The effect of intensive blood pressure lowering on left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: We conducted a comprehensive systematic review to examine the efficacy of intensive blood pressure lowering on the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and EMBASE for all relevant randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome was the incidence of left ventricular hypertrophy. We used the risk ratio (RR) and hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval as our effect sizes. Results: Four studies, comprising 20,747 patients, were included. Intensive blood pressure lowering was linked with a diminished LVH incidence (RR: 0.66, 95% CI [0.56-0.77]). We also found that intensive blood pressure lowering increased the risk of LVH regression in patients with baseline LVH (RR: 1.21, 95% CI [1.11-1.32]). Finally, intensive blood pressure lowering was linked with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (HR: 0.71, 95% CI [0.60-0.85]). No significant heterogeneity was seen in either outcome. Conclusion: Our study suggests that intensive blood pressure lowering effectively reduces the risk of LVH and cardiovascular disease. An interactive version of our analysis can be accessed here: https://databoard.shinyapps.io/lvh_hypertophy/.

Community-Based Strategies to Improve Health-Related Outcomes in People Living With Hypertension in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Individuals living with hypertension are at an increased risk of cardiovascular- and cerebrovascular-related outcomes. Interventions implemented at the community level to improve hypertension control are considered useful to prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events; however, systematic evaluation of such community level interventions among patients living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is scarce. Methods: Nine databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster randomized control trials (cRCTs) implementing community level interventions in adults with hypertension in LMICs. Studies were included based on explicit focus on blood pressure control. Quality assessment was done using the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials (ROBS 2). Results were presented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Fixed-effect meta-analyses were conducted for studies that reported continuous outcome measures. Results: We identified and screened 7125 articles. Eighteen studies, 7 RCTs and 11 cRCTs were included in the analysis. The overall summary effect of blood pressure control was significant, risk ratio = 1.48 (95%CI = 1.40-1.57, n = 12). Risk ratio for RCTs was 1.68 (95%CI = 1.40-2.01, n = 5), for cRCTs risk ratio = 1.46 (95%CI = 1.32-1.61, n = 7). For studies that reported individual data for the multicomponent interventions, the risk ratio was 1.27 (95% CI = 1.04-1.54, n = 3). Discussion: Community-based strategies are relevant in addressing the burden of hypertension in LMICs. Community-based interventions can help decentralize hypertension care in LMIC and address the access to care gap without diminishing the quality of hypertension control.

Is Intensive Blood Pressure Control Indicated in Older Patients with Hypertension?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to evaluate intensive blood pressure control in older adults, assessing its necessity, effectiveness, benefits and risks including cardiovascular outcomes, adverse events, quality of life, and overall mortality. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have supported that intensive antihypertensive treatment lowers the rates of cardiovascular events compared to standard treatment in older patients with hypertension, and it may also reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Intensive blood pressure lowering strategies are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality as well as all-cause mortality, without compromising quality of life or functional status, and are relatively well tolerated in this patient population. Evidence suggests that maintaining systolic blood pressure below 130 mm Hg can yield cardiovascular and cognitive benefits in older patients with hypertension, particularly among those at risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. However, clinicians should vigilantly monitor for adverse events and engage in shared decision-making when pursuing intensive blood pressure goals tailored to individual risks and benefits.

The natural history of hypertension in older adults: a study of two Finnish generational cohorts born 20 years apart.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a comparative analysis of hypertension prevalence, progression, and treatment in two Finnish population-based cohorts comprising older adults born 20 years apart. The study covered data from pre- and post-HYVET Study eras and spanned the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: All 70-year-old home-dwelling citizens of Turku, in Southwest Finland, were invited to participate in the survey in 1990 (1920-born TUVA cohort) and in 2010 (1940-born UTUVA cohort) with a 25-year follow-up plan. The analyses included those with available data for systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), yielding 1015 TUVA and 888 UTUVA participants at baseline. Biomarkers associated with BP were analysed with t- and chi-square tests. RESULTS: At baseline, 83.4% of TUVA and 74.3% of UTUVA participants had uncontrolled BP, with respective antihypertensive medication usage at 36.0% and 55.9% (p < .001 for both between-cohort differences). Systolic BP exhibited an inverted U-shaped trajectory, with TUVA initially 7.8 mmHg higher at 155.4 mmHg than UTUVA (p < .001). However, by the ages 80-82, the difference in systolic BP trajectories between the cohorts was attenuated to 4.0 mmHg (p = .03). Diastolic BP differences were less clinically significant. UTUVA demonstrated higher use of all five conventional antihypertensive categories than TUVA (p ≤ .02 for all categories). CONCLUSIONS: In the early years of older adulthood, the 1940-born cohort showed a positive trend in hypertension management, yet maintained a 74.3% baseline rate of uncontrolled BP. Furthermore, by the ages 81-82, the benefits observed over the 1920-born cohort had lessened, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic or other lasting factors. Heightened efforts to improve hypertension treatment in older adults remain crucial in the post-HYVET era.

We studied two generational cohorts of older adults from Finland, born 20 years apart, to examine changes in blood pressure readings over time, the prevalence of high blood pressure, and its treatment. Our investigation spanned periods both before and after the HYVET Study, a significant research effort demonstrating the benefits of treating hypertension in older adult patients, reducing the risk of stroke and other causes of mortality. Additionally, we considered the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood pressure control.We invited all 70-year-olds living at home in Turku, Southwest Finland, to participate in our survey in 1990 (the 1920-born cohort) and in 2010 (the 1940-born cohort), with plans to follow them for 25 years. We collected data on their blood pressure readings and the medications they were prescribed.At the outset of our study, when participants were 70 years old, a higher proportion of individuals in the 1920-born cohort had uncontrolled high blood pressure compared to those in the 1940-born group. In addition, the participants born in 1940 showed increased usage and a wider selection of antihypertensive medications compared to the 1920-born cohort. Despite this, over 70% of the 70-year-olds even in the 1940-born cohort still had uncontrolled blood pressure. Furthermore, by the time these individuals reached their early 80s, the initial improvements in blood pressure control over the 1920-born cohort had somewhat diminished.Our findings underscore the ongoing need for improvements in managing high blood pressure among older adults. This remains crucial as individuals age, emphasising the importance of continued research to develop better treatment approaches, even after landmark studies like HYVET.

Clinical outcome in hypertensive patients treated with amlodipine plus bisoprolol or plus valsartan.

OBJECTIVE: Several guidelines do not recommend beta-blocker as the first-line treatment for hypertension because of its inferior efficacy in stroke prevention. Combination therapy with beta-blocker is commonly used for blood pressure control. We compared the clinical outcomes in patients treated with amlodipine plus bisoprolol (A + B), a ß1-selective beta-blocker and amlodipine plus valsartan (A + V). METHODS: A population-based cohort study was performed using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. From 2012 to 2019, newly diagnosed adult hypertensive patients who received initial amlodipine monotherapy and then switched to A + V or A + B were included. The efficacy outcomes included all-cause death, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) event (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and coronary revascularization), hemorrhagic stroke, and heart failure. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the relationship between outcomes and different treatments. RESULTS: Overall, 4311 patients in A + B group and 10980 patients in A + V group were included. After a mean follow-up of 4.34 ± 1.79 years, the efficacy outcomes were similar between the A + V and A + B groups regarding all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83-1.18), ASCVD event (aHR 0.97, 95% CI 0.84-1.12), and heart failure (aHR 1.06, 95% CI 0.87-1.30). The risk of hemorrhagic stroke was lower in A + B group (aHR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52-0.94). The result was similar when taking death into consideration in competing risk analysis. The safety outcomes were similar between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference of all-cause death, ASCVD event, and heart failure in A + B vs. A + V users. But A + B users had a lower risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

Heterogeneous Effects of Intensive Glycemic and Blood Pressure on Cardiovascular Events Among Diabetes by Living Arrangements.

BACKGROUND: Although living alone versus with others is a key social element for cardiovascular prevention in diabetes, evidence is lacking about whether the benefit of intensive glycemic and blood pressure (BP) control differs by living arrangements. We thus aim to investigate heterogeneity in the joint effect of intensive glycemic and BP control on cardiovascular events by living arrangements among participants with diabetes. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study included 4731 participants with diabetes in the ACCORD-BP (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes-Blood Pressure) trial. They were randomized into 4 study arms, each with glycated hemoglobin target (intensive, <6.0% versus standard, 7.0-7.9%) and systolic BP target (intensive, <120 mm Hg versus standard <140 mm Hg). Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the joint effect of intensive glycemic and BP control on the composite cardiovascular outcome according to living arrangements. At a mean follow-up of 4.7 years, the cardiovascular outcome was observed in 445 (9.4%) participants. Among participants living with others, intensive treatment for both glycemia and BP showed decreased risk of cardiovascular events compared with standard treatment (hazard ratio [HR], 0.68 [95% CI, 0.51-0.92]). However, this association was not found among participants living alone (HR, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.58-1.59]). P for interaction between intensive glycemic and BP control was 0.53 among participants living with others and 0.009 among those living alone (P value for 3-way interaction including living arrangements was 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: We found benefits of combining intensive glycemic and BP control for cardiovascular outcomes among participants living with others but not among those living alone. Our study highlights the critical role of living arrangements in intensive care among patients with diabetes.

Treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage: Dawn of a new era.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating disease, causing high rates of death, disability, and suffering across the world. For decades, its treatment has been shrouded by the lack of reliable evidence, and consequently, the presumption that an effective treatment is unlikely to be found. Neutral results arising from several major randomized controlled trials had established a negative spirit within and outside the stroke community. Frustration among researchers and a sense of nihilism in clinicians has created the general perception that patients presenting with ICH have a poor prognosis irrespective of them receiving any form of active management. All this changed in 2023 with the positive results on the primary outcome in randomized controlled trials showing treatment benefits for a hyperacute care bundle approach (INTERACT3), early minimal invasive hematoma evacuation (ENRICH), and use of factor Xa-inhibitor anticoagulation reversal with andexanet alfa (ANNEXa-I). These advances have now been extended in 2024 by confirmation that intensive blood pressure lowering initiated within the first few hours of the onset of symptoms can substantially improve outcome in ICH (INTERACT4) and that decompressive hemicraniectomy is a viable treatment strategy in patients with large deep ICH (SWITCH). This evidence will spearhead a change in the perception of ICH, to revolutionize the care of these patients to ultimately improve their outcomes. We review these and other recent developments in the hyperacute management of ICH. We summarize the results of randomized controlled trials and discuss related original research papers published in this issue of the International Journal of Stroke. These exciting advances demonstrate how we are now at the dawn of a new, exciting, and brighter era of ICH management.

The link between insurance and blood pressure control in U.S. stroke survivors.

BACKGROUND: After a stroke, poorly controlled blood pressure (BP) is associated with a higher risk of recurrent vascular events. Despite the importance of controlling BP to avert recurrent vascular events, fewer than half of stroke survivors in the United States achieve BP control. It is unclear to what extent insurance status affects BP levels after stroke. METHODS: We assessed BP control among adults with a history of stroke who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 1999 through 2016. The relationship between insurance type and BP level (low normal: <120/80 mmHg and normal: <140/90 mmHg) were evaluated using logistic regression before and after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and medical comorbidities for those <65 years and ≥ 65 years. RESULTS: Among 1646 adult stroke survivors (weighted n = 5,586,417), 30% had BP in the low normal range while 64% had BP in the normal range. Among 613 stroke survivors <65 years (weighted n = 2,396,980), only those with other government insurance (CHAMPVA, CHAMPUS/TRICARE) had better BP control than the uninsured (adjusted HR 2.68, 95% CI 0.99-7.25). Among 1033 participants ≥65 years (weighted n = 3,189,437), those with private insurance plus Medicare trended toward better normal BP compared to Medicare alone (adjusted HR 1.34, 95% CI 0.94-1.90). CONCLUSIONS: Only stroke survivors with CHAMPVA, CHAMPUS/TRICARE government insurance in the United States have lower odds of controlled BP compared to no insurance among those <65 years. Insurance alone does not improve BP control among stroke survivors.

An assessment of treatment compliance using the Morisky scale-8 tool in adult hypertensive patients of Eastern India.

Background: Adequate management of hypertension is crucial for decreasing the likelihood of cardiovascular ailments and associated complications. Nonetheless, in the Indian context, maintaining compliance with prescribed hypertensive therapies presents a notable hurdle, impeding the attainment of favorable health outcomes. Thus, this study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the prevalence of treatment adherence and explore the diverse factors that impact adherence patterns among individuals diagnosed with hypertension. Material and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out among the diagnosed hypertensive patients from 12 purposefully selected villages of Khagaul block, Patna. A total of 262 participants were recruited in the study by using non-probability sampling. The 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was used for measuring adherence. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows version 21.0 (SPSS Inc; Chicago, IL, USA) was used for statistical analysis of data. Result: As per MMAS scores, 10 (3.8%) had high, 133 (50.8%) moderate, and 119 (45.4%) poor adherence. However, good adherence was reported among geriatric patients [1.65 (1.01-2.7)], those with a history of absence of comorbidities [2.15 (1.21-3.85)], more than 5 years' duration of hypertension [3.2 (1.89-5.41)], once-a-day drug intake [2.8 (1.61-4.87)], and having controlled blood pressure [5.2 (3.08-8.96)]. Controlled blood pressure (AOR = 0.048, 0.023-0.098), perception of high benefit of treatment [0.497 (0.255-0.97)], and absence of comorbidity [0.016 (0.168-0.832)] were identified as predictors of good treatment adherence. Conclusion: Overall medication adherence in the current study was 54.6%. Achieving treatment adherence frequently demands proactive patient engagement, highlighting their active role in disease management. Also, involving the patient's caregivers can offer an additional tactic to tackle non-adherence stemming from forgetfulness of the patient.

Evaluation of the effects of health education interventions for hypertensive patients based on the health belief model.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Health education interventions based on the health belief model (HBM) can improve the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of patients with hypertension and help them control their blood pressure. AIM: To evaluate the effects of health education interventions based on the HBM in patients with hypertension in China. METHODS: Between 2021 and 2023, 140 patients with hypertension were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group received health education based on the HBM, including lectures, brochures, videos, and counseling sessions, whereas the control group received routine care. Outcomes were measured at baseline, three months, and six months after the intervention and included blood pressure, medication adherence, self-efficacy, and perceived benefits, barriers, susceptibility, and severity. RESULTS: The intervention group had significantly lower systolic blood pressure [mean difference (MD): -8.2 mmHg, P < 0.001] and diastolic blood pressure (MD: -5.1 mmHg, P = 0.002) compared to the control group at six months. The intervention group also had higher medication adherence (MD: 1.8, P < 0.001), self-efficacy (MD: 12.4, P < 0.001), perceived benefits (MD: 3.2, P < 0.001), lower perceived barriers (MD: -2.6, P = 0.001), higher perceived susceptibility (MD: 2.8, P = 0.002), and higher perceived severity (MD: 3.1, P < 0.001) than the control group at six months. CONCLUSION: Health education interventions based on the HBM effectively improve blood pressure control and health beliefs in patients with hypertension and should be implemented in clinical practice and community settings.

Association Between the Improvement of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Hypertension Prevention and Blood Pressure Control-A Cluster Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension-related knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of hypertensive patients can affect the awareness, treatment and control of hypertension. However, little attention has been paid to the association between the change of hypertension preventive KAP and blood pressure (BP) control in occupational population using longitudinal data. We assess the effectiveness of a workplace-based multicomponent hypertension intervention program on improving the level of KAP of hypertension prevention, and the association between improvement in KAP and BP control during intervention. METHODS: From January 2013 to December 2014, workplaces across 20 urban regions in China were randomized to either the intervention group (n = 40) or control group (n = 20) using a cluster randomized control method. All employees in each workplace were asked to complete a cross-sectional survey to screen for hypertension patients. Hypertension patients in the intervention group were given a 2-year workplace-based multicomponent hypertension intervention for BP control. The level of hypertension prevention KAP and BP were assessed before and after intervention in the two groups. RESULTS: Overall, 3331 participants (2658 in the intervention group and 673 in the control group) were included (mean [standard deviation] age, 46.2 [7.7] years; 2723 men [81.7%]). After 2-year intervention, the KAP qualified rate was 63.2% in the intervention groups and 50.1% in the control groups (odds ratio = 1.65, 95% CI, 1.36∼2.00, P < .001). Compared with the control group decreased in the qualified rate of each item of hypertension preventive KAP questionnaire, all the items in the intervention group increased to different degrees. The increase of KAP score was associated with the decrease of BP level after intervention. For 1 point increase in KAP score, systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased by .28 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased by .14 mmHg [SBP: ß = -.28, 95%CI: -.48∼-.09, P = .004; DBP: ß = -.14, 95%CI: -.26∼-.02, P = .024]. SBP and DBP was significantly in manual labor workers (SBP: ß = -.34, 95%CI: -.59∼-.09, P = .008; DBP: ß = -.23, 95%CI: -.38∼-.08, P = .003), workers from private enterprise, state-owned enterprise (SOE) (SBP: ß = -.40, 95%CI: -.64∼-.16, P = .001; DBP: ß = -.21, 95%CI: -.36∼-.06, P = .005) and a workplace with an affiliated hospital (SBP: ß = -.31, 95%CI: -.52∼-.11, P = .003; DBP: ß = -.16, 95%CI: -.28∼-.03, P = .016). The improvement of knowledge (SBP: ß = -.29, 95%CI: -.56∼-.02, P = .038; DBP: ß = -.12, 95%CI: -.29∼.05, P = .160), as well as attitude (SBP: ß = -.71, 95%CI: -1.25∼-.18, P = .009; DBP: ß = .18, 95%CI: -.23∼.59, P = .385) and behavior (SBP: ß = -.73, 95%CI: -1.22∼-.23, P = .004; DBP: ß = -.65, 95%CI: -.97∼-.33, P < .001) was gradually strengthened in relation to BP control. CONCLUSION: This study found that workplace-based multicomponent hypertension intervention can effectively improve the level of hypertension preventive KAP among employees, and the improvement of KAP levels were significantly associated with BP control. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry No. ChiCTR-ECS-14004641.

Effect of Motivational Interviewing on Lifestyle Modification among Patients with Hypertension Attending the Family Medicine Clinics of ISTH, Irrua, Nigeria (Milmaph Study) - A Randomised Control Trial Study Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Over a quarter of patients with hypertension have uncontrolled hypertension. Lifestyle modification has been shown to improve blood pressure control, thus measures that would help patients with hypertension achieve positive lifestyle modification would improve BP control. The study aims to determine the effect of motivational interviews on lifestyle modification and blood pressure control among patients with hypertension attending the Family Medicine Clinics of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua, Nigeria. METHODS: The proposed study will be a randomised control trial (PACTR202301917477205). About 212 adults between 18 and 65 years with hypertension presenting to the Family Medicine Clinics of ISTH will be randomised into intervention and control groups. The intervention group will be given a motivational interview (MI) on lifestyle modification at the start of the study and monthly for 6 months in addition to standard care for the management of hypertension. The control group will be given standard care for the management of hypertension only without MI and seen monthly for 6 months. Both groups will be assessed at baseline and 6 months. At baseline, a qualitative technique will be used to determine the reason for not adopting lifestyle modification. STUDY OUTCOME: The primary outcome shall be lifestyle modification at 6 months while the secondary outcome shall be blood pressure control at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Findings from the study will provide cost-effective ways of blood pressure control and reduction in the disease burden of hypertension in Nigeria.

CONTEXTE: L'hypertension est l'une des principales causes de morbidité et de mortalité à l'échelle mondiale. Plus d'un quart des patients hypertendus ont une hypertension non contrôlée. La modification du mode de vie a été démontrée pour améliorer le contrôle de la pression artérielle, ainsi les mesures qui aideraient les patients hypertendus à réaliser une modification positive de leur mode de vie amélioreraient le contrôle de la PA. L'étude vise à déterminer l'effet des entretiens motivationnels sur la modification du mode de vie et le contrôle de la pression artérielle chez les patients hypertendus fréquentant les cliniques de médecine familiale de l'hôpital spécialisé d'enseignement d'Irrua (ISTH), Irrua, Nigeria. MÉTHODES: L'étude proposée sera un essai contrôlé randomisé (PACTR202301917477205). Environ 212 adultes âgés de 18 à 65 ans atteints d'hypertension se présentant aux cliniques de médecine familiale de l'ISTH seront randomisés en groupes d'intervention et de contrôle. Le groupe d'intervention recevra un entretien motivationnel (EM) sur la modification du mode de vie au début de l'étude et mensuellement pendant 6 mois en plus des soins standard pour la prise en charge de l'hypertension. Le groupe témoin recevra uniquement les soins standard pour la prise en charge de l'hypertension sans EM et sera vu mensuellement pendant 6 mois. Les deux groupes seront évalués au départ et à 6 mois. Au début, une technique qualitative sera utilisée pour déterminer la raison de la non-adoption de la modification du mode de vie. RÉSULTAT DE L'ÉTUDE: Le critère de jugement principal sera la modification du mode de vie à 6 mois, tandis que le critère de jugement secondaire sera le contrôle de la pression artérielle à 6 mois. CONCLUSION: Les résultats de l'étude fourniront des moyens rentables de contrôle de la pression artérielle et de réduction de la charge de morbidité de l'hypertension au Nigeria. MOTS-CLÉS: hypertension, entretien motivationnel, modification du mode de vie, contrôle de la pression artérielle, médecine familiale.

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring and Its Association With Blood Pressure Control Among Hypertensive Patients With High Cardiovascular Risk in China.

Objective: Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is viewed as a facilitating factor in the initial diagnosis and long-term management of treated hypertension. However, evidence remains scarce about the effectiveness of HBPM use in the real world. This study aimed to examine the associations of HBPM use with blood pressure (BP) control and medication adherence. Methods: This prospective cohort study included hypertensive patients with high cardiovascular risk who were aged ≥50 years. At baseline, information about types of BP monitor, frequency of HBPM, perception of anti-hypertensive treatment, and measured office BP were collected. During the 1-year follow-up (visits at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months), information on medication adherence was collected at each visit. The 2 major outcomes were BP control at baseline and medication adherence during the 1-year follow-up. A log-binomial regression model was used to examine the association between frequency of HBPM and outcomes, stratified by the perceptions of anti-hypertensive treatment. Results: A total of 5,363 hypertensive patients were included in the analysis. The age was (64.6 ± 7.2) years, and 41.2% (2,208) were female. Of the total patients, 85.9% (4,606) had a home BP monitor and 47.8% (2,564) had an incorrect perception of anti-hypertensive treatment. Overall, 24.2% (1,299) of patients monitored their BP daily, 37.6% (2,015) weekly, 17.3% (926) monthly, and 20.9% (1,123) less than monthly. At baseline, the systolic BP and diastolic BP were (146.6 ± 10.8) mmHg and (81.9 ± 10.6) mmHg, respectively, and 28.5% (1,527) of patients had their BP controlled. Regardless of whether the patients had correct or incorrect perceptions of anti-hypertensive treatment, there is no significant association between HBPM frequency and BP control at baseline. During the 1-year follow-up, 23.9% (1,280) of patients had non-adherence to medications at least once. In patients with an incorrect perception of anti-hypertensive treatment, those monitoring BP most frequently (daily) had the highest non-adherence rate (29.9%, 175/585). Compared with those monitoring their BP less than monthly, patients who monitored their BP daily were more likely not to adhere to anti-hypertensive medications (adjusted relative risk = 1.38, 95% confidence interval: 1.11-1.72, P = 0.004). Conclusions: HBPM performance among hypertensive patients in China is, in general, sub-optimal. No association was observed between using HBPM alone and hypertension control, indicating that the effects of HBPM could be conditional. Patients' misconceptions about anti-hypertensive treatment may impair the role of BP monitoring in achieving medication adherence. Fully incorporating the correct perception of hypertension into the management of hypertensive patients is needed.

Real-World Impact of Blood Pressure Control in Patients With Apparent Treatment-Resistant or Difficult-to-Control Hypertension and Stages 3 and 4 Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common comorbidity in patients with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH). We assessed clinical outcomes, healthcare resource utilization events, and costs in patients with aTRH or difficult-to-control hypertension and stage 3-4 CKD with uncontrolled vs. controlled BP. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used linked IQVIA Ambulatory EMR-US and IQVIA PharMetrics Plus claims databases. Adult patients had claims for ≥3 antihypertensive medication classes within 30 days between 01/01/2015 and 06/30/2021, 2 office BP measures recorded 1-90 days apart, ≥1 claim with ICD-9/10-CM diagnosis codes for CKD 3/4, and ≥1 year of continuous enrollment. Baseline BP was defined as uncontrolled (≥130/80 mm Hg) or controlled (<130/80 mm Hg) BP. Outcomes included risk of major adverse cardiovascular events plus (MACE+; stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure hospitalization), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), healthcare resource utilization events, and costs during follow-up. RESULTS: Of 3,966 patients with stage 3-4 CKD using ≥3 antihypertensive medications, 2,479 had uncontrolled BP and 1,487 had controlled BP. After adjusting for baseline differences, patients with uncontrolled vs. controlled BP had a higher risk of MACE+ (HR [95% CI]: 1.18 [1.03-1.36]), ESRD (1.85 [1.44-2.39]), inpatient hospitalization (rate ratio [95% CI]: 1.35 [1.28-1.43]), and outpatient visits (1.12 [1.11-1.12]) and incurred higher total medical and pharmacy costs (mean difference [95% CI]: $10,055 [$6,741-$13,646] per patient per year). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with aTRH and stage 3-4 CKD and uncontrolled BP despite treatment with ≥3 antihypertensive classes had an increased risk of MACE+ and ESRD and incurred greater healthcare resource utilization and medical expenditures compared with patients taking ≥3 antihypertensive classes with controlled BP.

A tryst of 'blood pressure control- sex- comorbidities': the odyssey of basic public health services in Yunnan in quest for truth.

BACKGROUND: The Basic Public Health Service (BPHS), a recently announced free healthcare program, aims to combat the most prevalent Noncommunicable Disease-"Hypertension" (HTN)-and its risk factors on a nationwide scale. In China, there is a rife that HTN less impacts women during their lifetime. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate the sex disparity in hypertension patients with comorbidities among south-west Chinese and the contribution of BPHS to address that concern. METHODS: We have opted for a multistage stratified random sampling method to enroll hypertensive patients of 35 years and older, divided them into BPHS and non-BPHS groups. We assessed the sex disparity in HTN patients with four major comorbidities- Dyslipidemia, Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and descriptive data were compiled. Odds ratios from logistic regression models estimated the effectiveness of BPHS in the management of HTN with comorbidities. RESULTS: Among 1521 hypertensive patients,1011(66.5%) were managed in the BPHS group. The proportion of patients who had at least one comorbidity was 70.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 66.3-76.8%), patients aged 65 years and older were more likely to have coexisting comorbidities. Participants who received the BPHS showed significant blood pressure (BP) control with two comorbidities (odds ratio [OR] = 2.414, 95% CI: 1.276-4.570), three or more (OR = 5.500, 95%CI: 1.174-25.756). Patients with dyslipidemia and DM also benefited from BPHS in controlling BP (OR = 2.169, 95% CI: 1.430-3.289) and (OR = 2.785, 95%CI: 1.242-6.246), respectively. In certain high-income urban survey centers, there was sex differences in the HTN management provided by BPHS, with men having better BP control rates than women. CONCLUSIONS: Perhaps this is the first study in China to succinctly show the effectiveness and sex disparity regarding "management of hypertensive comorbidities". This supports that the BPHS program plays a pivotal role in controlling BP, therefore should recommend the national healthcare system to give women a foremost priority in BPHS, especially to those from low-socioeconomic and low-scientific literacy regions.

Key hypertension breakthroughs and emerging trends from the AHA's scientific sessions.

We aim to summarize selected late-breaking science on hypertension management strategies and disease presented at the 2023 American Heart Association (AHA) conference. The trials discussed below encompass stricter goals of blood pressure management and were expanded into different population groups from different countries with varied socioeconomic backgrounds and settings, collectively advancing our understanding of hypertension treatment and its impact on public health. We summarized the china rural health care project (CRHCP), a four-year study involving over 34,000 participants in rural China, emphasizing the potential of stricter blood pressure goals in lowering the incidence of all-cause dementia and cognitive impairment. Next, we explore the US-based CARDIA-SSBP study, which highlights the impact of dietary sodium on systolic blood pressure in middle-aged individuals. Through a randomized-order cross-over design, the study provides compelling evidence supporting the effectiveness of sodium reduction as a non-pharmacological approach to blood pressure control. The UK-based POP-HT trial offers critical insights into postpartum women with a history of hypertensive pregnancy. The trial emphasizes the benefits of self-monitoring and physician-optimized antihypertensive titration, showcasing significant blood pressure reductions in the intervention group. Furthermore, the KARDIA-1 study introduces us to Zilebesiran, an innovative RNA interference drug. This phase 2 study highlights its potential for achieving sustained blood pressure reductions and its favorable safety profile, marking a significant step forward in hypertension treatment. Lastly, we expand the practical application of the previously conducted landmark SPRINT trial, which showed cardiovascular benefit with intensive SBP control to less than 120 mm Hg in high-risk non-diabetic patients with hypertension compared with routine BP control to <140 mm Hg. The ESPRIT trial and the IMPACTS trial build upon the SPRINT trial, demonstrating the effects of intensive blood pressure lowering in Asian hypertensive patients and in 36 health care clinics in medically underserved states in the US: Louisiana and Mississippi. The IMPACTS trial and the "Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria Program" demonstrate the effectiveness of implementing comprehensive blood pressure control strategies in real-world settings. These studies highlight the feasibility and scalability of such interventions, especially in low-resource environments, and their potential to significantly improve public health outcomes.

Association between HDL-C and intensive blood pressure control in patients with hypertension: A post-hoc analysis of SPRINT.

Previous studies in patients with hypertension have demonstrated that there is a U-shaped association between HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and the risk of cardiovascular events in male patients with hypertension. However, to the best of our knowledge, the relationship between HDL-C and intensive blood pressure control in specific cardiovascular events has never been investigated. To fill this knowledge gap, the authors analyzed the relationship between HDL-C levels and cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients within the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT). The SPRINT evaluated the impact of intensive blood pressure control (systolic blood pressure < 120 mm Hg) versus standard blood pressure control (systolic blood pressure < 140 mm Hg). The Cox proportional risk regression was used to investigate the association between different HDL-C status and clinical outcomes. Additional stratified analyzes were performed to evaluate the robustness of sex difference. A total of 9323 participants (6016 [64.53%] males and 3307 [35.47%] females) with hypertension from the SPRINT research were included in the analysis. The median follow-up period was 3.26 years. Our population was divided into five groups based on the HDL-C plasma levels: HDL-C < 30 mg/dL, HDL-C between 30 and 40 mg/dL, HDL-C between 40 and 60 mg/dL, HDL-C between 60 and 80 mg/dL and HDL-C > 80 mg/dL. Sensitivity analyzes showed that in the SPRINT, women in the HDL-C high population had a higher risk of mortality from all causes than men. In this cohort study, results suggest that patients with HDL-C levels higher than 80 mg/dL had lower risk of SPRINT primary outcome, cardiovascular death, and stroke, but this study tested association, not causation. HDL-C levels were associated with composite cardiovascular outcomes in male but not female patients. Our results demonstrated that in patients with hypertension, the association between HDL-C and risk of cardiovascular events is L-shaped.

Effectiveness of digital health interventions on blood pressure control, lifestyle behaviours and adherence to medication in patients with hypertension in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Background: Digital health interventions can be effective for blood pressure (BP) control, but a comparison of the effectiveness and application of these types of interventions has not yet been systematically evaluated in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of digital health interventions according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) classifications of patients in terms of BP control, lifestyle behaviour changes, and adherence to medication in patients with hypertension in LMICs. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English, comprised of adults (≥18 years old) with hypertension and the intervention consisted of digital health interventions according to WHO's classifications for patients in LMICs between January 1, 2009, and July 17, 2023. We excluded RCTs that considered patients with hypertension comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension-mediated target organ damage (HMTOD). The references were downloaded into Mendeley Desktop and imported into the Rayyan web tool for deduplication and screening. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias 2. Data extraction was done according to Cochrane's guidelines. The main outcome measures were mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and BP control which were assessed using the random-effect DerSimonian-Laird and Mantel-Haenszel models. We presented the BP outcomes, lifestyle behaviour changes and medication adherence in forest plots as well as summarized them in tables. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42023424227. Findings: We identified 9322 articles, of which 22 RCTs from 12 countries (n = 12,892 respondents) were included in the systematic review. The quality of the 22 studies was graded as high risk (n = 7), had some concerns (n = 3) and low risk of bias (n = 12). A total of 19 RCTs (n = 12,418 respondents) were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, digital health intervention had significant reductions in SBP [mean difference (MD) = -4.43 mmHg (95% CI -6.19 to -2.67), I2 = 92%] and BP control [odds ratio (OR) = 2.20 (95% CI 1.64-2.94), I2 = 78%], respectively, compared with usual care. A subgroup analysis revealed that short message service (SMS) interventions had the greatest statistically significant reduction of SBP [MD = -5.75 mm Hg (95% Cl -7.77 to -3.73), I2 = 86%] compared to mobile phone calls [MD = 3.08 mm Hg (-6.16 to 12.32), I2 = 87%] or smartphone apps interventions [MD = -4.06 mm Hg (-6.56 to -1.55), I2 = 79%], but the difference between groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.14). The meta-analysis showed that the interventions had a significant effect in supporting changes in lifestyle behaviours related to a low salt diet [standardised mean difference (SMD) = 1.25; (95% CI 0.64-1.87), I2 = 89%], physical activity [SMD = 1.30; (95% CI 0.23-2.37), I2 = 94%] and smoking reduction [risk difference (RR) = 0.03; (95% CI 0.01-0.05), I2 = 0%] compared to the control group. In addition, improvement in medication adherence was statistically significant and higher in the intervention group than in the control group [SMD = 1.59; (95% CI 0.51-2.67), I2 = 97%]. Interpretation: Our findings suggest that digital health interventions may be effective for BP control, changes in lifestyle behaviours, and improvements in medication adherence in LMICs. However, we observed high heterogeneity between included studies, and only two studies from Africa were included. The combination of digital health interventions with clinical management is crucial to achieving optimal clinical effectiveness in BP control, changes in lifestyle behaviours and improvements in medication adherence. Funding: None.

Health coaching for hypertension control in primary care patients with uncontrolled hypertension in Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Health coaching effectively improves hypertension self-care activities and the control of blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients. Studies on the effects of health coaching on patients in primary care with uncontrolled hypertension in developing countries are limited. In this study, the effectiveness of health coaching on hypertension self-care and BP control was assessed in patients who have uncontrolled hypertension compared to standard care in Egypt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our quasi-experimental study included control and intervention groups. The intervention group included 70 participants who received health coaching sessions (face-to-face and by telephone) besides the standard care, whereas the control group included 71 participants who only received the standard care. The study was conducted between July 2020 and November 2021. The participants were recruited from three primary healthcare settings in the Port Said Governorate. Personal and medical history, BP measurements, and hypertension self-care activity level effects (H-SCALE) were obtained. Paired-t-test was used to assess the changes in BP measurement, and H-SCALE score before and after receiving the health coaching. McNemar's test was used to assess changes in controlled BP and optimal hypertension self-care activities between control and health coached groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis assessed the predictors of better BP control. RESULTS: Health coaching resulted in more controlled BP (51.4%, P < 0.001) compared to the delivery of only usual care (11.3%, P = 0.008). The intervention showed a significant promotion in hypertension self-care activities, including medication usage (P < 0.001), low-salt diet (P < 0.001), and weight management (P < 0.001). The H-SCALE score mean change was the only predictor for BP control (odds ratio 1.057, P = 0.048) in the intervention group after 6 months. CONCLUSION: Intervention including traditional health coaching and phone calls is a beneficial modality for the promotion of hypertension self-care and improvement of BP control in primary care patients with uncontrolled hypertension.