Home blood pressure self-measurement: “Current situation and new perspectives” / Automedidas domiciliarias de presión arterial: «situación actual y nuevas perspectivas»

The method typically used to diagnose and monitor hypertensive patients has been to measure blood pressure in the physician's surgery; however, it is a well-known fact that this approach poses certain drawbacks, such as observer bias, failure to detect an alert reaction in the clinic, etc., difficulties that affect its accuracy as a diagnostic method.In recent years, the varying international scientific societies have persistently recommended the use of blood pressure measurements outside the clinic (at home or in the outpatient setting), using validated automatic devices. Data from some studies suggest that if we rely solely on in-office measurements, approximately 15–20% of the time we may be wrong when making decisions, both in terms of diagnosis and patient follow-up.Home blood pressure measurements are a simple and very affordable method that has a similar reproducibility and prognostic value as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, the availability of which is currently very limited. Moreover, ambulatory self-measurements have the significant benefit of being able to improve control of hypertensive individuals.Healthcare professionals and patients should be aware of the methodology of home blood pressure measurement, its usefulness and limitations. (AU)

El método utilizado habitualmente para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de los pacientes hipertensos ha sido la medida de la presión arterial en la consulta, pero es un hecho conocido que este método plantea problemas (sesgos del observador, no detecta reacción de alerta en consulta…) que afectan a su precisión como método diagnóstico.Las diferentes sociedades científicas internacionales, en los últimos años, recomiendan de forma insistente el uso de medidas de presión arterial fuera de la consulta (domiciliarias o ambulatorias) con aparatos automáticos validados para tomar decisiones. Datos de algunos estudios sugieren que si solo utilizamos las medidas de la consulta nos podemos equivocar en torno a un 15-20% de las veces que tomemos decisiones en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de los pacientes.Las medidas domiciliarias de presión arterial son un método sencillo y muy accesible que tienen una reproducibilidad y valor pronóstico similar al de las medidas ambulatorias, cuya disponibilidad actualmente e muy limitada, y que además tienen una utilidad importante que es la posibilidad de mejora del control de los hipertensos.Los profesionales sanitarios y los pacientes deben conocer la metodología de uso de la medida de presión arterial domiciliaria y sus utilidades y limitaciones. (AU)

Home blood pressure self-measurement: "Current situation and new perspectives".

The method typically used to diagnose and monitor hypertensive patients has been to measure blood pressure in the physician's surgery; however, it is a well-known fact that this approach poses certain drawbacks, such as observer bias, failure to detect an alert reaction in the clinic, etc., difficulties that affect its accuracy as a diagnostic method. In recent years, the varying international scientific societies have persistently recommended the use of blood pressure measurements outside the clinic (at home or in the outpatient setting), using validated automatic devices. Data from some studies suggest that if we rely solely on in-office measurements, approximately 15-20% of the time we may be wrong when making decisions, both in terms of diagnosis and patient follow-up. Home blood pressure measurements are a simple and very affordable method that has a similar reproducibility and prognostic value as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, the availability of which is currently very limited. Moreover, ambulatory self-measurements have the significant benefit of being able to improve control of hypertensive individuals. Healthcare professionals and patients should be aware of the methodology of home blood pressure measurement, its usefulness and limitations.

[Cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular events in the general population of the sanitary area of Toledo. RICARTO Study]. / Justificación, objetivos y diseño metodológico del estudio RICARTO (RIesgo CARdiovascular y eventos cardiovasculares en la población general del área sanitaria de TOledo).

INTRODUCTION: The main aim of this study is to ascertain the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), target organ damage (TOD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as life habits (physical exercise, alcohol consumption, and Mediterranean diet) in the population of a Health Area in Toledo, Spain, to assess cardiovascular risk (CVR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Epidemiological and observational study that will analyse a sample from the general population aged 18 years or older, randomly selected from a database of health cards, and stratified by age and gender. Clinical history, physical examination, and complementary tests will be performed. Aliquots of whole blood and serum samples will be stored at a temperature of-85°C to evaluate future genetic studies. CVR will be estimated by using SCORE project scales calibrated for Spanish population and the Framingham Heart Study scale. When the estimated sample size has been achieved and after a minimum follow-up of 5 years, a final visit will performed in which CVRF, TOD, CVD, CVRF control, and fatal and non-fatal outcomes will be evaluated. DISCUSSION: The RICARTO study is aimed to assess the prevalence of the main CVRF, TOD and CVD in order to determine the CVR in the general population of a health area of Toledo. An analysis will be repeated on the final sample after at least 5 years of follow-up to ascertain the incidence of CV outcomes and the temporal trends of life style, as well as the prevalence of CVRF, TOD, and CVD.

[Characteristics and cardiovascular events in a general population included in the RICARTO (RIesgo CARdiovascular TOledo) study: Data from the first 1,500 individuals included in the study]. / Características de la población general incluida en el estudio RICARTO (RIesgo CARdiovascular y eventos cardiovasculares en la población general del área sanitaria de TOledo): resultados con los primeros 1.500 individuos incluidos en el estudio.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess cardiovascular risk (CVR) by investigating the prevalence of CVR factors (CVRF), target organ damage (TOD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in general population of the health area of Toledo, Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Epidemiological and observational study that analysed a sample from the general population aged 18years or older, randomly selected from a database of health cards stratified by age and gender. Clinical history, physical examination, and complementary tests were performed. Total blood and serum samples were frozen at -85°C to evaluate genetic studies in the future. Standard statistical analysis was performed. CVR was assessed by the SCORE scale calibrated for the Spanish population, and the Framingham Heart Study scale. RESULTS: A total of 1,500 individuals (mean age 49.1±15.8years, 55.6% women) were included. Prevalences: dyslipidaemia 56.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 54.3-59.4), hypertension 33.0% (95%CI: 30.6-35.4), diabetes mellitus 8.6% (95%CI: 7.17-10.1), smoking 24.2% (95%CI; 122.0-26.4), obesity 25.3% (95%CI; 23.1-27.5), and sedentary life-style 39.4% (95%CI; 36.9-41.8). No CVRF was reported in 21.1% of cases, and 18.6% had 3-5 CVRF. TOD: electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy, 4.3%, peripheral artery disease, 10.1% (Doppler ultrasound), and 15.3% (oscillometric device), microalbuminuria, 4.3%, sub-clinical renal disease, 3.2%, and nephropathy in 3.8% (CKD-EPI). At least one CVD was reported in 9.2% of cases. A low CVR (SCORE) was present in 44.6% of individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Dyslipidaemia was found in 60% of individuals, 40% had a sedentary life-style, 30% with hypertension, 20% smoked, 20% obesity, and almost 10% with diabetes. More than a half of individuals have a moderate-high-very high risk. The prevalence of TOD and CVD are significant.

[Lipid profile in patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome in Spain: data from Toledo health care area between 2005 and 2008]. / Perfil lipídico en pacientes ingresados por síndrome coronario agudo en España: datos del área sanitaria de Toledo entre los años 2005 y 2008.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the lipid profile of patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome in Toledo (Spain) between 2005 and 2008. METHODS: Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels were evaluated. Descriptive analyses and means comparison were performed. RESULTS: 1,381 patients of 3,986 admitted with acute coronary syndrome had a complete lipid profile. The mean age was 67.8±12.9 years (72.4% men). A first event was present in 76.3%. The mean total cholesterol (±SD) was 180.0±43.4, LDL-cholesterol 115±38.0, HDL-cholesterol 44.1±12.3, and triglyceride 145.3±92.4mg/dL, with statistically significant differences between men and women in LDL-cholesterol (116.3±37.8 vs 111.6±38.5mg/dL; p=0.04) and HDL-cholesterol (42.3±11.6 vs 48.4±13.2mg/dL; p=0.0001). In first or recurrent events were found, respectively, total cholesterol 179.1±43.1 and 174.5±44.1 (p<0.05), LDL-cholesterol 116.5±38.4 and 110±36.5 (p=0.007), HDL-cholesterol 44.1±12.2 and 44.2±12.9 (p<0.05), and triglyceride 141.2±81.7 and 158.5±119.7 (p=0.03). Optimal levels of LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were found in 14.1 and 11.6% of patients with recurrent episodes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: While most patients admitted with first episode of acute coronary syndrome to the Toledo Health Area have a lipid profile according to current guidelines, only 10% of those with recurrent acute coronary syndrome presented optimal LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol levels, which suggest the need to be more aggressive in the lipids control.

Perfil lipídico en pacientes ingresados por síndrome coronario agudo en España: datos del área sanitaria de Toledo entre los años 2005 y 2008 / Lipid profile in patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome in Spain: data from Toledo health care area between 2005 and 2008

Introducción y objetivos. Evaluar el perfil lipídico de los pacientes ingresados por síndrome coronario agudo en Toledo entre 2005 y 2008. Métodos. Se estudiaron los niveles de colesterol total, colesterol unido a las lipoproteínas de baja densidad (cLDL), colesterol unido a las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (cHDL) y triglicéridos. Se realizó estadística descriptiva y comparación de medias. Resultados. De los 3.986 ingresados por síndrome coronario agudo, 1.381 pacientes tenían perfil lipídico completo. El 76,3% eran primeros episodios. La edad media fue 67,8 ± 12,9 años (72,4% hombres). El colesterol total medio (± DE) fue 180,0 ± 43,4, cLDL 115 ± 38,0, cHDL 44,1 ± 12,3, y triglicéridos 145,3 ± 92,4 mg/dl, con diferencias significativas entre hombres y mujeres en el cLDL (116,3 ± 37,8 vs 111,6 ± 38,5 mg/dl; p = 0,04) y cHDL (42,3 ± 11,6 vs 48,4 ± 13,2 mg/dl; p = 0,0001). En primeros episodios y episodios recurrentes se halló, respectivamente, colesterol total 179,1 ± 43,1 y 174,5 ± 44,1 (p < 0,05), cLDL 116,5 ± 38,4 y 110,0 ± 36,5 (p = 0,007), cHDL 44,1 ± 12,2 y 44,2 ± 12,9 (p < 0,05), y triglicéridos 141,2 ± 81,7 y 158,5 ± 119,7 mg/dl (p = 0,03). Se observaron niveles óptimos de cLDL y cHDL en el 14,1 y en el 11,6%, respectivamente, de los episodios recurrentes. Conclusiones. Aunque la mayoría de pacientes ingresados por primeros episodios de síndrome coronario agudo presenta un perfil lipídico adecuado, solo el 10% de pacientes con episodios recurrentes muestran niveles óptimos de c-LDL y c-HDL, lo que sugiere la necesidad de ser más rigurosos en el control lipídico (AU)

Introduction and objectives. To evaluate the lipid profile of patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome in Toledo (Spain) between 2005 and 2008. Methods. Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels were evaluated. Descriptive analyses and means comparison were performed. Results. 1,381 patients of 3,986 admitted with acute coronary syndrome had a complete lipid profile. The mean age was 67.8 ± 12.9 years (72.4% men). A first event was present in 76.3%. The mean total cholesterol (±SD) was 180.0 ± 43.4, LDL-cholesterol 115 ± 38.0, HDL-cholesterol 44.1 ± 12.3, and triglyceride 145.3 ± 92.4 mg/dL, with statistically significant differences between men and women in LDL-cholesterol (116.3 ± 37.8 vs 111.6 ± 38.5 mg/dL; p = 0.04) and HDL-cholesterol (42.3 ± 11.6 vs 48.4 ± 13.2 mg/dL; p = 0.0001). In first or recurrent events were found, respectively, total cholesterol 179.1 ± 43.1 and 174.5 ± 44.1 (p < 0.05), LDL-cholesterol 116.5 ± 38.4 and 110 ± 36.5 (p = 0.007), HDL-cholesterol 44.1 ± 12.2 and 44.2 ± 12.9 (p < 0.05), and triglyceride 141.2 ± 81.7 and 158.5 ± 119.7 (p = 0.03). Optimal levels of LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were found in 14.1 and 11.6% of patients with recurrent episodes, respectively. Conclusions. While most patients admitted with first episode of acute coronary syndrome to the Toledo Health Area have a lipid profile according to current guidelines, only 10% of those with recurrent acute coronary syndrome presented optimal LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol levels, which suggest the need to be more aggressive in the lipids control (AU)

El control de la presión arterial del paciente diabético hipertenso / Blood pressure control in the diabetic and hypertensive patient

No disponible

La oficina de farmacia puede mejorar el grado de conocimiento de la hipertensión arterial / Pharmacies can improve the detection of arterial hypertension

Objetivo. Valorar la posible utilidad de medidas repetidas de presión arterial (PA) en la farmacia (OF) para mejorar del grado de conocimiento de la hipertensión arterial (HTA).Diseño. Estudio de intervención sin asignación aleatoria, antes-después. Métodos. De forma voluntaria participaron OF en las que, sin criterios específicos de selección, se realizaron tres medidas de PA, en condiciones estandarizadas y con un aparato electrónico automático validado (OMRON 705 CP), a 5-10 sujetos mayores de 18 años no hipertensos conocidos que acudían por cualquier motivo a la farmacia. Si los valores medios de la segunda-tercera toma eran 140/90 mmHg se les citaba otros dos días diferentes en los cuales se volvían a realizar otras tres medidas. Si los valores medios de las 6 medidas (segunda-tercera medidas de los 3 días) eran 140/90 mmHg se les consideraba como hipertensos y se remitían a sus centros de salud volviéndoles a citar al cabo de 4 semanas para ver si se había confirmado en el centro de salud el diagnóstico. Resultados. Han participado 36 OF en las que se ha medido la PA a 326 sujetos, considerando, con las medidas del primer día, a 90 de ellos como posibles hipertensos. Completaron las medidas de los 3 días 55 posibles hipertensos de los que 45 confirmaron el diagnóstico de HTA en la OF y de ellos 24 lo confirmaron en su centro de salud. Conclusiones. La OF, con medidas estandarizadas y aparatos electrónicos validados, pueden ser un lugar ideal para mejorar el grado de conocimiento de la HTA. Es preciso hacer medidas repetidas de PA para confirmar el diagnóstico de HTA. (AU)

Automedidas de presión arterial domiciliarias con aparatos electrónicos automáticos. ventajas e inconvenientes en su utilización como técnica de medición de la presión arterial

La automedición de la presión arterial domiciliaria con aparatos semiautomáticos validados es una técnica cada vez más utilizada en la práctica clínica habitual. En el presente artículo se revisan las ventajas que su uso tiene sobre otras técnicas de medición, tanto para el establecimiento del diagnóstico de hipertensión arterial como para la evaluación de la potencial repercusión orgánica y el seguimiento terapéutico de los pacientes, así como los inconvenientes que su uso generalizado puede tener (criterios de normalidad no establecidos, relación con morbimortalidad, técnica de medición más indicada), y que creemos que en la actualidad más que desventajas son preguntas no respondidas en su totalidad. Continúa por tanto existiendo la necesidad de seguir desarrollando estudios bien diseñados en este tema que traten de responder a estas cuestiones (AU)