Relationship between defecation status and blood pressure level or blood pressure variability.

Blood pressure variability is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. Defecation status has also been associated with the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the association between blood pressure variability and defecation status. A total of 184 participants who could measure their home blood pressure for at least 8 days monthly, both at baseline and 1 year later, were included in this study. All participants had their home blood pressure measured using HEM-9700T (OMRON Healthcare). Day-to-day variability of systolic blood pressure was assessed using the coefficient of variation of home systolic blood pressure during 1 month. Data on defecation status was obtained using a questionnaire survey. Eighty-nine patients had an elevated coefficient of variation at 1 year. The proportion of participants with elevated coefficient of variation at 1 year was significantly higher in the no daily bowel movement group than in the daily bowel movement group (72% vs. 42%, P = 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression analysis with the elevated coefficient of variation at 1 year as the objective variable and age, sex, no daily bowel movement, taking medications, including antihypertensive drugs, laxatives, and intestinal preparations, and coefficient of variation at baseline as independent variables, no daily bowel movement was independently associated with the elevated coefficient of variation at 1 year (odds ratio: 3.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.64-8.87, P = 0.0019). In conclusion, no daily bowel movement was independently associated with elevated day-to-day blood pressure variability at 1 year. Relationship between defecation status and blood pressure level or blood pressure variability.

Changes in cardiac acoustic biomarkers before and after cardiac events in a patient with right-sided heart failure due to cor pulmonale.

Chronic heart failure (HF) has various phenotypes. It is accompanied by repeated hospitalizations over a long period. Therefore, accumulating long-term observational data of patients with various backgrounds is important to establish a prediction technology for the exacerbation of HF. In a patient with chronic right-sided HF caused by cor pulmonale, heart sounds and electrocardiograms were recorded at home or our hospital twice a week for 7 months including the stable (31 days), pre-exacerbation (2 weeks just before the onset of exacerbation), and hospitalization periods and quantified as cardiac acoustic biomarkers (CABs) using AUDICOR technology (Inovise Medical, Inc., Portland, OR, USA). The relationship between the change in CABs and hospitalization events due to HF were investigated. During the pre-exacerbation period just before the onset of exacerbation of HF leading to hospitalization, inaudible changes in the third heart sound (S3) strength that were probably derived from the right heart were observed. Although the values of the fourth heart sound (S4) strength were high during the stable and pre-exacerbation period, values decreased markedly during hospitalization. These findings suggest that CABs including S3 and S4 are useful for the early detection of signs of HF exacerbation. Learning Objective: In a case of chronic right-sided heart failure, the change in the third heart sound (S3) caused by the right ventricle could be detected using cardiac acoustic biomarkers in exacerbations of heart failure. Even if S3 is inaudible by auscultation, it is possible to observe its changes using quantification technology.

Association of blood pressure and dietary intake of Sunomono, Japanese vinegared side dishes, in community-dwelling Japanese: A cross-sectional study.

Objective: Vinegar has been reported to have a hypotensive effect. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the consumption of vinegar-based side dishes and blood pressure. Research methods & procedures: This cross-sectional study included 746 individuals (257 men and 489 women) aged ≥40 years from Tarumizu, Kagoshima, Japan. Nutrient intake was estimated based on the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. The intake frequency of vinegar-based side dishes (Sunomono and pickles) was determined using a self-administered diet history questionnaire. Participants who did not consume vinegar-based side dishes for a month were defined as having no Sunomono or pickle eating habit. Blood pressure was categorized into four groups according to the Japanese Society of Hypertension Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension. The association between the intake of vinegar-based side dishes and blood pressure categories was analyzed using ordinal logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking history, excessive alcohol intake, living situation, energy intake, protein intake, sodium intake, potassium intake, and seaweed intake. Results: Approximately 13.6% men and 6.1% women had no Sunomono eating habits. In men, eating Sunomono, but not pickles, was significantly related to blood pressure categories (estimate, -0.702; 95% CI, -1.122 to -0.310), whereas more frequent consumption of Sunomono did not show an improvement in the blood pressure category. The relationship between eating Sunomono and blood pressure categories was not recognized in women. Conclusion: This was the first study assessing the association between consumption of vinegar-based side dishes and blood pressure categories. We highlighted the effect of Sunomono consumption on blood pressure categories in men. Consumption of Sunomono may improve blood pressure in men.

The relationship between day-to-day variability in home blood pressure measurement and multiple organ function.

Blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. However, it is unclear how BPV is related to various organs. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between BPV and multiple organ functions. A total of three hundred fifteen participants (114 males; mean age: 70 ± 9 years) participated in a community health checkup held in Tarumizu City. Home blood pressure (BP) was measured using a HEM-9700T (OMRON Healthcare, Kyoto, Japan). Day-to-day BPV was evaluated by the coefficient of variation (CV) of home BP measured in the morning for one month. N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) and high-sensitivity (hs-)troponin T were measured as cardiac biomarkers. Liver stiffness and renal function were evaluated using the Fibrous-4 (Fib4) index and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), respectively. NT-pro BNP and hs-troponin T were divided by the median value. Fib4 index greater than 2.67 and eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were defined as high Fib4 index and low eGFR, respectively. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, the CV of systolic BP was significantly associated with high NT-pro BNP, high Fib 4 index, and low eGFR, but not with high hs-troponin T. In contrast, the CV of diastolic BP was not associated with low eGFR, and the other three biomarkers had the same results as systolic BP. In conclusion, day-to-day BPV of systolic BP is independently associated with NT-pro BNP, eGFR, and Fib4 index, but not with hs-troponin T. In contrast, diastolic BPV was not found to be associated with eGFR.

Effect of QT Prolongation in Patients Taking Cholinesterase Inhibitors (Donepezil) for Alzheimer's Disease.

Background: Cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil are used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Patients taking cholinesterase inhibitors can develop cholinergically mediated QT prolongation, which may lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. In this study we investigated the corrected QT interval (QTc) of patients taking donepezil. Methods and Results: This study enrolled 114 outpatients attending Tarumizu Chuo Hospital. Subjects were divided into a donepezil group (n=57) or an age- and sex-matched control group (n=57). Physical findings, laboratory data, and electrocardiographic parameters were compared between the groups. QTc was significantly prolonged (mean [±SD] 0.443±0.032 s vs. 0.426±0.026s; P<0.001) and the percentage of patients with prolonged QTc was significantly higher (30% vs. 9%; P<0.01) in the donepezil than control group. Furthermore, in the donepezil group, QTc was significantly prolonged after patients started taking donepezil compared with baseline (from 0.433±0.034 to 0.442±0.033s; n=46; P<0.05). On univariate analysis, QTc was significantly associated with taking donepezil, as well as with hemoglobin, serum calcium concentration, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; all P<0.01). On multivariate analysis, QTc was significantly associated with taking donepezil (P<0.001), serum potassium concentration (P<0.05), and eGFR (P<0.05). Conclusions: The incidence of QTc prolongation was more frequent in patients taking donepezil than in the control group, and was difficult to predict. Periodic electrocardiogram examinations are recommended considering the possibility of adverse events, such as fatal arrhythmias.

The relationship between home blood pressure measurement and room temperature in a Japanese general population.

Blood pressure (BP) is influenced by various factors, and it is known that temperature and BP have a negative relationship. However, few reports have examined the relationship between BP and temperature throughout the day in the same participant over time. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between BP and temperature in the morning and evening in the same participants during a time period of ~1 year. In total, 401 participants, who participated in a community-based health checkup survey in Tarumizu, Japan, were enrolled. Five participants were excluded due to missing data. All participants measured their BP and the room temperature at home using a blood pressure monitor (HEM-9700T, OMRON Healthcare, Kyoto, Japan). The mean systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in the morning were significantly higher than the mean of the measurements taken in the evening (SBP: morning vs. evening 128 ± 15 mmHg vs. 122 ± 14 mmHg, P < 0.0001; DBP: morning vs. evening 77 ± 10 mmHg vs. 72 ± 8 mmHg, P < 0.0001). Using a linear mixed model with participants as a random effect, SBP and DBP were significantly associated with temperature in both the morning and evening. In the morning, in almost every month except July, a significant association between SBP and temperature was observed. However, there was a significant relationship between evening BP and temperature in all months. In conclusion, BP was significantly related to temperature in both the morning and evening during the year-long study. Furthermore, BP and temperature were significantly associated in all months except morning measurements in July.

Management instructions for elderly patients with hypertension.

Aim: To compare the understanding of hypertension and antihypertensive treatment in Japanese patients (aged <75 years vs. ≥75 years) with blood pressure (BP) targets as per the 2014 Japanese guidelines.Methods: A 10-question survey was administered before and after treatment.Results: Majority of patients aged ≥75 years did not achieve their BP targets (75%); >50% of these patients had little knowledge of hypertension and poor understanding of their physician's explanation of it.Conclusions: Elderly patients with hypertension (aged ≥75 years) require daily BP monitoring and detailed and repeated explanation of hypertension and BP targets.

Associations of social frailty with loss of muscle mass and muscle weakness among community-dwelling older adults.

AIM: The present cross-sectional study examined the associations of social frailty status with loss of muscle mass and weakness among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: Data from 353 older adults (74.8% women) who had participated in a community-based health check survey (Tarumizu Study) were analyzed. Social frailty was defined using responses to five questions (going out less frequently, rarely visiting friends, feeling unhelpful to friends or family, living alone and not talking with someone every day). Participants with two or more components were considered socially frail. We assessed appendicular skeletal muscle mass using bioelectrical impedance analysis and calculated appendicular skeletal muscle index. Dominant handgrip strength was assessed. Loss of skeletal muscle mass (appendicular skeletal muscle index <7.0 kg/m2 for men, <5.7 kg/m2 for women) and muscle weakness (handgrip strength <26 kg for men, <18 kg for women) were determined based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. RESULTS: The prevalence of social frailty was 14.7%. A higher prevalence of muscle weakness and loss of skeletal muscle mass in participants with social frailty was shown than in those without (muscle weakness 44.2% vs 23.6%, P ≤ 0.05; loss of skeletal muscle mass 59.6% vs 46.2%, P = 0.07). Social frailty was independently associated with muscle weakness (odds ratio 2.04, 95% confidence interval 1.06-3.95), but not with loss of skeletal muscle mass (odds ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 0.78-2.76) after adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Social frailty status could be associated with muscle weakness, though not a loss of skeletal muscle mass. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 76-80.

The first multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of home telemonitoring for Japanese patients with heart failure: home telemonitoring study for patients with heart failure (HOMES-HF).

Home telemonitoring is becoming more important to home medical care for patients with heart failure. Since there are no data on home telemonitoring for Japanese patients with heart failure, we investigated its effect on cardiovascular outcomes. The HOMES-HF study was the first multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled trial (RCT) to elucidate the effectiveness of home telemonitoring of physiological data, such as body weight, blood pressure, and pulse rate, for Japanese patients with heart failure (UMIN Clinical Trials Registry 000006839). The primary end-point was a composite of all-cause death or rehospitalization due to worsening heart failure. We analyzed 181 recently hospitalized patients with heart failure who were randomly assigned to a telemonitoring group (n = 90) or a usual care group (n = 91). The mean follow-up period was 15 (range 0-31) months. There was no statistically significant difference in the primary end-point between groups [hazard ratio (HR), 0.95; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.548-1.648; p = 0.572]. Home telemonitoring for Japanese patients with heart failure was feasible; however, beneficial effects in addition to those of usual care were not demonstrated. Further investigation of more patients with severe heart failure, participation of home medical care providers, and use of a more integrated home telemonitoring system emphasizing communication as well as monitoring of symptoms and physiological data are required.

Questionnaire Survey From the Viewpoint of Concordance in Patient and Physician Satisfaction Concerning Hypertensive Treatment in Elderly Patients　- Patients Voice Study.

BACKGROUND: Patient-physician concordance is an important concern in the treatment of elderly patients with hypertension (HT). Treatment that considers concordance is necessary for mutual understanding and therapeutic satisfaction between patients and physicians. However, there have been no studies addressing concordance that objectively analyzed both patient and physician satisfaction before and after treatment.Methods and Results:An exploratory open-label, multicenter, intervention study was conducted. Patients with HT undergoing treatment with angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) or a calcium-channel blocker (CCB) monotherapy were enrolled. Medication was switched to an ARB/CCB combination tablet and taken for 12 weeks. Physicians and patients participated in satisfaction surveys concerning treatment. Discrepancies in satisfaction levels between patients and physicians were found at baseline for the following survey items: treatment, involvement in treatment, understanding of HT, reliance, medication, and blood pressure. After treatment, the satisfaction levels of both patients and physicians increased; discrepancies in satisfaction between the groups also improved. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of satisfaction were relatively higher for patients compared with physicians at baseline. After HT treatment addressing concordance, both patient and physician satisfaction rates and the gap in satisfaction rates between patients and physicians improved. This indicates that addressing concordance has clinical significance in the treatment of elderly HT patients. (UMIN000017270).

A case of anticoagulant treatment-resistant Trousseau syndrome controlled by treatment of the underlying lung adenocarcinoma: Utility of monitoring D-dimer levels.

We report herein a 70-year-old woman, with repeated thromboembolic events, including three cerebral embolisms and two venous thromboembolisms, despite adequate anticoagulant therapy. Trousseau syndrome was suspected, and she was diagnosed as having lung adenocarcinoma. Chemoradiotherapy was started, achieving improvements in the lung cancer, and thrombosis was also brought under control. Ten months later, the lung cancer relapsed, and second-line chemotherapy was performed. D-dimer levels, which had normalized after the first-line therapy, increased together with the relapse, but became negative again following the chemotherapy. In general, the prognosis of Trousseau syndrome is diverse. However, in this case, the course was good following the second lung cancer therapy: D-dimer levels did not increase, and there were no recurrences of thromboembolism. This experience reminds us the prognosis is most affected by whether the underlying disease is being effectively treated, and suggests that for Trousseau syndrome, despite adequate anticoagulant therapy, elevation of D-dimer levels should consider the recurrent cancer. .

Characterization of the effect of serum bilirubin concentrations on coronary endothelial function via measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Bilirubin can prevent oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and may protect against atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD). The goal of this study was to characterize the relationship between bilirubin and CHD through measurements of bilirubin concentration, coronary endothelial function, and markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid/glucose metabolism. The study population consisted of 141 patients without CHD who underwent Doppler flow study. Vascular reactivity was examined by intracoronary administration of papaverine, acetylcholine (ACh) and nitroglycerin using a Doppler guide wire. Serum bilirubin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), malondialdehyde-modified LDL, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and immunoreactive insulin were also measured. Homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were calculated. Univariate analysis revealed that both percent change in coronary blood flow (CBF) and coronary artery diameter induced by ACh correlated positively with log-transformed bilirubin (r = 0.22, P < 0.05; r = 0.20, P < 0.05, respectively). Percent change in CBF in response to ACh correlated positively with eGFR (r = 0.24, P < 0.05) and correlated inversely with age, LDL-C, and log-transformed FPG (r = -0.24, P < 0.05; r = -0.17, P < 0.05, r = -0.22, P < 0.05, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that log-transformed bilirubin was the only independent predictor of percent change in CBF in response to ACh. Multivariate analysis revealed that log-transformed hsCRP and HDL-C were independent predictors of log-transformed bilirubin. These results suggest that a high level of bilirubin is associated with favorable coronary endothelial function, which may be mediated via the effect of bilirubin on inflammation and HDL-C.

Atrial fibrillation-induced endothelial dysfunction improves after restoration of sinus rhythm.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggests that atrial fibrillation (AF) adversely affects endothelial function. The goal of this study was to assess endothelial function in patients with AF before and after restoration of sinus rhythm by catheter ablation (ABL). METHODS: Reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT) measurements reflecting endothelial function were conducted with Endo-PAT2000 (Itamar Medical, Caesarea, Israel) in 27 patients with persistent AF before ABL and in 21 control subjects with sinus rhythm (SR). According to cardiac rhythm on the morning after ABL, patients were divided into two groups: day 1-restored SR group (n=19) and day 1-recurred AF group (n=8). Based on the cardiac rhythm at 6 months after ABL, the restored SR group was further subdivided into the month 6-maintained SR group (n=11) and the month 6-recurred AF group (n=6). RESULTS: Loge RH-PAT index (RHI) was significantly lower in the persistent AF group than in the control (SR) group (0.52 ± 0.20; 0.69 ± 0.24, p<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that persistent AF was the only independent predictor of impaired endothelial function defined as loge RHI<0.6 (odds ratio, 4.96; 95% CI, 1.2 to 21.3; p<0.05). Loge RHI was significantly higher after ABL than before ABL (0.53±0.20; 0.73 ± 0.25; p<0.01) in the day 1-restored SR group. Loge RHI of the month 6-maintained SR group was comparable to that of the day 1-restored SR group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that AF is associated with impairment of endothelial dysfunction and that this impairment is reversed by restoration of sinus rhythm.

Highly sensitive cardiac troponin T in heart failure: comparison with echocardiographic parameters and natriuretic peptides.

BACKGROUND: Circulating cardiac troponin T is a marker of cardiomyocyte injury, and predicts adverse outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure. However, the significance of highly sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-TnT) in cardiac dysfunction remains uncertain. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the correlation between hs-TnT and echocardiographic parameters or natriuretic peptides in patients with heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed 283 consecutive out- or in-patients who had B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) ≥20 pg/mL and were examined by echocardiography (mean age 66.5±13.9 years old; 159 males). Hs-TnT, BNP, N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP), and creatinine levels were measured simultaneously. LVEDD (left ventricular end-diastolic dimension), LVEF (left ventricular ejection fraction), E', E/E', left ventricular (LV) Tei index, and right ventricular (RV) Tei index were determined with echocardiography. The linear regression analyses demonstrated that loghs-TnT correlated with LVEDD (R=0.242, p<0.0001), LVEF (R=-0.369, p<0.0001), E' (R=-0.447, p<0.0001), E/E' (R=0.364, p<0.0001), LV Tei index (R=0.303, p<0.0001), RV Tei index (R=0.443, p<0.0001), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (R=-0.489, p<0.0001). Using multiple variable regression analysis, loghs-TnT independently correlated with LVEF, E/E', RV Tei index, and eGFR. Furthermore, loghs-TnT significantly correlated with logBNP (R=0.567, p<0.0001) or logNT-proBNP (R=0.647, p<0.0001). Multiple variable regression analysis demonstrated that loghs-TnT independently correlated with logBNP, age, and eGFR, or with logNT-proBNP, age, sex, and eGFR. CONCLUSIONS: The hs-TnT correlated with cardiac dysfunction evaluated by echocardiography and natriuretic peptides in patients with heart failure. The elevation of hs-TnT levels in heart failure may represent cardiac dysfunction due to minor and ongoing myocardial injury.

Relationship between bilirubin concentration, coronary endothelial function, and inflammatory stress in overweight patients.

AIM: Bilirubin has antioxidant properties and may protect against atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD). Further, in patients with metabolic syndrome, hyperbilirubinemia is associated with attenuation of insulin resistance. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between serum bilirubin concentration and coronary endothelial function in overweight patients. METHODS: The study population consisted of 107 patients without CHD who underwent coronary flow studies. Vascular reactivity was examined by intra-coronary administration of papaverine and nitroglycerin. Coronary endothelial function was evaluated by assessing the change in coronary artery diameter to papaverine [percent change in flow-mediated dilatation (%FMD)] and nitroglycerin (%NTG). Serum total bilirubin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting plasma glucose and immunoreactive insulin levels were also measured, and the homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was calculated. Patients were divided into two groups according to body mass index (BMI): an overweight group (BMI ≥ 25; n = 36) and a normal weight group (BMI < 25; n = 71). RESULTS: In the overweight group, univariate analysis revealed that log-transformed total bilirubin was positively correlated with %FMD and HDL-C (r = 0.38, p< 0.05; r = 0.30, p < 0.05, respectively) and was inversely correlated with log-transformed hs-CRP and HOMA-IR (r = -0.45, p < 0.01; r = -0.45, p< 0.05, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that log-transformed hs-CRP was the only independent predictor of log-transformed total bilirubin (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a high bilirubin level was associated with favorable coronary endothelial function in overweight patients. Further, the anti-inflammatory effects of bilirubin may mediate this effect.

Effect of Waon therapy on oxidative stress in chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: A previous report by our team showed that Waon therapy, using a far infrared-ray dry sauna at 60°C, improves cardiac and vascular function in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The purpose of the present study was to clarify the effect of Waon therapy on oxidative stress in CHF patients and investigate its mechanism by animal experiments. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty patients with CHF were divided into control (n=20) and Waon therapy (n=20) groups. All patients received standard optimal medications for CHF. Waon therapy group was treated with Waon therapy daily for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of Waon therapy, concentrations of hydroperoxide and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) decreased significantly (hydroperoxide, 422±116 to 327±88U.CARR, P<0.001; BNP, 402±221 to 225±137pg/ml, P<0.001), and the nitric oxide metabolites increased (71.2±35.4 to 92.0±40.5mmol/L, P<0.05). In contrast, none of these variables changed over the 4-week interval in the control group. Furthermore, animal experiments were performed using TO-2 cardiomyopathic hamsters. On immunohistochemistry, cardiac expression of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, a marker of oxidative stress, was decreased in the 4-week Waon therapy compared to untreated hamsters. On Western blotting, cardiac expressions of heat shock protein (HSP) 27, manganese superoxide dismutase and HSP32, which reduce oxidative stress, were significantly upregulated in the 4-week Waon therapy compared to untreated hamsters. CONCLUSIONS: Waon therapy decreases oxidative stress in patients and hamsters with heart failure.

Improvement of autonomic nervous activity by Waon therapy in patients with chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We have reported previously that Waon therapy improves cardiac and vascular function, and prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). CHF is characterized by generalized sympathetic activation and parasympathetic withdrawal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Waon therapy on autonomic nervous activity in patients with CHF. METHODS AND SUBJECTS: Fifty-four patients with CHF, who were receiving conventional therapy for CHF, were divided into Waon therapy and control groups. In the Waon therapy group, 27 patients were treated with medication and Waon therapy. In the control group, 27 patients were treated with only conventional CHF therapy. Cardiac function including cardiac output (CO) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was evaluated by echocardiography. The heart rate variability, such as the coefficient of variation of RR intervals (CVRR), the low-frequency (LF) component, high-frequency (HF) component, the LF norm [LF/(LF+HF)], and HF norm [HF/(LF+HF)], were measured at admission and 4 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Echocardiography demonstrated that CO and LVEF significantly increased after 4 weeks in the Waon therapy group, but did not change in the control group. In the Waon therapy group, CVRR, HF, and HF norm significantly increased 4 weeks after Waon therapy. In addition, the LF/HF ratio and LF norm significantly decreased 4 weeks after Waon therapy. In contrast, these parameters remained unchanged in the control group. Moreover, the HF and HF norm were significantly higher, and the LF/HF ratio and LF norm were significantly lower after 4 weeks of Waon therapy group than after 4 weeks of only conventional therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Waon therapy improved cardiac function and autonomic nervous activity by increasing parasympathetic and decreasing sympathetic nervous activity in patients with CHF.

Waon therapy mobilizes CD34+ cells and improves peripheral arterial disease.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that Waon therapy upregulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase protein, and augments ischemia-induced angiogenesis in mice with hindlimb ischemia, and it improves limb ischemia in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanism of Waon therapy for the treatment of patients with PAD, and to determine whether Waon therapy can mobilize blood-derived progenitor cells. METHODS: 21 consecutive PAD patients received standard medications, and were randomly divided into control (n=10) and Waon therapy groups (n=11). The Waon therapy group received Waon therapy daily for 6 weeks. The control group continued conventional therapy for 6 weeks. Leg pain was scored using a visual analogue scale. The ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) and the 6-min walking distance were measured at baseline and 6 weeks after therapy. Frequency of circulating CD34+ progenitor cell numbers was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the serum nitrate and nitrite levels were also measured at baseline and 6 weeks after therapy. RESULTS: The leg pain score, ABPI and the 6-min walking distance improved significantly after 6 weeks in the Waon therapy group, but not in the control group. Frequency of circulating CD34+ cells increased after 6 weeks of Waon therapy [2.0 ± 1.2 (×10(-4)) at baseline to 3.9 ± 1.9 (×10(-4)), p=0.015], while it remained unchanged in the control group [1.8 ± 1.8 (×10(-4)) at baseline to 1.2 ± 0.9 (×10(-4))]. Serum nitrate and nitrite levels increased significantly after Waon therapy (29.6 ± 17.6 to 36.0 ± 17.7 µmol/ml, p<0.05), but not in the control group (34.4 ± 9.4 to 38.3 ± 8.8 µmol/ml). CONCLUSION: Waon therapy mobilized circulating endothelial progenitor cells and improved limb ischemia in patients with PAD. Waon therapy is a highly promising therapy for patients with PAD.

Enjoying hobbies is related to desirable cardiovascular effects.

An unhealthy lifestyle can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanism by which lifestyle influences the development of cardiovascular disease remains unclear. Since coronary endothelial function is a predictor of cardiovascular prognosis, the goal of this study was to characterize the effect of enjoying hobbies on coronary endothelial function and cardiovascular outcomes. A total of 121 consecutive patients (76 men, 45 women) with almost normal coronary arteries underwent Doppler flow study of the left anterior descending coronary artery following sequential administration of papaverine, acetylcholine, and nitroglycerin. On the basis of responses to questionnaires, patients were divided into two groups; the Hobby group (n = 71) who enjoyed hobbies, and the Non-hobby group (n = 50) who had no hobbies. Cardiovascular outcomes were assessed at long-term follow-up using medical records or questionnaire surveys for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).The average follow-up period was 916 +/- 515 days. There were no significant differences in demographics when comparing the two groups. The percent change in coronary blood flow and coronary artery diameter induced by acetylcholine was significantly greater in the Hobby group than in the Non-hobby group (49% +/- 77% vs 25% +/- 37%, P < 0.05, 4% +/- 13% vs -3% +/- 20%, P < 0.05, respectively). The MACE rate was significantly lower in the Hobby group than in the Non-hobby group (P < 0.01). Enjoyment of hobbies was the only independent predictor of MACE (odds ratio 8.1 [95% confidence interval 1.60, 41.90], P = 0.01) among the variables tested. In the early stages of arteriosclerosis, enjoying hobbies may improve cardiovascular outcomes via its favorable effects on coronary endothelial function.