Non-Targeted Self-Measured Blood Pressure and Hypertension Control in Public and Private Health Systems in Brazil

Abstract Background: It is estimated that more than 30% of the Brazilian population has systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), and mostly as an uncontrolled disease. The most recent Brazilian Guideline of Hypertension recommends the practice of self-measurement of blood pressure (BP) as one of the strategies for a better control of SAH, but there is no consensus about the efficiency of this tool. Objective: To assess the control of SAH and the practice of non-targeted self-measured BP (SMBP) among hypertensive users of the Unified Health System (SUS) and the Supplementary Network (SN). Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational, analytical study, with a stratified probability sample. One thousand volunteers were investigated, being 500 from SUS and 500 from the SN. Uni and multivariate analyses were performed considering a 5% significance level. Results: Patients from SUS presented inferior sociodemographic data (schooling, social status) in relation to those of the SN (p < 0.001), and showed lower control of SAH (p = 0.014), as well as more visits to the emergency room in the past year due to hypertension (p = 0.002), and fewer regular appointments with the cardiologist (p = 0.004). SMBP was equally present in both assessed groups (p = 0.567), even though users of the SN have been more advised to not conduct such a practice (p = 0.002). SMBP (p < 0.001) was an independent factor for uncontrolled SAH both in SUS (OR = 3.424) and in the SN (OR = 3.474). Conclusion: Patients in SUS presented lower SAH control. The practice of SMBP, mostly practiced with an uncalibrated digital device, was equally present in both groups and became an independent factor of uncontrolled SAH.

Cardiovascular health control in the family health strategy.

Introduction: In Brazil, the Unified Health System (SUS) controls and oversees public health care, and the Family Health Strategy (FHS) is its primary access, with 60% of the population registered in it. The surveillance of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is the responsibility of the FHS. In 2010, the American Heart Association (AHA) proposed the evaluation of seven metrics (smoking, Body Mass Index (BMI), physical activity, diet, total cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose) with an aim to monitoring cardiovascular health (CVH). However, the results of the FHS regarding the CVH of the Brazilian population are unascertained. Objective: Evaluate the control of CVH among adult patients treated by the FHS in the city of Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the seven metrics recommended by the AHA to evaluate CVH among patients treated by the FHS. The city of Aracaju has a population of 571,149 inhabitants, with 394,267 > 20 years of age; therefore, it was admitted that in a simple random sample, sampling error of 5% with 95% CI, 329 individuals would be needed. Results: Among 400 patients, only 32.5% had controlled CVH. In a univariate analysis, the adjusted multivariate analysis found that being female (aOR: 2.07 IC: 1.20 to 3.60 p: 0.006) under 45 years old (aOR: 1.61 IC: 1.15 to 2.28 p: 0.006) and with the habit of following health advice from family members and neighbors (aOR: 1.28 IC: 1.15 to 2.28 p: 0.040) were associated with control of CVH. On the other hand, those ones who had a greater number of children (aOR: 0.91 IC: 0.84 to 0.95 p: 0.020) were associated with less control of CVH. Conclusions: The study showed that only 32.5% of patients have controlled CVH. Being a woman, young and following health advice from family members and neighbors have a positive influence in controlling CVH. More children reduced controlling these metrics.

Infecção pelo sars-cov-2 e disfunção autonômica ­ labilidade pressórica na covid-19 / Sars-cov-2 infection and autonomic dysfunction - pressure liability at covid-19

Homem de 53 anos, hipertenso e portador de bronquite, admitido em um serviço de urgência no dia 15 de dezembro de 2020 devido sintomas gripais, febre e cefaleia iniciados há oito dias. Após constatação de acometimento pulmonar importante mediante tomografia computadorizada (TC) de tórax, sugestivo de infecção pelo vírus SARS-CoV2, o paciente foi internado em unidade de terapia intensiva. Foi intubado no décimo dia de internação, e, dois dias após, evoluiu com labilidade pressórica importante, recorrendo ao uso de noradrenalina e nitroprussiato, além de outros anti-hipertensivos, conforme a necessidade. O quadro predominante foi a hipertensão arterial sistêmica, manifestada principalmente com a mudança de decúbito, sendo o maior valor pressórico registrado de 240x90 mmHg. A disautonomia também se manifestou por ausência de dejeções, sudorese excessiva e espasmos musculares. A frequência cardíaca se manteve estável e dentro dos parâmetros de normalidade.A partir do trigésimo dia de internação, observou-se melhora progressiva do quadro e reestabelecimento da homeostase. Obteve alta após 59 dias de internação, sem sequelas significativas. A explicação mais razoável para o caso é o aumento da resistência vascular periférica, por ação da angiotensina II, associada à supressão do sistema parassimpático, o que explica, também, a incompetência do barorreflexo para compensação da frequência cardíaca. Adicionalmente, o paciente estava em uso de carvedilol. Este caso enfatiza o desafio diagnóstico precoce da disautonomia em pacientes críticos, devido a carência de ferramentas adequadas para uso na prática cotidiana. A estimulação vagal pode constituir opção terapêutica eficaz, mas carece de mais estudos

A 53-year-old male, hypertensive and with bronchitis, was admitted to the emergency department on December 15, 2020 due to flu-like symptoms, fever and headache that started eight days ago. After finding significant lung involvement by chest computed tomography (CT) suggestive of SARS-CoV2 virus infection, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit. He was intubated on the tenth day of hospitalization, and, 2 days later, he evolved with significant pressure lability, using norepinephrine and nitroprusside, in addition to other antihypertensive drugs, as needed. The predominant state was hypertension, expressed mainly when there is interference from the patient's position in bed. The highest pressure value recorded was 240x90 mmHg. Dysautonomy was also manifested by the absence of stools, excessive sweating and muscle spasms. Heart rate remains stable and within normal limits. From the thirtieth day of hospitalization onwards, there was an evolution with progressive improvement and restoration of homeostasis. He was discharged after 59 days of hospitalization, without sequelae. The most reasonable explanation for the case is the increase in peripheral vascular resistance, due to the action of angiotensin II, associated with the suppression of the parasympathetic system, which also explains the incompetence of the baroreflex to compensate the heart rate. Additionally, the patient was using carvedilol. This case emphasizes the importance of tools that early identify dysautonomy, prepare the team. Vagal stimulation can be an effective therapeutic option, but further studies are needed

Influence of Factors Affecting Quality of Life on in-Hospital Cardiovascular Events of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction with and without ST-segment Elevation

Abstract Background Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with and without ST-segment elevation (STEMI and NSTEMI, respectively), is the principal cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Brazil and around the world. Modifiable risk factors (RF) and quality of life (QOL) may correlate with the type of AMI. Objective To evaluate the influence of QOL and RF on the type of AMI and in-hospital cardiovascular events in STEMI and NSTEMI patients. Methods This was an observational, cross-sectional study. Patients with AMI attending four referral hospitals (three private and one public) for cardiovascular disease treatment were assessed for QOL using the Brazilian version of the 36-item short form survey. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results We evaluated 480 volunteers; 51% were treated in one of the private hospitals. In total, 55.6% presented with STEMI, and 44.4% with NSTEMI. Patients from the public hospital were 8.56 times more likely to have STEMI compared to those from the private hospitals. There was a higher prevalence of smokers in STEMI (p < 0.028) patients. QOL was not associated with the type of AMI. A negative patient perception of the physical health and pain domains was observed. Although a significant difference between the physical and the mental health domains was not observed, individual domains were correlated with some in-hospital outcomes. Conclusion There was a higher prevalence of smokers among individuals with STEMI. Domains of QOL showed a statistically significant relationship with the occurrence of in-hospital cardiovascular events, with no difference between the types of AMI.

Bariatric Surgery: Late Outcomes in Patients Who Reduced Comorbidities at Early Follow-Up.

Backgroundand Objectives: In severe obesity, a relevant weight loss can promote the reduction of comorbidities, such as systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus (DM2). Bariatric surgery (BS) has been an essential resource in the therapy of this disease with a short-term reduction of cardiometabolic risk (CR). This study aimed to evaluate the reduction of factors associated with the CR in patients undergoing BS at a 5-year follow-up. Materials and Methods: This is a longitudinal, retrospective study carried out with patients undergoing BS by the Brazilian Public Healthcare System (PHS). Anthropometric and clinical parameters related to the CR (DM2, dyslipidemia, and SAH), quantified by the Assessment of Obesity-Related Comorbidities (AORC) score, were evaluated at the following moments: admission and preoperative and postoperative returns (3 months, 6 months, 1 to 5 years). Results: The sample had a mean age of 44.69 ± 9.49 years and were predominantly in the age group 20-29 years (34.80%) and women (72.46%). At admission to the service, 42.3% had DM2, 50.7% dyslipidemia, and 78.9% SAH. Regarding BS, the gastric bypass technique was used in 92.86% of the sample, and the waiting time for the procedure was 28.3 ± 24.4 months. In the pre- and postoperative period of 3 months, there was a significant reduction in the frequency of DM2 (p < 0.003), dyslipidemia (p < 0.000), and SAH (p < 0.000). However, at postoperative follow-up from 6 months to 5 years, there was no significant reduction in the comorbidities studied. After five years, 35.7% had total remission of DM2 and 2.9% partial remission of DM2, 44.2% had control and remission of dyslipidemia, and 19.6% of SAH (AORC score ≤ 2 for the comorbidities). Conclusion: BS promoted a reduction of the CR in the first three months after BS in severely obese PHS users.

Influence of Geographical Location on Access to Reperfusion Therapies and Mortality of Patients with STEMI in Sergipe: VICTIM Register. / Influência da Localização Geográfica no Acesso às Terapias de Reperfusão e Mortalidade de Pacientes com IAMcSST em Sergipe: Registro VICTIM.

BACKGROUND: The concentration of high-complexity services in Aracaju, Sergipe can impose certain disparity in the quality of care for the patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) (STEMI) who receive care from Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS, acronym in Portuguese) and whose symptoms started in other health regions of the state. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate disparities in access to reperfusion therapies and 30-day mortality, among patients with STEMI, who were users of SUS, in each of the 7 health regions of Sergipe. METHODS: A total of 844 patients with STEMI in the period from 2014 to 2018, assisted by the only hospital with the capacity to offer primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) to SUS users in the state of Sergipe, were evaluated. The patients were divided into 7 groups according to the location at the onset of symptoms, following the existing division of health regions in the state. For comparison between groups, a significant difference was considered when p < 0.05. RESULTS: Of the total of 844 patients suffering from STEMI who were transferred to the hospital with PPCI that serves SUS patients, 386 patients (45.8%) underwent primary angioplasty. The mean rate of fibrinolytic use was 2.6%, with no differences between the regions. The mean total time of arrival to the hospital with PPCI was 21 hours and 55 minutes, with a median of 10 hours and 22 minutes (6 hours and 30 minutes to 22 hours and 52 minutes). Total 30-day mortality was 12.8%, but without differences between the regions, even when adjusted for age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that fibrinolytics are underused throughout the state and that there is a significant delay in access to the hospital with PPCI, in all health regions of Sergipe.

FUNDAMENTO: A concentração de serviços de alta complexidade em Aracaju/SE pode proporcionar disparidade na qualidade assistencial para os pacientes do SUS com infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMcSST) cujos sintomas se iniciaram em outras regiões de saúde do estado. OBJETIVO: Avaliar disparidades no acesso às terapias de reperfusão e mortalidade em 30 dias, entre pacientes com IAMcSST, usuários do SUS, em cada uma das 7 regiões de saúde em Sergipe. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 844 pacientes com IAMcSST no período de 2014 a 2018 atendidos pelo único hospital com capacidade de ofertar intervenção coronariana percutânea (ICP) primária para usuários do SUS no estado de Sergipe. Os pacientes foram divididos em 7 grupos de acordo com o local de início dos sintomas e obedecendo a divisão já existente das regiões de saúde do Estado. Para comparação entre grupos, foi considerada diferença significativa quando p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Do total de 844 pacientes vítimas de IAMcSST e transferidos ao hospital com ICP que atende pacientes do SUS, 386 pacientes (45,8%) realizaram angioplastia primária. A taxa média do uso de fibrinolítico foi de 2,6%, não havendo diferenças entre as regiões. O tempo médio total de chegada ao hospital com ICP foi de 21h55' com mediana de 10h22' (6h30' ­ 22h52'). A mortalidade total em 30 dias foi 12,8%, mas sem diferenças entre as regiões, mesmo quando ajustada para idade e sexo. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo revela que os fibrinolíticos são subutilizados em todo o estado e que existe um atraso significativo no acesso ao hospital com ICP, em todas as regiões de saúde de Sergipe.

Influência da localização geográfica no acesso às terapias de reperfusão e mortalidade de pacientes com IAMcSST em Sergipe: registro VICTIM / Influence of geographical location on access to reperfusion therapies and mortality of patients with STEMI in Sergipe: VICTIM register

Resumo Fundamento A concentração de serviços de alta complexidade em Aracaju/SE pode proporcionar disparidade na qualidade assistencial para os pacientes do SUS com infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMcSST) cujos sintomas se iniciaram em outras regiões de saúde do estado. Objetivo Avaliar disparidades no acesso às terapias de reperfusão e mortalidade em 30 dias, entre pacientes com IAMcSST, usuários do SUS, em cada uma das 7 regiões de saúde em Sergipe. Métodos Foram avaliados 844 pacientes com IAMcSST no período de 2014 a 2018 atendidos pelo único hospital com capacidade de ofertar intervenção coronariana percutânea (ICP) primária para usuários do SUS no estado de Sergipe. Os pacientes foram divididos em 7 grupos de acordo com o local de início dos sintomas e obedecendo a divisão já existente das regiões de saúde do Estado. Para comparação entre grupos, foi considerada diferença significativa quando p < 0,05. Resultados Do total de 844 pacientes vítimas de IAMcSST e transferidos ao hospital com ICP que atende pacientes do SUS, 386 pacientes (45,8%) realizaram angioplastia primária. A taxa média do uso de fibrinolítico foi de 2,6%, não havendo diferenças entre as regiões. O tempo médio total de chegada ao hospital com ICP foi de 21h55' com mediana de 10h22' (6h30' - 22h52'). A mortalidade total em 30 dias foi 12,8%, mas sem diferenças entre as regiões, mesmo quando ajustada para idade e sexo. Conclusões Este estudo revela que os fibrinolíticos são subutilizados em todo o estado e que existe um atraso significativo no acesso ao hospital com ICP, em todas as regiões de saúde de Sergipe.

Abstract Background The concentration of high-complexity services in Aracaju, Sergipe can impose certain disparity in the quality of care for the patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) (STEMI) who receive care from Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS, acronym in Portuguese) and whose symptoms started in other health regions of the state. Objective To evaluate disparities in access to reperfusion therapies and 30-day mortality, among patients with STEMI, who were users of SUS, in each of the 7 health regions of Sergipe. Methods A total of 844 patients with STEMI in the period from 2014 to 2018, assisted by the only hospital with the capacity to offer primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) to SUS users in the state of Sergipe, were evaluated. The patients were divided into 7 groups according to the location at the onset of symptoms, following the existing division of health regions in the state. For comparison between groups, a significant difference was considered when p < 0.05. Results Of the total of 844 patients suffering from STEMI who were transferred to the hospital with PPCI that serves SUS patients, 386 patients (45.8%) underwent primary angioplasty. The mean rate of fibrinolytic use was 2.6%, with no differences between the regions. The mean total time of arrival to the hospital with PPCI was 21 hours and 55 minutes, with a median of 10 hours and 22 minutes (6 hours and 30 minutes to 22 hours and 52 minutes). Total 30-day mortality was 12.8%, but without differences between the regions, even when adjusted for age and sex. Conclusions This study reveals that fibrinolytics are underused throughout the state and that there is a significant delay in access to the hospital with PPCI, in all health regions of Sergipe.

Access to Reperfusion Therapy and Mortality in Women with ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: VICTIM Register. / Acesso à Terapia de Reperfusão e Mortalidade em Mulheres com Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST: Registro VICTIM.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial reperfusion is a fundamental part of the treatment for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and is responsible for reducing morbidity and mortality in affected patients. However, reperfusion rates are usually lower and mortality rates higher in women compared to men. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of the use of reperfusion therapies among women and men with STEMI in hospitals where percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is available in the state of Sergipe. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that used data from the VICTIM Register. Patients diagnosed with STEMI admitted to the four hospitals (one public and three private) where PCI is available in the state of Sergipe were evaluated, from December 2014 to June 2018. A multivariate analysis with adjusted model using mortality as a dependent variable was made. In all analyses, the level of significance adopted was 5% (p < 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 878 volunteers with a confirmed diagnosis of STEMI, of which 33.4% were women, were included in the study. Only 53.3% of the patients underwent myocardial reperfusion (134 women versus 334 men). Fibrinolysis was performed only in 2.3% of all patients (1.7% of women versus 2.6% of men; p = 0.422). The rate of primary PCI was lower (44% versus 54.5%; p = 0.003) and hospital mortality was higher (16.1% versus 6.7%; p < 0.001) in women than in men. CONCLUSION: Women have significantly lower rates of primary PCI and higher hospital mortality. Reperfusion rates were low in both sexes and there was a clear underutilization of thrombolytic agents.

FUNDAMENTO: A reperfusão miocárdica é parte fundamental do tratamento para infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento de ST (IAMCSST) e é responsável por reduzir morbimortalidade no paciente acometido. No entanto, as taxas de reperfusão são geralmente mais baixas e as taxas de mortalidade mais altas em mulheres que em homens. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a prevalência do uso de terapias de reperfusão em mulheres e homens com IAMCSST nos hospitais com capacidade para realizar intervenção coronariana percutânea (ICP) no estado de Sergipe. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo transversal que utilizou dados do Registro VICTIM. Foram avaliados pacientes com diagnóstico de IAMCSST admitidos nos quatro hospitais com capacidade para realizar ICP no estado de Sergipe, sendo um público e três privados, no período de dezembro de 2014 a junho de 2018. Foi aplicada análise multivariada com modelo ajustado utilizando mortalidade como variável dependente. Em todas as análises, o nível de significância adotado foi de 5% (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 878 voluntários com diagnóstico confirmado de IAMCSST, dos quais 33,4% eram mulheres. Apenas 53,3% dos pacientes foram submetidos à reperfusão miocárdica (134 mulheres versus 334 homens). A fibrinólise foi realizada somente em 2,3% de todos os pacientes (1,7% das mulheres versus 2,6% dos homens; p=0,422). Nas mulheres, a taxa de ICP primária foi menor (44% versus 54,5%; p=0,003) e a mortalidade hospitalar foi maior (16,1% versus 6,7%; p<0,001) que nos homens. CONCLUSÃO: As mulheres apresentam taxas significativamente menores de ICP primária e significativamente maiores de mortalidade hospitalar que os homens. A taxa de reperfusão em ambos os gêneros foi baixa e houve nítida subutilização de agentes trombolíticos.

Acesso à Terapia de Reperfusão e Mortalidade em Mulheres com Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST: Registro VICTIM / Access to Reperfusion Therapy and Mortality in Women with ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: VICTIM Register

Resumo Fundamento: A reperfusão miocárdica é parte fundamental do tratamento para infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento de ST (IAMCSST) e é responsável por reduzir morbimortalidade no paciente acometido. No entanto, as taxas de reperfusão são geralmente mais baixas e as taxas de mortalidade mais altas em mulheres que em homens. Objetivos: Avaliar a prevalência do uso de terapias de reperfusão em mulheres e homens com IAMCSST nos hospitais com capacidade para realizar intervenção coronariana percutânea (ICP) no estado de Sergipe. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal que utilizou dados do Registro VICTIM. Foram avaliados pacientes com diagnóstico de IAMCSST admitidos nos quatro hospitais com capacidade para realizar ICP no estado de Sergipe, sendo um público e três privados, no período de dezembro de 2014 a junho de 2018. Foi aplicada análise multivariada com modelo ajustado utilizando mortalidade como variável dependente. Em todas as análises, o nível de significância adotado foi de 5% (p<0,05). Resultados: Foram incluídos 878 voluntários com diagnóstico confirmado de IAMCSST, dos quais 33,4% eram mulheres. Apenas 53,3% dos pacientes foram submetidos à reperfusão miocárdica (134 mulheres versus 334 homens). A fibrinólise foi realizada somente em 2,3% de todos os pacientes (1,7% das mulheres versus 2,6% dos homens; p=0,422). Nas mulheres, a taxa de ICP primária foi menor (44% versus 54,5%; p=0,003) e a mortalidade hospitalar foi maior (16,1% versus 6,7%; p<0,001) que nos homens. Conclusão: As mulheres apresentam taxas significativamente menores de ICP primária e significativamente maiores de mortalidade hospitalar que os homens. A taxa de reperfusão em ambos os gêneros foi baixa e houve nítida subutilização de agentes trombolíticos.

Abstract Background: Myocardial reperfusion is a fundamental part of the treatment for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and is responsible for reducing morbidity and mortality in affected patients. However, reperfusion rates are usually lower and mortality rates higher in women compared to men. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of the use of reperfusion therapies among women and men with STEMI in hospitals where percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is available in the state of Sergipe. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that used data from the VICTIM Register. Patients diagnosed with STEMI admitted to the four hospitals (one public and three private) where PCI is available in the state of Sergipe were evaluated, from December 2014 to June 2018. A multivariate analysis with adjusted model using mortality as a dependent variable was made. In all analyses, the level of significance adopted was 5% (p < 0.05). Results: A total of 878 volunteers with a confirmed diagnosis of STEMI, of which 33.4% were women, were included in the study. Only 53.3% of the patients underwent myocardial reperfusion (134 women versus 334 men). Fibrinolysis was performed only in 2.3% of all patients (1.7% of women versus 2.6% of men; p = 0.422). The rate of primary PCI was lower (44% versus 54.5%; p = 0.003) and hospital mortality was higher (16.1% versus 6.7%; p < 0.001) in women than in men. Conclusion: Women have significantly lower rates of primary PCI and higher hospital mortality. Reperfusion rates were low in both sexes and there was a clear underutilization of thrombolytic agents.

Insights into the actions of angiotensin-1 receptor (AT1R) inverse agonists: Perspectives and implications in COVID-19 treatment.

New coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has caused chaos in health care systems. Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 are variable, with a complex pathophysiology and as yet no specific treatment. It has been suggested that the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has a possible role in the severity of cases and the number of deaths. Our hypothesis is that drugs with inverse agonist effects to the angiotensin-1 receptor can be promising tools in the management of patients with COVID-19, possibly avoiding complications and the poor evolution in some cases. Any risk factors first need to be identified, and the most appropriate time to administer the drugs during the course of the infection also needs to be established. Several angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) have a favorable profile and are important candidates for the treatment of COVID-19. In this review we discussed a set of compounds with favorable profile for COVID-19 treatment, including azilsartan, candesartan, eprosartan, EXP3174, olmesartan, telmisartan, and valsartan. They are effective as inverse agonists and could reduce the "cytokine storm" and reducing oxidative stress. As COVID-19 disease has several evolution patterns, the effectiveness of ARB therapy would be related to infection "timing", patient risk factors, previous use of ARBs, and the specific molecular effects of an ARB. However, controlled studies are needed to identify whether ARBs are beneficial in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.

Non-Targeted Self-Measurement of Blood Pressure: Association with Self-Medication, Unscheduled Emergency Visits and Anxiety.

Background and Objective: The routine practice of self-medication of blood pressure (BP) not oriented with pulse devices may not be precisely useful in the control of BP and can lead the patient to self-medicate in error. Thus, we need to evaluate the non-oriented self-assessment of BP in real-life circumstances in hypertensive patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate in hypertensive patients the association of BP self-measurement with its control, as well as the presence of anxiety disorders, the occurrence of unscheduled visits to the emergency room, and self-medication. Materials and Methods: An observational study was carried out with 1000 hypertensive volunteers (age: 61.0 ± 12.5). Using a questionnaire, sociodemographic and clinical data on BP control were collected. Anxiety was assessed by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: The group that performed non-oriented self-measurement of BP, showed that they had higher frequencies of self-medication (57.9%, p < 0.05) and more unscheduled visits to the emergency room (68%, p < 0.05). In addition, a lower level of BP control (46.8%, p < 0.05) was associated with higher levels of anxiety (52.3%, p < 0.05) in the group that performed non-oriented self-measurements of BP. Conclusion: The practice of non-oriented self-assessment of BP was associated with negative factors such as high levels of anxiety and higher frequencies of self-medication and unscheduled emergency visits.