-
1.
Derivation and Application of a Tool to Estimate Benefits From Multiple Therapies That Reduce Recurrent Stroke Risk.
Richards, A, Jackson, NJ, Cheng, EM, Bryg, RJ, Brown, A, Towfighi, A, Sanossian, N, Barry, F, Li, N, Vickrey, BG
Stroke. 2020;(5):1563-1569
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Background and Purpose- Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, antiplatelet/antithrombotic use, and smoking cessation reduce risk of recurrent stroke. However, gaps in risk factor control among stroke survivors warrant development and evaluation of alternative care delivery models that aim to simultaneously improve multiple risk factors. Randomized trials of care delivery models are rarely of sufficient duration or size to be powered for low-frequency outcomes such as observed recurrent stroke. This creates a need for tools to estimate how changes across multiple stroke risk factors reduce risk of recurrent stroke. Methods- We reviewed existing evidence of the efficacy of interventions addressing blood pressure reduction, cholesterol lowering, antiplatelet/antithrombotic use, and smoking cessation and extracted relative risks for each intervention. From this, we developed a tool to estimate reductions in recurrent stroke risk, using bootstrapping and simulation methods. We also calculated a modified Global Outcome Score representing the proportion of potential benefit (relative risk reduction) achieved if all 4 individual risk factors were optimally controlled. We applied the tool to estimate stroke risk reduction among 275 participants with complete 12-month follow-up data from a recently published randomized trial of a healthcare delivery model that targeted multiple stroke risk factors. Results- The recurrent stroke risk tool was feasible to apply, yielding an estimated reduction in the relative risk of ischemic stroke of 0.36 in both the experimental and usual care trial arms. Global Outcome Score results suggest that participants in both arms likely averted, on average, 45% of recurrent stroke events that could possibly have been prevented through maximal implementation of interventions for all 4 individual risk factors. Conclusions- A stroke risk reduction tool facilitates estimation of the combined impact on vascular risk of improvements in multiple stroke risk factors and provides a summary outcome for studies testing alternative care models to prevent recurrent stroke. Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT00861081.
-
2.
Stroke Prevention in Older Adults: Recent Advances.
Spence, JD, Azarpazhooh, MR, Larsson, SC, Bogiatzi, C, Hankey, GJ
Stroke. 2020;(12):3770-3777
Abstract
The risks of stroke and dementia increase steeply with age, and both are preventable. At present, the best way to preserve cognitive function is to prevent stroke. Therapeutic nihilism based on age is common and unwarranted. We address recent advances in stroke prevention that could contribute greatly to prevention of stroke and dementia at a time when the aging of the population threatens to markedly increase the incidence of both. Issues discussed: (1) old patients benefit even more from lipid-lowering therapy than do younger patients; (2) patients with stiff arteries are at risk from a target systolic blood pressure <120 mm Hg; (3) the interaction of the intestinal microbiome, age, and renal function has important dietary implications for older adults; (4) anticoagulation with direct-acting oral anticoagulants should be prescribed more to old patients with atrial fibrillation; (5) B vitamins to lower homocysteine prevent stroke; and (6) most old patients in whom intervention is warranted for carotid stenosis would benefit more from endarterectomy than from stenting. An 80-year-old person has much to lose from a stroke and should not have effective therapy withheld on account of age. Lipid-lowering therapy, a more plant-based diet, appropriate anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy, appropriate blood pressure control, B vitamins to lower homocysteine, and judicious intervention for carotid stenosis could do much to reduce the growing burden of stroke and dementia.
-
3.
First line drug treatment for hypertension and reductions in blood pressure according to age and ethnicity: cohort study in UK primary care.
Sinnott, SJ, Douglas, IJ, Smeeth, L, Williamson, E, Tomlinson, LA
BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 2020;:m4080
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study whether treatment recommendations based on age and ethnicity according to United Kingdom (UK) clinical guidelines for hypertension translate to blood pressure reductions in current routine clinical care. DESIGN Observational cohort study. SETTING UK primary care, from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2017. PARTICIPANTS New users of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARB), calcium channel blockers (CCB), and thiazides. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Change in systolic blood pressure in new users of ACEI/ARB versus CCB, stratified by age (< v ≥55) and ethnicity (black v non-black), from baseline to 12, 26, and 52 week follow-up. Secondary analyses included comparisons of new users of CCB with those of thiazides. A negative outcome (herpes zoster) was used to detect residual confounding and a series of positive outcomes (expected drug effects) was used to determine whether the study design could identify expected associations. RESULTS During one year of follow-up, 87 440 new users of ACEI/ARB, 67 274 new users of CCB, and 22 040 new users of thiazides were included (median 4 (interquartile range 2-6) blood pressure measurements per user). For non-black people who did not have diabetes and who were younger than 55, CCB use was associated with a larger reduction in systolic blood pressure of 1.69 mm Hg (99% confidence interval -2.52 to -0.86) relative to ACEI/ARB use at 12 weeks, and a reduction of 0.40 mm Hg (-0.98 to 0.18) in those aged 55 and older. In subgroup analyses using six finer age categories of non-black people who did not have diabetes, CCB use versus ACEI/ARB use was associated with a larger reduction in systolic blood pressure only in people aged 75 and older. Among people who did not have diabetes, systolic blood pressure decreased more with CCB use than with ACEI/ARB use in black people (reduction difference 2.15 mm Hg (-6.17 to 1.87)); the corresponding reduction difference was 0.98 mm Hg (-1.49 to -0.47) in non-black people. CONCLUSIONS Similar reductions in blood pressure were found to be associated with new use of CCB as with new use of ACEI/ARB in non-black people who did not have diabetes, both in those who were aged younger than 55 and those aged 55 and older. For black people without diabetes, CCB new use was associated with numerically greater reductions in blood pressure than ACEI/ARB compared with non-black people without diabetes, but the confidence intervals were overlapping for the two groups. These results suggest that the current UK algorithmic approach to first line antihypertensive treatment might not lead to greater reductions in blood pressure. Specific indications could be considered in treatment recommendations.
-
4.
Chronic hypertension in pregnancy.
Battarbee, AN, Sinkey, RG, Harper, LM, Oparil, S, Tita, ATN
American journal of obstetrics and gynecology. 2020;(6):532-541
Abstract
Chronic hypertension and associated cardiovascular disease are among the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and death in the United States. Chronic hypertension in pregnancy is associated with a host of adverse outcomes that include preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, cerebrovascular accidents, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and maternal and perinatal death. There are several key issues related to the diagnosis and management of chronic hypertension in pregnancy where data are limited and further research is needed. These challenges and recent guidelines for the management of chronic hypertension are reviewed. Well-timed pregnancies are of utmost importance to reduce the risks of chronic hypertension; long-acting reversible contraceptive options are preferred. Research to determine optimal blood pressure thresholds for diagnosis and treatment to optimize short- and long-term maternal and perinatal outcomes should be prioritized along with interventions to reduce extant racial and ethnic disparities.
-
5.
Implications of Guideline Updates for the Management of Apparent Treatment Resistant Hypertension in the United States (A NCDR Research to Practice [R2P] Project).
Maw, AM, Thompson, LE, Ho, PM, Kennedy, KF, Maddox, TM, Valle, JA, Sandhu, A, Masoudi, FA, Messerli, FH, Daugherty, SL
The American journal of cardiology. 2020;(1):63-67
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
The 2018 resistant hypertension scientific statement offers new treatment recommendations. To determine the implications of these changes, we sought to ascertain the prevalence of apparent treatment resistant hypertension (aTRH) and the therapies used to treat it in an US national ambulatory cardiovascular registry before these recent developments. Using the PINNACLE Registry from 2013 to 2014, we identified all patients receiving treatment for hypertension and then determined the proportion with aTRH as those who met the following criteria over ≥2 consecutive visits: (1) 3 blood pressure medication classes including a diuretic and blood pressure >140/90, OR (2) ≥4 blood pressure medications. Among those with aTRH, we examined past use of therapies now recommended in guidelines including: (1) first-line therapy with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin-II receptor blocker, calcium channel blocker and a thiazide diuretic, (2) use of chlorthalidone, and (3) use of a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) for those requiring a 4th medication. Of 84,624 patients on treatment for hypertension, 11,147 (13.1%) met criteria for prevalent aTRH. Among these patients: (1) Of those on 3 antihypertensive agents (n = 1,255), 315 (25%) were on the first-line regimen now recommended in guidelines, (2) 520 (6.7%) of the 7,930 patients on thiazides were using chlorthalidone, and (3) 3061 (27%) were using a MRA; another 4,523 (40.6%) were eligible for its addition. In conclusion, our findings of low historic use of therapies now recommended in guidelines suggest opportunities to improve care among patients with aTRH.
-
6.
Influence of altitude on hypertension phenotypes and responses to antihypertensive therapy: Review of the literature and design of the INTERVENCION trial.
Medina-Lezama, J, Herrera-Enriquez, K, Narvaez-Guerra, O, Chirinos, JA
Journal of clinical hypertension (Greenwich, Conn.). 2020;(10):1757-1762
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Systemic arterial hypertension constitutes the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and affects people living at different altitudes above sea level (AASL). AASL has a major impact on cardiovascular function and various biologic pathways that regulate blood pressure-related phenotypes, but whether it affects the clinical response to antihypertensive therapy is unknown. The hemodynamic adaptations observed among lowlanders acutely exposed to high altitude (HA) is distinct from those observed among HA dwellers. However, the phenotypic patterns of hypertension and the response to standard antihypertensive agents among adults chronically exposed to different AASL are poorly understood. The authors describe the protocol for the INTERVENCION trial, a randomized clinical trial designed to assess the effects of three first-line antihypertensive monotherapies (a thiazide diuretic, an angiotensin receptor blocker, and a calcium channel blocker) on peripheral and central blood pressure, in-office blood pressure, and ambulatory blood pressure hemodynamics of hypertensive patients living at different AASL (low altitude, intermediate altitude, and high altitude). The primary end point is the reduction in 24-hour brachial systolic blood pressure. The INTERVENCION trial will provide the first clinical trial data regarding the influence of AASL on the response to antihypertensive monotherapy, as well as the hemodynamic characteristics of arterial hypertension at different AASL.
-
7.
Effect of Pycnogenol on Blood Pressure: Findings From a PRISMA Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Studies.
Fogacci, F, Tocci, G, Sahebkar, A, Presta, V, Banach, M, Cicero, AFG
Angiology. 2020;(3):217-225
Abstract
Results of previous clinical trials evaluating the effect of pycnogenol supplementation on blood pressure (BP) are controversial. Therefore, we aimed to assess the impact of pycnogenol on BP through a systematic review of literature and meta-analysis of available randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies (randomized clinical trials [RCTs]). Literature search included SCOPUS, PubMed-Medline, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases up to January 10, 2019 to identify RCTs investigating the impact of pycnogenol on BP. Two investigators independently extracted data on study characteristics, methods, and outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis is registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under number CRD42018112172. Overall, the impact of pycnogenol on BP was reported in 7 trials involving 626 participants. Meta-analysis did not suggest any significant improvement in systolic BP (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -0.028 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.182 to 0.127; P = .726; I2 = 46%), diastolic BP (WMD: -0.144 mm Hg; 95% CI: -0.299 to 0.010; P = .067; I2 = 0%), mean arterial pressure (WMD: -0.091 mm Hg; 95% CI: -0.246 to 0.063; P = .246; I2 = 0%), and pulse pressure (WMD: -0.003 mm Hg; 95% CI: -0.151 to 0.158; P = .966; I2 = 0%) following pycnogenol treatment. Results persisted in the leave-one-out sensitivity analysis. Therefore, the present meta-analysis does not suggest any significant effect of pycnogenol on BP.
-
8.
Achieving blood pressure control targets in hypertensive patients of rural China - a pilot randomized trial.
Huang, X, Liu, L, Song, Y, Gao, L, Zhao, M, Bao, H, Qin, X, Wu, Y, Wu, Q, Bi, C, et al
Trials. 2020;(1):515
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to test the feasibility and titration methods used to achieve specific blood pressure (BP) control targets in hypertensive patients of rural China. METHODS A randomized, controlled, open-label trial was conducted in Rongcheng, China. We enrolled 105 hypertensive participants aged over 60 years, and who had no history of stroke or cardiovascular disease. The patients were randomly assigned to one of three systolic-BP target groups: standard: 140 to < 150 mmHg; moderately intensive: 130 to < 140 mmHg; and intensive: < 130 mmHg. The patients were followed for 6 months. DISCUSSION The optimal target for systolic blood pressure (SBP) lowering is still uncertain worldwide and such information is critically needed, especially in China. However, in China the rates of awareness, treatment and control are only 46.9%, 40.7%, and 15.3%, respectively. It is challenging to achieve BP control in the real world and it is very important to develop population-specific BP-control protocols that fully consider the population's characteristics, such as age, sex, socio-economic status, compliance with medication, education level, and lifestyle. This randomized trial showed the feasibility and safety of the titration protocol to achieve desirable SBP targets (< 150, < 140, and < 130 mmHg) in a sample of rural, Chinese hypertensive patients. The three BP target groups had similar baseline characteristics. After 6 months of treatment, the mean SBP measured at an office visit was 137.2 mmHg, 131.1 mmHg, and 124.2 mmHg, respectively, in the three groups. Home BP and central aortic BP measurements were also obtained. At 6 months, home BP measurements (2 h after drug administration) showed a mean SBP of 130.9 mmHg in the standard group, 124.9 mmHg in the moderately intensive group, and 119.7 mmHg in the intensive group. No serious adverse events were recorded over the 6-month study period. Rates of adverse events, including dry cough, palpitations, and arthralgia, were low and showed no significant differences between the three groups. This trial provided real-world experience and laid the foundation for a future, large-scale, BP target study. TRIAL REGISTRATION Feasibility Study of the Intensive Systolic Blood Pressure Control; ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02817503. Registered retrospectively on 29 June 2016.
-
9.
Pharmacological interventions for heart failure in people with chronic kidney disease.
Lunney, M, Ruospo, M, Natale, P, Quinn, RR, Ronksley, PE, Konstantinidis, I, Palmer, SC, Tonelli, M, Strippoli, GF, Ravani, P
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2020;(2):CD012466
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately half of people with heart failure have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Pharmacological interventions for heart failure in people with CKD have the potential to reduce death (any cause) or hospitalisations for decompensated heart failure. However, these interventions are of uncertain benefit and may increase the risk of harm, such as hypotension and electrolyte abnormalities, in those with CKD. OBJECTIVES This review aims to look at the benefits and harms of pharmacological interventions for HF (i.e., antihypertensive agents, inotropes, and agents that may improve the heart performance indirectly) in people with HF and CKD. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies through 12 September 2019 in consultation with an Information Specialist and using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials of any pharmacological intervention for acute or chronic heart failure, among people of any age with chronic kidney disease of at least three months duration. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently screened the records to identify eligible studies and extracted data on the following dichotomous outcomes: death, hospitalisations, worsening heart failure, worsening kidney function, hyperkalaemia, and hypotension. We used random effects meta-analysis to estimate treatment effects, which we expressed as a risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane tool. We applied the GRADE methodology to rate the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS One hundred and twelve studies met our selection criteria: 15 were studies of adults with CKD; 16 studies were conducted in the general population but provided subgroup data for people with CKD; and 81 studies included individuals with CKD, however, data for this subgroup were not provided. The risk of bias in all 112 studies was frequently high or unclear. Of the 31 studies (23,762 participants) with data on CKD patients, follow-up ranged from three months to five years, and study size ranged from 16 to 2916 participants. In total, 26 studies (19,612 participants) reported disaggregated and extractable data on at least one outcome of interest for our review and were included in our meta-analyses. In acute heart failure, the effects of adenosine A1-receptor antagonists, dopamine, nesiritide, or serelaxin on death, hospitalisations, worsening heart failure or kidney function, hyperkalaemia, hypotension or quality of life were uncertain due to sparse data or were not reported. In chronic heart failure, the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) (4 studies, 5003 participants: RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.02; I2 = 78%; low certainty evidence), aldosterone antagonists (2 studies, 34 participants: RR 0.61 95% CI 0.06 to 6.59; very low certainty evidence), and vasopressin receptor antagonists (RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.55 to 2.89; 2 studies, 1840 participants; low certainty evidence) on death (any cause) were uncertain. Treatment with beta-blockers may reduce the risk of death (any cause) (4 studies, 3136 participants: RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.79; I2 = 0%; moderate certainty evidence). Treatment with ACEi or ARB (2 studies, 1368 participants: RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.90; I2 = 97%; very low certainty evidence) had uncertain effects on hospitalisation for heart failure, as treatment estimates were consistent with either benefit or harm. Treatment with beta-blockers may decrease hospitalisation for heart failure (3 studies, 2287 participants: RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.05; I2 = 87%; low certainty evidence). Aldosterone antagonists may increase the risk of hyperkalaemia compared to placebo or no treatment (3 studies, 826 participants: RR 2.91, 95% CI 2.03 to 4.17; I2 = 0%; low certainty evidence). Renin inhibitors had uncertain risks of hyperkalaemia (2 studies, 142 participants: RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.49; I2 = 0%; very low certainty). We were unable to estimate whether treatment with sinus node inhibitors affects the risk of hyperkalaemia, as there were few studies and meta-analysis was not possible. Hyperkalaemia was not reported for the CKD subgroup in studies investigating other therapies. The effects of ACEi or ARB, or aldosterone antagonists on worsening heart failure or kidney function, hypotension, or quality of life were uncertain due to sparse data or were not reported. Effects of anti-arrhythmic agents, digoxin, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, renin inhibitors, sinus node inhibitors, vasodilators, and vasopressin receptor antagonists were very uncertain due to the paucity of studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The effects of pharmacological interventions for heart failure in people with CKD are uncertain and there is insufficient evidence to inform clinical practice. Study data for treatment outcomes in patients with heart failure and CKD are sparse despite the potential impact of kidney impairment on the benefits and harms of treatment. Future research aimed at analysing existing data in general population HF studies to explore the effect in subgroups of patients with CKD, considering stage of disease, may yield valuable insights for the management of people with HF and CKD.
-
10.
Impact of functional foods and nutraceuticals on high blood pressure with a special focus on meta-analysis: review from a public health perspective.
Venkatakrishnan, K, Chiu, HF, Wang, CK
Food & function. 2020;(4):2792-2804
Abstract
In recent times many researchers are expressing immense interest in nutraceuticals and functional foods for combating various diseases or abnormal conditions, especially against hypertension (HT). Persistent HT is medically referred to as chronic high blood pressure (BP) and considered to be one of the major risk factors for the deadliest diseases including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cerebrovascular diseases. Hence HT poses a serious socio-economic burden worldwide, particularly to developing countries. The current treatment strategy for HT includes standard anti-hypertensive drugs, which are associated with many adverse effects and lower drug adherence rates. Therefore, an alternative or complementary natural therapy (functional foods or nutraceuticals or dietary supplements) would be the alternate choice along with a modified lifestyle pattern that might help to manage or combat HT and its related complications. During this review, the author would like to shed light on the basic science behind HT including pathophysiology and the impact of dietary salt on HT and the impact of various functional foods or nutraceuticals against HT in humans (meta-analysis and systemic review). This contribution gives a better idea (public health perspective) for choosing the best functional foods/nutraceuticals for the prevention, management or delaying the onset of HT and its associated conditions along with modified lifestyle patterns and standard anti-hypertensive drugs.