Stress and Depression Are Associated With Life's Simple 7 Among African Americans With Hypertension: Findings From the Jackson Heart Study.

BACKGROUND: The American Heart Association created the Life's Simple 7 (LS7) metrics to promote cardiovascular health (CVH) by achieving optimal levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, physical activity, diet, weight, and smoking status. The degree to which psychosocial factors such as stress and depression impact one's ability to achieve optimal CVH is unclear, particularly among hypertensive African Americans. METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses included 1,819 African Americans with hypertension participating in the Jackson Heart Study (2000-2004). Outcomes were LS7 composite and individual component scores (defined as poor, intermediate, ideal). High perceived chronic stress was defined as the top quartile of Weekly Stress Inventory scores. High depressive symptoms were defined as Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale scores of ≥16. We compared 4 groups: high stress alone; high depressive symptoms alone; high stress and high depressive symptoms; low stress and low depressive symptoms (reference) using linear regression for total LS7 scores and logistic regression for LS7 components. RESULTS: Participants with both high stress and depressive symptoms had lower composite LS7 scores (B [95% confidence interval] = -0.34 [-0.65 to -0.02]) than those with low stress and depressive symptoms in unadjusted and age/sex-adjusted models. They also had poorer health status for smoking (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.52 [0.35-0.78]) and physical activity (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.71 [0.52-0.95]) after full covariate adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of high stress and high depressive symptoms was associated with poorer LS7 metrics in hypertensive African Americans. Psychosocial interventions may increase the likelihood of engaging in behaviors that promote optimal CVH.

Cardiovascular Health and Transition From Controlled Blood Pressure to Apparent Treatment Resistant Hypertension: The Jackson Heart Study and the REGARDS Study.

Almost 1 in 5 US adults with hypertension has apparent treatment resistant hypertension (aTRH). Identifying modifiable risk factors for incident aTRH may guide interventions to reduce the need for additional antihypertensive medication. We evaluated the association between cardiovascular health and incident aTRH among participants with hypertension and controlled blood pressure (BP) at baseline in the Jackson Heart Study (N=800) and the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study (N=2316). Body mass index, smoking, physical activity, diet, BP, cholesterol and glucose, categorized as ideal, intermediate, or poor according to the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 were assessed at baseline and used to define cardiovascular health. Incident aTRH was defined by uncontrolled BP, systolic BP ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥80 mm Hg, while taking ≥3 classes of antihypertensive medication or controlled BP, systolic BP <130 mm Hg and diastolic BP <80 mm Hg, while taking ≥4 classes of antihypertensive medication at a follow-up visit. Over a median 9 years of follow-up, 605 (19.4%) participants developed aTRH. Incident aTRH developed among 25.8%, 18.2%, and 15.7% of participants with 0 to 1, 2, and 3 to 5 ideal Life's Simple 7 components, respectively. No participants had 6 or 7 ideal Life's Simple 7 components at baseline. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) for incident aTRH associated with 2 and 3 to 5 versus 0 to 1 ideal components were 0.75 (0.61-0.92) and 0.67 (0.54-0.82), respectively. These findings suggest optimizing cardiovascular health may reduce the pill burden and high cardiovascular risk associated with aTRH among individuals with hypertension.

Trends in Statin Use Among US Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease, 1999-2014.

Background The 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association cholesterol guidelines recognize cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus but not chronic kidney disease ( CKD ) as high-risk conditions warranting statin therapy. Statin use may be lower for adults with CKD compared with adults with conditions that have guideline indications for statin use. Methods and Results We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 1999-2002 through 2011-2014 to determine trends in the percentage of US adults ≥20 years of age with and without CKD taking statins. CKD was defined by an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73m2 or albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g. Statin use was identified through a medication inventory. Between 1999-2002 and 2011-2014, the percentage of adults taking statins increased from 17.6% to 35.7% among those with CKD and from 6.8% to 14.7% among those without CKD . After multivariable adjustment, adults with CKD were not more likely to be taking statins compared with those without CKD (prevalence ratio, 1.01; 95% CI] 0.96-1.08). Among adults without a history of cardiovascular disease, those with CKD but not diabetes mellitus were less likely to be taking statins compared with those with diabetes mellitus but not CKD (prevalence ratio, 0.54; 95% CI , 0.44-0.66). Among adults with a history of cardiovascular disease, there was no difference in statin use between those with CKD but not diabetes mellitus versus those with diabetes mellitus but not CKD (prevalence ratio, 0.95; 95% CI , 0.79-1.15). Conclusions CKD does not appear to be a major stimulus for statin use among US adults.

Chronic kidney disease and incident apparent treatment-resistant hypertension among blacks: Data from the Jackson Heart Study.

It is unclear whether black patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) vs those without CKD who take antihypertensive medication have an increased risk for apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH). The authors analyzed 1741 Jackson Heart Study participants without aTRH taking antihypertensive medication at baseline. aTRH was defined as uncontrolled blood pressure while taking three antihypertensive medication classes or taking four or more antihypertensive medication classes, regardless of blood pressure level. CKD was defined as an albumin to creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g or estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 . Over 8 years, 20.1% of participants without CKD and 30.5% with CKD developed aTRH. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio for aTRH comparing participants with CKD vs those without CKD was 1.45 (95% CI, 1.12-1.86). Participants with an albumin to creatinine ratio ≥30 vs <30 mg/g (hazard ratio, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.04-2.00) and estimated glomerular filtration rate of 45 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 and <45 vs ≥60mL/min/1.73 m2 (hazard ratio, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.16-2.20] and 2.05 [95% CI, 1.28-3.26], respectively) were more likely to develop aTRH.

Cardiovascular Health and Incident Hypertension in Blacks: JHS (The Jackson Heart Study).

Several modifiable health behaviors and health factors that comprise the Life's Simple 7-a cardiovascular health metric-have been associated with hypertension risk. We determined the association between cardiovascular health and incident hypertension in JHS (the Jackson Heart Study)-a cohort of blacks. We analyzed participants without hypertension or cardiovascular disease at baseline (2000-2004) who attended ≥1 follow-up visit in 2005 to 2008 or 2009 to 2012 (n=1878). Body mass index, physical activity, diet, cigarette smoking, blood pressure (BP), total cholesterol, and fasting glucose were assessed at baseline and categorized as ideal, intermediate, or poor using the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 definitions. Incident hypertension was defined at the first visit wherein a participant had systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg, diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg, or self-reported taking antihypertensive medication. The percentage of participants with ≤1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 ideal Life's Simple 7 components was 6.5%, 22.4%, 34.4%, 25.2%, 10.0%, and 1.4%, respectively. No participants had 7 ideal components. During follow-up (median, 8.0 years), 944 (50.3%) participants developed hypertension, including 81.3% with ≤1 and 11.1% with 6 ideal components. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for incident hypertension comparing participants with 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 versus ≤1 ideal component were 0.80 (0.61-1.03), 0.58 (0.45-0.74), 0.30 (0.23-0.40), 0.26 (0.18-0.37), and 0.10 (0.03-0.31), respectively (Ptrend <0.001). This association was present among participants with baseline systolic BP <120 mm Hg and diastolic BP <80 mm Hg and separately systolic BP 120 to 139 mm Hg or diastolic BP 80 to 89 mm Hg. Blacks with better cardiovascular health have lower hypertension risk.

Incident Cardiovascular Disease Among Adults With Blood Pressure <140/90 mm Hg.

BACKGROUND: Data from before the 2000s indicate that the majority of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) events occur among US adults with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) ≥140/90 mm Hg. Over the past several decades, BP has declined and hypertension control has improved. METHODS: We estimated the percentage of incident CVD events that occur at SBP/DBP <140/90 mm Hg in a pooled analysis of 3 contemporary US cohorts: the REGARDS study (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke), the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), and the JHS (Jackson Heart Study) (n=31 856; REGARDS=21 208; MESA=6779; JHS=3869). Baseline study visits were conducted in 2003 to 2007 for REGARDS, 2000 to 2002 for MESA, and 2000 to 2004 for JHS. BP was measured by trained staff using standardized methods. Antihypertensive medication use was self-reported. The primary outcome was incident CVD, defined by the first occurrence of fatal or nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, fatal coronary heart disease, or heart failure. Events were adjudicated in each study. RESULTS: Over a mean follow-up of 7.7 years, 2584 participants had incident CVD events. Overall, 63.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 54.9-71.1) of events occurred in participants with SBP/DBP <140/90 mm Hg; 58.4% (95% CI, 47.7-69.2) and 68.1% (95% CI, 60.1-76.0) among those taking and not taking antihypertensive medication, respectively. The majority of events occurred in participants with SBP/DBP <140/90 mm Hg among those <65 years of age (66.7%; 95% CI, 60.5-73.0) and ≥65 years of age (60.3%; 95% CI, 51.0-69.5), women (61.4%; 95% CI, 49.9-72.9) and men (63.8%; 95% CI, 58.4-69.1), and for whites (68.7%; 95% CI, 66.1-71.3), blacks (59.0%; 95% CI, 49.5-68.6), Hispanics (52.7%; 95% CI, 45.1-60.4), and Chinese-Americans (58.5%; 95% CI, 45.2-71.8). Among participants taking antihypertensive medication with SBP/DBP <140/90 mm Hg, 76.6% (95% CI, 75.8-77.5) were eligible for statin treatment, but only 33.2% (95% CI, 32.1-34.3) were taking one, and 19.5% (95% CI, 18.5-20.5) met the SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) eligibility criteria and may benefit from a SBP target goal of 120 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS: Although higher BP levels are associated with increased CVD risk, in the modern era, the majority of incident CVD events occur in US adults with SBP/DBP <140/90 mm Hg. While absolute risk and cost-effectiveness should be considered, additional CVD risk-reduction measures for adults with SBP/DBP <140/90 mm Hg at high risk for CVD may be warranted.

The role of cystatin-C in the confirmation of reduced glomerular filtration rate among the oldest old.

INTRODUCTION: Current guidelines suggest using cystatin-C to confirm a reduced creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRcr) when the latter is thought to be inaccurate. Older adults have reduced muscle mass, which may affect the accuracy of eGFRcr. We evaluated the use of cystatin-C-based eGFR (eGFRcys) to confirm reduced eGFRcr among adults ≥ 80 years of age and, for comparison, younger adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed data from 3,059 REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study participants with reduced eGFRcr (< 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) enrolled in 2003-2007 who were not on dialysis. eGFRcr and eGFRcys were calculated using age, sex and race-adjusted equations. Confirmed reduced eGFRcr was defined as eGFRcys < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2). Prevalence of chronic kidney disease complications at baseline and all-cause mortality up to March 2012 were calculated. Analyses were stratified by age: < 65, 65-79 and ≥ 80 years. RESULTS: Among participants < 65, 65-79 and ≥ 80 years of age, 76.5%, 85.7% and 92.5%, respectively, had reduced eGFRcr confirmed with eGFRcys (p < 0.001). Among participants ≥ 80 years of age, those with reduced eGFRcr confirmed with eGFRcys had higher prevalence of hypertension (79.1% vs. 65.1%, p = 0.03) and albuminuria (38.3% vs. 22.7%, p = 0.04) and higher risk for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 2.43; 95% confidence interval: 1.19-5.01) as compared with those in whom reduced eGFRcr was not confirmed by eGFRcys. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced eGFRcr was confirmed using eGFRcys for the vast majority of adults ≥ 80 years. These results suggest that using cystatin-C to confirm a reduced eGFRcr may not be necessary among the oldest old.

Addressing Stroke Risk Factors in Black and White Americans: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009-2010.

OBJECTIVE: Recurrent stroke affects 5%-15% of stroke survivors, is higher among Blacks, and preventable with secondary stroke prevention medications. Our study aimed to examine racial differences in risk factors being addressed (defined as either on active treatment or within guideline levels) among stroke survivors and those at risk for stroke. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using NHANES 2009-2010 standardized interviews of Whites and Blacks aged ≥18 years. Risk factors were defined as being addressed if: 1) for hypertension, SBP <140, DBP <90 (SBP<130, DBP<80 for diabetics) or using BP-lowering medications; 2) for current smoking, using cessation medications; and 3) for hyperlipidemia, LDL<100 (LDL<70 for stroke survivors) or using lipid-lowering medications. Participants were stratified by stroke history. Prevalence of addressed risk factors was compared by race. RESULTS: Among 4005 participants (mean age 48, 52% women, 15% Black), 4% reported a history of stroke. Among stroke survivors, there were no statistically significant differences in Blacks and Whites having their hypertension or hyperlipidemia addressed. Among stroke naïve participants, the prevalence of addressed hypertension (P<.01) and hyperlipidemia (P<.01) was lower in Blacks compared with Whites. CONCLUSIONS: We found that addressed hypertension and hyperlipidemia in stroke naïve participants were significantly lower in Blacks than Whites. Our observations call attention to areas that require further investigation, such as why Black Americans may not be receiving evidence-based pharmacologic therapy for hypertension and hyperlipidemia or why Black Americans are not at goal blood pressure or goal LDL. A better understanding of this information is critical to preventing stroke and other vascular diseases.

Validation of an Albuminuria Self-assessment Tool in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: We previously developed an 8-item self-assessment tool to identify individuals with a high probability of having albuminuria. This tool was developed and externally validated among non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks. We sought to validate it in a multi-ethnic cohort that also included Hispanics and Chinese Americans. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. SETTING: Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and spot urine samples at a baseline examination in 2000-2002. The 8 items in the self-assessment tool include age, race, gender, current cigarette smoking, history of diabetes, hypertension, or stroke, and self-rated health. PARTICIPANTS: Of 6,814 community-dwelling adults aged 45-84 years participating in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), 6,542 were included in the primary analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Albuminuria was defined as urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg/g at baseline. RESULTS: Among non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanics, and Chinese Americans, the prevalence of albuminuria was 6.0%, 11.3%, 11.6%, and 10.8%, respectively. The c-statistic for discriminating participants with and without albuminuria was .731 (95% CI: .692, .771), .728 (95% CI: .687, .761), .747 (95% CI: .709, .784), and .761 (95% CI: .699, .814) for non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanics, and Chinese Americans, respectively. The self-assessment tool over-estimated the probability of albuminuria for non-Hispanic Whites and Blacks, but was well-calibrated for Hispanics and Chinese Americans. CONCLUSIONS: The albuminuria self-assessment tool maintained good test characteristics in this large multi-ethnic cohort, suggesting it may be helpful for increasing awareness of albuminuria in an ethnically diverse population.

The association between vitamin B12, albuminuria and reduced kidney function: an observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Variants in CUBN, the gene encoding cubilin, a proximal tubular transport protein, have been associated with albuminuria and vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency. We hypothesized that low levels of B12 would be associated with albuminuria in a population-based cohort. METHODS: We analyzed participants from the Framingham Heart Study (n = 2965, mean age 58 years, 53% female) who provided samples for plasma B12. Logistic regression models adjusted for covariates including homocysteine were constructed to test the association between B12 and prevalent albuminuria (UACR ≥17 mg/g [men] and ≥25 mg/g [women]) and reduced kidney function (defined as an eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2), RKF). Because of a significant interaction between B12 and homocysteine in the prevalent RKF model (p = 0.005), the model was stratified by the median homocysteine levels. Logistic regression models were constructed to test the association between B12 and incident albuminuria and RKF. The results were replicated in 4445 participants from NHANES 2003-2004. RESULTS: Baseline B12 levels ranged from 50-1690 pg/ml. Elevated B12 was associated with prevalent albuminuria (OR 1.44 per 1 SD increase, 95% CI 1.10-1.87) and RKF (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.30-2.60). However after stratifying by median homocysteine levels, this relationship remained only in the higher homocysteine stratum. There was no association between B12 and incident albuminuria (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.79 - 1.73) or RKF (OR 1.45, 95% CI 0.97 - 1.88). In the NHANES cohort, elevated B12 was associated with RKF after full covariate adjustment (OR 3.06, 95% CI 2.30-4.08). There was no association with albuminuria. CONCLUSION: In participants with high baseline homocysteine levels, increased plasma B12 was associated with RKF.

Trends in hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control among US adults 80 years and older, 1988-2010.

The authors examined trends in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in 1988-1994 (n=1164), 1999-2004 (n=1,026), and 2005-2010 (n=1048) among US adults 80 years and older in serial National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Hypertension was defined as SBP ≥140 mm Hg, DBP ≥90 mm Hg, or use of antihypertensive medication. Awareness and treatment were defined by self-report and control as SBP/DBP<140/90 mm Hg. Mean SBP decreased from 147.3 mm Hg to 140.1 mm Hg and mean DBP from 70.2 mm Hg to 59.4 mm Hg between 1988-1994 and 2005-2010. The prevalence, awareness, and treatment of hypertension each increased over time. Controlled hypertension increased from 30.4% in 1988-1994 to 53.1% in 2005-2010. The proportion of patients taking 3 classes of antihypertensive medication increased from 7.0% to 30.9% between 1988-1994 and 2005-2010. Increases in awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and antihypertensive polypharmacy have been observed among very old US adults.