[Position statement on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) by the Spanish Society of Hypertension (2019)]

[Circadian rhythm and blood pressure in patients with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and its relationship with the risk of cardiovascular events]

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular diseases are the group of diseases that cause most deaths worldwide, being arterial hypertension the modifiable risk factor that mostly predisposes to other cardiovascular diseases development. In this regard, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) lets to detect the different changes in blood pressure throughout 24h, known as circadian patterns (dipper, non-dipper, riser or extreme dipper). There may be an association between these patterns and cardiovascular risk, so this study aims to compare cardiovascular risk using the 2 validated scales REGICOR and SCORE in patients with different circadian patterns using ABMP.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study of hypertensive patients with ABMP registered between 2015 and 2021 in Alcázar de San Juan and Madridejos. Data were collected from clinical history (arterial hypertension, BMI, comorbidities, and smoking habits) and ABPM records, as well as sociodemographic and analytical variables, cardiovascular risk scales (REGICOR and SCORE) and circadian rhythm variables (dipper, extreme dipper, non-dipper and rise pattern).

RESULTS

Two hundred and sixty-nine patients (46.5% female, 64.3±12.6 years old) were included. There were 38.3% with dipper pattern, 10% extreme dipper, 33.1% non-dipper and 18.6% riser. Patients with riser pattern showed higher score on the REGICOR and SCORE scales (34 and 68%, respectively). A significant correlation was established between both scales (Spearman rho: 0.589; p<0.001), but with poor concordance (kappa=0.348 [95% CI 0.271-0.425]).

CONCLUSION

ABMP has turned into a very useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of arterial hypertension. In addition, the circadian patterns of these patients may correlate to the choice of an adequate treatment and correct follow-up.

Optimizing Hypertension Treatment in Older Patients Through Home Blood Pressure Monitoring by Pharmacists in Primary Care: The MINOR Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

Incorporating technology such as home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) into the clinical routine generates opportunities to improve BP monitoring and control in primary health care. It is also important to prevent overtreatment. However, the combination of HBPM with collaborative drug therapy management (CDTM) has not yet been studied. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of combining HBPM with CDTM to optimize hypertension treatment for older patients.

METHODS

This open-label, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial was conducted between June 2021 and August 2022 in a Brazilian community pharmacy and included older patients (aged ≥60 years) with hypertension. Those who were classified as poorly adherent or nonadherent to the prescribed drug treatment or who were unable to perform HBPM were excluded. In the control group, participants received a BP monitor and instructions on how to perform HBPM. A general practitioner, who was provided a report with the obtained BP values, determined any changes to the treatment protocol. In the intervention group, a pharmacist enrolled participants in a drug therapy management protocol and provided the general practitioner with suggestions to optimize the antihypertensive drug therapy, in addition to the report with the BP values. The following outcomes were considered: the proportion of participants receiving deprescriptions of antihypertensive drugs, other treatment adjustments, and the difference in mean BP between the groups 45 days after performing HBPM. The study used a t test combined with Levene's test to calculate mean intergroup differences in BP, the paired t test to calculate mean intragroup differences in BP, and Pearson's χ2 test to determine intergroup differences in changes in drug therapy.

FINDINGS

In each group, 161 participants completed the trial. Antihypertensive agents were deprescribed for 31 (19.3%) participants in the intervention group versus 11 (6.8%) in the control group (P = 0.01). In addition, 14 (8.7%) participants were prescribed antihypertensive drugs in the intervention group versus 11 (6.8%) in the control group (P = 0.52). The mean office systolic BP and HBPM values were lower in the intervention group (P = 0.22 and P = 0.29, respectively).

IMPLICATIONS

Combining HBPM with a CDTM protocol effectively optimized antihypertensive treatment for older patients in a primary health care setting.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov identifier: NCT04861727.

Role of ambulatory blood pressure on prediction of cardiovascular disease. A cohort study

Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) is associated with mortality, but it is also interesting to expand its association with cardiovascular morbidity. This study sought to evaluate association with cardiovascular morbidity and cardiovascular mortality. Patients without cardiovascular disease who had a first 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring were followed-up until the onset of the first event (a combined variable of cardiovascular mortality, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arteriopathy, or hospital admission for heart failure). Changes in antihypertensive treatment couldn't be collected. Cox regression analysis was adjusted for risk factors and office BP. We included 3907 patients (mean age, 58.0, SD 13.8 years), of whom 85.5% were hypertensive. The follow up period was 6.6 (95% CI 5.0-8.5) years. A total of 496 (12.7%) events were recorded. The incidence rate was 19.3 (95% CI 17.7-21.1) cases per 1000 person-years. The patients with an event compared to the rest of patients were mostly men, older, with higher office and ambulatory systolic BP, higher prevalence of diabetes, chronic kidney disease, dyslipidemia, and non-dipper or riser circadian profile. In the fully adjusted model, office BP loses its significant association with the main variable. Ambulatory BP association remained significant with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, HR 1.494 (1.326-1.685) and 0.767 (0.654-0.899) for 24-hour systolic and diastolic BP, respectively. Nighttime systolic BP also maintained this significant association, 1.270 (1.016-1.587). We conclude that nighttime systolic BP and 24-hour BP are significantly associated with cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality in patients without cardiovascular disease attended under conditions of routine clinical practice.

[Overcoming the barriers in the approach of the chronic patient]

At least one in three adults has multiple chronic conditions. The assistance of patients with chronic conditions is mandatory. This is one of the main tasks of the primary care physicians. The approach in these patients is challenging, as there are many barriers at different levels (sanitary system, healthcare professionals and patients). In addition, COVID-19 pandemic has worsened this situation even more. Therefore, it is necessary to take actions that try to improve this state. For this purpose, with the aim to find solutions/recommendations that may be helpful to attain a better diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with chronic diseases, a group of experts of SEMERGEN have tried to identify the problems in the attention to these patients, searching for potential solutions and areas of improvement. The present document has specifically focused on four prevalent chronic conditions in primary care: dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, chronic venous disease and depression.

[Cardiovascular preventive recommendations. PAPPS 2022 thematic updates. Working groups of the PAPPS]

The recommendations of the semFYC's Program for Preventive Activities and Health Promotion (PAPPS) for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are presented. The following sections are included: epidemiological review, where the current morbidity and mortality of CVD in Spain and its evolution as well as the main risk factors are described; cardiovascular (CV) risk and recommendations for the calculation of CV risk; main risk factors such as arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus, describing the method for their diagnosis, therapeutic objectives and recommendations for lifestyle measures and pharmacological treatment; indications for antiplatelet therapy, and recommendations for screening of atrial fibrillation, and recommendations for management of chronic conditions. The quality of testing and the strength of the recommendation are included in the main recommendations.

Role of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in elderly hypertensive patients

Background

Arterial hypertension is facing some changes in the last years. Its prevalence is increasing in elderly subjects. This growing prevalence is due to longer survival of the population worldwide, among other factors. On the other hand, recent guidelines have insisted in the relevance of out of office blood pressure measurements, to improve diagnostic and management of hypertension. Therefore, elderly subjects with hypertension could benefit from out of office blood pressure measurements, like ambulatory blood pressure measurements; nevertheless, there are very few or no specific recommendations regarding this.

Aim

In this review, we will gather the most important information about this subject.

Results

As hypertension in the elderly has some specific characteristics related to aging of the cardiovascular system, the most important aspect could be that these characteristics make ambulatory blood pressure measurement suitable for its use in elderly. Among those a higher prevalence of white coat hypertension, white coat phenomenon, and a higher nocturnal blood pressure and higher prevalence of nondipper and riser pattern, represent aspects that should be considered for better diagnostic and an improved management.

Conclusion

As the prevalence of hypertension will grow in the next years, more studies specifically directed to this subject are needed.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40885-022-00205-6.

[Optimizing blood pressure control through telemedicine in Primary Care in Spain (Iniciativa Óptima): Results from a Delphi study]

Objetivo

Representantes de los grupos de trabajo de hipertensión o enfermedad cardiovascular de las Sociedades Españolas de Médicos de Atención Primaria (MAP) [SEMERGEN], de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria [semFYC] y de Médicos Generales y de Familia [SEMG] realizaron un estudio Delphi para validar con un panel de MAP expertos en hipertensión una propuesta de recomendaciones para optimizar la teleconsulta en pacientes hipertensos.

Materiales y métodos

Estudio Delphi basado en un cuestionario online con 59 recomendaciones, elaborado en base a la bibliografía relacionada disponible y a la experiencia clínica aportada por los autores.

Resultados

Un total de 118 MAP participaron en dos rondas del cuestionario (98,3% de los invitados), alcanzándose el consenso en 53/62 sentencias (85%). El equipo de Atención Primaria debe seleccionar a los pacientes hipertensos candidatos a realizar la consulta telemática proactivamente, informando de la cita con antelación. Al iniciar la consulta telemática, se recomienda explicar el motivo y los objetivos de la misma, y realizar la anamnesis preguntando por signos y síntomas de empeoramiento de la enfermedad, tratamientos actuales y adherencia a los mismos. En pacientes con una automedida de la presión arterial (AMPA) ≤ 135/85 mmHg se recomienda pautar una nueva cita telemática en 3-6 meses. Por el contrario, en pacientes asintomáticos que reporten una AMPA ≥ 135/85 mmHg se recomienda la monitorización ambulatoria de la presión arterial, modificar el tratamiento, o derivar al paciente a visita presencial o al hospital en caso de signos o síntomas de alarma.

Conclusiones

La teleconsulta puede complementar la consulta presencial, constituyendo un elemento más a tener en cuenta para el adecuado control de los pacientes hipertensos.

[Use of 48-hour ABPM in specialist care. Experience in our centre]

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a basic tool in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension (HT). Validity is based on the number of readings taken and their duration. Our aim was to study in our 48-hour ABPM series whether extending the duration of ABPM to 48 hours is justified.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of a case series comprising 81 patients with 48-hour ABPM over a 5-year period (2013 to 2018). We analysed the differences between the first and second day.

RESULTS

Eighty-one patients, 44 men, mean age of 52 years (± 18). The mean blood pressure (BP) was higher on the first day (132/77 mmHg vs. 130/76 mmHg, p ≤ .01) and there was also a greater proportion of patients with HT on the first day (59 vs. 50%; p ≤ .05). The patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (n = 33) had higher systolic BP (SBP) on the second night (p ≤ .05), a circadian rhythm of higher risk on the second day (dipper 13.6 vs. 86.4%, non-dipper 60.7 vs. 41.7%, and riser 30.3 vs. 18.8%; p ≤ .05), more diabetes (39%, p ≤ .01) and more left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (74%, p ≤ .05).

CONCLUSIONS

48-hour ABPM could determine BP readings and circadian rhythm better than 24-hour ABPM, especially in patients with CKD and diabetes, both diseases carrying high cardiovascular risk.

2021 Spanish Society of Hypertension position statement about telemedicine

The pandemic caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has forced, in many cases, to replace face-to-face consultation with the telematic consultation, in order to reduce the risk of contagion associated with the presence of patients in health centres. This change may represent an opportunity for a different and more effective communication between professionals and patients, allowing better accessibility to medical care and more systematic and comprehensive approach to patients with hypertension and cardiovascular risk. However, organisational tools are needed to facilitate communication between patients and professionals, specifically with the exchange of clinical data by remote monitoring of variables associated with hypertension and cardiovascular risk (blood pressure, weight, height, blood tests…), and allow monitoring of adherence to treatments, lifestyles and risk factors. It would be desirable for this to be carried out by multidisciplinary teams, both from primary care, hospital and community pharmacy, with an adequate coordination of care. This document of the Spanish Society of Hypertension (SEH-LELHA) tries to give the keys to improve the quality of care of telematic consultations of patients with hypertension and cardiovascular risk, provide basic criteria of telematic or face to face attention and systematise their content. Likewise, the follow-up criteria are proposed by the different professionals.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Determine the Effectiveness of a Polyphenolic Extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa and Lippia citriodora) for Reducing Blood Pressure in Prehypertensive and Type 1 Hypertensive Subjects

Hypertension is an important factor of cardiovascular diseases and contributes to their negative consequences including mortality. The World Health Organization estimated that 54% of strokes and 47% of cases of ischemic heart illness are related to high blood pressure. Recently, Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) and Lippia citriodora (LC) have attracted scientific interest, and they are recognized for their high content of polyphenols as these may prevent several disease factors, such as hypertension. The aim of the present study is to determine if supplementation with an HS-LC blend (MetabolAid^®) may be effective for the treatment of type 1 hypertensive sedentary populations. A total of 80 type 1 hypertensive subjects of both sexes were included in the study and were treated with placebo or the HS-LC extract, and both groups were treated over 84 days. The blood pressure (diastolic, systolic, and pulse pressure) was measured throughout the day, for each of the days of the study duration and determined using Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM). Physical activity was determined throughout the study to ensure similar conditions related to exercise. The results showed the capacity for reducing the blood pressure parameters in the case of the HS-LC extract. The daily consumption of the HS-LC extract but not the placebo over 84 days was able to reduce the daytime parameters related to blood pressure. The most remarkable results were observed in the measurements performed during the daytime, especially in the systolic blood pressure showing statistically significant variation.

Statement of the Spanish Interdisciplinary Vascular Prevention Committee on the updated European Cardiovascular Prevention Guidelines

We present the adaptation for Spain of the updated European Cardiovascular Prevention Guidelines. In this update, greater stress is laid on the population approach, and especially on the promotion of physical activity and healthy diet through dietary, leisure and active transport policies in Spain. To estimate vascular risk, note should be made of the importance of recalibrating the tables used, by adapting them to population shifts in the prevalence of risk factors and incidence of vascular diseases, with particular attention to the role of chronic kidney disease. At an individual level, the key element is personalised support for changes in behaviour, adherence to medication in high-risk individuals and patients with vascular disease, the fostering of physical activity, and cessation of smoking habit. Furthermore, recent clinical trials with PCSK9 inhibitors are reviewed, along with the need to simplify pharmacological treatment of arterial hypertension to improve control and adherence to treatment. In the case of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and vascular disease or high vascular disease risk, when lifestyle changes and metformin are inadequate, the use of drugs with proven vascular benefit should be prioritised. Lastly, guidelines on peripheral arterial disease and other specific diseases are included, as is a recommendation against prescribing antiaggregants in primary prevention.

[Statement of the Spanish Interdisciplinary Vascular Prevention Committee on the updated European Cardiovascular Prevention Guidelines]

We present the adaptation for Spain of the updated European Cardiovascular Prevention Guidelines. In this update, greater stress is laid on the population approach, and especially on the promotion of physical activity and healthy diet through dietary, leisure and active transport policies in Spain. To estimate vascular risk, note should be made of the importance of recalibrating the tables used, by adapting them to population shifts in the prevalence of risk factors and incidence of vascular diseases, with particular attention to the role of chronic kidney disease. At an individual level, the key element is personalised support for changes in behaviour, adherence to medication in high-risk individuals and patients with vascular disease, the fostering of physical activity, and cessation of smoking habit. Furthermore, recent clinical trials with PCSK9 inhibitors are reviewed, along with the need to simplify pharmacological treatment of arterial hypertension to improve control and adherence to treatment. In the case of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and vascular disease or high vascular disease risk, when lifestyle changes and metformin are inadequate, the use of drugs with proven vascular benefit should be prioritised. Lastly, guidelines on peripheral arterial disease and other specific diseases are included, as is a recommendation against prescribing antiaggregants in primary prevention.

What happened after birth to pregnant women undergoing ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) for the diagnosis of hypertension?

The latest Brazilian Guidelines on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) consider an exam as a useful tool during pregnancy, especially during the first half of pregnancy. They also indicate that white coat hypertension as well as masked hypertension may occur in up to one-third of pregnancies. As white coat hypertension has a more favorable diagnosis than gestational hypertension, it remains associated with 50% of pregnancies and is not associated with complications. Elsewhere, 40% of pregnant women develop gestational hypertension. As per the guidelines, the guidance values should be the same for the general population. The aim of this study was to verify the blood pressure behavior after birth in pregnant women who underwent ABPM and whether ABPM in pregnant women may serve as a predictor of preeclampsia and abnormalities in newborns. Between 01 January 2017 and 31 December 2019, 117 ABPM routines in pregnant women were performed at Unicordis. Among them, 40 were requested for the diagnosis of hypertension, and 77 were requested for antihypertensive therapeutic assessment. The study population comprised pregnant women who underwent ABPM for the diagnosis of hypertension. We assessed a population that comprised 31 subjects who underwent ABPM, 17 of whom had normal results and 14 of whom had abnormal results. Of the 14 pregnant women with abnormal blood pressure behavior, only three (21%) had a physiological drop in blood pressure, seven had attenuated descent, and four did not have blood arterial descent. The age of the pregnant women ranged from 21 to 42 years. The gestational age at the beginning of ABPM ranged from 6 to 37 weeks. In the group with normal ABPM, two pregnant women (11.7%) developed preeclampsia during pregnancy. Additionally, in the group with abnormal ABPM, seven pregnant women (50%) developed preeclampsia during pregnancy. In the group with normal ABPM, three newborns had abnormalities (17.6%); in the group with abnormal ABPM, four newborns had abnormalities (28.5%). In the group with normal ABPM, two subjects developed hypertension after birth (11.7%). In the group with abnormal ABPM, ten subjects (71%) remained hypertensive following birth (Table 1). Conclusions: (1) the results show that the proportion of patients who presented with preeclampsia was higher among individuals with abnormal ABPM than that among individuals with normal ABPM. (2) The proportion of subjects with hypertension following birth was higher among individuals with abnormal ABPM than that among individuals with normal ABPM.

White-coat and masked hypertension diagnoses in chronic kidney disease patients

The purpose of this study was to analyze which 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) parameters should be used on masked hypertension (MH) and white-coat hypertension (WCH) diagnoses in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Non-dialysis CKD patients underwent 24-hour ABPM examination between 01/27/2004 and 02/16/2012. They were followed from the 24-hour ABPM to January/2014 in an observational study. The WCH definitions tested were as follows: (a) office blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140/90 mm Hg and daytime ABPM BP ≤ 135/85 mm Hg (old criterion); and (b) office BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg and 24-hour ABPM BP ≤ 130/80 mm Hg, daytime ABPM BP ≤ 135/85 mm Hg, and nighttime ABPM BP ≤ 120/70 mm Hg (new criterion). The MH definitions tested were as follows: (a) office BP < 140/90 mm Hg and daytime ABPM BP > 135/85 mm Hg (old criterion); and (b) office BP < 140/90 mm Hg and 24-hour ABPM BP > 130/80 mm Hg or daytime ABPM BP > 135/85 mm Hg or nighttime ABPM BP > 120/70 mm Hg (new criterion). The two definitions' predictive capacity was compared, regarding both WCH and MH. Cardiovascular mortality was the primary and all-cause mortality was the secondary outcome. Cox regression was adjusted to the variables: glomerular filtration rate, age, diabetes mellitus, and active smoking. There were 367 patients studied. The old criterion (exclusive mean daytime ABPM BP) was the only to distinguish sustained hypertension from WCH (adjusted HR: 3.730; 95% CI: 1.068-13.029; P = .039), regarding all-cause mortality. Additionally, the old criterion was the only one to distinguish normotension and MH, regarding cardiovascular mortality (adjusted HR: 7.641; 95% CI: 1.277-45.738; P = .026). Therefore, WCH and MH definitions based exclusively on daytime ABPM BP values (old criterion) were able to better distinguish mortality in this studied CKD cohort.