Cuff-Based Oscillometric Central and Brachial Blood Pressures Obtained Through ABPM are Similarly Associated with Renal Organ Damage in Arterial Hypertension.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Central blood pressure (BP) has been suggested to be a better estimator of hypertension-associated risks. We aimed to evaluate the association of 24-hour central BP, in comparison with 24-hour peripheral BP, with the presence of renal organ damage in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Brachial and central (calculated by an oscillometric system through brachial pulse wave analysis) office BP and ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) data and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured in 208 hypertensive patients. Renal organ damage was evaluated by means of the albumin to creatinine ratio and the estimated glomerular filtration rate. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients (25.9%) were affected by renal organ damage, displaying either microalbuminuria (urinary albumin excretion ≥30 mg/g creatinine) or an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Compared to those without renal abnormalities, hypertensive patients with kidney damage had higher values of office brachial systolic BP (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP), and 24-h, daytime, and nighttime central and brachial SBP and PP. They also had a blunted nocturnal decrease in both central and brachial BP, and higher values of aortic PWV. After adjustment for age, gender, and antihypertensive treatment, only ABPM-derived BP estimates (both central and brachial) showed significant associations with the presence of renal damage. Odds ratios for central BP estimates were not significantly higher than those obtained for brachial BP. CONCLUSION: Compared with peripheral ABPM, cuff-based oscillometric central ABPM does not show a closer association with presence of renal organ damage in hypertensive patients. More studies, however, need to be done to better identify the role of central BP in clinical practice.

Clinic and ambulatory blood pressures, blood pressure phenotypes and mortality in patients with a previous stroke.

There is scarce evidence of the role of clinic and ambulatory BP indices, as well as blood pressure phenotypes in the prognosis of stroke survivors. We aimed to evaluate the association between ambulatory BP indices and mortality in patients with a previous stroke. Our study was an observational cohort study from individuals included in the Spanish Ambulatory Blood Pressure Registry from March 2004 to December 2014. The Cox model was used to estimate associations between usual clinic and ambulatory BP and mortality, adjusted for confounders and additionally for alternative measures of BP. Two thousand one hundred and eighty-three patients with a previous stroke were included. During a median of 9.2 years, 632 (28.9%) patients died: 236 (10.8%) from cardiovascular causes. In the confounder-adjusted model, clinic systolic BP was not associated with the risk of all-cause or cardiovascular mortality. In contrast, systolic BP indices obtained through ABPM (24 h, day and night) were all associated with all-cause and cardiovascular death. In the simultaneous adjustment of daytime and night-time systolic BP, only night-time systolic BP remained significantly associated with all-cause and cardiovascular death: HR 1.35 (95% CI 01.21-1.51) and 1.44 (1.20-1.72), respectively. For diastolic BP, only night-time BP was associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: HR 1.32 (1.18-1.48) and 1.57 (1.31-1.88), respectively. According to the circadian pattern, a riser pattern was associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: HR 1.49 (1.18-1.87) and 1.70 (1.14-2.52), respectively. In conclusion, in patients who have suffered a stroke, night-time BP is the BP estimate most closely associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Relationship of arterial stiffness and baseline vascular burden with new lacunes and microbleeds: A longitudinal cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Arterial stiffness may have a significant impact on the development of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We obtained pulse wave velocity (24-h PWV) by means of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in patients with a recent small subcortical infarct (RSSI). Patients with known cardiac or arterial embolic sources were excluded. Lacunes, microbleeds, white matter hyperintensities and enlarged perivascular spaces at baseline were assessed in a brain MRI and included in a cSVD score. A follow-up MRI was obtained 2 years later and assessed for the appearance of new lacunes or microbleeds. We constructed both unadjusted and adjusted models, and subsequently selected the optimal models based on the area under the curve (AUC) of the predicted probabilities. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients (mean age 67.04 years, 69.6% men) were evaluated and 25 had new lacunes or microbleeds during follow-up. There was a strong correlation between 24-h PWV and age (r = 0.942, p < 0.001). cSVD was associated with new lacunes or microbleeds when adjusted by age, 24-h PWV, NT-proBNP and hypercholesterolemia (OR 2.453, CI95% 1.381-4.358). The models exhibiting the highest discrimination, as indicated by their area under the curve (AUC) values, were as follows: 1 (AUC 0.854) - Age, cSVD score, 24-h PWV, Hypercholesterolemia; 2 (AUC 0.852) - cSVD score, 24-h PWV, Hypercholesterolemia; and 3 (AUC 0.843) - Age, cSVD score, Hypercholesterolemia. CONCLUSIONS: cSVD score is a stronger predictor for cSVD progression than age or hemodynamic parameters in patients with a RSSI.

Association between blood-brain barrier permeability and changes in pulse wave velocity following a recent small subcortical infarct.

Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) is associated with increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. We sought to evaluate whether arterial stiffness might be associated with BBB permeability in patients with cSVD. We assessed BBB permeability using Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in 29 patients that had suffered a recent small subcortical infarct (RSSI). BBB permeability in the whole brain (WB), gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) was assessed with the parameter Ktrans. We used ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to measure 24-h systolic blood pressure (24-h SBP), diastolic blood pressure (24-h DBP), and pulse wave velocity (24-h PWV) both after stroke and following a 2-year follow-up. The differences between both measurements were calculated as Δ24-h SBP, Δ24-h DBP and Δ24-h PWV. DCE-MRI was acquired at a median (IQR) of 24 (19-27) months after stroke. Median age was 66.7 (9.7) years, and 24 (83%) patients were men. Median (IQR) Δ24-h PWV was 0.3 (-0.1, 0.5) m/s. WB-Ktrans, GM-Ktrans, and WM-Ktrans were associated with Δ24-h PWV (Spearman's, r [95% CI], WB 0.651 [0.363-0.839]; GM 0.657 [0.373-0.845], WM 0.530[0.197-0.777]) but not with Δ24-h SBP or Δ24-h DBP. These associations remained significant after adjustment with linear regression models, controlling for age, sex, body mass index, and Δ24-h SBP (b[95% CI], WB 0.725[0.384-1.127], GM 0.629 [0.316-1.369], WM 0.865 [0.455-0.892]) or Δ24-h DBP (b[95% CI], WM 0.707 [0.370-1.103], GM 0.643 [0.352-1.371], WM 0.772 [0.367-0.834]). Our results suggest that an increment on arterial stiffness in the months following a RSSI might increase BBB permeability.

SEA 2024 Standards for Global Control of Vascular Risk. / Estándares de la Sociedad Española de Arteriosclerosis 2024 para el control global del riesgo vascular.

One of the objectives of the Spanish Society of Arteriosclerosis is to contribute to the knowledge, prevention and treatment of vascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death in Spain and entail a high degree of disability and health expenditure. Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease and its prevention requires a global approach that takes into account the associated risk factors. This document summarises the current evidence and includes recommendations for patients with established vascular disease or at high vascular risk: it reviews the symptoms and signs to evaluate, the laboratory and imaging procedures to request routinely or in special situations, and includes the estimation of vascular risk, diagnostic criteria for entities that are vascular risk factors, and general and specific recommendations for their treatment. Finally, it presents aspects that are not usually referenced in the literature, such as the organisation of a vascular risk consultation.

Increased pulse pressure is associated with left atrial enlargement in resistant hypertensive patients.

Resistant hypertension (RH) is frequently associated with a high prevalence of target organ damage, which impairs the prognosis of these patients. Considering cardiac alterations in RH, most attention has been devoted to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), but data concerning left atrial enlargement (LAE) is less known. This cross-sectional study assessed the factors associated with LAE, with special focus on blood pressure (BP) estimates obtained by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), in 250 patients with RH, aged 64 ± 11 years. LAE and LVH were observed in 10.0% (95% CI 6.3-13.7) and 57.1% (95% CI 50.8-63.5) of patients, respectively. Compared with patients with normal atrium size, those exhibiting LAE were older, more frequently women, had elevated pulse pressure (PP) measured both at the office and by ABPM, and showed higher prevalence of LVH (83% vs 54%; p = 0.016). In a logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, left ventricular mass index and BP pressure estimates, night-time PP was independently associated with LAE (OR for 5 mmHg = 1.28, 95% CI 1.24-1.32; p = 0.001). In conclusion, besides classical determinants of LAE, such as age and LVH, an elevated night-time PP was independently associated with LAE in patients with RH.

Implementation of Spanish adaptation of the European guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in primary care.

BACKGROUND: The successful implementation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention guidelines relies heavily on primary care physicians (PCPs) providing risk factor evaluation, intervention and patient education. The aim of this study was to ascertain the degree of awareness and implementation of the Spanish adaptation of the European guidelines on CVD prevention in clinical practice (CEIPC guidelines) among PCPs. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of PCPs was conducted in Spain between January and June 2011. A random sample of 1,390 PCPs was obtained and stratified by region. Data were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: More than half (58%) the physicians were aware of and knew the recommendations, and 62% of those claimed to use them in clinical practice, with general physicians (without any specialist accreditation) being less likely to so than family doctors. Most PCPs (60%) did not assess cardiovascular risk, with the limited time available in the surgery being cited as the greatest barrier by 81%. The main reason to be sceptical about recommendations, reported by 71% of physicians, was that there are too many guidelines. Almost half the doctors cited the lack of training and skills as the greatest barrier to the implementation of lifestyle and behavioural change recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Most PCPs were aware of the Spanish adaptation of the European guidelines on CVD prevention (CEIPC guidelines) and knew their content. However, only one third of PCPs used the guidelines in clinical practice and less than half CVD risk assessment tools.

Recommendations for the care of patients with cardiovascular disease in health emergency situations: a call to action.

COVID-19 has had a negative impact on the health care of patients with cardiovascular disease and patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease. The restrictions affecting access to the health care system have conditioned the care received, resulting in poorer control and a higher risk of events. Taking action to improve the care provided during health emergencies is mandatory. It is important to promote the development of telemedicine and patient empowerment by fostering health literacy and a higher degree of self-care. In addition, primary care and coordination between health care levels should be improved. Moreover, the simplification and optimization of treatment, for example, using the cardiovascular polypill, have led to an improvement in adherence, better control of vascular risk factors, and a reduced risk of events. The present document provides specific recommendations for improving the care provided to patients under a health emergency.

NT-proBNP, cerebral small vessel disease and cardiac function in patients with a recent lacunar infarct.

NT-proBNP is produced from both atria and ventricles and it is increased in patients with cardiac disease. NT-proBNP is also associated with cerebral small vessel disease(cSVD) but there are no studies that had carried out a systematic evaluation of cardiac function in this specific setting. We conducted a prospective observational study in 100 patients within 30 days after a recent lacunar infarct by means of brain MRI, 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, transthoracic echocardiography, and plasmatic NT-proBNP. Global cSVD burden was quantified using a validated visual score (0 to 4) and dichotomized into 2 groups (0-2 or 3-4). Age (73.8 vs 63.5 years) and NT-proBNP (156 vs 76 pg/ml) were increased in patients with SVD 3-4, while daytime augmentation index normalized for the heart rate of 75 bpm (AIx75) (22.5 vs 25.6%) was decreased. The proportion of patients with left atrial enlargement, left ventricular hypertrophy, or septal e' velocity <7 cm/s was not different between both groups. NT-proBNP was increased in patients with left atrial enlargement (126 vs 88 pg/ml). In multivariate analysis, age (OR 1.129 CI 95% 1.054-1.209), daytime AIx75 (OR 0.91 CI 95% 0.84-0.987,) and NT-proBNP (OR 1.007 CI 95% 1.001-1.012,) were independently associated with cSVD score 3-4. In conclusion, as well as in other patients with cSVD we found an association between NT-proBNP and cSVD. This association was independent of cardiac function.

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

We present the Spanish adaptation of the 2021 European Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) prevention in clinical practice. The current guidelines besides the individual approach greatly emphasize on the importance of population level approaches to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Systematic global CVD risk assessment is recommended in individuals with any major vascular risk factor. Regarding LDL-Cholesterol, blood pressure, and glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus, goals and targets remain as recommended in previous guidelines. However, it is proposed a new, stepwise approach (Step 1 and 2) to treatment intensification as a tool to help physicians and patients pursue these targets in a way that fits patient profile. After Step 1, considering proceeding to the intensified goals of Step 2 is mandatory, and this intensification will be based on 10-year CVD risk, lifetime CVD risk and treatment benefit, comorbidities and patient preferences. The updated SCORE algorithm-SCORE2, SCORE-OP- is recommended in these guidelines, which estimates an individual's 10-year risk of fatal and non-fatal CVD events (myocardial infarction, stroke) in healthy men and women aged 40-89 years. Another new and important recommendation is the use of different categories of risk according different age groups (< 50, 50-69, ≥70 years). Different flow charts of CVD risk and risk factor treatment in apparently healthy persons, in patients with established atherosclerotic CVD, and in diabetic patients are recommended. Patients with chronic kidney disease are considered high risk or very high-risk patients according to the levels of glomerular filtration rate and albumin-to-creatinine ratio. New lifestyle recommendations adapted to the ones published by the Spanish Ministry of Health as well as recommendations focused on the management of lipids, blood pressure, diabetes and chronic renal failure are included.

[Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Obstetricia y Ginecologia (SEGO) y el Comité Español Interdisciplinario para la Prevención Vascular (CEIPV). Ventana de oportunidad: prevención del riesgo vascular en la mujer. Resultados adversos del embarazo y riesgo de enfermedad vascular.] / Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SEGO) and the Spanish Interdisciplinary Committee for Vascular Prevention (CEIPV). Opportunity window: vascular risk prevention in women. Adverse pregnancy outcomes and risk of vascular disease.

This document summarises the evidence regarding the association between adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs), such as hypertensive disorders, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, fetal growth defects (small for gestational age and/or fetal growth restriction), placental abruption, fetal loss, and the risk that a pregnant individual in developing vascular risk factors (VR) that may lead to future vascular disease (VD): coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and heart failure. Furthermore, this document emphasises the importance of recognising APOs when assessing VR in women. A history of APOs serves as a sufficient indicator for primary prevention of VD. In fact, adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity among women with APOs, starting during pregnancy and/or postpartum, and maintaining it throughout life are significant interventions that can reduce VR. On the other hand, breastfeeding can also reduce the future VR of women, including a lower risk of mortality. Future studies evaluating the use of aspirin, statins, and metformin, among others, in women with a history of APOs could strengthen recommendations regarding pharmacotherapy for primary prevention of VD in these patients. Various healthcare system options exist to improve the transition of care for women with APOs between different healthcare professionals and implement long-term VR reduction strategies. One potential process could involve incorporating the fourth-trimester concept into clinical recommendations and healthcare policies.

Este documento resume la evidencia que existe entre los resultados adversos del embarazo (RAE), tales como son los trastornos hipertensivos, el parto pretérmino, la diabetes gestacional, los defectos en el crecimiento fetal (feto pequeño para la edad gestacional y/o restricción del crecimiento), el desprendimiento de placenta y la pérdida fetal, y el riesgo que tiene una persona gestante de desarrollar factores de riesgo vascular (RV) que pueden terminar provocando enfermedad vascular (EV) futura: cardiopatía coronaria, accidente cerebrovascular, enfermedad vascular periférica e insuficiencia cardíaca. Asimismo, este documento destaca la importancia de saber reconocer los RAE cuando se evalúa el RV en mujeres. Un antecedente de RAE es un indicador suficiente para hacer una prevención primaria de EV. De hecho, adoptar una dieta saludable y aumentar la actividad física entre las mujeres con RAE, de inicio en el embarazo y/o postparto y manteniéndolo a lo largo de la vida, son intervenciones importantes que permiten disminuir el RV. Por otro lado, la lactancia materna también puede disminuir el RV posterior de la mujer, incluyendo menos riesgo de mortalidad. Estudios futuros que evalúen el uso del ácido acetilsalicílico, las estatinas y la metformina, entre otros, en las mujeres con antecedentes de RAE podrían reforzar las recomendaciones sobre el uso de la farmacoterapia en la prevención primaria de la EV entre estas pacientes. Existen diferentes opciones dentro de los sistemas de salud para mejorar la transición de la atención de las mujeres con RAE entre los diferentes profesionales e implementar estrategias para reducir su RV a largo plazo. Una posible estrategia podría ser la incorporación del concepto del cuarto trimestre en las recomendaciones clínicas y las políticas de atención de la salud.

Abnormalities of vascular function in resistant hypertension.

We aimed to evaluate markers of vascular dysfunction in patients with resistant hypertension (RH). A group of 144 patients (61 years, 42% women) with essential RH were divided in two groups based on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). True RH (72%) was considered when 24-h blood pressure (BP) was ≥ 130 and/or 80 mmHg. Otherwise, patients were classified as white coat RH (28%). Hyperemia-induced forearm vasodilation (HIFV), serum inflammatory biomarkers (hs-CRP, s-ICAM-1, s-VCAM-1, e-selectin, p-selectin and MCP-1) and large (C1) and small arterial (C2) compliance (HDI/Pulse Wave CR 2000) were determined in all individuals. In comparison with patients with white coat RH, and after adjustment for age, office systolic BP and diabetes status, those with true RH had a more impaired HIFV (201 ± 159 vs 436 ± 157%; p < 0.001), increased e-selectin (53.1 ± 29.8 vs 40.7 ± 23.5 ng/ml; p = 0.035), and MCP-1 (445 ± 120 vs 386 ± 126 ng/ml; p = 0.027). No significant differences were observed in arterial compliance. Maximal HIFV inversely correlated with urinary albumin excretion (Rho: - 0.278; p = 0.004) and with some inflammatory biomarkers (MCP-1: - 0.441; p < 0.001, e-selectin: - 0.468; p < 0.001 and p-selectin: - 0.329; p = 0.001). We conclude that true RH, diagnosed by ABPM, is associated with a more severe degree of vascular dysfunction, as measured by HIFV and serum biomarkers, whereas other types of vascular alterations, such as compliance, are not directly linked with the level of BP.

[Statement of the Spanish Interdisciplinary Vascular Prevention Committee on the updated European Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention.] / Comentario del CEIPV a las nuevas Guías Europeas de Prevención Cardiovascular 2021.

We present the Spanish adaptation of the 2021 European Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) prevention in clinical practice. The current guidelines besides the individual approach greatly emphasize on the importance of population level approaches to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Systematic global CVD risk assessment is recommended in individuals with any major vascular risk factor. Regarding LDL-Cholesterol, blood pressure, and glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus, goals and targets remain as recommended in previous guidelines. However, it is proposed a new, stepwise approach (Step 1 and 2) to treatment intensification as a tool to help physicians and patients pursue these targets in a way that fits patient profile. After Step 1, considering proceeding to the intensified goals of Step 2 is mandatory, and this intensification will be based on 10-year CVD risk, lifetime CVD risk and treatment benefit, comorbidities and patient preferences. The updated SCORE algorithm (SCORE2, SCORE-OP) is recommended in these guidelines, which estimates an individual's 10-year risk of fatal and non-fatal CVD events (myocardial infarction, stroke) in healthy men and women aged 40-89 years. Another new and important recommendation is the use of different categories of risk according different age groups (<50, 50-69, >70 years). Different flow charts of CVD risk and risk factor treatment in apparently healthy persons, in patients with established atherosclerotic CVD, and in diabetic patients are recommended. Patients with chronic kidney disease are considered high risk or very high-risk patients according to the levels of glomerular filtration rate and albumin-to-creatinine ratio. New lifestyle recommendations adapted to the ones published by the Spanish Ministry of Health as well as recommendations focused on the management of lipids, blood pressure, diabetes and chronic renal failure are included.

Presentamos la adaptación española de las Guías Europeas de Prevención Cardiovascular 2021. En esta actualización además del abordaje individual, se pone mucho más énfasis en las políticas sanitarias como estrategia de prevención poblacional. Se recomienda el cálculo del riesgo vascular de manera sistemática a todas las personas adultas con algún factor de riesgo vascular. Los objetivos terapéuticos para el colesterol LDL, la presión arterial y la glucemia no han cambiado respecto a las anteriores guías, pero se recomienda alcanzar estos objetivos de forma escalonada (etapas 1 y 2). Se recomienda llegar siempre hasta la etapa 2, y la intensificación del tratamiento dependerá del riesgo a los 10 años y de por vida, del beneficio del tratamiento, de las comorbilidades, de la fragilidad y de las preferencias de los pacientes. Las guías presentan por primera vez un nuevo modelo para calcular el riesgo (SCORE2 y SCORE2 OP) de morbimortalidad vascular en los próximos 10 años (infarto de miocardio, ictus y mortalidad vascular) en hombres y mujeres entre 40 y 89 años. Otra de las novedades sustanciales es el establecimiento de diferentes umbrales de riesgo dependiendo de la edad (<50, 50-69, >70 años). Se presentan diferentes algoritmos de cálculo del riesgo vascular y tratamiento de los factores de riesgo vascular para personas aparentemente sanas, pacientes con diabetes y pacientes con enfermedad vascular aterosclerótica. Los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica se considerarán de riesgo alto o muy alto según la tasa del filtrado glomerular y el cociente albúmina/creatinina. Se incluyen innovaciones en las recomendaciones sobre los estilos de vida, adaptadas a las recomendaciones del Ministerio de Sanidad, así como aspectos novedosos relacionados con el control de los lípidos, la presión arterial, la diabetes y la insuficiencia renal crónica.

Statement of the Spanish Interdisciplinary Vascular Prevention Committee on the updated European Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention. / Comentario del CEIPV a las nuevas Guías Europeas de Prevención Cardiovascular 2021.

We present the Spanish adaptation of the 2021 European Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Clinical Practice. The current guidelines besides the individual approach greatly emphasize on the importance of population level approaches to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Systematic global cardiovascular disease risk assessment is recommended in individuals with any major vascular risk factor. Regarding LDL-cholesterol, blood pressure, and glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus, goals and targets remain as recommended in previous guidelines. However, it is proposed a new, stepwise approach (steps 1 and 2) to treatment intensification as a tool to help physicians and patients pursue these targets in a way that fits patient profile. After step 1, considering proceeding to the intensified goals of step 2 is mandatory, and this intensification will be based on 10-year cardiovascular disease risk, lifetime cardiovascular disease risk and treatment benefit, comorbidities and patient preferences. The updated SCORE algorithm ?SCORE2, SCORE2-OP? is recommended in these guidelines, which estimates an individual's 10-year risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease events (myocardial infarction, stroke) in healthy men and women aged 40-89 years. Another new and important recommendation is the use of different categories of risk according to different age groups (<50, 50-69, ≥70 years). Different flow charts of cardiovascular disease risk and risk factor treatment in apparently healthy persons, in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and in diabetic patients are recommended. Patients with chronic kidney disease are considered high risk or very high-risk patients according to the levels of glomerular filtration rate and albumin-to-creatinine ratio. New lifestyle recommendations adapted to the ones published by the Spanish Ministry of Health as well as recommendations focused on the management of lipids, blood pressure, diabetes and chronic renal failure are included.

SEA 2022 Standards for Global Control of Cardiovascular Risk. / Estándares SEA 2022 para el control global del riesgo cardiovascular.

One of the objectives of the Spanish Society of Arteriosclerosis is to contribute to better knowledge of vascular disease, its prevention and treatment. It is well known that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in our country and entail a high degree of disability and health care costs. Arteriosclerosis is a multifactorial disease and therefore its prevention requires a global approach that takes into account the different risk factors with which it is associated. Therefore, this document summarizes the current level of knowledge and includes recommendations and procedures to be followed in patients with established cardiovascular disease or at high vascular risk. Specifically, this document reviews the main symptoms and signs to be evaluated during the clinical visit, the laboratory and imaging procedures to be routinely requested or requested for those in special situations. It also includes vascular risk estimation, the diagnostic criteria of the different entities that are cardiovascular risk factors, and makes general and specific recommendations for the treatment of the different cardiovascular risk factors and their final objectives. Finally, the document includes aspects that are not usually referenced in the literature, such as the organization of a vascular risk consultation.

Impact of prescription patterns of antithrombotic treatment on atrial fibrillation-related ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the temporal trends of atrial fibrillation (AF)-related ischemic stroke (IS) and their relationship with the prescription patterns of antithrombotic treatment from 2013 to 2019 in the Health Assistance Area of a regional hospital. METHODS: First, a retrospective ecological study of aggregate data to analyze the annual incidence of IS between 2013 and 2019 was performed. Second, we selected those patients diagnosed with AF between 2013 and 2019 and performed a retrospective longitudinal study to assess the role of antithrombotic therapy in the development of AF-related IS. RESULTS: During this period, whereas the annual incidence of IS remained stable (from 1.3 in 2013 to 1.2 cases per 1000 inhabitants in 2019; adjusted P for trend .829), the annual incidence of AF-related IS decreased over time (from 23.8 to 18.8 cases per 1000 inhabitants, respectively; adjusted P for trend .001). Among AF patients, the use of direct oral anticoagulants increased from 5.5% to 46.8%, while the prescription of antiplatelets and vitamin K antagonists decreased from 21.9% to 6.0% and from 63.8% to 36.1%, respectively. Overall, the use of oral anticoagulants increased from 69.3% to 82.9%; p < .001. Patients under antiplatelet agents had a higher probability of presenting IS than those patients taking oral anticoagulants, either vitamin K antagonists or direct oral anticoagulants (adjusted OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.52-2.37; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The prescription of oral anticoagulants, particularly direct oral anticoagulants, has increased from 2013 to 2019 in our Health Assistance Area. This increase might partially explain the reduction in AF-related IS.

Statement of the Spanish Interdisciplinary Vascular Prevention Committee on the updated European Cardiovascular Prevention Guidelines. / Comentario del CEIPV a la actualización de las Guías Europeas de Prevención Vascular en la Práctica Clínica.

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]. / Comentario del CEIPV a la actualización de las Guías Europeas de Prevención Vascular en la Práctica Clínica.

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.

Biomarkers levels and brachial and central blood pressure during the subacute phase of lacunar stroke and other ischemic stroke subtypes.

We aimed to evaluate brachial and central blood pressure (BP) estimates and biomarker levels in lacunar ischemic stroke (IS) and other IS subtypes (nonlacunar stroke). We studied 70 functionally independent subjects consecutively admitted to our institution after a first episode of IS. Subjects with previous heart failure were excluded. BP was measured at admission and during the subacute phase of stroke (5-7 days after stroke onset). Aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV), augmentation index (AIx), and 24 h brachial and central BP (24h-ABPM) were measured by means of a Mobil-O-Graph device during the subacute phase of stroke. Determination of N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), urinary albumin excretion, and echocardiography were performed in all subjects. After adjusting for age and clinical severity, lacunar IS had significantly higher levels of BP at admission (systolic BP 173 ± 37 vs 153 ± 28 mmHg, p = 0.006; diastolic BP: 97 ± 21 vs 86 ± 16 mmHg, p = 0.035) and during the subacute phase of stroke (systolic BP 152 ± 23 vs 134 ± 19 mmHg, p = 0.001; diastolic BP: 84 ± 14 and 77 ± 10 mmHg, respectively; p = 0.038) but lower NT-proBNP levels (median: 36,277 vs 274 pg/mL, p = 0.009) than nonlacunar IS. Central BP, aPWV, and AIx were not different between lacunar and nonlacunar IS, neither the rate of target organ damage. In conclusion, patients with a first episode of lacunar IS have higher BP values at admission and during the subacute phase of stroke and lower levels of NT-proBNP, suggesting a closer relationship with hypertension of this IS subtype.

[Statement of the Spanish Interdisciplinary Vascular Prevention Committee on the updated European Cardiovascular Prevention Guidelines.] / Comentario del CEIPV a la actualización de las Guías Europeas de Prevención Vascular en la Práctica Clínica.

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.

Presentamos la adaptación para España de la actualización de las Guías Europeas de Prevención Vascular. En esta actualización se hace mayor énfasis en el abordaje poblacional, especialmente en la promoción de la actividad física y de una dieta saludable mediante políticas alimentarias y de ocio y transporte activo en España. Para estimar el riesgo vascular, se destaca la importancia de recalibrar las tablas que se utilicen, adaptándolas a los cambios poblaciones en la prevalencia de los factores de riesgo y en la incidencia de enfermedades vasculares, con particular atención al papel de la enfermedad renal crónica. A nivel individual resulta clave el apoyo personalizado para el cambio de conducta, la adherencia a la medicación en los individuos de alto riesgo y pacientes con enfermedad vascular, la promoción de la actividad física y el abandono del hábito tabáquico. Además, se revisan los ensayos clínicos recientes con inhibidores de PCKS9, la necesidad de simplificar el tratamiento farmacológico de la hipertensión arterial para mejorar su control y la adherencia al tratamiento. En los pacientes con diabetes mellitus 2 y enfermedad vascular o riesgo vascular alto, cuando los cambios de estilo de vida y la metformina resultan insuficientes, deben priorizarse los fármacos con demostrado beneficio vascular. Por último, se incluyen pautas sobre enfermedad arterial periférica y otras enfermedades específicas, y se recomienda no prescribir antiagregantes en prevención primaria.