2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines

ACC/AHA Hypertension Guidelines and CHA2DS2-VASc Up-Scoring in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

This cohort study compares rates of hypertension among nonhypertensive patients with atrial fibrillation using JNC 8 vs ACC/AHA thresholds.

Triglyceride-glucose index predicts death in patients with stroke younger than 65

Background

The triglyceride-glucose index (TGI), a reliable surrogate indicator of insulin resistance (IR), has been proven to be a predictor of the incidence of ischemic stroke. The role of TGI in predicting the outcomes of stroke patients remains controversial. Susceptibility to IR-related diseases varies among patients of different ages. The study aims to evaluate the predictive value of TGI levels on clinical outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke of different ages.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study including patients with ischemic stroke in the Department of Neurology at West China Hospital. TGI was calculated as ln [fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. The patients were subdivided into 3 tertiles according to TGI levels. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the association between TGI levels and post-stroke outcomes among the whole patients, younger patients (<65), and older patients (>=65). The outcomes included death and unfavorable functional outcome (modified Rankin scale score 3-6) at 3 and 12 months after stroke.

Results

A total of 3,704 patients (men, 65.08%, mean age, 61.44 ± 14.15; women 34.92%, mean age, 65.70 ± 13.69) were enrolled in this study. TGI levels were not associated with 3 month or 12 month death in the whole patients. Patients with higher TGI levels (T2 and T3) had a higher risk of 3 month death than those had lower TGI levels (T1) in the younger group (T2 vs. T1: OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.03-6.79, p = 0.043; T3 vs. T1: OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.00-7.10, p = 0.049) but not in the older group. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier estimate analysis illustrated that the 12 month death risk was significantly higher in the group with the highest TGI among younger patients (p for log-rank test = 0.028) but not among older patients. There was an interactive effect between TGI and age on 3 month death (p for interaction = 0.013) and 12 month death (p for interaction = 0.027). However, TGI was not associated with unfavorable functional outcome at 3 month or 12 month after stroke.

Conclusion

Elevated TGI independently predicts death at 3 months and 12 months in patients under 65 with ischemic stroke. Regulating TGI is expected to be an approach to enhance prognosis in young individuals affected by ischemic stroke.

The damaging duo: Obesity and excess dietary salt contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular disease

Hypertension is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among adults worldwide. In this review, we focus on two of the most critical public health challenges that contribute to hypertension-obesity and excess dietary sodium from salt (i.e., sodium chloride). While the independent effects of these factors have been studied extensively, the interplay of obesity and excess salt overconsumption is not well understood. Here, we discuss both the independent and combined effects of excess obesity and dietary salt given their contributions to vascular dysfunction, autonomic cardiovascular dysregulation, kidney dysfunction, and insulin resistance. We discuss the role of ultra-processed foods-accounting for nearly 60% of energy intake in America-as a major contributor to both obesity and salt overconsumption. We highlight the influence of obesity on elevated blood pressure in the presence of a high-salt diet (i.e., salt sensitivity). Throughout the review, we highlight critical gaps in knowledge that should be filled to inform us of the prevention, management, treatment, and mitigation strategies for addressing these public health challenges.

Brain Injury: How Dietary Patterns Impact Long-Term Outcomes

Purpose of Review

Individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at a much greater risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to the general population. This review discusses dietary patterns as a means of addressing modifiable risk factors following TBI exposure. Evidence-based resources for practicing Physiatrists and Brain Injury Medicine specialists pertaining to nutrition education and counseling are also provided.

Recent Findings

We examined Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, plant-based, ketogenic, and intermittent fasting dietary patterns through publications of clinical trials and systematic reviews. While many reviews had significant positive findings, some were limited by generalizability.

Summary

While there is extensive literature on the immediate nutrition goals in the inpatient setting following an acute TBI exposure, there is limited literature discussing the nature of diet and nutrition in the post-acute setting. Fortunately, most individuals with TBI exposure survive their initial injury and continue into the recovery phase. The scientific literature supports increased morbidity and mortality with chronic TBI exposure compared to matched counterparts, most notably with CVD. A diet rich in fiber and nutrients but limited in added sugars, saturated fats, and excess calories would likely have the greatest cardiovascular and related neurologic protection. Future studies are needed to assess the specific impact of dietary interventions in the chronic phase of brain injury recovery.

Clinical Variation in the Treatment Practices for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Patient Simulation Study Among Primary Care Physicians and Cardiologists

Background Cardiovascular disease risk stratification is necessary and critically important in patients with type 2 diabetes. Despite its known benefits to guide treatment and prevention, we hypothesized that providers do not routinely incorporate this into their diagnostic and treatment decisions. Methods and Results The QuiCER DM (QURE CVD Evaluation of Risk in Diabetes Mellitus) study enrolled 161 primary care physicians and 80 cardiologists. Between March 2022 and June 2022, we measured the care variation in risk determination among these providers caring for simulated patients with type 2 diabetes. We found a wide variation in the overall assessment of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants performed half of the necessary care items with quality-of-care scores, ranging between 13% and 84%, averaging 49.4±12.6%. Participants did not assess cardiovascular risk in 18.3% of cases and incorrectly stratified risk in 42.8% of cases. Only 38.9% of participants arrived at the correct cardiovascular risk stratification. Those who correctly identified a cardiovascular risk score were significantly more likely to order nonpharmacologic treatments, advising on their patients' nutrition (38.8% versus 29.9%, P=0.013) and the correct glycated hemoglobin target (37.7% versus 15.6%, P<0.001). Pharmacologic treatments, however, did not vary between those who correctly specified risk and those who did not. Conclusions Physician participants struggled to determine the correct cardiovascular disease risk and specify the appropriate pharmacologic interventions in simulated patients with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, there was a wide variation in the quality of care regardless of risk level, indicating opportunities to improve risk stratification.

Blood pressure cut-offs to diagnose impending hypertensive emergency depend on previous hypertension-mediated organ damage and comorbid conditions

Background Hypertensive emergencies (HTN-E) are important due to a high risk of mortality. However, a sudden increase in blood pressure (BP) can damage target organs before the BP reaches cut-offs to diagnose HTN-E. We (i) analyse HTN guidelines for recommendations of treatment individualization, such as adjusting BP cut-offs for hypertensive urgency or impending HTN-E according to patient's susceptibility to complications (because of previous hypertension-mediated organ damage [HMOD], cardiovascular events and comorbid conditions), and (ii) provide a rationale for the inclusion of patient's susceptibility in protocols for treatment of acute HTN-E. Methods We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Springer, Oxford Press, Wiley, SAGE and Google Scholar for the following terms: arterial hypertension, impending, emergency, target organ damage, hypertension-mediated organ damage, and comorbidity. Results The available guidelines do not recommend that when we estimate the probability of HTN-E in a patient with very high BP, we take into account not only the 'aggressive factor' (i.e. history of HTN, absolute BP values and rate of its increase), but also the 'vulnerability of the patient' due to previous major adverse cardio-vascular events, HMOD and comorbid conditions. Conclusion The risk does not depend only on the aggressiveness of the health threat but also on the strength of the host's defence. It is, therefore, surprising that one side of the natural interaction (i.e. susceptibility of a patient) is overlooked in almost all available guidelines on HTN.

We have the technology: Why aren't better blood pressure data available from nursing home residents?

This editorial comments on the article by Liu et al. in this issue.

Trends in the prevalence of elevated cardiovascular risk and the control of its risk factors Among US adults, 2001-2020

Background

An accurate assessment of current trends in cardiovascular risks could inform public health policy. This study aims to determine 20-year trends in the prevalence of elevated cardiovascular risk and its risk factors' control among US adults.

Methods

In this serial cross-sectional analysis of 23,594 adults, aged 40-79 years, without clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2001 to 2020, we calculated the prevalence of elevated cardiovascular risk (10-year ASCVD risk ≥ 7.5%) for all participants and subgroups with their risk factors controlled for diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia.

Results

The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of elevated cardiovascular risk slightly decreased from 41.5% (95% CI, 39.7-43.3%) in 2001-2004 to 38.6% (95% CI, 36.1-41.1%) in 2017-2020 (P for trend = 0.169) while the respective sex-adjusted prevalence significantly increased from 34.4% (95% CI, 32.8-36.0%) to 39.5% (95% CI, 37.0-42.0%; P for trend <0.001). Sex and race continued to show disparities in cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, a worsening disparity in age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of elevated cardiovascular risk between young and old and a narrowing gap among different education and poverty index levels (all P trend for interaction <0.05). Differential decomposition analysis found that demographic changes (primarily population aging) led to an 8.8% increase in the prevalence of elevated cardiovascular risk from 2001 to 2004 to 2017-2020, while risk factor control led to a 3.8% decrease. The rate of individuals receiving treatment for diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia increased significantly between 2001 and 2020 (all P for trend <0.05). The rate of participants with hypertension who achieved blood pressure under 130/80 mmHg and those with dyslipidemia who achieved a non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level under 130 mg/dl increased significantly (all P for trend <0.001).

Conclusions

There is a slight reduction in the prevalence of age- and sex-adjusted elevated cardiovascular risk among US adults without clinical ASCVD between 2001 and 2020, while the sex-adjusted prevalence significantly increased. The decrease in elevated cardiovascular risk prevalence was mainly attributed to risk factor control, while demographic changes contributed to an increase.

Exploring Racial and Ethnic Differences in Arterial Stiffness Among Youth and Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

Background We examined arterial stiffness in individuals with type 1 diabetes, and explored whether differences between Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and non-Hispanic White (NHW) individuals were attributable to modifiable clinical and social factors. Methods and Results Participants (n=1162; 22% Hispanic, 18% NHB, and 60% NHW) completed 2 to 3 research visits from ≈10 months to ≈11 years post type 1 diabetes diagnosis (mean ages of ≈9 to ≈20 years, respectively) providing data on socioeconomic factors, type 1 diabetes characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, health behaviors, quality of clinical care, and perception of clinical care. Arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity [PWV], m/s) was measured at ≈20 years of age. We analyzed differences in PWV by race and ethnicity, then explored the individual and combined impact of the clinical and social factors on these differences. PWV did not differ between Hispanic (adjusted mean 6.18 [SE 0.12]) and NHW (6.04 [0.11]) participants after adjustment for cardiovascular risks (P=0.06) and socioeconomic factors (P=0.12), or between Hispanic and NHB participants (6.36 [0.12]) after adjustment for all factors (P=0.08). PWV was higher in NHB versus NHW participants in all models (all P<0.001). Adjustment for modifiable factors reduced the difference in PWV by 15% for Hispanic versus NHW participants; by 25% for Hispanic versus NHB; and by 21% for NHB versus NHW. Conclusions Cardiovascular and socioeconomic factors explain one-quarter of the racial and ethnic differences in PWV of young people with type 1 diabetes, but NHB individuals still experienced greater PWV. Exploration of pervasive inequities potentially driving these persistent differences is needed.

Burden of Hypertensive Crisis in Patients With End-Stage Kidney Disease on Maintenance Dialysis: Insights From United States Renal Data System Database

BACKGROUND

There is paucity of information on the incidence, clinical characteristics, admission trends, and outcomes of hypertensive crisis (HTN-C) in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who are on maintenance dialysis.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study of HTN-C admissions in patients with end-stage kidney disease using the United States Renal Data System. We identified patients with end-stage kidney disease aged ≥18 years on dialysis and were hospitalized for HTN-C from January 2006 to August 2015.

RESULTS

A total of 54 483 patients with end-stage kidney disease were hospitalized for HTN-C during the study period. After study exclusions, 37 214 patients were included in the analysis. A majority of patients were Black, there were more women than men and the South region of the country accounted for a great majority of patients. During the study period, hospitalization rates increased from 1060 per 100 000 beneficiary years to 1821 (P_trend<0.0001). Overall, in-hospital mortality, 30-day, and 1-year mortality were 0.6%, 2.3%, and 21.8%, respectively, and 30-day readmission rate was 31.1%. During the study period, most study outcomes showed a significant decreasing trend (in-hospital mortality 0.6%-0.5%, 30-day mortality 2.4%-1.9%, 1-year mortality 23.9%-19.7%, P_trend<0.0001 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalizations for HTN-C have increased consistently during the decade studied. Although temporal trends showed improving mortality and readmission rates, the absolute rates were still high with 1 in 3 patients readmitted within 30 days and 1 in 5 patients dying within 1 year of index hospitalization.

The value of myocardial work in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy

Myocardial work derived from pressure-strain analysis resembles a novel non-invasive method for myocardial function evaluation. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is commonly detected in Fabry disease (FD), cardiac amyloidosis (CA) and hypertension (HTN). The study aimed to demonstrate the characteristics of myocardial work in patients with LVH suffering from FD, CA, and HTN. Echocardiography were performed in patients with LVH suffering from FD (n = 13), light chain associated cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA) (n = 29) and HTN (n = 72), 25 healthy controls were also included in the current study. Conventional and myocardial work parameters were assessed and compared among FD, AL-CA, HTN and controls. Patients with FD and AL-CA were included in the group of infiltrative cardiomyopathy. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors for discriminating infiltrative cardiomyopathy from hypertension. Compared with controls, HTN patients had preserved global work index (GWI) and global constructive work (GCW) and reduced global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global work efficiency (GWE) (p < 0.05), but patients with FD and AL-CA had reduced GLS, GWI, GCW and GWE and increased global wasted work (GWW) (p < 0.05). GWI and GCW could discriminate infiltrative cardiomyopathy from HTN independently with high accuracy (GWI cut-off value 1626 mmHg%, sensitivity 0.87, specificity 0.82, area under the curve 0.90; GCW cut-off value 2021 mmHg%, sensitivity 0.84, specificity 0.88, area under the curve 0.91). GWI and GCW were reduced in FD and AL-CA patients, but not in patients with HTN. Myocardial work had an addictive value in differentiating infiltrative cardiomyopathy from hypertension.

Vigorous physical activity provides protection against all-cause deaths among adults patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

BACKGROUND

Mortality benefits of vigorous leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among adults with NAFLD is not known.

AIM

To investigate association between LTPA and reduction in all-cause mortality among adults with NAFLD.

METHODS

We used NHANES (1999-2006) self-reported PA data for adults (≥40 years) with mortality follow-up through December 31, 2015. US-Fatty Liver Index in absence of secondary causes identified NAFLD. Moderate and vigorous LTPA were calculated by the 2018 PA Guidelines for Americans.

RESULTS

NAFLD prevalence among 5211 adults (46.2% male; 75.8% white; mean age 53.2 years) was 32.7%. Adults with NAFLD were less likely to report the recommended minimal PA (≥ 150 min/week, 55.5% vs 64.8%) or highly active PA (≥300 min/week, 39.2% vs 48.5%) compared to adults without NAFLD. Over a median follow-up of 12.3 years, 355 deaths among adults with NAFLD and 510 deaths among adults without NAFLD were registered. In the metabolic comorbidities-adjusted model, adults with NAFLD who reported ≥50% of their total PA as vigorous activity had a 56% reduction in all-cause mortality risk (HR:0.44, 95%CI: 0.25-0.76) and cancer-specific mortality risk (HR: 0.21, 0.06-0.66) but not cardiac-specific mortality (p > 0.05) compared to adults with NAFLD who did not report any LTPA. This association remained significant even among adults with NAFLD who met the recommended minimal PA, among adults with NAFLD who reported any LTPA, and among adults with NAFLD who had metabolic abnormalities and in sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Engaging in vigorous activity is beneficial for adults with NAFLD - especially those with metabolic abnormalities.

New advances in endocrine hypertension: from genes to biomarkers

Hypertension (HT) is a major cardiovascular risk factor that affects 10% to 40% of the general population in an age-dependent manner. Detection of secondary forms of HT is particularly important because it allows the targeted management of the underlying disease. Among hypertensive patients, the prevalence of endocrine HT reaches up to 10%. Adrenal diseases are the most frequent cause of endocrine HT and are associated with excess production of mineralocorticoids (mainly primary aldosteronism), glucocorticoids (Cushing syndrome), and catecholamines (pheochromocytoma). In addition, a few rare diseases directly affecting the action of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids in the kidney also lead to endocrine HT. Over the past years, genomic and genetic studies have allowed improving our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of endocrine HT. Those discoveries have opened new opportunities to transfer knowledge to clinical practice for better diagnosis and specific treatment of affected subjects. In this review, we describe the physiology of adrenal hormone biosynthesis and action, the clinical and biochemical characteristics of different forms of endocrine HT, and their underlying genetic defects. We discuss the impact of these discoveries on diagnosis and management of patients, as well as new perspectives related to the use of new biomarkers for improved patient care.

Antihypertensive Medication Regimens Used in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial

BACKGROUND

Describing the antihypertensive medication regimens used in the SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) would contextualize the standard and intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) interventions and may inform future implementation efforts to achieve population-wide intensive SBP goals.

METHODS

We included SPRINT participants with complete medication data at the prerandomization and 12-month visits. Regimens were categorized by antihypertensive medication class. Analyses were stratified by treatment group (standard goal SBP <140 mm Hg versus intensive goal SBP <120 mm Hg).

RESULTS

Among 7860 participants (83.7% of 9361 randomized), the median number of classes used at the prerandomization visit was 2.0 and 2.0 in the standard and intensive groups (P=0.559). At 12-months, the median number of classes used was 3.0 and 2.0 in the intensive and standard groups (P<0.001). Prerandomization, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE), or angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB) monotherapy was the most common regimen in the intensive and standard groups (12.6% versus 12.2%). At 12-months, ACE/ARB monotherapy was still the most common regimen among standard group participants (14.7%) and was used by 5.3% of intensive group participants. Multidrug regimens used by the intensive and standard participants at 12 months were as follows: an ACE/ARB with thiazide (12.2% and 7.9%); an ACE/ARB with calcium channel blocker (6.2% and 6.8%); an ACE/ARB, thiazide, and calcium channel blocker (11.4% and 4.3%); and an ACE/ARB, thiazide, calcium channel blocker, and beta-blocker (6.5% and 1.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

SPRINT investigators favored combining ACEs or ARBs, thiazide diuretics, and calcium channel blockers to target SBP <120 mm Hg, compared to ACE/ARB monotherapy to target SBP <140 mm Hg.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01206062.

Endovascular Ultrasound Renal Denervation to Treat Hypertension: The RADIANCE II Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Two initial sham-controlled trials demonstrated that ultrasound renal denervation decreases blood pressure (BP) in patients with mild to moderate hypertension and hypertension that is resistant to treatment.

Objective

To study the efficacy and safety of ultrasound renal denervation without the confounding influence of antihypertensive medications in patients with hypertension.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Sham-controlled, randomized clinical trial with patients and outcome assessors blinded to treatment assignment that was conducted between January 14, 2019, and March 25, 2022, at 37 centers in the US and 24 centers in Europe, with randomization stratified by center. Patients aged 18 years to 75 years with hypertension (seated office systolic BP [SBP] ≥140 mm Hg and diastolic BP [DBP] ≥90 mm Hg despite taking up to 2 antihypertensive medications) were eligible if they had an ambulatory SBP/DBP of 135/85 mm Hg or greater and an SBP/DBP less than 170/105 mm Hg after a 4-week washout of their medications. Patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 40 mL/min/1.73 m2 or greater and with suitable renal artery anatomy were randomized 2:1 to undergo ultrasound renal denervation or a sham procedure. Patients were to abstain from antihypertensive medications until the 2-month follow-up unless prespecified BP criteria were exceeded and were associated with clinical symptoms.

Interventions

Ultrasound renal denervation vs a sham procedure.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary efficacy outcome was the mean change in daytime ambulatory SBP at 2 months. The primary safety composite outcome of major adverse events included death, kidney failure, and major embolic, vascular, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and hypertensive events at 30 days and renal artery stenosis greater than 70% detected at 6 months. The secondary outcomes included mean change in 24-hour ambulatory SBP, home SBP, office SBP, and all DBP parameters at 2 months.

Results

Among 1038 eligible patients, 150 were randomized to ultrasound renal denervation and 74 to a sham procedure (mean age, 55 years [SD, 9.3 years]; 28.6% female; and 16.1% self-identified as Black or African American). The reduction in daytime ambulatory SBP was greater with ultrasound renal denervation (mean, -7.9 mm Hg [SD, 11.6 mm Hg]) vs the sham procedure (mean, -1.8 mm Hg [SD, 9.5 mm Hg]) (baseline-adjusted between-group difference, -6.3 mm Hg [95% CI, -9.3 to -3.2 mm Hg], P < .001), with a consistent effect of ultrasound renal denervation throughout the 24-hour circadian cycle. Among 7 secondary BP outcomes, 6 were significantly improved with ultrasound renal denervation vs the sham procedure. No major adverse events were reported in either group.

Conclusions and Relevance

In patients with hypertension, ultrasound renal denervation reduced daytime ambulatory SBP at 2 months in the absence of antihypertensive medications vs a sham procedure without postprocedural major adverse events.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03614260.

Prevalence of Elevated NT-proBNP and its Prognostic Value by Blood Pressure Treatment and Control- National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2004

Background

The prognostic utility of NT-proBNP in the setting of hypertension has not been well-characterized in the general US adult population.

Methods

We measured NT-proBNP among adults aged 20 years who participated in the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In adults without a history of cardiovascular disease, we assessed the prevalence of elevated NT-pro-BNP by blood pressure (BP) treatment and control categories. We examined the extent to which NT-proBNP identifies participants at higher risk for mortality across BP treatment and control categories.

Results

The number of US adults without CVD with elevated NT-proBNP (≥125 pg/ml) was 6.2 million among those with untreated hypertension, 4.6 million among those with treated controlled hypertension, and 5.4 million among those with treated uncontrolled hypertension. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and race/ethnicity, participants with treated controlled hypertension and elevated NT-proBNP had increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 2.29, 95% CI 1.79, 2.95) and increased risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR 3.83, 95% CI: 2.34, 6.29), compared to those without hypertension and with low levels of NT-proBNP (<125 pg/ml). Among those on antihypertensive medication, those with SBP 130-139 mm Hg and elevated NT-proBNP had increased risk of all-cause mortality, compared to those with SBP<120 mm Hg and low levels of NT-proBNP.

Conclusions

Among a general population of adults free of cardiovascular disease, NT-proBNP can provide additional prognostic information within and across categories of BP. Measurement of NT-proBNP may have potential for clinical use to optimize hypertension treatment.

Relationship Between Ascending Thoracic Aortic Diameter and Blood Pressure: A Mendelian Randomization Study

BACKGROUND

Observational studies identified elevated blood pressure (BP) as a strong risk factor for thoracic aortic dilation, and BP reduction is the primary medical intervention recommended to prevent progression of aortic aneurysms. However, although BP may impact aortic dilation, aortic size may also impact BP. The causal relationship between BP and thoracic aortic size has not been reliably established.

METHODS

Genome-wide association studies summary statistics were obtained for BP and ascending thoracic aortic diameter (AscAoD). Causal effects of BP on AscAoD were estimated using 2-sample Mendelian randomization using a range of pleiotropy-robust methods.

RESULTS

Genetically predicted increased systolic BP, diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressure all significantly associate with higher AscAoD (systolic BP: β estimate, 0.0041 mm/mm Hg [95% CI, 0.0008-0.0074]; P=0.02, diastolic BP: β estimate, 0.0272 mm/mm Hg [95% CI, 0.0224-0.0320]; P<0.001, and mean arterial pressure: β estimate, 0.0168 mm/mm Hg [95% CI, 0.0130-0.0206]; P<0.001). Genetically predicted pulse pressure, meanwhile, had an inverse association with AscAoD (β estimate, -0.0155 mm/mm Hg [95% CI, -0.0213 to -0.0096]; P<0.001). Multivariable Mendelian randomization analyses showed that genetically predicted increased mean arterial pressure and reduced pulse pressure were independently associated with AscAoD. Bidirectional Mendelian randomization demonstrated that genetically predicted AscAoD was inversely associated with pulse pressure (β estimate, -2.0721 mm Hg/mm [95% CI, -3.1137 to -1.0306]; P<0.001) and systolic BP (β estimate, -1.2878 mm Hg/mm [95% CI, -2.3533 to -0.2224]; P=0.02), while directly associated with diastolic BP (0.8203 mm Hg/mm [95% CI, 0.2735-1.3672]; P=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

BP likely contributes causally to ascending thoracic aortic dilation. Increased AscAoD likely contributes to lower systolic BP and pulse pressure, but not diastolic BP, consistent with the hemodynamic consequences of a reduced aortic diameter.

Metabolic and cardiovascular responses to continuous and intermittent plank exercises

BACKGROUND

Plank exercise (PE) is a whole-body isometric muscle training which is beneficial for physical health. However, none of the previous studies investigated the responses within a typical isometric muscle training or PE protocol consisting of multiple sets. The application of PE was restricted for the understudied metabolic and cardiovascular responses, especially for the patients with cardiovascular diseases. This study is to alleviate the safety concerns of PE by investigating the PE-induced metabolic and cardiovascular responses.

METHODS

Eleven male recreational-level college students completed a baseline cardiopulmonary exercise test, continuous PE (CPE) and intermittent PE (IPE). Ratio of maximal oxygen uptake per kilogram of body mass (%VO_2max/kg), ratio of maximal heart rate (%HR_max), and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were continuously measured during PEs and divided into seven equal timepoints. Blood pressure (BP) was measured every minute during, before, and after PEs. A mixed-model repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine the interaction effect of exercise × phase.

RESULTS

The %VO_2max/kg (F_6,69=11.25, P < 0.001), %HR_max (F_6,65=7.74, P < 0.001), RER (F_6,69=11.56, P < 0.001), and BP (systolic BP, F_2,26=8.42, P = 0.002; diastolic BP, F_2,24=22.63, P < 0.001) increased by safe magnitudes. Compared with the corresponding period in the IPE group, the %VO_2max/kg (33.5 [2.2] vs. 27.7 [1.9], P = 0.043) and %HR_max (63.2 [3.9] vs. 53.3 [2.1], P = 0.019) increased more significantly from the 40% duration of CPE. Systolic BP increased by larger magnitudes during CPE than IPE (154.2 [3.8] vs. 142.3 [4.8] mmHg, P = 0.002). RERs were over 1 during PEs without cardiovascular and metabolic variables over the anaerobic threshold.

CONCLUSION

Energy was mainly supplied by anaerobic metabolism during PEs. CPE may be preferable for trainees aiming at anaerobic capacity enhancement. IPEs may be preferable to CPEs for youth patients with mild and borderline cardiovascular diseases due to their lower metabolic and cardiovascular responses.

Socioeconomic deprivation and cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with type 1 diabetes: T1D exchange clinic registry

AIMS

Social determinants of health (SDOH) influence cardiovascular health in the general population; however, the degree to which this occurs in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is not well understood. We evaluated associations among socioeconomic deprivation and cardiometabolic risk factors (hemoglobin A1c, low-density lipoprotein, blood pressure, body mass index, physical activity) in individuals with T1D from the T1D Clinic Exchange Registry.

METHODS

We evaluated the association between the social deprivation index (SDI) and cardiometabolic risk factors using multivariable and logistic regression among 18,754 participants ages 13 - 90 years (mean 29.2 ± 17) in the T1D Exchange clinic registry from 6,320 zip code tabulation areas (2007-2017).

RESULTS

SDI was associated with multiple cardiometabolic risk factors even after adjusting for covariates (age, biological sex, T1D duration, and race/ethnicity) in the multivariable linear regression models. Those in the highest socially deprived areas had 1.69 (unadjusted) and 1.78 (adjusted) times odds of a triple concomitant risk burden of poor glycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent SDOH differences could account for a substantial degree of poor achievement of cardiometabolic targets in individuals with T1D. Our results suggest the need for a broader framework to understand the association between T1D and adverse cardiometabolic outcomes.

Interventions for reducing blood pressure in prehypertension: A meta-analysis

Background

We aimed to address which interventions best control blood pressure (BP) and delay disease progression in prehypertension and to give recommendations for the best option following a quality rating.

Methods

A Bayesian network meta-analysis was used to assess the effect of the intervention on BP reduction, delaying hypertension progression and final outcome, with subgroup analyses for time and ethnicity. Recommendations for interventions were finally based on cumulative ranking probabilities and CINeMA.

Results

From 22,559 relevant articles, 101 eligible randomized controlled trial articles (20,176 prehypertensive subjects) were included and 30 pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions were evaluated. Moderate-quality evidence demonstrated that angiotensin II receptor blockers, aerobic exercise (AE), and dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP). For lowering diastolic blood pressure (DBP), AE combined with resistance exercise (RE) or AE alone provided high quality evidence, with calcium channel blockers, lifestyle modification (LSM) combined with drug providing moderate quality evidence. LSM produced the best BP lowering effect at 12 months and beyond of intervention. In Asians, TCD bubble was moderate quality evidence for lowering SBP and RE may have had a BP lowering effect in Caucasians. No recommendation can be given for delaying the progression of hypertension and reducing mortality outcomes because of low to very low quality of evidence.

Conclusion

AE combined RE are preferentially recommended for BP control in prehypertension, followed by DASH. Long-term BP control is preferred to LSM. Asians and Caucasians add TCD bubble and RE to this list as potentially effective interventions.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022356302, identifier: CRD42022356302.

Association of Dietary intake of vitamin E with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease events in US adults: A cross-sectional study of NHANES 2013-2018

Introduction

Several studies have demonstrated that vitamin E intake is negatively associated with the development of several diseases, but the relationship between vitamin E intake and COPD in different groups of people is not clear. The aim was to investigate the relationship between vitamin E intake and COPD in different groups of people.

Methods

This study used data from NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) from 2013-2018. A final total of 4,706 participants were included, univariate versus multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models adjusted for confounders were used to explore the relationship between vitamin E intake and COPD, and subgroup analyses were conducted to assess whether there are differences in the relationship between vitamin E intake and COPD in different populations or conditions.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders, higher vitamin E intake showed a significant negative association with COPD [Model 1(unadjusted covariates, OR = 0.48;95% CI:0.33-0.70; p < 0.001), Model 2(adjusted for age, sex, and race, OR = 0.48;95% CI:0.31-0.73; p < 0.01), and Model 3(adjusted for all covariates, OR = 0.57;95% CI:0.36-0.91; p = 0.02)]. And a restricted cubic spline curve showed a significant negative correlation between vitamin E intake and COPD (p for nonlinear = 0.2036). In the subgroup analysis, we found a negative association between vitamin E intake and COPD in all subgroups as well.

Conclusion

After analyzing data based on the NHANES database from 2013-2018, the results showed that vitamin E intake among U.S. adults was well below the recommended levels and that higher vitamin E intake was negatively associated with COPD incidence.

Comorbidity and nutritional status in adult with advanced chronic kidney disease influence the decision-making choice of renal replacement therapy modality: A retrospective 5-year study

Background

Nutritional and inflammation status are significant predictors of morbidity and mortality risk in advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD). To date, there are a limited number of clinical studies on the influence of nutritional status in ACKD stages 4-5 on the choice of renal replacement therapy (RRT) modality.

Aim

This study aimed to examine relationships between comorbidity and nutritional and inflammatory status and the decision-making on the choice of RRT modalities in adults with ACKD.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 211 patients with ACKD with stages 4-5 from 2016 to 2021. Comorbidity was assessed using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) according to severity (CCI: ≤ 3 and >3 points). Clinical and nutritional assessment was carried out by prognosis nutritional index (PNI), laboratory parameters [serum s-albumin, s-prealbumin, and C-reactive protein (s-CRP)], and anthropometric measurements. The initial decision-making of the different RRT modalities [(in-center, home-based hemodialysis (HD), and peritoneal dialysis (PD)] as well as the informed therapeutic options (conservative treatment of CKD or pre-dialysis living donor transplantation) were recorded. The sample was classified according to gender, time on follow-up in the ACKD unit (≤ 6 and >6 months), and the initial decision-making of RRT (in-center and home-RRT). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were carried out for evaluating the independent predictors of home-based RRT.

Results

Of the 211 patients with ACKD, 47.4% (n = 100) were in stage 5 CKD, mainly elderly men (65.4%). DM was the main etiology of CKD (22.7%) together with hypertension (96.6%) as a CV risk factor. Higher CCI scores were significantly found in men, and severe comorbidity with a CCI score > 3 points was 99.1%. The mean time of follow-up time in the ACKD unit was 9.6 ± 12.8 months. A significantly higher CCI was found in those patients with a follow-up time > 6 months, as well as higher mean values of eGFR, s-albumin, s-prealbumin, s-transferrin, and hemoglobin, and lower s-CRP than those with a follow-up <6 months (all, at least p < 0.05). The mean PNI score was 38.9 ± 5.5 points, and a PNI score ≤ 39 points was found in 36.5%. S-albumin level > 3.8 g/dl was found in 71.1% (n = 150), and values of s-CRP ≤ 1 mg/dl were 82.9% (n = 175). PEW prevalence was 15.2%. The initial choice of RRT modality was higher in in-center HD (n = 119 patients; 56.4%) than in home-based RRT (n = 81; 40.5%). Patients who chose home-based RRT had significantly lower CCI scores and higher mean values of s-albumin, s-prealbumin, s-transferrin, hemoglobin, and eGFR and lower s-CRP than those who chose in-center RRT (p < 0.001). Logistic regression demonstrated that s-albumin (OR: 0.147) and a follow-up time in the ACKD unit >6 months (OR: 0.440) were significantly associated with the likelihood of decision-making to choose a home-based RRT modality (all, at least p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Regular monitoring and follow-up of sociodemographic factors, comorbidity, and nutritional and inflammatory status in a multidisciplinary ACKD unit significantly influenced decision-making on the choice of RRT modality and outcome in patients with non-dialysis ACKD.

Association of serum folate with prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among adults (NHANES 2011-2018)

Background

Folate was involved in oxidative stress, hepatic lipid metabolism and chronic hepatic inflammation. However, evidence about the association between serum folate level and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in general population is scarce. This study aimed to explore the relationship between serum folate level and NAFLD among adults.

Methods

7,146 adult participants aged 20 years and over who have complete data of serum folate level and liver function biomarkers in NHANES 2011-2018 were included. Serum folate level was measured by isotope-dilution high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). And suspected NAFLD was defined according to the United States fatty liver index (USFLI). Logistic regression and the restricted cubic spline models were performed.

Results

Serum folate level was inversely associated with the presence of NAFLD. When comparing the second, third and fourth quartiles of serum folate level to the lowest quartile, the adjusted ORs of the presence of NAFLD were 0.62 (0.49-0.78), 0.65 (0.51-0.84), and 0.43 (0.32-0.56) respectively (p for trend<0.001). The non-linear and L-shaped relationship was found between serum folate level and the presence of NAFLD in the restricted cubic spline regression (p for non-linearity <0.01). Consistent with serum total folate, serum 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate level was also inversely associated with the presence of NAFLD.

Conclusion

Higher serum folate level may be negatively associated with NAFLD.

Development and application of an evidence-based directed acyclic graph to evaluate the associations between metal mixtures and cardiometabolic outcomes

Objectives

Specifying causal models to assess relationships among metal mixtures and cardiometabolic outcomes requires evidence-based models of the causal structures; however, such models have not been previously published. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a directed acyclic graph (DAG) diagraming metal mixture exposure and cardiometabolic outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a literature search to develop the DAG of metal mixtures and cardiometabolic outcomes. To evaluate consistency of the DAG, we tested the suggested conditional independence statements using linear and logistic regression analyses with data from the San Luis Valley Diabetes Study (SLVDS; n=1795). We calculated the proportion of statements supported by the data and compared this to the proportion of conditional independence statements supported by 1,000 DAGs with the same structure but randomly permuted nodes. Next, we used our DAG to identify minimally sufficient adjustment sets needed to estimate the association between metal mixtures and cardiometabolic outcomes (i.e., cardiovascular disease, fasting glucose, and systolic blood pressure). We applied them to the SLVDS using Bayesian kernel machine regression, linear mixed effects, and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

From the 42 articles included in the review, we developed an evidence-based DAG with 74 testable conditional independence statements (43 % supported by SLVDS data). We observed evidence for an association between As and Mn and fasting glucose.

Conclusions

We developed, tested, and applied an evidence-based approach to analyze associations between metal mixtures and cardiometabolic health.

Closing the gap - development of an analytical methodology using volumetric absorptive microsampling of finger prick blood followed by LC-HRMS/MS for adherence monitoring of antihypertensive drugs

Volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS), an emerging microsampling technique, is a promising tool for adherence monitoring. This study focused on development of an analytical methodology to improve VAMS-based strategies for adherence assessment by analyzing angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, loop diuretics, a potassium-sparing diuretic, and a thiazide diuretic. Development included sample preparation, chromatographic conditions, mass spectrometry settings, validation, and demonstrating proof of concept. Quantification of analytes, by name furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, lisinopril, torasemide, and the active metabolites, canrenone, enalaprilat, and ramiprilat in finger prick blood (FPB), was validated based on international guidelines. Selectivity, carryover, and within/between-run accuracy and precision were in accordance with the recommendations. The matrix effect was evaluated at three different hematocrit levels (HT: 20%, 40%, 60%) and the coefficients of variation did not exceed 15%. Dilution integrity (1:10 and 1:20) was given for all analytes except lisinopril, yet for lisinopril, the therapeutic range was already covered by the calibration range. Long-term stability in VAMS tips was tested for 2 weeks at 24 °C in the dark and revealed no degradation of analytes. The proof of concept was performed by analyzing 35 intakes of ACE-inhibitors and diuretics in 18 VAMS and matched plasma samples. Hereby, determined concentration in FPB and plasma cannot be used interchangeably, and thus specific reference ranges for whole blood must be established. Nevertheless, the VAMS-based strategy was shown to be suitable for assessing adherence of all classes of antihypertensive drugs used in the guidelines to manage hypertension.

Relationship between orthostatic blood pressure changes and intensive blood pressure management in patients with hypertension

INTRODUCTION

The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) demonstrated that closely controlling blood pressure (BP) could decrease cardiovascular outcome risk without increasing the orthostatic hypotension rate. We aimed to evaluate the association between baseline orthostatic BP change and major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) occurrence.

METHODS

We conducted a post hoc analysis using SPRINT data including 9329 patients with hypertension. The SPRINT trial was a two-arm, multicentre, randomised clinical trial designed to test whether an intensive treatment aimed at reducing systolic BP (SBP) to <120 mm Hg would reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Orthostatic BP change was defined as baseline standing systolic BP (SBP)-baseline mean seated SBP, or diastolic BP (DBP)-baseline mean seated DBP.

RESULTS

We found a U-shaped relationship between orthostatic BP changes and MACE occurrence. All lowest risk points were around 0 mm Hg. On the left side of the inflection point, MACE risk decreased with orthostatic BP change decrease (HR=0.99, 95% CI (0.98 to 1.00), p=0.04, SBP change) (HR=0.97, 95% CI (0.95 to 0.99), p<0.01, DBP change); on the right side, MACE risk increased with orthostatic BP change increase (HR=1.02, 95% CI (1.01 to 1.06), p<0.01, SBP change) (HR=1.01, 95% CI (1.00 to 1.03), p=0.16, DBP change). There was no significant interaction effect between orthostatic SBP (p for interaction=0.37) or DBP changes (p for interaction=0.33) and intensive BP management.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthostatic DBP increase and SBP decrease were associated with an increased MACE risk. The benefits of intensive BP management were also consistent across different orthostatic BP change ranges.

Renin-angiotensin blocker use is associated with improved cardiovascular mortality in Indian patients with mild-moderate chronic kidney disease-findings from the ICKD study

Introduction

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are the antihypertensive drug class of choice in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Head-to-head comparisons of the renal or non-renal outcomes between ACEI/ARB users and nonusers have not been conducted in all population groups. We examined the renal and cardiovascular outcomes in users and nonusers enrolled in the Indian Chronic Kidney Disease (ICKD) Study.

Methods

A total of 4,056 patients with mild-moderate CKD were studied. Patients were categorized as ACEI/ARB users or nonusers. Major adverse kidney events [ESKD (end stage kidney disease), ≥50% decline in eGFR and kidney death], all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality were analyzed over a median follow-up period of 2.64 (1.40, 3.89) years between the two groups.

Results

Out of a total of 4,056 patients, 3,487 (87%) were hypertensive. The adjusted sub-hazard ratio (SHR) and 95 % CI for ACEI /ARB users was 0.85 (0.71, 1.02) for MAKE, 0.80 (0.64, 0.99) for a 50% decline in eGFR, and 0.72 (0.58, 0.90) for ESKD. For cardiovascular mortality, ACEI/ARB users were at lower risk (SHR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.88). Diuretic users were at increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.50, 2.53) and cardiovascular mortality (adjusted SHR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.73). There was non-significant association between the use of other antihypertensives and any of the end points.

Discussion

ACEI/ARB use is associated with slower rate of decline in eGFR in those with CKD stage 1-3. ACEI/ARB users had a significantly lower risk of renal outcomes, and cardiovascular mortality.

Peripheral vascular remodeling during ischemia

About 230 million people worldwide suffer from peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and the prevalence is increasing year by year. Multiple risk factors, including smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension, can contribute to the development of PAD. PAD is typically characterized by intermittent claudication and resting pain, and there is a risk of severe limb ischemia, leading to major adverse limb events, such as amputation. Currently, a major progress in the research field of the pathogenesis of vascular remodeling, including atherosclerosis and neointima hyperplasia has been made. For example, the molecular mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction and smooth muscle phenotype switching have been described. Interestingly, a series of focused studies on fibroblasts of the vessel wall has demonstrated their impact on smooth muscle proliferation and even endothelial function via cell-cell communications. In this review, we aim to focus on the functional changes of peripheral arterial cells and the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of PAD. At the same time, we summarize the progress of the current clinical treatment and potential therapeutic methods for PAD and shine a light on future perspectives.

Adipokines: Deciphering the cardiovascular signature of adipose tissue

Obesity and hypertension are intimately linked due to the various ways that the important cell types such as vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), endothelial cells (EC), immune cells, and adipocytes, communicate with one another to contribute to these two pathologies. Adipose tissue is a very dynamic organ comprised primarily of adipocytes, which are well known for their role in energy storage. More recently adipose tissue has been recognized as the largest endocrine organ because of its ability to produce a vast number of signaling molecules called adipokines. These signaling molecules stimulate specific types of cells or tissues with many adipokines acting as indicators of adipocyte healthy function, such as adiponectin, omentin, and FGF21, which show anti-inflammatory or cardioprotective effects, acting as regulators of healthy physiological function. Others, like visfatin, chemerin, resistin, and leptin are often altered during pathophysiological circumstances like obesity and lipodystrophy, demonstrating negative cardiovascular outcomes when produced in excess. This review aims to explore the role of adipocytes and their derived products as well as the impacts of these adipokines on blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular homeostasis.

Prognostic significance of frailty in older patients with hip fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Hip fracture (HF) has become a major healthcare concern associated with higher mortality in older patients. Frailty is one of the most important problems in aging population but its prognostic value in HF remains susceptible. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between frailty and adverse outcomes in older patients with HF.

METHODS

We systematically searched electrical databases including PubMed and Embase to find eligible literature with end-search restriction of February 20, 2021. The main endpoints were all-cause mortality, peri-operative complications, abnormal discharge, and length of stay (LOS). Pooled effect size was calculated by random-effects or fixed-effect model according to study heterogeneity. Three subgroup analyses based on follow-up times, study design, and frailty criteria were conducted.

RESULTS

We screened 22 studies out of 1599 identified studies in our analysis. Compared with normal patients, frail ones had a higher risk of mortality both before (OR = 3.48, 95% CI: 2.50-4.85, I² = 87.2%, P < 0.001) and after (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.44-2.44, I² = 85.5%, P < 0.001) adjustment. The incidence of peri-operative complications, abnormal discharge, and prolonged LOS also significantly increased in frail subjects. There was no publication bias observed and the pooled results were stable based on sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSION

Overall, more attention needs to be paid to the prognostic effects caused by frailty in seniors with HF. Better understanding of the association between frailty and adverse outcomes in HF could help doctors perform co-management across orthopaedic and geriatric departments.

Indirect covariate balance and residual confounding: An applied comparison of propensity score matching and cardinality matching

PURPOSE

Propensity score matching (PSM) is subject to limitations associated with limited degrees of freedom and covariate overlap. Cardinality matching (CM), an optimization algorithm, overcomes these limitations by matching directly on the marginal distribution of covariates. This study compared the performance of PSM and CM.

METHODS

Comparative cohort study of new users of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and β-blocker monotherapy identified from a large U.S. administrative claims database. One-to-one matching was conducted through PSM using nearest-neighbor matching (caliper = 0.15) and CM permitting a maximum standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0, 0.01, 0.05, and 0.10 between comparison groups. Matching covariates included 37 patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Observed covariates included patient demographics, and all observed prior conditions, drug exposures, and procedures. Residual confounding was assessed based on the expected absolute systematic error of negative control outcome experiments. PSM and CM were compared in terms of post-match patient retention, matching and observed covariate balance, and residual confounding within a 10%, 1%, 0.25% and 0.125% sample group.

RESULTS

The eligible study population included 182 235 (ACEI: 129363; β-blocker: 56872) patients. CM achieved superior patient retention and matching covariate balance in all analyses. After PSM, 1.6% and 28.2% of matching covariates were imbalanced in the 10% and 0.125% sample groups, respectively. No significant difference in observed covariate balance was observed between matching techniques. CM permitting a maximum SMD <0.05 was associated with improved residual bias as compared to PSM.

CONCLUSION

We recommend CM with more stringent balance criteria as an alternative to PSM when matching on a set of clinically relevant covariates.

National Trends in Antihypertensive Treatment Among Older Adults by Race and Presence of Comorbidity, 2008 to 2017

BACKGROUND

In 2014, hypertension guidelines for older adults endorsed increased use of fixed-dose combinations, prioritized thiazide diuretics and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) for Black patients, and no longer recommend beta-blockers as first-line therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate older adults' antihypertensive use following guideline changes.

DESIGN

Time series analysis.

PATIENTS

Twenty percent national sample of Medicare Part D beneficiaries aged 66 years and older with hypertension.

INTERVENTION

Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC8) guidelines MAIN MEASURES: Quarterly trends in prevalent and initial antihypertensive use were examined before (2008 to 2013) and after (2014 to 2017) JNC8. Analyses were conducted among all beneficiaries with hypertension, beneficiaries without chronic conditions that might influence antihypertensive selection (hypertension-only cohort), and among Black patients, given race-based guideline recommendations.

KEY RESULTS

The number of beneficiaries with hypertension increased from 1,978,494 in 2008 to 2,809,680 in 2017, the proportions using antihypertensives increased from 80.3 to 81.2%, and the proportion using multiple classes and fixed-dose combinations declined (60.8 to 58.1% and 20.7 to 15.1%, respectively, all P<.01). Prior to JNC8, the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and CCBs was increasing. Use of CCBs as initial therapy increased more rapidly following JNC8 (relative change in quarterly trend 0.15% [95% CI, 0.13-0.18%), especially among Black beneficiaries (relative change 0.44% [95% CI, 0.21-0.68%]). Contrary to guidelines, the use of thiazides and combinations as initial therapy consistently decreased in the hypertension-only cohort (13.8 to 8.3% and 25.1 to 15.7% respectively). By 2017, 65.9% of Black patients in the hypertension-only cohort were initiated on recommended first-line or combination therapy compared to 80.3% of non-Black patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Many older adults, particularly Black patients, continue to be initiated on antihypertensive classes not recommended as first-line, indicating opportunities to improve the effectiveness and equity of hypertension care and potentially reduce antihypertensive regimen complexity.

The association of dietary glutamine supplementation with the development of high salt-induced hypertension in rats

Glutamine supplementation has been reported to affect blood pressure (BP). However, its role in the progression of hypertension induced by high salt diet (HSD) has not been elucidated. Male normotensive Wistar rats were exposed to high salt diet and treated with different doses of glutamine supplementation. Rats aged 6 weeks were assigned to five groups: (1) Normal-salt diet (0.3% NaCl, NSD); (2) High-salt diet (8% NaCl, HSD); (3) High-salt + low-dose diet (8% NaCl, 0.5 g of L-glutamine/kg body weight, HSLGD); (4) High-salt + middle-dose diet (8% NaCl, 1.5 g of L-glutamine/kg body weight, HSMGD); and (5) High-salt + high-dose diet (8% NaCl, 2.5 g of L-glutamine/kg body weight, HSHGD). After supplementing different doses of glutamine to male Wistar 6-week-old rats fed with HSD for 7 weeks, we found no difference in body weight among groups. Importantly, we showed that dietary L-glutamine supplementation could prevent the development of hypertension in a dose-dependent manner [dramatically lowering systolic blood pressure (SBP) and slightly reducing diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of hypertensive rats, while the differences of DBP between groups did not reach statistical significance]. Our data further elucidated that dietary glutamine supplementation mildly alleviated the degree of left ventricular hypertrophy, including interventricular septal thickness (IVST) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) in hypertensive rats. Together, our results offer evidence that the dietary uptake of glutamine may be associated with attenuating the development of high salt-induced hypertension and slightly alleviating the degree of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive rats. Therefore, glutamine supplementation may act as a prospective dietary intervention for the treatment of hypertension.

Myocardial Protection and Current Cancer Therapy: Two Opposite Targets with Inevitable Cost

Myocardial protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is mediated by various ligands, activating different cellular signaling cascades. These include classical cytosolic mediators such as cyclic-GMP (c-GMP), various kinases such as Phosphatydilinositol-3- (PI3K), Protein Kinase B (Akt), Mitogen-Activated-Protein- (MAPK) and AMP-activated (AMPK) kinases, transcription factors such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and bioactive molecules such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Most of the aforementioned signaling molecules constitute targets of anticancer therapy; as they are also involved in carcinogenesis, most of the current anti-neoplastic drugs lead to concomitant weakening or even complete abrogation of myocardial cell tolerance to ischemic or oxidative stress. Furthermore, many anti-neoplastic drugs may directly induce cardiotoxicity via their pharmacological effects, or indirectly via their cardiovascular side effects. The combination of direct drug cardiotoxicity, indirect cardiovascular side effects and neutralization of the cardioprotective defense mechanisms of the heart by prolonged cancer treatment may induce long-term ventricular dysfunction, or even clinically manifested heart failure. We present a narrative review of three therapeutic interventions, namely VEGF, proteasome and Immune Checkpoint inhibitors, having opposing effects on the same intracellular signal cascades thereby affecting the heart. Moreover, we herein comment on the current guidelines for managing cardiotoxicity in the clinical setting and on the role of cardiovascular confounders in cardiotoxicity.

Narrative Review on the Effects of Oat and Sprouted Oat Components on Blood Pressure

Hypertension (HTN) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cognitive decline. Elevations in blood pressure (BP) leading to HTN can be found in young adults with increased prevalence as people age. Oats are known to decrease CVD risk via an established effect of β-glucan on the attenuation of blood cholesterol. Many past studies on CVD and oats have also reported a decrease in BP; however, a thorough assessment of oats and BP has not been conducted. Moreover, oats deliver several beneficial dietary components with putative beneficial effects on BP or endothelial function, such as β-glucan, γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), and phytochemicals such as avenanthramides. We conducted a comprehensive search for systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical intervention studies on oats and BP and identified 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and three meta-analyses that supported the role of oats in decreasing BP. Emerging data also suggest oat consumption may reduce the use of anti-hypertensive medications. The majority of these studies utilized whole oats or oat bran, which include a vast array of oat bioactives. Therefore, we also extensively reviewed the literature on these bioactives and their putative effect on BP-relevant mechanisms. The data suggest several oat components, such as GABA, as well as the delivery of high-quality plant protein and fermentable prebiotic fiber, may contribute to the anti-HTN effect of oats. In particular, GABA is enhanced in oat sprouts, which suggests this food may be particularly beneficial for healthy BP management.

Perinatal Outcome and Its Association with Blood Pressure Levels in Women with Preeclampsia

Background: Timing and mode of delivery in women with preeclampsia remains challenging, often balancing the risk of severe maternal complications and preterm delivery with its risks for the newborn. It is known that women with very high blood pressure levels in pregnancy have more unfavourable outcomes, but there is little data on neonatal outcome in these cases and the effect of the delivery mode. Methods: We included 158 preeclamptic women in our single-centre retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into three subgroups depending on blood pressure levels, and delivery mode as well as neonatal outcomes were analysed. Furthermore, the effect of gestational age at delivery was assessed. Results: Maternal blood pressure levels correlated negatively with gestational age at delivery (p = 0.007) and positively with delivery via caesarean section (p = 0.003). Induction of labour was more frequent in women with lower blood pressure levels (p = 0.008) and higher gestational age (p < 0.001). If labour was induced, vaginal delivery was achieved equally often in all gestational ages. Neonatal outcome appears to be more favourable after vaginal delivery compared to planned caesarean section (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Induction of labour should be discussed generously in preeclamptic women, even if blood pressure levels are high and/or gestational age is young, as success rates seem to be adequate and neonatal outcome is more favourable after vaginal delivery. Large prospective trials are needed to better evaluate success rates, risks and complications of induced labour and the effects of delivery mode on neonatal outcome in preeclampsia.

Association between vitamin D serum levels and insulin resistance assessed by HOMA-IR among non-diabetic adults in the United States: Results from NHANES 2007-2014

Insulin resistance, a pathological response to insulin hormone in insulin-dependent cells, is characterized by the presence of high glucose and insulin concentrations. The homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) is one of the most used indexes to estimate insulin resistance by assessing the fasting glucose and insulin levels. An association was observed between vitamin D levels and insulin resistance, which varied in different ethnic groups, and there is some evidence that vitamin D supplementation could contribute to the improvement of insulin resistance. This study assessed the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentration and HOMA-IR in American adults aged 20 years and older, without diabetes and other chronic diseases that can influence insulin resistance. The data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2014 were used by exploiting the free and publicly-accessible web datasets. Linear regression models were performed to evaluate the association between serum 25(OH)D concentration and HOMA-IR, and a negative association was observed, which remained significant following the adjustment for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, the season of examination, current smoking, hypertension, the use of drugs which can influence insulin resistance, serum bicarbonates, triglycerides, and calcium and phosphorus levels. Only in non-Hispanic Blacks was this inverse association between vitamin D and HOMA-IR not observed in the fully adjusted model. Further studies are needed to explain the mechanisms of the observed ethnic/racial differences in the association of vitamin D levels with HOMA-IR.

A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in SH2B3/LNK Promotes Hypertension Development and Renal Damage

BACKGROUND

SH2B3 (SH2B adaptor protein 3) is an adaptor protein that negatively regulates cytokine signaling and cell proliferation. A common missense single nucleotide polymorphism in SH2B3 (rs3184504) results in substitution of tryptophan (Trp) for arginine (Arg) at amino acid 262 and is a top association signal for hypertension in human genome-wide association studies. Whether this variant is causal for hypertension, and if so, the mechanism by which it impacts pathogenesis is unknown.

METHODS

We used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to create mice homozygous for the major (Arg/Arg) and minor (Trp/Trp) alleles of this SH2B3 polymorphism. Mice underwent angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion to evaluate differences in blood pressure (BP) elevation and end-organ damage including albuminuria and renal fibrosis. Cytokine production and Stat4 phosphorylation was also assessed in Arg/Arg and Trp/Trp T cells.

RESULTS

Trp/Trp mice exhibit 10 mmHg higher systolic BP during chronic Ang II infusion compared to Arg/Arg controls. Renal injury and perivascular fibrosis are exacerbated in Trp/Trp mice compared to Arg/Arg controls following Ang II infusion. Renal and ex vivo stimulated splenic CD8+ T cells from Ang II-infused Trp/Trp mice produce significantly more interferon gamma (IFNg) compared to Arg/Arg controls. Interleukin-12 (IL-12)-induced IFNg production is greater in Trp/Trp compared to Arg/Arg CD8+ T cells. In addition, IL-12 enhances Stat4 phosphorylation to a greater degree in Trp/Trp compared to Arg/Arg CD8+ T cells, suggesting that Trp-encoding SH2B3 exhibits less negative regulation of IL-12 signaling to promote IFNg production. Finally, we demonstrated that a multi-SNP model genetically predicting increased SH2B3 expression in lymphocytes is inversely associated with hypertension and hypertensive chronic kidney disease in humans..

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these results suggest that the Trp encoding allele of rs3184504 is causal for BP elevation and renal dysfunction, in part through loss of SH2B3-mediated repression of T cell IL-12 signaling leading to enhanced IFNg production.

Serum syndecan-4 correlates with blood pressure and cardiovascular parameters but not proinflammatory markers in healthy older women

Aging is accompanied by a low-grade proinflammatory status that plays a role in age-related vascular alterations. Syndecan-4 (SDC4) is a key component of the endothelial glycocalyx, and its extracellular domain can be shed by matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). In vitro studies demonstrated that MMP-9-mediated shedding of SDC4 is induced by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) in human endothelial cells. However, the relationship between circulating shed SDC4, systemic inflammation, and age-related vascular alterations remains unknown. Here, we used linear regression models to examine the associations of serum SDC4 levels with cardiovascular hemodynamic phenotypes, serum MMP-9, and serum TNF-α and inteleukin-6 in healthy older women (n = 74). Serum SDC4 was not associated with proinflammatory cytokines or arterial elasticity. Nevertheless, we found significant correlations of SDC4 with MMP-9, heart rate, left ventricular ejection time, systemic vascular resistance, and blood pressure. Our preliminary evidence suggests that systemic inflammation might not induce SDC4 shedding in healthy aging.

Resistant Hypertension in Patients With Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Single-Center, Cross-Sectional Study

Background The prevalence of resistant hypertension in Saudi patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been previously estimated. Therefore, our objective was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of resistant hypertensive patients with T2DM at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study included patients with hypertension and T2DM who presented to our center in 2018. We examined 1960 patients with T2DM during the study period; 809 were hypertensives. We compared T2DM patients with controlled hypertension versus resistant hypertension. Results The prevalence of resistant hypertension in patients with T2DM was 137/809 (16.93%). The mean age was 66.38±10.80 years, and females presented 56% of the study population (n= 451). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA; OR: 2.60 [1.15- 5.87]; P=0.02) and ischemic heart disease (IHD; OR: 3.01 [2.04- 4.45]; P˂0.001) were significantly associated with resistant hypertension. The most common medications used with resistant hypertension were calcium channel blockers (CCBs; 89.05%), β-blockers (76.64%), and angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs; 62.77%). Conclusions Resistant hypertension in patients with T2DM is common in Saudi Arabia. Resistant hypertension could be associated with OSA and IHD. Further studies are required to evaluate the temporal relationship between resistant hypertension and risk factors.

Inverse association of serum carotenoid levels with prevalence of hypertension in the general adult population

Carotenoid levels are inversely associated with blood pressure (BP). This study focused on the effects of individual and combined serum carotenoids on BP and hypertension, which have not been established to date. Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2006 were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Multivariate logistic, linear, and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression analyses were applied to explore the associations of six serum carotenoids (α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, trans-lycopene, trans-β-carotene, and cis-β-carotene), individually and in combination, with BP/hypertension. The linearity of correlations was further assessed using restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression. A total of 11,336 adults were included for analysis. Data from multivariate models showed that all six carotenoids were independently and negatively associated with both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP; all p < 0.05). Compared to the first quartile, the fourth quartile of α-carotene (odds ratio [OR] = 0.64 [0.52–0.77]), β-cryptoxanthin (OR = 0.74 [0.60–0.90]), trans-β-carotene (OR = 0.50 [0.40–0.61]), and cis-β-carotene (OR = 0.47 [0.35–0.64]) were significantly and inversely related to hypertension (all p < 0.05). Moreover, WQS analysis revealed that the combination of all six serum carotenoids was negatively associated with BP and hypertension (all P<0.001), among which trans-β-carotene was the most significant contributor to the protective effect against hypertension (weight, 59.50%). Dose-response analyses demonstrated a linear inverse association of all carotenoids with hypertension (p for non-linearity > 0.05). Our collective findings indicate that higher levels of all six mixed serum carotenoids are correlated with decreased prevalence of hypertension, among which β-carotene exerts the most significant effect, which may provide a basis and direction for further studies.

Association of Visceral Fat Area and Hyperuricemia in Non-Obese US Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between visceral fat area (VFA) and hyperuricemia (HUA) among non-obese adults. We extracted data from 6224 US adults aged 20−59 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011−2018. The VFA was divided into four quartiles (Q1−Q4). We used multivariable logistic regression models to control for known confounders. A generalized additive model (GAM) and restricted cubic spines were used to examine the association between VFA and HUA stratified by sex, and a two-piecewise linear regression model was used to calculate the threshold effect among males. The results revealed that the prevalence of HUA was 11.8% (men 15.8%, women 7.2%). In the fully adjusted model, there was a positive association between VFA and HUA [as a quartile variable, Q4 vs. Q1, odds ratio (OR): 3.77 and 95% confidence interval (CI): (2.47~5.75), p < 0.001, p for trend < 0.001; as a continuous variable, per 10 cm2 increment, OR (95%CI):1.10(1.07,1.14), p < 0.001]. Besides, this positive association remained significantly stratified by sex. Interestingly, we observed a nonlinear dose-response relationship between VFA and HUA in males (inflection point: 107.46 cm2). In conclusion, our study confirmed a significant positive relationship between VFA and HUA among non-obese adults and remained statistically significant when stratified by sex.

The FimAsartaN proTeinuriA SusTaIned reduCtion in comparison with losartan in diabetic chronic kidney disease (FANTASTIC) trial

As angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) may have different antiproteinuric effects in diabetic kidney disease (DKD), we ascertained the albuminuria-reducing effect of fimasartan and losartan in patients with DKD. This was a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, 4-parallel-group, dose-titration, phase III study designed to compare the efficacy of fimasartan and losartan in reducing albuminuria in patients with DKD (NCT02620306). The primary endpoint was the rate of change in albuminuria from baseline to week 24. A total of 341 patients were randomized to different groups. The urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were not different between the fimasartan and losartan groups at baseline (ACR: 1376.84 vs. 1521.07 mg/gCr, SBP: 154.69 vs. 154.47 mmHg, DBP: 83.96 vs. 83.83 mmHg). However, ACR reduction was significantly larger in the fimasartan group than in the losartan group during the entire study period (% changes in the ACR at 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks were -23.58, -33.06, -35.00, and -38.13 in the fimasartan group vs. -8.74, -10.17, -14.91, and -19.71 in the losartan group, p < 0.01, respectively). The superior antiproteinuric effect of fimasartan compared to losartan was still significant after adjustment for SBP levels. There were no significant differences in adverse events, including the incidences of estimated glomerular filtration decline and hyperkalemia. This study demonstrates that compared to losartan, fimasartan significantly reduces albuminuria in patients with DKD, even after adjustment for SBP and DBP.

Acetaminophen, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, and Hypertension

Acetaminophen is widely regarded as a safe therapy for pain and fever in patients with cardiovascular disease and those taking anticoagulants. However, recent studies report that acetaminophen, like most other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, increases blood pressure, and a formulation containing sodium increases cardiovascular risk. Those findings call into question guidelines recommending acetaminophen for patients with cardiovascular disease and pain, and those taking anticoagulants. We review evidence that acetaminophen has effects in common with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and its influence on coagulation via effects on vitamin K metabolism. Possible alternatives to acetaminophen for patients with pain are discussed.

Association of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels with More than 20-Year Risk of Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality in the General Population

Background

Current cholesterol guidelines have recommended very low low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) treatment targets for people at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, recent observational studies indicated that very low LDL‐C levels may be associated with increased mortality and other adverse outcomes. The association between LDL‐C levels and long‐term risk of overall and cardiovascular mortality among the U.S. general population remains to be determined.

Methods and Results

This prospective cohort study included a nationally representative sample of 14 035 adults aged 18 years or older, who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III 1988–1994. LDL‐C levels were divided into 6 categories: <70, 70–99.9, 100–129.9, 130–159.9, 160–189.9 and ≥190 mg/dL. Deaths and underlying causes of deaths were ascertained by linkage to death records through December 31, 2015. Weighted Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) of mortality outcomes and its 95% CIs. During 304 025 person‐years of follow up (median follow‐up 23.2 years), 4458 deaths occurred including 1243 deaths from CVD. At baseline, mean age was 41.5 years and 51.9% were women. Very low and very high levels of LDL‐C were associated with increased mortality. After adjustment for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, C‐reactive protein, body mass index, and other cardiovascular risk factors, individuals with LDL‐C<70 mg/dL, compared to those with LDL‐C 100–129.9 mg/dL, had HRs of 1.45 (95% CI, 1.10–1.93) for all‐cause mortality, 1.60 (95% CI, 1.01–2.54) for CVD mortality, and 4.04 (95% CI, 1.83–8.89) for stroke‐specific mortality, but no increased risk of coronary heart disease mortality. Compared with those with LDL‐C 100–129.9 mg/dL, individuals with LDL‐C≥190 mg/dL had HRs of 1.49 (95% CI, 1.09–2.02) for CVD mortality, and 1.63 (95% CI, 1.12–2.39) for coronary heart disease mortality, but no increased risk of stroke mortality.

Conclusions

Both very low and very high LDL‐C levels were associated with increased risks of CVD mortality. Very low LDL‐C levels was also associated with the high risks of all‐cause and stroke mortality. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the optimal range of LDL‐C levels for CVD health in the general population.

Genetic Contributors of Efficacy and Adverse Metabolic Effects of Chlorthalidone in African Americans from the Genetics of Hypertension Associated Treatments (GenHAT) Study

Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease mortality. African Americans (AAs) have the highest prevalence of hypertension in the United States, and to alleviate the burden of hypertension in this population, better control of blood pressure (BP) is needed. Previous studies have shown considerable interpersonal differences in BP response to antihypertensive treatment, suggesting a genetic component. Utilizing data from 4297 AA participants randomized to chlorthalidone from the Genetics of Hypertension Associated Treatments (GenHAT) study, we aimed to identify variants associated with the efficacy of chlorthalidone. An additional aim was to find variants that contributed to changes in fasting glucose (FG) in these individuals. We performed genome-wide association analyses on the change of systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP) over six months and FG levels over 24 months of treatment. We sought replication in the International Consortia of Pharmacogenomics Studies. We identified eight variants statistically associated with BP response and nine variants associated with FG response. One suggestive LINC02211-CDH9 intergenic variant was marginally replicated with the same direction of effect. Given the impact of hypertension in AAs, this study implies that understanding the genetic background for BP control and glucose changes during chlorthalidone treatment may help prevent adverse cardiovascular events in this population.

Hypertension and incident cardiovascular events after next-generation BTKi therapy initiation

BACKGROUND

Post-market analyses revealed unanticipated links between first-generation Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) therapy, ibrutinib, and profound early hypertension. Yet, whether this is seen with novel selective second (next)-generation BTKi therapy, acalabrutinib, is unknown.

METHODS

Leveraging a large cohort of consecutive B cell cancer patients treated with acalabrutinib from 2014 to 2020, we assessed the incidence and ramifications of new or worsened hypertension [systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 130 mmHg] after acalabrutinib initiation. Secondary endpoints were major cardiovascular events (MACE: arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, cardiac death) and disease progression. Observed incident hypertension rates were compared to Framingham heart-predicted and ibrutinib-related rates. Multivariable regression and survival analysis were used to define factors associated with new/worsened hypertension and MACE, and the relationship between early SBP increase and MACE risk. Further, the effect of standard antihypertensive classes on the prevention of acalabrutinib-related hypertension was assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, from 280 acalabrutinib-treated patients, 48.9% developed new/worsened hypertension over a median of 41 months. The cumulative incidence of new hypertension by 1 year was 53.9%, including 1.7% with high-grade (≥ 3) hypertension. Applying the JNC 8 cutoff BP of ≥ 140/90 mmHg, the observed new hypertension rate was 20.5% at 1 year, > eightfold higher than the Framingham-predicted rate of 2.4% (RR 8.5, P < 0.001), yet 34.1% lower than ibrutinib (12.9 observed-to-expected ratio, P < 0.001). In multivariable regression, prior arrhythmias and Black ancestry were associated with new hypertension (HR 1.63, HR 4.35, P < 0.05). The degree of SBP rise within 1 year of treatment initiation predicted MACE risk (42% HR increase for each + 5 mmHg SBP rise, P < 0.001). No single antihypertensive class prevented worsened acalabrutinib-related hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these data suggest that hypertension may be a class effect of BTKi therapies and precedes major cardiotoxic events.