Effect of Achieved Systolic Blood Pressure on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study

Cardiovascular disease modifies the relationship between systolic blood pressure and outcomes in people with diabetes

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the influences of cardiovascular disease (CVD) on the relationship between baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) and outcomes in community populations with diabetes.

METHODS

This is an observational study of 16,431 community adults with diabetes. The relationship between SBP with major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) and all-cause death were evaluated using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models and restricted cubic spline.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 3.4 (IQR 2.6, 4.3) years, 2145 (13.1 %) MACE and 1025 (6.2 %) all-cause death occurred. In participants free of CVD, in reference to SBP < 120 mmHg group, the risks for MACE increased as SBP category (120-129, 130-139, and ≥ 140 mmHg) advanced (P-trend < 0.001), and there was a linear relationship (P-nonlinear = 0.75). The risks for all-cause death were lower in SBP of 120-139 mmHg and 140-159 mmHg groups but higher in SBP ≥ 160 mmHg group, and there was a U-shaped relationship (P-nonlinear < 0.001). In participants with existing CVD the relationship between baseline SBP with MACE and all-cause death did not show any specific pattern.

CONCLUSION

Results of the current study suggest that the relationship between baseline SBP with MACE and all-cause death varied significantly by baseline CVD status.

Real-World Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure Levels and Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes-Results From a Large Registry Cohort in Asia

BACKGROUND

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. However, there is ongoing debate whether intensive BP lowering may paradoxically increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We investigated the association of BP with risk of CVD mortality in patients with T2D.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used data on 83 721 patients with T2D from a multi-institutional diabetes registry in Singapore from 2013 to 2019. BP was analyzed as categories and restricted cubic splines using Cox multivariable regression analysis stratified by preexisting CVD and age (<65 years versus ≥65 years). The primary outcome was CVD mortality, determined via linkage with the national registry. Among 83 721 patients with T2D (mean age 65.3 years, 50.6% women, 78.9% taking antihypertensive medications), 7.6 per 1000 person-years experienced the primary outcome. Systolic BP had a graded relationship with a significant increase in CVD mortality at levels >120 to 129 mm Hg. Diastolic BP levels >90 mm Hg were significantly associated with CVD mortality in those aged ≥65 years. In addition, diastolic BP <70 mm Hg was associated with a significantly higher risk of CVD mortality in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with T2D, clinic systolic BP levels ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic BP levels ≥90 mm Hg are associated with higher risk of CVD mortality. Diastolic BP <70 mm Hg is also associated with the risk of adverse CVD outcomes, although reverse causality cannot be ruled out.

Associations of blood pressure with cardiovascular and mortality outcomes in over 2 million older persons with or without diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 45 cohort studies

BACKGROUND

The impact of blood pressure on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality outcomes in older people with diabetes mellitus (DM) is not well quantified. Using a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational cohort studies, we aimed to compare the associations of blood pressure levels with cardiovascular and mortality outcomes in older people aged ≥ 65 years with or without DM.

METHODS

Studies were identified from MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and search of bibliographies to July 2022. Study-specific risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled.

RESULTS

Forty-five unique observational cohort studies (n = 2305,189 participants) assessing the associations of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels with adverse cardiovascular outcomes were included. In the general population, the pooled RRs (95% CIs) of SBP ≥ 140 vs < 140 mmHg and per 10 mmHg increase for composite CVD/MACE were 1.26 (0.96-1.64) and 1.15 (1.08-1.23), respectively. The respective estimates were 1.56 (1.04-2.34) and 1.10 (1.04-1.18) for patients with DM. SBP ≥ 130 vs < 130 mmHg was not associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in both populations. SBP < 120 vs ≥ 120 mmHg was associated with an increased risk of all cause-mortality in the general population (n = 10 studies). DBP ≥ 90 mmHg was associated with an increased risk of some adverse cardiovascular outcomes in both populations. Interaction analyses suggested similar risk of outcomes in both populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Observational evidence suggests SBP and DBP confer similar cardiovascular and mortality risk in older adults in the general population and those with DM. A blood pressure target range of > 130/80 to < 140/90 mmHg may be optimal for patients ≥ 65 years with DM, but specific targets may need to be individualised based on patients' unique circumstances. Furthermore, findings do not support stringent blood pressure control in this population group. Definitive RCTs are needed to support these observational findings.

Association of eGFR slope with all-cause mortality, macrovascular and microvascular outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes and early-stage chronic kidney disease

AIMS

The association of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope with progression of complications in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) is less clear.

METHODS

We identified 115,139 T2D participants without decreased eGFR (>60 mL/min/1.73 m2) between 2008 and 2015 from the electronic database of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority. eGFR slope calculated by linear-mixed effects model using 3-year eGFR measurements was categorized into quintiles. With Quintile 3 of eGFR slope as the reference group, we used Cox proportional or cause-specific models to investigate the association between eGFR slope and all-cause mortality, macrovascular and microvascular complications, as appropriate.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 7.8 years, fastest eGFR declines (Quintile 1 with median eGFR slope: -4.32 mL/min/1.73 m2/year) were associated with increased risk of all adverse outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.36 to 2.97, all P < 0.0001), compared with less steep eGFR declines (Quintile 3: -1.08 mL/min/1.73 m2/year). Substantial eGFR increases (Quintile 5: 1.34 mL/min/1.73 m2/year) were associated with decreased risk of CKD and ≥ 40 % decline in eGFR (aHR [95 % CI] 0.65 [0.63, 0.67] and 0.85 [0.82, 0.89], respectively) and higher risk of death, CVD, DR and DN (aHR [95 % CI] 1.48 [1.40, 1.56], 1.19 [1.14, 1.25], 1.07 [1.004, 1.15] and 1.62 [1.37, 1.91], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In a cohort of T2D people without decreased eGFR, accelerated declines and increases in eGFR were associated with all-cause mortality, macrovascular and microvascular complications, supporting the potential prognostic utility of eGFR slope in T2D people with early-stage CKD.

Population-Based Clinical Studies Using Routinely Collected Data in Hong Kong, China: A Systematic Review of Trends and Established Local Practices

Background: Routinely collected health data are increasingly used in clinical research. No study has systematically reviewed the temporal trends in the number of publications and analyzed different aspects of local research practices and their variations in Hong Kong, China, with a specific focus on research ethics governance and approval.

Methods: PubMed was systematically searched from its inception to March 28, 2023, for studies using routinely collected healthcare data from Hong Kong.

Results: A total of 454 studies were included. Between 2000 and 2009, 32 studies were identified. The number of publications increased from 5 to 120 between 2010 and 2022. Of the investigator-led studies using the Hospital Authority (HA)’s cross-cluster data (n = 393), 327 (83.2%) reported receiving ethics approval from a single cluster/university-based REC, whereas 50 studies (12.7%) did not report approval from a REC. For use of the HA Data Collaboration Lab, approval by a single hospital-based or University-based REC is accepted. Repeated submission of identical ethics applications to different RECs is estimated to cost HK$4.2 million yearly.

Conclusions: Most studies reported gaining approval from a single cluster REC before retrieval of cross-cluster HA data. Substantial cost savings would result if repeated review of identical ethics applications were not required.

[Individualising antihypertensive therapy in patients with diabetes. A guideline by the Austrian Diabetes Association (update 2023)]

Hypertension is one of the most important comorbidities of diabetes, contributing significantly to death and leading to macrovascular and microvascular complications. When assessing the medical priorities for patients with diabetes, treating hypertension should be a primary consideration. In the present review practical approaches to hypertension in diabetes, including individualized targets for preventing specific complications are discussed according to current evidence and guidelines. Blood pressure values of about 130/80 mm Hg are associated with the best outcome; most importantly, at least blood pressure values < 140/90 mm Hg should be achieved in most patients. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers should be preferred in patients with diabetes, especially in those who also have albuminuria or coronary artery disease. Most patients with diabetes require combination therapy to achieve blood pressure goals; agents with proven cardiovascular benefit should be used (including, besides angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and alternatively angiotensin receptor blockers, dihydropyridin-calcium antagonists and thiazide diuretics), preferable in single-pill combinations. Once the target is achieved, antihypertensive drugs should be continued. Newer antidiabetic medications such as SGLT-2-inhibitors or GLP1-receptor agonists have also antihypertensive effects.

Hamid A, Ugusman A. Effects of Piper sarmentosum Roxb. on hypertension and diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are among the most prevalent diseases affecting people from all walks of life. Medicinal herbs have garnered interest as potential agents for the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus and hypertension due to their multiple beneficial effects. Piper sarmentosum Roxb. (PS) is an edible medicinal plant that has been traditionally used in Asia for treating hypertension and diabetes mellitus. This review is aimed to provide comprehensive information from the literature on the effects of PS on hypertension and diabetes mellitus. A computerized database search was performed on Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science databases with the following set of keywords: Piper sarmentosum AND diabetes mellitus OR diabetic OR diabetes OR hyperglyc*emia OR blood glucose OR HbA1c OR glycated h*emoglobin OR h*emoglobin A1c OR hyperten* OR blood pressure. A total of 47 articles were screened and 14 articles published between the years 1998 until 2021 were included for data extraction, comprising of six articles on antihypertensive and eight articles on antidiabetic effects of PS. These studies consist of two in vitro studies and eleven in vivo animal studies. Meta-analysis of three studies on hypertension showed that PS versus no treatment significantly lowered the systolic blood pressure with mean difference (MD) -39.84 mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI) -45.05, -34.62; p < 0.01), diastolic blood pressure with MD -26.68 mmHg (95% CI -31.48, -21.88; p < 0.01), and mean arterial pressure with MD -30.56 mmHg (95% CI -34.49, -26.63; p < 0.01). Most of the studies revealed positive effects of PS against hypertension and diabetes mellitus, suggesting the potential of PS as a natural source of antidiabetic and antihypertensive agents.

The Causal Effect of Systolic Blood Pressure Lowering on Vascular Outcomes in Diabetes: A Mendelian Randomization Study

CONTEXT

The effect of lowering systolic blood pressure (SBP) on clinical outcomes in diabetic patients is controversial.

OBJECTIVE

We used 2-sample mendelian randomization (MR) to study the causal effect of decreasing SBP on the risk of macrovascular and microvascular outcomes in diabetic patients.

METHODS

We used 362 SBP-related genetic variants from a large genome-wide association study (n = 299 024) and UK Biobank (n = 375 256) as exposure. We evaluated 5 macrovascular and microvascular complications up to 60 742 cases as outcomes in diabetes, including coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease (PAD), nephropathy, retinopathy, and composite complications. All cases were diagnosed together with diabetes. We performed follow-up analyses by conducting 7 sensitivity analyses and comparing the present MR with results in general population, and clinical trials.

RESULTS

Genetic predisposition of each 10-mm Hg SBP decrease was significantly associated with a 28% decreased risk of CAD (odds ratio [OR]: 0.72; 95% CI, 0.59-0.89; P = .002), a 34% decreased risk of nephropathy (OR: 0.66; 95% CI, 0.54-0.81; P < .001), and a 34% decreased risk of the composite complications (OR: 0.66; 95% CI, 0.58-0.76; P < .001), and was nominally associated with a decreased risk of PAD (OR: 0.69; 95% CI, 0.48-0.99) and retinopathy (OR: 0.90; 95% CI, 0.81-0.99). The MR results in diabetes were similar with that in the general population and clinical trials.

CONCLUSION

SBP lowering was causally associated with an attenuated risk of diabetic CAD and nephropathy. It provides genetic evidence for the beneficial effect of lifelong SBP control in preventing diabetes-related vascular outcomes.

Clinical benefit of systolic blood pressure within the target range among patients with or without diabetes mellitus: a propensity score-matched analysis of two randomized clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Recent guidelines recommended a systolic blood pressure (SBP) target of < 130 mmHg for patients with or without diabetes but without providing a lower bound. Our study aimed to explore whether additional clinical benefits remain at achieved blood pressure (BP) levels below the recommended target.

METHODS

We performed a secondary analysis of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) among the non-diabetic population and the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes BP (ACCORD-BP) trial among diabetic subjects. We used the propensity score method to match patients from the intensive BP group to those from the standard group in each trial. Individuals with different achieved BP levels from the intensive BP group were used as "reference." For each stratum, the trial-specific primary outcome (i.e., composite outcome of myocardial infarction (MI), acute coronary syndrome not resulting in MI, stroke, acute decompensated heart failure (HF), or cardiovascular death for SPRINT; non-fatal MI, non-fatal stroke, or cardiovascular death for ACCORD-BP) was compared by Cox regression.

RESULTS

A non-linear association was observed between the mean achieved BP and incidence of composite cardiovascular events, regardless of treatment allocation. The significant treatment benefit for primary outcome remained at SBP 110-120 mmHg (hazard ratio, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.46, 0.76] for SPRINT; 0.67 [0.52, 0.88] for ACCORD-BP) and SBP 120-130 mmHg for SPRINT (0.47 [0.34, 0.63]) but not for ACCORD-BP (0.93 [0.70, 1.23]). The results were similar for the secondary outcomes including all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, MI, stroke, and HF. Intensive BP treatment benefits existed among patients maintaining a diastolic BP of 60-70 mmHg but were less distinct.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment benefit persists at as low as SBP 110-120 mmHg irrespective of diabetes status. Achieved very low BP levels appeared to increase cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.

Establishing target systolic and diastolic blood pressure in diabetic patients with hypertension: what do we need to consider?

INTRODUCTION

The optimum target for systolic and diastolic blood pressure remains divisive. In particular, the conflicting outcomes of the SPRINT and ACCORD trials have led to a divergence of guideline-recommended blood pressure targets for adults with diabetes.

AREAS COVERED

Here, we review the existing recommendations for blood pressure targets in diabetes, discussing the evidence base behind them and their limitations. We start by outlining the risks and benefits of lower systolic blood pressure targets among diabetics. We then follow with a separate appraisal of diastolic blood pressure targets, which necessitates examination of the 'J curve' and isolated diastolic hypertension.

EXPERT OPINION

Current and emerging evidence supports, on balance, a blood pressure therapeutic target of < 130/90 mmHg in adults at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, including diabetics. Whether certain diabetics with systolic BPs of 120-130 and/or diastolic BPs 80-90 mmHg require drug treatment to a target of <120/80 mmHg is less clear and requires more research.

Use and access to medications for type 2 diabetes mellitus in elderly: a population-based household survey

The objective of this study was to analyze the use and access to medications for type 2 diabetes among older people registered in the family health strategy in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo. A population-based household survey was undertaken with 338 older adults selected using two-stage cluster sampling. Pharmacotherapy of diabetes and access to medications was investigated using a structured questionnaire administered by means of face-to-face interviews. The number of medicines used to treat diabetes ranged between 1 and 4. Respondents predominantly used only oral antidiabetic agents. The use of metformin and sulfonylureas on their own was reported by 37.9% and 9.8% of respondents, respectively. Frequency of insulin use was greatest in the 80 years and overage group (38.9%). The large majority of respondents (96.4%) had full access to medicines. Means of payment was "free of charge" in 78.1% of the respondents and public pharmacies were the main source of medication (74.8%). The most commonly used oral antidiabetic was metformin, which is consistent with current treatment guidelines. However, the findings show inappropriate medication use among older people, more specifically the use of sulfonylureas on their own. The findings of this study highlight the important role played by the public health service in providing medications for type 2 diabetes.

Associations of Systolic Blood Pressure and Diastolic Blood Pressure With the Incidence of Coronary Artery Disease or Cerebrovascular Disease According to Glucose Status

OBJECTIVE

To determine associations of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) with new-onset coronary artery disease (CAD) or cerebrovascular disease (CVD) according to glucose status.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Examined was a nationwide claims database from 2008 to 2016 on 593,196 individuals. A Cox proportional hazards model identified risks of CAD and CVD events among five levels of SBP and DBP.

RESULTS

During the study period 2,240 CAD and 3,207 CVD events occurred. Compared with SBP ≤119 mmHg, which was the lowest quintile of SBP, hazard ratios (95% CI) for CAD/CVD in the 4 higher quintiles (120-129, 130-139, 140-149, ≥150 mmHg) gradually increased from 2.10 (1.73-2.56)/1.46 (1.27-1.68) in quintile 2 to 3.21 (2.37-4.34)/4.76 (3.94-5.75) in quintile 5 for normoglycemia, from 1.39 (1.14-1.69)/1.70 (1.44-2.01) in quintile 2 to 2.52 (1.95-3.26)/4.12 (3.38-5.02) in quintile 5 for borderline glycemia, and from 1.50 (1.19-1.90)/1.72 (1.31-2.26) in quintile 2 to 2.52 (1.95-3.26)/3.54 (2.66-4.70) in quintile 5 for diabetes. A similar trend was observed for DBP across 4 quintiles (75-79, 80-84, 85-89, and ≥90 mmHg) compared with ≥74 mmHg, which was the lowest quintile.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicated that cardiovascular risks gradually increased with increases in SBP and DBP regardless of the presence of and degree of a glucose abnormality. Further interventional trials are required to apply findings from this cohort study to clinical practice.

Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase alleviates insulin resistance and hypertension via downregulation of SGLT2 in the mouse kidney

The epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) exerts beneficial effects on insulin resistance and/or hypertension. EETs could be readily converted to less biological active diols by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). However, whether sEH inhibition can ameliorate the comorbidities of insulin resistance and hypertension and the underlying mechanisms of this relationship are unclear. In this study, C57BL/6 mice were rendered hypertensive and insulin resistant through a high-fat and high-salt (HF–HS) diet. The sEH inhibitor, 1-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-3-(1-propionylpiperidin-4-yl) urea (TPPU), was used to treat mice (1 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks, followed by analysis of metabolic parameters. The expression of sEH and the sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) was markedly upregulated in the kidneys of mice fed an HF–HS diet. We found that TPPU administration increased kidney EET levels, improved insulin resistance, and reduced hypertension. Furthermore, TPPU treatment prevented upregulation of SGLT2 and the associated increased urine volume and the excretion of urine glucose and urine sodium. Importantly, TPPU alleviated renal inflammation. In vitro, human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (HK-2 cells) were used to further investigate the underlying mechanism. We observed that 14,15-EET or sEH knockdown or inhibition prevented the upregulation of SGLT2 upon treatment with palmitic acid or NaCl by inhibiting the inhibitory kappa B kinase α/β/NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, sEH inhibition by TPPU alleviated insulin resistance and hypertension induced by an HF–HS diet in mice. The increased urine excretion of glucose and sodium was mediated by decreased renal SGLT2 expression because of inactivation of the inhibitory kappa B kinase α/β/NF-κB–induced inflammatory response.

The implications of blood pressure targets from the 2018 European Society of Cardiology hypertension guidelines in Asian patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The evidence for optimal blood pressure (BP) targets in Asian patients with hypertension is insufficient and controversial. Western guidelines should be used with caution in clinical practice until there is supporting evidence.

OBJECTIVE

Systematically synthesize the evidence on the efficacy of achieving the strict 2018 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guideline BP targets versus standard BP targets in Asian patients.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials, and additional databases to retrieve relevant Asian studies.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that reported clinical endpoints, had a minimal follow-up period of one year and included Asian patients older than 18 years with essential hypertension.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two investigators independently conducted the study selection with any discrepancies resolved between team members.

DATA SYNTHESIS

We selected 15 studies for analysis (4 RCTs, 7 observational studies, and 4 post-hoc analyses). The evidence for the strict BP targets in elderly patients was insufficient. In middle-aged patients, the meta-analysis of observational studies revealed a significant reduction in major adverse cardiac events (MACCE) (hazard ratio (HR)=0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI: 0.74-0.81). For studies that reported results for patients of any age, the tight systolic BP-lowering therapy was associated with a decrease in MACCE (HR=0.80; 95% CI: 0.69-0.92), stroke (HR=0.82; 95% CI: 0.71-0.94), but not in cardiac events (HR=0.91; 95% CI: 0.72-1.14, P=.41), all-cause (HR=0.80; 95% CI: 0.57-1.13) and cardiovascular mortality (HR=0.73; 95% CI: 0.40-1.33, P=.30). Similar findings were obtained for the strict diastolic BP targets.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide evidence for Asian patients that support the efficacy of the strict antihypertensive treatment with BP targets proposed by the 2018 ESC hypertension guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular events. However, these data were obtained from only observational studies and the results were not confirmed by RCTs, probably due to insufficient power. Therefore, further high-quality RCTs are crucial.

LIMITATIONS

Use of aggregated data, the subgroup and meta-regression analyses are inconclusive, limited to English language, unable to estimate summary measures for some outcomes, publication bias difficult to assess, and unclear that results could be extrapolated.

REGISTRATION

The protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018115570).

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

None.

Association Between Early Hypertension Control and Cardiovascular Disease Incidence in Veterans With Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Guidelines for hypertension treatment in patients with diabetes diverge regarding the systolic blood pressure (SBP) threshold at which treatment should be initiated and treatment goal. We examined associations of early SBP treatment with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events in U.S. adults with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied 43,986 patients with diabetes who newly initiated antihypertensive therapy between 2002 and 2007. Patients were classified into categories based on SBP at treatment initiation (130-139 or ≥140 mmHg) and after 2 years of treatment (100-119, 120-129, 130-139, 140-159, and ≥160 mmHg). The primary outcome was composite ASCVD events (fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction and stroke), estimated using inverse probability of treatment-weighted Poisson regression and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

Relative to individuals who initiated treatment when SBP was 130-139 mmHg, those with pretreatment SBP ≥140 mmHg had higher ASCVD risk (hazard ratio 1.10 [95% CI 1.02, 1.19]). Relative to those with pretreatment SBP of 130-139 mmHg and on-treatment SBP of 120-129 mmHg (reference group), ASCVD incidence was higher in those with pretreatment SBP ≥140 mmHg and on-treatment SBP 120-129 mmHg (adjusted incidence rate difference [IRD] 1.0 [-0.2 to 2.1] events/1,000 person-years) and in those who achieved on-treatment SBP 130-139 mmHg (IRD 1.9 [0.6, 3.2] and 1.1 [0.04, 2.2] events/1,000 person-years for those with pretreatment SBP 130-139 mmHg and ≥140 mmHg, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In this observational study, patients with diabetes initiating antihypertensive therapy when SBP was 130-139 mmHg and those achieving on-treatment SBP <130 mmHg had better outcomes than those with higher SBP levels when initiating or after 2 years on treatment.

[Individualising antihypertensive therapy in patients with diabetes. A guideline by the Austrian Diabetes Association (Update 2019)]

Hypertension is one of the most important comorbidities of diabetes, contributing significantly to death and leads to macrovascular and microvascular complications. When assessing the medical priorities for patients with diabetes, treating hypertension should be a primary consideration. In the present review practical approaches to hypertension in diabetes, including individualized targets for preventing specific complications are discussed according to current studies and guidelines. According to recent studies, blood pressure values of about 130/80 mm Hg are associated with the best outcome. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers are the most effective drugs for treating hypertension in diabetes. Calcium antagonists or diuretics are acceptable as second-line agents. Once the target is achieved, antihypertensive drugs should be continued. Newer antidiabetic medications such as SGLT-2-inhibitors or GLP1-receptor agonists have also antihypertensive effects.

Patterns of Antihypertensive Drug Utilization among US Adults with Diabetes and Comorbid Hypertension: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2014

BACKGROUND

Diabetes and hypertension are the 2 leading risk factors for suboptimal cardiovascular and renal outcomes. These 2 conditions often coexist and can benefit from antihypertensive therapy, which may lead to blood pressure control and reduced risk for nephropathy (as evidenced by albuminuria).

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the trends of antihypertensive drug use and to assess the impact of antihypertensive treatment on the prevalence of blood pressure control and albuminuria, among US adults with coexisting diabetes and hypertension.

METHODS

In this serial cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from the 1999-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (N = 3586). We determine the prevalence of antihypertensive use, drug classes used, and their association with blood pressure control and albuminuria.

RESULTS

During the study period, the study population experienced substantial increase in antihypertensive treatment (from 84.6% in 1999-2002 to 90.1% in 2011-2014, Ptrend  < .01) and blood pressure control (from 37.1% to 46.9%, Ptrend  < .01) and decrease in albuminuria (from 39.1% to 31.3%, Ptrend  = .02). These trends were particularly pronounced in the subgroups using angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. In multivariate analysis, Blacks, Hispanics, and males were found more likely to have albuminuria than their respective counterparts. Achieving blood pressure control (odds ratio = 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32-0.49) was associated with lower rates of albuminuria.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

Despite continued improvement in antihypertensive therapy, the burden of uncontrolled blood pressure and albuminuria remains substantial among US adults with diabetes and hypertension. Tailoring pharmacotherapy based on patient characteristics and comorbidities is needed to further improve these outcomes.

Controversies in the 2017 ACC/AHA Hypertension Guidelines: Who Can Be Eligible for Treatments Under the New Guidelines? - An Asian Perspective

Until the 2017 ACC/AHA Hypertension Guidelines were released, the target blood pressure (BP) for adults with hypertension (HTN) was 140/90 mmHg in most of the guidelines. The new 2018 ESC/ESH, Canadian, Korean, Japan, and Latin American hypertension guidelines have maintained the <140/90 mmHg for the primary target in the general population and encourage reduction to <130/80 if higher risk. This is more in keeping with the 2018 American Diabetes Association guidelines. However, the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines classify HTN as BP ≥130/80 mmHg and generally recommend target BP levels below 130/80 mmHg for hypertensive patients independently of comorbid disease or age. Although the new guidelines mean that more people (nearly 50% of adults) will be diagnosed with HTN, the cornerstone of therapy is still lifestyle management unless BP cannot be lowered to this level; thus, more people will require BP-lowering medications. To date, there have been many controversies about the definition of HTN and the target BP. Targeting an intensive systolic BP goal can increase the adverse effects of multiple medications and the cardiovascular disease risk by excessively lowering diastolic BP, especially in patients with high risk, including those with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and coronary artery disease, and the elderly. In this review, we discuss these issues, particularly regarding the optimal target BP.

Blood pressure control and impact on cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A critical analysis of the literature

High blood pressure in individuals with type2 diabetes mellitus increases the risk of cardiovascular events. The international management guidelines recommend starting pharmacological treatment with blood pressure values >140/90mmHg. However, there is no optimal cut-off point from which cardiovascular events can be reduced without causing adverse events. A blood pressure range of >130/80 to <140/90mmHg seems to be adequate. These values can be achieved through non-pharmacological (diet, exercise) and pharmacological interventions (using drugs that have been shown to reduce cardiovascular events). The choice of one or several drugs must be individualised, according to factors including, ethnicity, age, and associated comorbidities, among others.