Gender differences in systolic left ventricular function in hypertensive patients with electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (the LIFE study).

Echocardiography was performed in 944 untreated hypertensive patients (391 women and 553 men, mean age 66 years) who had electrocardiographic left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy at baseline in the Losartan Intervention For End point reduction in hypertension (LIFE) study to evaluate gender-associated differences in systolic LV function. Women had significantly lower diastolic blood pressure (175/97 vs 173/99 mm Hg) and body surface area and a higher body mass index (all p < 0.01). Women also had higher LV ejection fraction (EF), endocardial and midwall fractional shortening (63% vs 60%, 35% and 33%, and 16% vs 15%, respectively, all p < 0.01), higher stress-corrected midwall fractional shortening (98% vs 96%, p < 0.05), and lower circumferential end-systolic wall stress (178 vs 187 kdynes/cm(2), p < 0.01). There was no difference in age or LV mass indexed for height(2.7), but relative wall thickness was higher in women (0.42 vs 0.41, p < 0.05). In multiple regression analyses: (1) EF and endocardial fractional shortening were 2% to 3% higher in women than men, independent of the effects of LV stress, body mass index, and height (multiple r = 0.77 and 0.75, respectively, gender p < 0.02 in both models); (2) midwall fractional shortening was 0.5% higher in women, independent of the effects of age, body mass index, circumferential end-systolic stress, and absence of diabetes (multiple r = 0.36, p = 0.014 for gender); and (3) stress-corrected LV midwall fractional shortening was 2% higher (p = 0.004) in women, independent of the effects of age, height, heart rate, body mass index, and diabetes (multiple r = 0.33). Thus, female gender is an independent predictor of higher systolic LV function in hypertensive patients with electrocardiographic LV hypertrophy.

Do we undertreat hypertensive smokers? A comparison between smoking and non-smoking hypertensives.

The acute effect of smoking is a rise in blood pressure and heart rate. Nevertheless, in several epidemiologic studies, smokers tend to have a slightly lower office blood pressure than non-smokers. We studied the 24 h ambulatory blood pressure consecutively in hypertensive smokers (> or = 10 cigarettes per day, n = 26) and hypertensive non-smokers (n = 26) to test the hypothesis that smoking is associated with a rise in ambulatory blood pressure. There was no difference between smokers and non-smokers in office blood pressure (153.8 +/- 22.2/98.5 +/- 10.6 vs 149.0 +/- 16.1/96.9 +/- 11.6 mmHg). However, we found a statistically significant higher daytime systolic and diastolic blood pressure in smokers (153.7 +/- 16.2/96.1 +/- 9.5 vs 145.0 +/- 12.1/90.1 +/- 10.0 mmHg) than in non-smokers. Differences were also found for office-daytime differences and when studying patients on pharmacological antihypertensive treatment separately. Daytime heart rate was also significantly higher in smokers (86.6 +/- 9.4 vs 76.0 +/- 10.9). We conclude that smokers tend to be undertreated in that they have a higher daytime blood pressure than do non-smokers, a difference that is not recognized by measuring office blood pressure alone. We therefore recommend 24h ambulatory blood pressure measurement in smokers with essential hypertension.

[Is Letigen contraindicated in hypertension? A double-blind, placebo controlled multipractice study of Letigen administered to normotensive and adequately treated patients with hypersensitivity]. / Er Letigen kontraindiceret ved hypertension? En dobbeltblindet, placebokontrolleret multipraksisundersøgelse af Letigen givet til normotensive og velbehandlede hypertensive patienter.

The aim of this study was to study how the slimming drug, Letigen, containing ephedrine (E) 20 mg and caffeine (C) 200 mg (E + C) affects blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive patients treated with adrenergic beta-receptor blocking drugs and/or other antihypertensive agents, during a period of six weeks. We followed 136 patients in a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled study of five parallel groups of overweight patients from general practices. The systolic blood pressure was reduced significantly (5.5 mmHg) in the patients treated with antihypertensive agents other than betablockers, plus E + C. In normotensive patients treated with E + C the systolic and diastolic blood pressure declined significantly (4.4/3.9 mmHg). A mean loss of weight of 4 kg over six weeks was significant for all groups. This study does not support the assumption that E + C should cause rises in blood pressure in either normotensive or hypertensive obese patients. The antihypertensive effect of the betablockers was not reversed by E + C.

[Ambulatory 24-hour blood pressure monitoring. A comparative study of oscillometric and auscultatory blood pressure measurement]. / Ambulant 24-timers-blodtryksmonitorering. En sammenlignende undersøgelse af oscillometrisk og auskultatorisk blodtryksmåling.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the compatibility between oscillometric and auscultatory methods, and to determine whether one is preferable to the other for ambulatory 24 h blood pressure monitoring. We used an A & D TM 2421 blood pressure monitoring device. Our investigation included 281 patients with suspected hypertension or undergoing treatment for hypertension. We were able to compare 18,790 paired measurements. The difference (auscultatoric--oscillometric) in paired single readings between the two methods was 1.4 +/- 19 mmHg (mean +/- SD) for systolic and -2.4 +/- 18 mmHg for diastolic readings. The difference for 24 h monitoring amounted to 0.7 +/- 4 mmHg for systolic and -2.2 +/- 6 mmHg for diastolic measurements. The auscultatory method showed a uniformed distribution of errors throughout the 24 h, whereas the oscillometric method had fewer errors in the evenings, but more during working hours. A weak correlation between the difference and systolic blood pressure levels, age and pulse pressure was found. Difference in diastolic blood pressure correlated only weakly with the level of pulse pressure. Although we found a considerable SD on single readings, there was a good agreement between the mean values for the 24 h monitoring for the two methods. The findings suggest that, for this equipment, the oscillometric method is preferable for 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring because it provides a much higher rate of successful readings.

Is an ephedrine caffeine treatment contraindicated in hypertension?

OBJECTIVES: To examine how the slimming drug, Letigen, containing ephedrine (E) 20 mg and caffeine (C) 200 mg (E + C), affects blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive patients treated with adrenergic beta-receptor blocking drugs and/or other antihypertensive agents, during a period of six weeks. DESIGN: A double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled study of five parallel groups of overweight patients from general practices. SUBJECTS: One hundred and thirty-six patients with Body Mass Index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2 were included consecutively by 25 general practitioners in Denmark and randomized into five groups: (1) Hypertensive patients treated with betablockers and E + C; (2) Hypertensive patients treated with antihypertensive agents other than betablockers, and E + C; (3) Normotensive patients treated with E + C; (4) Hypertensive patients under any antihypertensive treatment + placebo; and (5) Normotensive patients + placebo. All patients were instructed in a 1200 kcal (= 5040 kj) diet. RESULTS: Of a total of 136 patients aged 20-74 y, 112 completed the study protocol. Fluctuations in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were seen in all groups. The systolic blood pressure was reduced significantly (5.5 mmHg) in the patients treated with antihypertensive agents other than betablockers, plus E + C. In the other hypertensive groups the reduction in blood pressure was not significant. In normotensive patients treated with E + C, the systolic and the diastolic blood pressure declined significantly (4.4/3.9 mmHg). At the end of the treatment period heart rate had increased significantly (4.9 beats/min) in the group of normotensive patients treated with E + C. Blood pressure and heart rate measured by the patient at home showed similar fluctuations from baseline prior to and during treatment with E + C or placebo. A mean loss of weight of approximately 4 kg in 6 weeks was significant for all the groups. There was no significant difference between the groups during this short period of treatment. In 56% of the patients treated with E + C complaints/side-effects related to the medical treatment were found at questioning. Corresponding complaints occurred in 21% of the placebo treated patients. In the E + C treated group 7% dropped out due to side-effects. In the placebo group there were no drop-outs. CONCLUSIONS: This study does not support the assumption that E + C should cause rises in blood pressure, acutely or during shortterm treatment, in either normotensive or hypertensive obese patients. The antihypertensive effect of the betablockers was not reversed by E + C.

Left ventricular hypertrophy in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients with and without diabetic nephropathy.

The aim of our cross-sectional case-control study was to evaluate putative mechanisms of the increased cardiac morbidity and mortality in NIDDM patients with or without diabetic nephropathy. Fifty-one NIDDM patients with diabetic nephropathy (38 males, age 61 +/- 8 years, group 1), 53 NIDDM patients with normoalbuminuria (42 males, 61 +/- 7 years, group 2), and 22 non-diabetic control subjects (15 males, 58 +/- 8 years, group 3) were investigated. Previous antihypertensive treatment was withdrawn 2 weeks before the study. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and systolic function were determined by echocardiography. LVMI was elevated, mean +/- SE, in group 1: 157 +/- 6 g m(-2), and in group 2: 139 +/- 7 g m(-2), as compared with group 3: 95 +/- 5 g m(-2) (p < 0.001, for both), and in group 1 as compared with group 2 (p = 0.05). The prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (LVMI > 131 g m(-2) in men and > 100 gm(-2) in women) was much higher in group 1: 75% (95% CI, 60-86), and group 2: 51% (95% CI, 37-65), as compared with group 3: 9% (95% CI, 1-29) (p < 0.001, for both), and in group 1 as compared with group 2 (p < 0.01). Shortening fraction of the left ventricle, % +/- SE, was relatively reduced in group 1: 32.5 +/- 1.1%, and group 2: 33.4 +/- 1.1%, as compared with group 3: 41.2 +/- 1.2% (p < 0.01, for both). In a subgroup of 26 normoalbuminuric normotensive NIDDM patients, LVMI was higher than in 14 normotensive non-diabetic control subjects: 137 +/- 10 g m(-2) vs 96 +/- 7 g m(-2), respectively (p < 0.005). The prevalence of LVH was 42% (95% CI, 23-63) and 14% (95% CI, 2-43) (p = 0.07) in these two groups, respectively. In conclusion, normotensive and hypertensive NIDDM patients with and without diabetic nephropathy frequently suffer from LVH and relatively reduced systolic function which may constitute independent risk factors for fatal and non-fatal cardiac events.

Smoking related to 24-h ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate: a study in 352 normotensive Danish subjects.

This study shows the association between smoking and both office and ambulatory blood pressure. By means of stratification, a uniform number of subjects of both sexes and spanning 6 decades (aged 20 to 79 years) were recruited randomly from the local community register. A total of 352 subjects participated, including 161 smokers. Smokers (both sexes and all age groups summed), as compared with nonsmokers had statistically significant lower office blood pressure as follows (mean systolic +/- SED/mean diastolic +/- SED): (systolic and diastolic, -6.8 +/- 2.1/-3.9 +/- 1.3); day ambulatory blood pressure (diastolic, /-2.8 +/- 1.0); and night ambulatory blood pressure (systolic and diastolic, -4.2 +/- 1.8/-3.9 +/- 1.1). The intraperson variability of the day ambulatory blood pressure (as measured every 15 min) was identical for the smokers and the nonsmokers. Smokers were found to have a diminished "white coat" effect; this diminished white coat effect has not previously been described. The major white coat effect was seen in the older nonsmokers, whereas the diminished white coat effect was most pronounced in the older male smokers and in the younger female smokers. Smokers seem to have a diminished white coat effect, as well as a lower ambulatory blood pressure throughout the day (diastolic) and at night (systolic and diastolic). The similar intraperson variability found in the smokers' and nonsmokers' blood pressure further speaks for a consistently lower blood pressure in smokers as compared with nonsmokers.

[Round-the-clock blood pressure measurements in 352 persons--a reference material]. / 24 timers ambulant blodtryk hos 352 personer--et referencemateriale.

The aim of this study was to establish reference values for 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure in a Danish population stratified for gender and age in the decades from 20 to 79 years of age. A sample of 352 persons, 179 men and 173 women randomly selected from the local community register, age 20-79 years underwent 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. For men age < 50 daytime ambulatory blood pressure (median) was 125/79 mmHg and night time was 106/65 mmHg, for women the respective pressures were 113/77 mmHg and 97/64 mmHg. For men age > or = 50 daytime ambulatory blood pressure was 133/83 mmHg and night time was 124/86 mmHg, for women the respective pressures were 122/83 mmHg and 105/65 mmHg. Presently, we can only relate cardiovascular risk to clinic blood pressure. Therefore we have calculated corresponding ambulatory blood pressure values to WHO's upper limit 160/90 mmHg for normal blood pressure in the clinic and found 154/87 mmHg for daytime and 134/74 mmHg at night. For a clinic pressure of 95 mmHg the corresponding daytime value was 91 mmHg, for 100 mmHg it was 95 mmHg.

Glomerular hyperfiltration in microalbuminuric NIDDM patients.

Glomerular hyperfiltration and microalbuminuria are both regarded as risk factors for the development of diabetic nephropathy in insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Information on glomerular hyperfiltration is scarce in microalbuminuric non-insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDDM) patients. Therefore, we performed a cross-sectional study of glomerular filtration rate (single i.v. bolus injection of 51Cr-EDTA, plasma clearance for 4 h) in 158 microalbuminuric NIDDM patients compared to 39 normoalbuminuric NIDDM patients and 20 non-diabetic control subjects. The groups were well-matched with regard to sex, age and body mass index. The uncorrected (ml/min) and the adjusted (ml. min-1. 1.73 m-2) glomerular filtration rate were both clearly elevated in the microalbuminuric patients: 139 +/- 29 and 117 +/- 24 as compared to 115 +/- 19 and 99 +/- 15; 111 +/- 23 and 98 +/- 21 in normoalbuminuric NIDDM patients and control subjects, respectively (p < 0.001). The glomerular filtration rate (ml. min-1. 1.73 m-2) in NIDDM patients who had never received antihypertensive treatment was also clearly elevated in the microalbuminuric patients (n = 96): 119 +/- 22 as compared to 100 +/- 14 and 98 +/- 21 in normoalbuminuric NIDDM patients (n = 27) and control subjects (n = 20), respectively (p < 0.001). Glomerular hyperfiltration (elevation above mean glomerular filtration rate plus 2 SD in normoalbuminuric NIDDM patients) was demonstrated in 37 (95% confidence interval 30-45)% of the microalbuminuric patients. Multiple regression analysis revealed that HbA1c, 24-h urinary sodium excretion, age and known duration of diabetes were correlated with glomerular filtration rate in microalbuminuric NIDDM patients (r2 = 0.21, p < 0.01). Our cross-sectional study indicates that NIDDM patients at high risk of developing diabetic nephropathy are also characterized by an additional putative risk factor for progression, glomerular hyperfiltration.

Macro-microangiopathy and endothelial dysfunction in NIDDM patients with and without diabetic nephropathy.

The Steno hypothesis suggests that albuminuria reflects widespread vascular damage (proliferative retinopathy and severe macroangiopathy) due to a generalized vascular (endothelial) dysfunction. We assessed this concept in NIDDM (non-insulin-dependent diabetic) patients with (13 female/ 39 male, age 60 +/- 7 years, group 1) and without (12 female /41 male, age 61 +/- 7 years, group 2) diabetic nephropathy compared to matched non-diabetic subjects (7 female/15 male, age 58 +/- 8 years, group 3). A 12-lead ECG was recorded and coded blindly using the Minnesota Rating Scale; the World Health Organization cardiovascular questionnaire was used to assess past and present evidence of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease (digital systolic blood pressure determination). The degree of diabetic retinopathy was scored from fundus photography. The following variables were measured: transcapillary escape rate of albumin (initial disappearance of intravenously injected 125I-labelled human serum albumin), plasma concentrations of prorenin (radioimmunoassay) and serum concentrations of von Willebrand factor (enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay). Prevalence of ischaemic heart disease (ECG reading) (49/20/5)% and peripheral vascular disease as indicated by reduced systolic blood pressure on big toe (69/30/ 14)% was significantly higher in group 1 vs group 2 (p < 0.01) and in group 2 vs group 3 (p < 0.01), respectively. The prevalence and severity of retinopathy was higher in group 1 vs 2 (p < 0.01). Transcapillary escape rate of albumin (%/h) was elevated in group 1 and 2 as compared to control subjects: 7.9 (4.3-13.7); 7.4 (3.7-16.4) vs 6.0 (3.4-8.7), (p < 0.005), respectively. Plasma prorenin activity (IU/ml) was raised in group 1 and group 2 as compared to group 3: 272 (59-2405); 192 (18-813), and 85 (28-246), p < 0.001, respectively. Serum von Willebrand factor (IU/ ml) was elevated in group 1 as compared to group 2 and 3: 2.07 (0.83-4.34); 1.60 (0.30-2.99) and 1.50 (1.00-2.38), p < 0.001, respectively. Our study demonstrated that NIDDM patients with and without albuminuria had increased transcapillary escape of albumin and raised prorenin activity, whereas only those with albuminuria had increased von Willebrand factor. Patients with NIDDM may have abnormal endothelial function in the absence of albuminuria.

Retinol-binding protein and transferrin in urine. New markers of renal function in essential hypertension and white coat hypertension?

We studied the 24 h urinary excretion of albumin, transferrin, immunoglobulin G, and retinol-binding protein in individuals with essential hypertension, white coat hypertension, and normotension. In 56 individuals, we measured the 24 h ambulatory blood pressure (AMBP). The individuals could be divided into three groups: 26 hypertensives, 14 white coat hypertensives, and 16 normotensives. Daytime AMBP values were (median values with range in parentheses, mm Hg): hypertensives 158/105 (198 to 121/95 to 120), white coat hypertensives 141/83 (161 to 129/72 to 90), and normotensives 123/75 (148 to 102/63 to 86). We determined with immunochemical methods the 24 h urinary excretions of albumin, transferrin, and immunoglobulin G, all markers of glomerular dysfunction, and retinol-binding protein, a marker of impaired proximal tubular function. We found a significantly higher excretion of albumin and transferrin in hypertensives (P < .0000/P < .0001) and in white coat hypertensives (P < .003/P < .02) compared to normotensives. Out of 26 hypertensives, seven had microalbuminuria (> or = 30 to < 300 mg albumin/ 24 h). Two cases of microalbuminuria were found among the 14 white coat hypertensives. Immunoglobulin G excretion was not significantly increased in any of the hypertensive groups. Retinol-binding protein excretion was significantly higher in hypertensive patients (P < .007), whereas no elevation was observed in persons with white coat hypertension. In hypertensives, a significant correlation was found between urinary excretion of albumin and transferrin and office blood pressure and systolic AMBP. There was no significant correlation between the urinary excretions of IgG and retinol-binding protein and blood pressures in any of the three groups. Our findings indicate that patients with white coat hypertension, like hypertensives, have a selective type of glomerular dysfunction. However, proximal tubular dysfunction was seen only in hypertensives. Urinary excretions of albumin, transferrin, and retinol-binding protein may be useful as markers of glomerular and tubular dysfunction in essential hypertension.

24-h ambulatory blood pressure in 352 normal Danish subjects, related to age and gender.

UNLABELLED: The study was conducted to determine age and sex stratified normal values for 24-h ambulatory blood pressure. A sample of 352 healthy subjects (all white) were randomly selected from the community register and stratified by sex and age groups in decades from 20 to 79 years of age. Persons with a history of hypertension, cerebral apoplexy, diabetes, myocardial or renal disease, and who were taking blood pressure-influencing medication were excluded. Ambulatory blood pressure was recorded over 24 h, with measurements taken every 15 min from 07:00 to 22:59, and every 30 min from 23:00 to 6:59. Systolic blood pressure increased only slightly with age and was significantly higher in men than in women. The diastolic blood pressure increased only slightly with age in both sexes until the 50 to 59 years age group and declined thereafter. The diastolic blood pressure was not different for the two sexes. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were approximately 15% lower during the night regardless of age or sex. Ambulatory blood pressure during the daytime was on an average of 5 mm Hg lower than office blood pressure, but the mean difference between the two measurements increased with age. The variability of the difference also increased with age. IN CONCLUSION: Normal values for ambulatory blood pressure are presented in a randomly selected age- and gender-stratified population. Differences between office blood pressure and ambulatory blood pressure increased with age suggesting that the previously observed higher blood pressure seen in the elderly partly might be explained by a greater impact of white coat hypertension in older people.

On the mechanisms of blunted nocturnal decline in arterial blood pressure in NIDDM patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Nondiabetic hypertensive patients lacking the normal nocturnal decline in arterial blood pressure have enhanced cardiovascular complications. Since cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are increased in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), we performed a prospective cross-sectional case-controlled study comparing the diurnal variation in arterial blood pressure, prevalence of dippers, cardiac autonomic nervous function (beat-to-beat variation during deep breathing), and extracellular fluid volume (51Cr-labeled EDTA) in 55 NIDDM patients with diabetic nephropathy (group 1), 55 NIDDM patients with normoalbuminuria (group 2), and 22 nondiabetic control subjects (group 3). All antihypertensive treatments were withdrawn at least 2 weeks before the study. The nocturnal blood pressure reduction (daytime-to-nighttime)/daytime (mean +/- SE) was impaired in group 1 (6.6 +/- 1.5%) and group 2 (11.1 +/- 1.4%) as compared with group 3 (17.6 +/- 1.7%), and it was impaired in group 1 as compared with group 2 (P < 0.05 for each comparison). The prevalence of dippers (95% confidence interval) was lower in group 1 (42% [29-56]) as compared with group 2 (58% [44-71]; P = 0.08) and group 3 (86% [65-97]; P < 0.001) and in group 2 as compared with group 3 (P < 0.01). Abolished beat-to-beat variation was more prevalent in group 1 (63% [50-76]) as compared with group 2 (15% [7-27]) and with group 3 (5% [0-23]) (P < 0.001). Nocturnal blood pressure reduction was associated with beat-to-beat variation during deep breathing (r = 0.22, P < 0.01). Extracellular fluid volume (mean +/- SE) was higher in group 1 (15.9 +/- 0.5 l/m2) as compared with group 3 (14.1 +/- 0.8 l/m2) (P < 0.05) with group 2 between the two (15.1 +/- 0.4 l/m2).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly]. / Isoleret systolisk hypertension hos aeldre.

This review article examines the essential literature concerning isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly (ISH). The prevalence of ISH rises curvilinearly with age from approximately 3% at 30 years of age to 25% at 80 years of age, and is more common in women. The pathophysiology of ISH is not yet completely investigated. It seems that the haemodynamics of ISH differ from those of essential hypertension by showing considerably decreased arterial compliance and lack of elevated peripheral resistance. Humoral changes seem very insufficiently investigated. Several studies have shown that ISH is difficult to diagnose because of a high prevalence of white coat hypertension, perhaps in the area of 40%. The treatment of ISH has formerly been debated. Recently published studies have shown beneficial effects of medical antihypertensive treatment in ISH. First choice drugs should be low-dose thiazides and beta-blockers.

[What do we know about consultation hypertension?]. / Hvad ved vi om konsultationshypertension?

This review article examines the essential literature concerning "white coat" hypertension. It is stated that "white coat" hypertension is present in approximately 20% of patients with diagnosed mild to moderate hypertension. It is concluded that the pathophysiology of "white coat" hypertension is incompletely investigated; that the prognosis for untreated "white coat" hypertension seems fair; medical treatment being scarcely required. It is concluded further that more accurate diagnosis of mild to moderate hypertension, including the use of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, will reduce the overall expenses by approximately million Danish crowns annually (approximately 2,000,000 pounds).

White coat hypertension diagnosed by 24-h ambulatory monitoring. Examination of 159 newly diagnosed hypertensive patients.

The study was conducted to estimate the frequency of white coat hypertension, ie, hypertension when in contact with the doctor only, in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension. We studied 159 consecutive patients (median age 47 years, 86 women) referred from primary health care to a hypertension clinic. For all patients, their general practitioner had decided to treat the hypertension pharmacologically, but the treatment had not yet begun. The blood pressure measurements reported from the referring doctors were 164.1 +/- 18.1/104.3 +/- 7.1 mm Hg (mean +/- SD). Measured at the hypertension clinic with random zero sphygmomanometer the pressures were 156.8 +/- 22.5/99.8 +/- 11.7 mm Hg. The indirectly measured day-time ambulatory blood pressures were 145.2 +/- 18.1/95.9 +/- 11.5 mm Hg. When a cut-off level of 90 mm Hg diastolic was applied, all patients were considered hypertensive by the referring doctors' measurements; the random zero office measurements regarded 18.3% of the patients as normotensive. The ambulatory measurements regarded a further 24.8% as normotensive (white coat hypertensive), whereas five patients considered normotensive by office measurements were hypertensive when evaluated by ambulatory monitoring (reverse white coat phenomenon). The difference between systolic office measurements and the daytime ambulatory blood pressures was significantly larger for female patients; age was positively correlated and weight negatively correlated to this difference. No significant difference was found for the diastolic measurements. It is concluded that white coat hypertension is present in approximately a quarter of the patients with newly diagnosed hypertension. By implementing ambulatory monitoring in clinical practice some of the overdiagnosing will possibly be avoided, but further studies on the subject are needed.

Xamoterol in severe congestive heart failure: long-term oral treatment, a double-blind randomised study.

Twelve patients in severe congestive heart failure were given placebo, 100 mg xamoterol (Corwin) twice daily and 200 mg xamoterol twice daily, respectively, in 3 two-week periods in a double-blind randomised study. At the end of each treatment period the patients were evaluated. No differences were found between placebo and xamoterol in the following parameters: New York Heart Association function group index, heart volume, body weight, exercise duration on bicycle and treadmill, heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure at rest. However, during exercise we found significantly lower heart rate and rate-pressure product during xamoterol treatment. This reduction is probably indicating occupation of beta-adrenoreceptors with concomitant reduced oxygen consumption during exercise.

Microvascular right-to-left pulmonary shunt demonstrated by a radionuclide method.

A 37-yr-old man with angiolymphoid hyperplasia (Kimura's syndrome), who had been treated unsuccessfully for suspected asthma, was investigated due to a decrease in arterial oxygen saturation (86%). Right heart catheterization and angiography of the pulmonary artery failed to demonstrate any right-to-left shunts. However, simultaneous scintigraphy over the lungs, kidneys, and head after injection of 150 MBq technetium-99m-labeled macroaggregated albumin i.v. and inhalation of 150 MBq krypton-81m demonstrated a right-to-left shunt in the lungs probably caused by precapillary pulmonary arteriovenous shunts.