Role of Antihypertensive Drugs in Arterial ‘De-Stiffening’ and Central Pulsatile Hemodynamics

Arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality in patients with hypertension, as well as a potential therapeutic target. There is increasing awareness that the pulsatile hemodynamics (central blood pressure [CBP], pulse pressure [PP], wave reflections [augmentation index or AIx] and pulse wave velocity [PWV]) may provide better insight into the pathophysiology of CV disorders and target organ damage related to hypertension. Different antihypertensive drugs produce diverse effects on arterial stiffness variables, despite similar effects on peripheral (brachial) blood pressure. Identifying the pharmacologic interventions that can improve arterial stiffness ('de-stiffening' treatment) is a promising field of research.     

Pseudohyperaldosteronism due to mumijo consumption during pregnancy: a licorice-like syndrome

Abstract

Herbal supplements are widely used during pregnancy, although there are insufficient data regarding their efficacy and safety. Some of them have been associated with hypertension, including licorice, which induces the so called mineralocorticoid-excess syndrome, a clinical picture resembling to pseudohyperaldosteronism. This action is mediated via inhibition of 11-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11-HSD2), leading to impaired inactivation of cortisol to cortisone, accumulation of cortisol, and finally to excessive mineralocorticoid activity, especially in the distal and cumulative tubule of kidneys. This syndrome is characterized by hypertension and hypokalemia. Herein, we report a case of a 37-year-old pregnant woman, who was referred from obstetrics department to our department due to persistent hypertension and hypokalemia. She consumed a herbal supplement called “mumijo” during the last 6?months. After a thorough diagnostic work-up, the diagnosis of a “licorice-like syndrome” due to mumijo consumption was made. Potassium supplementation at the acute phase and discontinuation of mumijo were the treatment of choice. This is the first report of pseudohyperaldosteronism due to mumijo consumption in literature. Clinicians should be aware of this side effect and this agent should be included in those causing pseudohyperaldosteronism. Besides all, our case highlights the undeniable value of a detailed medical history.     

Ladungsfrist bei Wahlen zum ärztlichen Kreisverein

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Endothelial dysfunction in metabolic syndrome: Prevalence,pathogenesis and management

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by the presence of central obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Several studies showed that MetS is associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and vascular events. All components of MetS have adverse effects on the endothelium. Endothelial dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and might also increase the risk for insulin resistance and T2DM. We review the prevalence and pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction in MetS. We also discuss the potential effects of lifestyle measures and pharmacological interventions on endothelial function in these patients. It remains to be established whether improving endothelial function in MetS will reduce the risk for T2DM and vascular events.     

Understanding the cardiovascular risk with non-insulin antidiabetic drugs

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem with significant macro- and microvascular complications. Achievement of glucose control is associated with a substantial reduction of microvascular events, while the effects of antidiabetic drugs in macro-vascular complications are less clear. This review summarizes and critically discusses the cardiovascular effects of non-insulin antidiabetic agents.

Areas covered: A selective literature search of Pubmed was performed regarding the efficacy and safety of non-insulin antidiabetic agents in randomized controlled clinical trials and relevant meta-analyses. Data are presented for all major classes of antidiabetic drugs: metformin, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 analogues, and SGLT-2 inhibitors. Efficacy and safety were focused on the cardiovascular system.

Expert opinion: Disparities in cardiovascular safety and efficacy between antidiabetic drugs exist. Metformin remains the first-choice drug with proven cardiovascular benefits. The cardiovascular profile of sulfonylureas is yet unclarified, while thiazolidinediones seem to be effective in secondary stroke prevention but heart failure concerns limit their use. The cardiovascular safety of DPP-4 inhibitors has been demonstrated, without however significant morbidity and mortality benefits. SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 analogues offer significant cardiovascular benefits and are recommended for patients with overt cardiovascular disease.     

Verabreichung von Rauschmitteln an Patienten durch Heilpraktiker

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