Myocardial perfusion pressure in patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease: implications for DBP targets in hypertension management

Triglyceride glucose index is associated with functional coronary artery stenosis in hypertensive patients

Background

The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is an effective method for determining insulin resistance (IR). Limited research has explored the connection between the TyG index and functionally significant stenosis in hypertensive patients. Furthermore, the connections between the TyG index, fat attenuation index (FAI) and atherosclerotic plaque characteristics are also worth exploring.

Methods

The study screened 1622 hypertensive participants without coronary artery disease history who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography. The TyG index was calculated as ln (fasting glucose [mg/dL] * fasting TG [mg/dL]/2). Adverse plaque characteristics (HRPCs), high-risk plaques (HRPs), FAI, and CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) were analyzed and measured for all patients. Functionally significant stenosis causing ischemia is defined as FFRCT ≤ 0.80. Two patient groups were created based on the FFRCT: the FFRCT < 0.80 group and the FFRCT > 0.80 group. In hypertensive patients, the association between the TyG index and FFRCT was examined applying a logistic regression model.

Results

The TyG index was higher for people with FFRCT ≤ 0.80 contrast to those with FFRCT > 0.80. After controlling for additional confounding factors, the logistic regression model revealed a clear connection between the TyG index and FFRCT ≤ 0.80 (OR = 1.718, 95% CI 1.097-2.690, p = 0.018). The restricted cubic spline analysis displayed a nonlinear connection between the TyG index and FFRCT ≤ 0.80 (p for nonlinear = 0.001). The TyG index increased the fraction of individuals with HRPs and HRPCs, FAI raised, and FFRCT decreased (p < 0.05). The multivariate linear regression analysis illustrated a powerfulcorrelation between high TyG index levels and FAI, FFRCT, positive remodeling (PR), and low-attenuation plaque (LAPs) (standardized regression coefficients: 0.029 [p = 0.007], -0.051 [p < 0.001], 0.029 [p = 0.027], and 0.026 [p = 0.046], separately).

Conclusion

In hypertensive patients, the TyG index showed an excellent association with a risk of FFRCT ≤ 0.80. Additionally, the TyG index was also linked to FAI, FFRCT, PR, and LAPs.

Blood Pressure and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in UK Biobank: A Mendelian Randomization Study

This study aims to evaluate the causal association of blood pressure (BP) with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Two-sample Mendelian randomization was performed using a large genome-wide association study (n=299 024) and the UK Biobank cohort (n=375 256). We identified 327 and 364 single-nucleotide polymorphisms strongly and independently associated with systolic BP and diastolic BP, respectively, as genetic instruments to assess the causal association of BP with total CVD, CVD mortality, and 14 cardiovascular conditions. Nonlinearity was examined with nonlinear instrumental variable assumptions. Genetically predicted BP was significantly positively associated with total CVD (systolic BP, per 10 mm Hg: odds ratio [OR], 1.32 [95% CI, 1.25-1.40]; diastolic BP, per 5 mm Hg: OR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.15-1.26]). Similar positive causal associations were observed for 14 cardiovascular conditions including ischemic heart disease (systolic BP, per 10 mm Hg: OR, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.24-1.41]; diastolic BP, per 5 mm Hg: OR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.14-1.27]) and stroke (systolic BP, per 10 mm Hg: OR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.24-1.48]; diastolic BP, per 5 mm Hg: OR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.12-1.28]). Nonlinearity Mendelian randomization test demonstrated linear causal association of BP with these outcomes. Consistent estimates were observed in sensitivity analyses, suggesting robustness of the associations and minimal horizontal pleiotropy. The linear positive causal association of BP and CVD was consistent with previous findings that lower BP is better, thus consolidating clinical knowledge on hypertension management in CVD risk reduction.

Hypertension: evolving from standardized to individualized care

: The hypertension paradigm has contributed to a dramatic reduction in CVD mortality. This has been achieved by applying average results of population studies to identify a target population and design a common intervention to achieve a BP goal. Progressive lowering of the BP threshold has expanded the fraction of persons at risk who have access to treatment. Meanwhile, falling risk reduces potential benefit, while treatment-induced adverse events increase - making further expansion of the treatment pool no longer tenable. Still, CVD remains the leading cause of death. Fortunately, new science reveals opportunities to enhance CVD prevention when BP management is based upon individual characteristics. Treatment can be directed at those most likely to benefit, while sparing others the hazards of unnecessary therapy. Treatment can be designed to achieve a variety of physiological objectives that influence cardiovascular outcomes. This new strategy should improve both the efficacy and efficiency of BP-related CVD prevention.

Sex-Specific Association of Blood Pressure Categories With All-Cause Mortality: The Rural Chinese Cohort Study

Introduction

The relationship between blood pressure categories and all-cause mortality has not been fully addressed in cohort studies, especially in the general Chinese population. Our study aimed to assess the sex-specific association of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and 2017 United States hypertension guidelines with all-cause mortality in China.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of 13,760 rural Chinese adults aged 18 or older (41.1% men). Mean age overall was 49.4, 51.0 for men, and 48.3 for women. We analyzed the blood pressure–mortality relationship by using restricted cubic splines and Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis, estimating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

During a mean follow-up of 5.95 years, 710 people died (60.3% men) from any cause. We found a U-shaped SBP–mortality or DBP–mortality relationship for both sexes. Mortality risk was increased for men with SBP 120–139 mm Hg (adjusted HR [aHR], 1.42; 95% CI, 1.10–1.82) or ≥140 mm Hg (aHR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.54–2.72), and for DBP ≥90 mm Hg (aHR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.10–2.13) as compared with SBP 100–119 mm Hg or DBP 70–79 mm Hg. Mortality risk also was increased for men with blood pressure status defined according to 2017 US hypertension guidelines as elevated, SBP 120–129 and DBP >80 mm Hg (aHR 1.48; 95% CI,1.11–1.98); stage 1 hypertension, SBP/DBP 130–139/80–89 mm Hg (aHR 1.53; CI, 1.19–1.97); and stage 2 hypertension, SBP/DBP ≥140/90 mm Hg (aHR 1.83; CI, 1.33–2.51). No significant relationship was observed for women.

Conclusion

Elevated blood pressure and stages 1 and 2 hypertension were positively associated with all-cause mortality for men but not women in rural China.

The Importance of Intra-aortic Pulse Pressure After Anterior ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Objective

To evaluate the association of pulse pressure (PP) with mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in one-year period after anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (A-STEMI).

Methods

A total of 261 consecutive patients whose blood pressure was measured with the aid of a catheter before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) between August 2016 and February 2017 were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups according to pulse pressure (PP) (Group 1, PP<35 mmHg; Group 2, 35≤PP≤50 mmHg; Group 3, PP>50 mmHg).

Results

The mean age of the patients was 63.4±14.1 years, and 206 of them were male. The groups were similar in terms of age and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The ratio of female patients in Group 1 was higher, and their systolic blood pressure (SBP) was lower than those from the other groups (P=0.005 vs. P=0.042). The rates of MACE and mortality were higher in Group 1. The predictive PP values were calculated to be 42.5 mmHg for development of MACE and 41.5 mmHg for mortality. One-year survival ratio was worse in Group 1 than in the others according to Kaplan-Meier analysis (P<0.001).

Conclusion

The values of PP which was measured intra-aortically in patients with A-STEMI were associated with mortality and MACE in the one-year follow-up period.

Dangers of Overly Aggressive Blood Pressure Control

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recent US guidelines have changed the definition of hypertension to ≥ 130/80 mmHg and recommended more intense blood pressure (BP) targets. We summarize the evidence for intense BP treatment and discuss risks that must be considered when choosing treatment goals for individual patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

The SPRINT study reported that treating to a systolic BP target of 120 mmHg reduces cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk individuals, supporting more intensive BP reduction than previously recommended. However, recent observational studies have placed emphasis on the BP J-curve phenomenon, where low BPs are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, suggesting that overly aggressive BP targets may sometimes be harmful. We attempt to reconcile these apparent contradictions for the clinician. We also review other potential dangers of aggressive BP targets, including syncope, renal impairment, polypharmacy, drug interactions, subjective drug side-effects, and non-adherence. We suggest a personalized approach to BP drug management considering individual risks, benefits, and preferences when choosing therapeutic targets, recognizing that a goal of 130/80 mmHg should always be considered. Additionally, we recommend an intense focus on lifestyle changes and medication adherence.

Effect of Lowering Diastolic Pressure in Patients With and Without Cardiovascular Disease

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure thresholds, below which cardiovascular events increase, are widely debated. Using data from the SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial), we evaluated the relation between systolic and diastolic pressure and cardiovascular events among 1519 participants with or 7574 without prior cardiovascular disease. Using Cox regression, we examined the composite risk of myocardial infarction, other acute coronary syndrome, stroke, heart failure, or cardiovascular death, and follow-up systolic and diastolic pressure were analyzed as time-dependent covariates for a median of 3.1 years. Models were adjusted for age, sex, baseline systolic pressure, body mass index, 10-year Framingham risk score, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. A J-shaped relationship with diastolic pressure was observed in both treatment arms in patients with or without cardiovascular disease ( P nonlinearity≤0.002). When diastolic pressure fell <55 mm Hg, the hazards were at least 25% higher relative to 70 mm Hg ( P =0.29). The hazard ratios (95% CI) of diastolic pressure <55 mm Hg versus 55 to 90 mm Hg were 1.68 (1.16–2.43), P value 0.006 and 1.52 (0.99–2.34), P value 0.06 in patients without and with prior cardiovascular disease, respectively. After adjusting for follow-up diastolic pressure, follow-up systolic pressure was not associated with the outcome in those without prior cardiovascular disease ( P =0.64). In those with cardiovascular disease, adjusting for diastolic pressure, follow-up systolic pressure was associated with the risk in the intensive arm (hazard ratio per 10 mm Hg decrease, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75–0.99; P interaction=0.02). Although the observed J-shaped relationship may be because of reverse causality in the SPRINT population, we advise caution in aggressively lowering diastolic pressure.

Regular Yogurt Intake and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Among Hypertensive Adults

BACKGROUND

High blood pressure (HBP) is a major cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. Clinical trials including Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) have demonstrated beneficial effects of dairy consumption on risks of HBP and CVD. Yogurt, a fermented dairy product, may independently be related to CVD risk.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between yogurt consumption and CVD risk among hypertensive individuals in 2 large cohorts and to determine whether the association differs among those whose eating pattern more closely resembles the DASH diet.

METHODS

Overall, 55,898 female Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and 18,232 male Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS) participants with prevalent HBP were included. Cumulative average estimates of yogurt intake from validated food frequency questionnaires were related to verified self-reported CVD outcomes using Cox proportional hazards models. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were adjusted for CVD risk factors, medications, and diet covariates.

RESULTS

Yogurt intake was inversely associated with CVD risk (myocardial infarction and stroke) among hypertensive participants (P <0.01 in both cohorts). Among participants consuming ≥2 servings/week of yogurt, NHS women had a 17% (95% CI: 0.74-0.92) lower risk while HPFS men experienced a 21% (95% CI: 0.66-0.96) lower CVD risk compared to those who consumed <1 serving/month. Regular yogurt consumers with higher DASH diet scores had 16% (95% CI: 0.73-0.96) and 30% (95% CI: 0.57-0.85) CVD risk reductions in the 2 cohorts, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Hypertensive men and women who consumed ≥2 servings/week of yogurt, especially in the context of a healthy diet, were at lower risk for developing CVD.

The J-shaped Curve for Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Historical Context and Recent Updates

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The definition and treatment of hypertension have both changed dramatically over the last century, with recent trials suggesting benefit for lower blood pressure (BP) targets than ever before considered. However, tempering the enthusiasm for more intensive BP targets are long-held concerns that BP reduction below a certain threshold may pose dangers, the so-called "J-curve." In this review, we summarize the evidence for a J-curve in the treatment of hypertension.

RECENT FINDINGS

The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) reported that achieving a systolic BP target of 120 mmHg reduces cardiovascular disease in high-risk individuals, supporting more intensive BP reduction. However, contemporary observational studies consistently demonstrate a BP J-curve, the threshold of which is often close to the SPRINT target. Studies also suggest that the BP level of this J-curve may vary based on patient characteristics, including age and comorbidities. There is also more compelling evidence for the specific presence of a J-curve between diastolic BP and coronary events, in contrast to conflicting evidence of a J-curve with systolic BP and cardiovascular disease more generally. There is increased risk of coronary events below a diastolic BP of 60-70 mmHg. In comparison, the presence of a systolic J-curve is less clear and some persons at high risk may actually benefit from systolic levels down to 120 mmHg. Therefore, we suggest a personalized approach to BP management considering individual risks, benefits, and preferences when choosing therapeutic targets. Further, well-designed studies are required to support our suggestions and to define J-curve thresholds more clearly.

A patient-specific approach to assessing blood pressure management in patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease

The objective was to improve the management of patients with hypertension (HTN) and coronary artery disease (CAD), utilizing a model which integrates 3 determinants of coronary blood flow (CBF)-CAD severity, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and left ventricular (LV) mass. We validated non-parametric equations for CBF estimation in a consecutive patient sample (N = 81) with HTN and CAD. There was a highly significant correlation (r = .565; P < .01) between clinical DBP and estimated CBF. Greater LV mass and more severe CAD shifted the relationship towards less CBF at the same DBP. LV mass was more critical when DBP >70 mm Hg. Estimated changes in CBF at different DBP considering the severity of CAD and LV mass can be calculated. In summary, the severity of CAD from coronary CT or coronary angiography combined with LV mass from echocardiography permits clinicians to guide the extent of, or target for, DBP to avoid seriously compromising CBF.

Thresholds and Targets for Hypertension Management in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Should Remain at 130/80 mmHg: What's the Evidence?

Hypertension and diabetes are common comorbidities and are both modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and death. Lowering blood pressure reduces target organ damage and prevents cardiovascular disease outcomes. The harmonized Canadian clinical practice guidelines for managing hypertension in people with diabetes provides health-behaviour advice and medical therapy recommendations for a threshold blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg and above and to target blood pressure to below 130/80 mmHg. We have reviewed the studies supporting these recommendations and others, and they appear to be at odds with the guidelines, including those for elderly people and patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.

Considerations in Understanding the Coronary Blood Flow- Left Ventricular Mass Relationship in Patients with Hypertension

Abstract: Background: Coronary blood flow (CBF) is essential for optimal cardiac performance and to maintain myocardial viability. There is considerable ambiguity concerning CBF in hypertension.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between CBF and left ventricular (LV) mass in persons with hypertension.

Methods: OvidSP Medline was systematically searched. Eligible articles assessed CBF, and LV mass in adults with and without hypertension (HTN).

Results: Eleven studies met the entry criteria. All 8 studies reported an increase in CBF (ml/min) for persons with hypertension (N=212) compared to individuals without hypertension (N=150). Meta-analysis showed a significant and 2.88 fold higher CBP in hypertension. Six studies adjusted CBF for LV mass; of which 4 studies reported a reduction in CBF. Meta-analysis showed a significant decrease in CBF/g LV mass in hypertension. The two studies that did not show a decrease in CBF, used the argon chromatographic method to measure coronary sinus blood flow suggesting this methodology may have influenced the results. Using the mean CBF in normotensive group to construct the expected CBF according to LV mass, reported CBF in HTN was progressively less than expected In two studies, (N=142), there was a significant inverse correlation between LV mass and CBF/ g LV mass. Multivariate analysis (three studies) consistently found a highly significant independent relationship between LV mass and CBF after considering age, sex, heart rate and several other factors.

Conclusion: Hypertension is associated with a reduction in CBF adjusted for LV mass with a highly significant inverse association between CBF and LV mass. Clinicians should be aware that patients with hypertension are at greater risk for myocardial ischemia should develop other factors that limit CBF or myocardial oxygen delivery.

The Impact of Left Ventricular Mass on Diastolic Blood Pressure Targets for Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

Defining the optimal diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD) is an ongoing challenge in part because of the concern that low DBP may have adverse cardiac effects (the J curve hypothesis).

METHODS

Left ventricular mass (LV mass) was measured on the echocardiogram of individuals (N = 92) with CAD who had coronary blood flow (CBF) in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery estimated from artery diameter and DBP distal to coronary stenosis.

RESULTS

CBF approached 0 in a small but defined proportion of persons at DBP of 70mm Hg. CBF was significantly lower in persons with higher LV mass (above the median of 83g/m(2)) when DBP was ≥75mm Hg. Higher electrocardiogram QRS voltage (sum of S V1 and R in V6), in the absence of LV hypertrophy (LVH), identified persons with significantly lower CBF at DBP ≥ 80mm Hg. In multivariate analysis, LV mass was a significant CBF determinant after adjusting for DBP and CAD severity. LV mass has a major impact on CBF when DBP is >70mm Hg, while DBP is the primary determinant of CBF when DBP is ≤70mm Hg. Multivariate analysis confirmed a significant interaction between LV mass and DBP.

CONCLUSIONS

DBP ≤ 70mm Hg is associated with a progressively greater proportion in whom CBF in the LAD approaches 0. For DBP > 70mm Hg, persons with higher LV mass, even in the absence of LVH, have lower CBF, suggesting LV mass is an important consideration when DBP is reduced in patients with CAD.

Effect of antihypertensive treatment at different blood pressure levels in patients with diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analyses

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of antihypertensive treatment on mortality and cardiovascular morbidity in people with diabetes mellitus, at different blood pressure levels.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials.

DATA SOURCES

CENTRAL, Medline, Embase, and BIOSIS were searched using highly sensitive search strategies. When data required according to the protocol were missing but trials were potentially eligible, we contacted researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and authorities.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials including 100 or more people with diabetes mellitus, treated for 12 months or more, comparing any antihypertensive agent against placebo, two agents against one, or different blood pressure targets.

RESULTS

49 trials, including 73,738 participants, were included in the meta-analyses. Most of the participants had type 2 diabetes. If baseline systolic blood pressure was greater than 150 mm Hg, antihypertensive treatment reduced the risk of all cause mortality (relative risk 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.80 to 0.99), cardiovascular mortality (0.75, 0.57 to 0.99), myocardial infarction (0.74, 0.63 to 0.87), stroke (0.77, 0.65 to 0.91), and end stage renal disease (0.82, 0.71 to 0.94). If baseline systolic blood pressure was 140-150 mm Hg, additional treatment reduced the risk of all cause mortality (0.87, 0.78 to 0.98), myocardial infarction (0.84, 0.76 to 0.93), and heart failure (0.80, 0.66 to 0.97). If baseline systolic blood pressure was less than 140 mm Hg, however, further treatment increased the risk of cardiovascular mortality (1.15, 1.00 to 1.32), with a tendency towards an increased risk of all cause mortality (1.05, 0.95 to 1.16). Metaregression analyses showed a worse treatment effect with lower baseline systolic blood pressures for cardiovascular mortality (1.15, 1.03 to 1.29 for each 10 mm Hg lower systolic blood pressure) and myocardial infarction (1.12, 1.03 to 1.22 for each 10 mm Hg lower systolic blood pressure). Patterns were similar for attained systolic blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Antihypertensive treatment reduces the risk of mortality and cardiovascular morbidity in people with diabetes mellitus and a systolic blood pressure more than 140 mm Hg. If systolic blood pressure is less than 140 mm Hg, however, further treatment is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death, with no observed benefit.

Relation between blood pressure and mortality risk in an older population: role of chronological and biological age

BACKGROUND

The relation between high blood pressure (BP) and mortality risk in older individuals (above 65 years of age) is still debated. Some data suggest that this relation is inverted in certain subgroups of (biologically) older individuals. We therefore investigated whether the association between BP and mortality is dependent on chronological age and on physical and cognitive function as indicators of biological age.

METHODS

The relationship between BP and all-cause mortality was investigated in 1466 older participants (aged 65 years and older; mean age 75.8 years) of the Longitudinal Ageing Study Amsterdam using multiple adjusted Cox proportional hazard models. Analyses were stratified for age, gait speed and mini mental state examination score.

RESULTS

A total of 1008 participants died after a median (range) follow-up of 10.6 (0.2; 15.9) years. Low diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was associated with an increased all-cause mortality risk: hazard ratio (HR) of low DBP (≤70 mmHg) compared to normal DBP (71-90 mmHg) was 1.36 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15; 1.61]. This relation was particularly strong in the oldest old (individuals aged >80 years) and in those who had lower levels of both physical and cognitive functioning: HRs (95% CIs) of low versus normal DBP were 1.58 (1.26; 1.98) and 1.45 (1.18; 1.77), respectively.

CONCLUSION

In a large population-based cohort of older adults, low DBP was associated with an increased all-cause mortality risk, especially in the oldest old and in biologically old individuals.

Differences in coronary blood flow in aortic regurgitation and systemic arterial hypertension have implications for diastolic blood pressure targets: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The objective was to evaluate coronary blood flow (CBF) in patients with systemic arterial hypertension (HTN) and to compare it with CBF in patients with aortic regurgitation (AR). A systematic literature search was conducted using the reference terms "coronary blood flow" and either "aortic regurgitation" or "hypertension." The selection criteria included CBF measurement in a concomitant control group, except studies evaluating CBF with aortic-valve replacement surgery. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. There were 318 persons with HTN, with 185 controls; and 102 persons with AR, with 144 controls. Despite an overall increase in CBF in HTN, CBF per gram of left ventricular mass was significantly (P < 0.0001) reduced. In contrast, CBF per gram of left ventricular mass was significantly (P = 0.004) increased in AR. Aortic regurgitation was associated with a significant (P < 0.0001) increase in CBF during systole and away from diastole, in contrast to persons with HTN. Aortic-valve replacement reversed the increase in systolic CBF. These data suggest that patients with HTN are more vulnerable than patients with AR to lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP), because resting CBF is compromised in HTN. Furthermore, patients with HTN may not compensate for DBP reductions by shifting CBF to systole, such as can occur with the low DBP in AR. Lower DBP in patients with AR cannot be used to justify treating patients with HTN to similar DBP because of the dramatic differences in CBF between the 2 conditions.