FDTC of perindopril/indapamide/amlodipine was effective at reducing SBP and PP in previously treated patients with uncontrolled hypertension, and well tolerated, providing support for clinicians in choosing a fixed-dose triple combination over the free-combination of a RAAS inhibitor, a diuretic, and a calcium antagonist.

     

Exercise blood pressure and endothelial dysfunction in hypertension

Background: Hypertensive patients with persistent endothelial dysfunction have adverse cardiovascular prognosis. However, current methods aimed to assess endothelial dysfunction in those patients who possess clinical applicability. We hypothesised that such individuals could potentially be identified by an exaggerated systolic blood pressure (BP) response to a submaximal exercise. Methods: We studied 22 male patients with essential hypertension who were categorised into two age‐matched groups depending on their exercise systolic BP (ExSBP) rise during the 3‐min exercise step test; the exaggerated ExSBP group [hyper‐responders (≥ 40 mmHg)] and the low ExSBP responder group [hypo‐responders (≤ 20 mmHg)]. Eleven healthy volunteers matched for age were used as control. Clinic and daytime ambulatory BP were assessed after 14 days of anti‐hypertensive treatment withdrawal, which were not significantly different between groups. Vascular reactivity in response to intra‐arterial infusions of acetylcholine, N^G‐monomethyl‐l ‐arginine (l ‐NMMA) and sodium nitroprusside was assessed using forearm venous occlusion plethysmography. Results: The hyper‐responder group had significantly less forearm vasodilatation to acetylcholine compared with the hypo‐responder group [percentage change in the forearm blood flow 125 (17) vs. 260 (28), mean (SEM); p < 0.001]. Similarly, the vasoconstrictive response to l ‐NMMA was significantly impaired in the hyper‐responder group in comparison to the hypo‐responder group [?30 (2) vs. ?45 (4); p < 0.05]. In contrast, the vascular response to sodium nitroprusside was not different between groups suggesting preserved endothelial‐independent vasodilatation. Conclusions: Despite similar ambulatory and office BP, the exaggerated ExSBP group had significantly worse endothelial function compared with the low ExSBP responder group. This simple and non‐invasive test may be useful in routine clinical practice to aid risk stratification in hypertensive patients.