Therapeutic Adherence According to the Morisky Scale in Patients with Hypertension

Abstract Background In view of the high prevalence of hypertension and the importance of adequate drug therapy in the prevention of complications, it is necessary to know the adherence to drug treatment in this population. Objective To verify adherence to antihypertensive drug treatment in Brazilian patients with hypertension using the Morisky-Green Test (MGT), relating it with demographic data. Methods Prospective, observational, multicenter, national registry study, with 2,578 hypertensive patients participating in study I, the Brazilian Cardiovascular Registry of Arterial Hypertension (I-RBH), recruited in the five regions of Brazil. The analyses carried out on the data were descriptive statistics, qui-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression, adopting 5% as the significance level for the tests. Results The research shows that 56.13% of patients in the sample were female; 56.71% were elderly (≥ 65 years); 55.86% were White; 52.37% were from the Southeast Region; and 59.74% were non-adherent. Logistic regression showed an independent relationship between patients' age, ethnicity, and region with medication adherence. Conclusion Adherence to treatment is the key to reducing high rates of cardiovascular complications. The study brings a successful outcome in the relationship between the factors ethnicity, age, and region of patients with hypertension and medication adherence. To this end, it is necessary to understand these factors, considering systematic evaluation in the care of patients with hypertension and other chronic non-communicable diseases. This study is a significant contribution to multidisciplinary teams, as it highlights which risk factors interfere with medication adherence, incorporating better strategies in health education.

Association between Morning Surge and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Obese Hypertensive Patients. / Relação da Ascensão Matinal da Pressão Arterial com a Hipertrofia Ventricular Esquerda em Hipertensos Obesos.

BACKGROUND: Weight gain can trigger mechanisms that increase blood pressure. Nevertheless, obesity causes structural changes in the myocardium, including increased ventricular mass, atrial dilatation, and diastolic and systolic dysfunction. Additionally, blood pressure variations, like morning surge (MS) in obese hypertensive patients may have clinical relevance in cardiovascular events. Although morning blood pressure surge is a physiological phenomenon, excess MS can be considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate MS values and their association with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and nocturnal dipping (ND) in obese and non-obese hypertensive patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study that evaluated BP measurements by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and the presence of LVH by echocardiography in 203 hypertensive outpatients, divided into two groups: 109 non-obese and 94 obese hypertensives patients. The significance level was set at 0.05 in two-tailed tests. RESULTS: A MS above 20 mmHg by ABPM was detected in 59.2% of patients in the non-obese group and 40.6% in the obese group. LVH was found in 18.1% and 39.3% of patients in the non-obese and obese groups, respectively, p<0.001. In the "obese group", it was observed that a MS>16 mmHg was associated with LVH, [prevalence ratio: 2.80; 95%CI (1.12-6.98), p=0.03]. For the non-obese group, the cut-off point of MS for this association was >22 mmHg. CONCLUSION: High MS was positively associated with LVH, with a particular behavior in the hypertensive obese group.

Brazilian Guidelines for In-office and Out-of-office Blood Pressure Measurement ­ 2023 / Diretrizes Brasileiras de Medidas da Pressão Arterial Dentro e Fora do Consultório ­ 2023

Hypertension is one of the primary modifiable risk factors for morbidity and mortality worldwide, being a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Furthermore, it is highly prevalent, affecting more than one-third of the global population. Blood pressure measurement is a MANDATORY procedure in any medical care setting and is carried out by various healthcare professionals. However, it is still commonly performed without the necessary technical care. Since the diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurement, it is clear how important it is to handle the techniques, methods, and equipment used in its execution with care. It should be emphasized that once the diagnosis is made, all short-term, medium-term, and long-term investigations and treatments are based on the results of blood pressure measurement. Therefore, improper techniques and/or equipment can lead to incorrect diagnoses, either underestimating or overestimating values, resulting in inappropriate actions and significant health and economic losses for individuals and nations. Once the correct diagnosis is made, as knowledge of the importance of proper treatment advances, with the adoption of more detailed normal values and careful treatment objectives towards achieving stricter blood pressure goals, the importance of precision in blood pressure measurement is also reinforced. Blood pressure measurement (described below) is usually performed using the traditional method, the so-called casual or office measurement. Over time, alternatives have been added to it, through the use of semi-automatic or automatic devices by the patients themselves, in waiting rooms or outside the office, in their own homes, or in public spaces. A step further was taken with the use of semi-automatic devices equipped with memory that allow sequential measurements outside the office (ABPM; or HBPM) and other automatic devices that allow programmed measurements over longer periods (HBPM). Some aspects of blood pressure measurement can interfere with obtaining reliable results and, consequently, cause harm in decision-making. These include the importance of using average values, the variation in blood pressure during the day, and short-term variability. These aspects have encouraged the performance of a greater number of measurements in various situations, and different guidelines have advocated the use of equipment that promotes these actions. Devices that perform HBPM or ABPM, which, in addition to allowing greater precision, when used together, detect white coat hypertension (WCH), masked hypertension (MH), sleep blood pressure alterations, and resistant hypertension (RHT) (defined in Chapter 2 of this guideline), are gaining more and more importance. Taking these details into account, we must emphasize that information related to diagnosis, classification, and goal setting is still based on office blood pressure measurement, and for this reason, all attention must be given to the proper execution of this procedure.

La hipertensión arterial (HTA) es uno de los principales factores de riesgo modificables para la morbilidad y mortalidad en todo el mundo, siendo uno de los mayores factores de riesgo para la enfermedad de las arterias coronarias, el accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) y la insuficiencia renal. Además, es altamente prevalente y afecta a más de un tercio de la población mundial. La medición de la presión arterial (PA) es un procedimiento OBLIGATORIO en cualquier atención médica o realizado por diferentes profesionales de la salud. Sin embargo, todavía se realiza comúnmente sin los cuidados técnicos necesarios. Dado que el diagnóstico se basa en la medición de la PA, es claro el cuidado que debe haber con las técnicas, los métodos y los equipos utilizados en su realización. Debemos enfatizar que una vez realizado el diagnóstico, todas las investigaciones y tratamientos a corto, mediano y largo plazo se basan en los resultados de la medición de la PA. Por lo tanto, las técnicas y/o equipos inadecuados pueden llevar a diagnósticos incorrectos, subestimando o sobreestimando valores y resultando en conductas inadecuadas y pérdidas significativas para la salud y la economía de las personas y las naciones. Una vez realizado el diagnóstico correcto, a medida que avanza el conocimiento sobre la importancia del tratamiento adecuado, con la adopción de valores de normalidad más detallados y objetivos de tratamiento más cuidadosos hacia metas de PA más estrictas, también se refuerza la importancia de la precisión en la medición de la PA. La medición de la PA (descrita a continuación) generalmente se realiza mediante el método tradicional, la llamada medición casual o de consultorio. Con el tiempo, se han agregado alternativas a través del uso de dispositivos semiautomáticos o automáticos por parte del propio paciente, en salas de espera o fuera del consultorio, en su propia residencia o en espacios públicos. Se dio un paso más con el uso de dispositivos semiautomáticos equipados con memoria que permiten mediciones secuenciales fuera del consultorio (AMPA; o MRPA) y otros automáticos que permiten mediciones programadas durante períodos más largos (MAPA). Algunos aspectos en la medición de la PA pueden interferir en la obtención de resultados confiables y, en consecuencia, causar daños en las decisiones a tomar. Estos incluyen la importancia de usar valores promedio, la variación de la PA durante el día y la variabilidad a corto plazo. Estos aspectos han alentado la realización de un mayor número de mediciones en diversas situaciones, y diferentes pautas han abogado por el uso de equipos que promuevan estas acciones. Los dispositivos que realizan MRPA o MAPA, que además de permitir una mayor precisión, cuando se usan juntos, detectan la hipertensión de bata blanca (HBB), la hipertensión enmascarada (HM), las alteraciones de la PA durante el sueño y la hipertensión resistente (HR) (definida en el Capítulo 2 de esta guía), están ganando cada vez más importancia. Teniendo en cuenta estos detalles, debemos enfatizar que la información relacionada con el diagnóstico, la clasificación y el establecimiento de objetivos todavía se basa en la medición de la presión arterial en el consultorio, y por esta razón, se debe prestar toda la atención a la ejecución adecuada de este procedimiento.

A hipertensão arterial (HA) é um dos principais fatores de risco modificáveis para morbidade e mortalidade em todo o mundo, sendo um dos maiores fatores de risco para doença arterial coronária, acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) e insuficiência renal. Além disso, é altamente prevalente e atinge mais de um terço da população mundial. A medida da PA é procedimento OBRIGATÓRIO em qualquer atendimento médico ou realizado por diferentes profissionais de saúde. Contudo, ainda é comumente realizada sem os cuidados técnicos necessários. Como o diagnóstico se baseia na medida da PA, fica claro o cuidado que deve haver com as técnicas, os métodos e os equipamentos utilizados na sua realização. Deve-se reforçar que, feito o diagnóstico, toda a investigação e os tratamentos de curto, médio e longo prazos são feitos com base nos resultados da medida da PA. Assim, técnicas e/ou equipamentos inadequados podem levar a diagnósticos incorretos, tanto subestimando quanto superestimando valores e levando a condutas inadequadas e grandes prejuízos à saúde e à economia das pessoas e das nações. Uma vez feito o diagnóstico correto, na medida em que avança o conhecimento da importância do tratamento adequado, com a adoção de valores de normalidade mais detalhados e com objetivos de tratamento mais cuidadosos no sentido do alcance de metas de PA mais rigorosas, fica também reforçada a importância da precisão na medida da PA. A medida da PA (descrita a seguir) é habitualmente feita pelo método tradicional, a assim chamada medida casual ou de consultório. Ao longo do tempo, foram agregadas alternativas a ela, mediante o uso de equipamentos semiautomáticos ou automáticos pelo próprio paciente, nas salas de espera ou fora do consultório, em sua própria residência ou em espaços públicos. Um passo adiante foi dado com o uso de equipamentos semiautomáticos providos de memória que permitem medidas sequenciais fora do consultório (AMPA; ou MRPA) e outros automáticos que permitem medidas programadas por períodos mais prolongados (MAPA). Alguns aspectos na medida da PA podem interferir na obtenção de resultados fidedignos e, consequentemente, causar prejuízo nas condutas a serem tomadas. Entre eles, estão: a importância de serem utilizados valores médios, a variação da PA durante o dia e a variabilidade a curto prazo. Esses aspectos têm estimulado a realização de maior número de medidas em diversas situações, e as diferentes diretrizes têm preconizado o uso de equipamentos que favoreçam essas ações. Ganham cada vez mais espaço os equipamentos que realizam MRPA ou MAPA, que, além de permitirem maior precisão, se empregados em conjunto, detectam a HA do avental branco (HAB), HA mascarada (HM), alterações da PA no sono e HA resistente (HAR) (definidos no Capítulo 2 desta diretriz). Resguardados esses detalhes, devemos ressaltar que as informações relacionadas a diagnóstico, classificação e estabelecimento de metas ainda são baseadas na medida da PA de consultório e, por esse motivo, toda a atenção deve ser dada à realização desse procedimento.

Chest Pain in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Its Association With the Culprit Artery and Fibrotic Segment Identified by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance.

Background: It is still very controversial whether the characteristics of pain in the acute myocardial infarction could be related to the culprit coronary artery. There are no data about associations of pain with the ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and left ventricular (LV) fibrotic segments. Methods: Data from 328 participants who had STEMI and were included in the B and T Types of Lymphocytes Evaluation in Acute Myocardial Infarction (BATTLE-AMI) study were analyzed. The culprit artery was identified by coronary angiography and the injured myocardial segments by cardiac magnetic resonance. The statistical significance was established by P value < 0.05. Results: A total of 223 patients (68%) were selected. Association was not observed between chest pain and the culprit artery (P = 0.237), as well as between pain irradiation and the culprit artery (P = 0.473). No significant difference was observed in the pain localization in relation to the segments in the short axis basal, mid, apical, and long axis, except for the mid inferior segment. The data were not considered clinically relevant because this association was observed in only one of 17 segments after multiple comparisons. Conclusions: In patients with STEMI, no associations were observed between the location or irradiation of acute chest pain and/or adjacent areas and the culprit artery, or between pain and segmental myocardial fibrosis in the LV.

Relação da Ascensão Matinal da Pressão Arterial com a Hipertrofia Ventricular Esquerda em Hipertensos Obesos / Association between Morning Surge and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Obese Hypertensive Patients

Resumo Fundamento O aumento do peso frequentemente desencadeia mecanismos que elevam a pressão arterial. A obesidade causa mudanças estruturais no miocárdio, incluindo aumento da massa ventricular, dilatação atrial, bem como disfunções diastólicas e sistólicas. Além disso, variações pressóricas nos hipertensos obesos, como a ascensão matinal (AM), podem ter relevância clínica na prevenção dos eventos cardiovasculares. A AM da pressão arterial é um fenômeno fisiológico, que quando elevada pode ser considerada um fator de risco independente para eventos cardiovasculares. Objetivo Avaliar valores da elevação da AM e sua associação com a hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) e com o Descenso do Sono (DS) em obesos e não obesos hipertensos. Métodos Estudo transversal que avaliou medidas pressóricas à monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial (MAPA) e a presença de HVE, avaliada pela ecocardiografia, em 203 pacientes hipertensos em tratamento ambulatorial, separados em dois grupos: 109 não obesos e 94 hipertensos obesos. O nível de significância adotado foi de 0,05 em testes bicaudais. Resultados A AM acima de 20 mmHg à MAPA foi detectada em 59,2% dos pacientes do grupo "não obesos" e em 40,6% no grupo "obesos". A HVE foi encontrada em 18,1% no grupo dos não-obesos e em 39,3% no grupo de obesos, p<0,001. No grupo "obesos" foi observado que AM >16 mmHg esteve associada à HVE, com [razão de prevalência: 2,80; IC95% (1,12-6,98), p=0,03]. Para o grupo dos "não obesos", o ponto de corte da AM para essa associação foi >22 mmHg. Conclusão A AM elevada associou-se positivamente com HVE, com comportamento peculiar na população de hipertensos e obesos.

Abstract Background Weight gain can trigger mechanisms that increase blood pressure. Nevertheless, obesity causes structural changes in the myocardium, including increased ventricular mass, atrial dilatation, and diastolic and systolic dysfunction. Additionally, blood pressure variations, like morning surge (MS) in obese hypertensive patients may have clinical relevance in cardiovascular events. Although morning blood pressure surge is a physiological phenomenon, excess MS can be considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. Objective To evaluate MS values and their association with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and nocturnal dipping (ND) in obese and non-obese hypertensive patients. Methods A cross-sectional study that evaluated BP measurements by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and the presence of LVH by echocardiography in 203 hypertensive outpatients, divided into two groups: 109 non-obese and 94 obese hypertensives patients. The significance level was set at 0.05 in two-tailed tests. Results A MS above 20 mmHg by ABPM was detected in 59.2% of patients in the non-obese group and 40.6% in the obese group. LVH was found in 18.1% and 39.3% of patients in the non-obese and obese groups, respectively, p<0.001. In the "obese group", it was observed that a MS>16 mmHg was associated with LVH, [prevalence ratio: 2.80; 95%CI (1.12-6.98), p=0.03]. For the non-obese group, the cut-off point of MS for this association was >22 mmHg. Conclusion High MS was positively associated with LVH, with a particular behavior in the hypertensive obese group.

Factors associated with uncontrolled blood pressure in hypertensive Brazilians

ABSTRACT: Uncontrolled hypertension has a high prevalence and is related to numerous negative health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the lack of blood pressure control in hypertensive Brazilians treated in public and private services. This is an analytical, multicentric, and national cross-sectional study, carried out with adult hypertensive patients, monitored in 45 outpatient clinics (September 2013 to October 2015) in a prospective record interview, clinical, and anthropometric assessment. Outcome variables included uncontrolled pressure (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg). Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Two thousand six hundred forty-three participants were assessed with a mean age of 61.6 ± 11.9 years, 55.7% of women, and 46.4% with uncontrolled blood pressure (BP). The following were associated with uncontrolled BP: age over 60 years (OR: 1.31 [1.11­1.55]); practice of irregular physical activity (OR: 1.28 [1.06­1.55]); attending the emergency room for hypertensive crises in the last six months (OR: 1.80 [1.46­2.22]); increased body mass index (OR: 1.02 [1.01­1.04]); low adherence to drug treatment (OR: 1.22 [1.04­1.44]) and menopause (OR: 1.36 [1.07­1.72]). The following were negatively associated: fruit consumption (OR: 0.90 [0.85­0.94]); presence of dyslipidemia (OR: 0.75 [0.64­0.89]), acute myocardial infarction (OR: 0.59 [0.46­0.76]), and peripheral arterial disease (OR: 0.52 [0.34-0.78]). Factors associated with difficult-to-control blood pressure are the same that increase the risk for hypertension, while the presence of atherosclerotic disease and its outcomes were associated with better control.

Factors associated with uncontrolled blood pressure in hypertensive Brazilians.

Uncontrolled hypertension has a high prevalence and is related to numerous negative health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the lack of blood pressure control in hypertensive Brazilians treated in public and private services. This is an analytical, multicentric, and national cross-sectional study, carried out with adult hypertensive patients, monitored in 45 outpatient clinics (September 2013 to October 2015) in a prospective record interview, clinical, and anthropometric assessment. Outcome variables included uncontrolled pressure (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg). Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Two thousand six hundred forty-three participants were assessed with a mean age of 61.6 ± 11.9 years, 55.7% of women, and 46.4% with uncontrolled blood pressure (BP). The following were associated with uncontrolled BP: age over 60 years (OR: 1.31 [1.11-1.55]); practice of irregular physical activity (OR: 1.28 [1.06-1.55]); attending the emergency room for hypertensive crises in the last six months (OR: 1.80 [1.46-2.22]); increased body mass index (OR: 1.02 [1.01-1.04]); low adherence to drug treatment (OR: 1.22 [1.04-1.44]) and menopause (OR: 1.36 [1.07-1.72]). The following were negatively associated: fruit consumption (OR: 0.90 [0.85-0.94]); presence of dyslipidemia (OR: 0.75 [0.64-0.89]), acute myocardial infarction (OR: 0.59 [0.46-0.76]), and peripheral arterial disease (OR: 0.52 [0.34-0.78]). Factors associated with difficult-to-control blood pressure are the same that increase the risk for hypertension, while the presence of atherosclerotic disease and its outcomes were associated with better control.

Desempenho do eletrocardiograma no diagnóstico da hipertrofia ventricular esquerda em hipertensos idosos e muito idosos / Performance of the electrocardiogram in the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy in older and very older hypertensive patients

Resumo Fundamento: A hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) é um importante fator de risco cardiovascular, independente da hipertensão arterial. Apesar da evolução dos exames de imagem, o eletrocardiograma (ECG) ainda é o mais utilizado na avaliação inicial, porém, com baixa sensibilidade. Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho dos principais critérios eletrocardiográficos para HVE em indivíduos hipertensos idosos e muito idosos. Métodos: Em coorte de hipertensos foram realizados ECGs e EcoDopplercardiogramas (ECO), e separados em três grupos etários: <60 anos, Grupo I; 60-79 anos Grupo II; e ≥80 anos, Grupo III. Os critérios eletrocardiográficos mais utilizados foram aplicados para o diagnóstico da HVE: Perúgia; Peguero-Lo Presti; Gubner-Ungerleider; Narita; (Rm+Sm) x duração; Cornell voltagem; Cornell voltagem duração; Sokolow-Lyon voltagem; R de aVL ≥11 mm; RaVL duração. Na avaliação do desempenho desses critérios, além da sensibilidade (Sen) e especificidade (Esp), foram analisadas as "Odds Ratios diagnóstico" (DOR). Consideramos p-valor <0,05 para as análises, com testes bi-caudais. Resultados: Em 2.458 pacientes, a HVE estava presente pelo ECO em 781 (31,7%). Nos Grupos I e II, os melhores desempenhos foram para os critérios de Narita, Perúgia, (Rm+Sm) x duração, sem diferenças estatísticas entre eles. No Grupo III (muito idosos) os critérios de Perúgia e (Rm+Sm) x duração tiveram os melhores desempenhos: Perúgia [44,7/89,3; (Sen/Esp)] e (Rm+Sm) duração [39,4%/91,3%; (Sen/Esp), p<0,05)], com os melhores resultados de DOR:6,8. Isto sugere que nessa população de muito idosos esses critérios têm maior poder discriminatório para separar pacientes com HVE. Conclusão: Nos hipertensos muito idosos os critérios eletrocardiográficos de Perúgia e (Rm+Sm) x duração apresentaram os melhores desempenhos diagnósticos para HVE.

Abstract Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an important cardiovascular risk factor, regardless of arterial hypertension. Despite the evolution of imaging tests, the electrocardiogram (ECG) is still the most used in the initial evaluation, however, with low sensitivity. Objective: To evaluate the performance of the main electrocardiographic criteria for LVH in elderly and very elderly hypertensive individuals. Methods: In a cohort of hypertensive patients, ECGs and doppler echocardiographies (ECHO) were performed and separated into three age groups: <60 years, Group I; 60-79 years Group II; and ≥80 years, Group III. The most used electrocardiographic criteria were applied for the diagnosis of LVH: Perugia; Pegaro-Lo Presti; Gubner-Ungerleider; Narita; (Rm+Sm) x duration; Cornell voltage; Cornell voltage duration; Sokolow-Lyon voltage; R of aVL ≥11 mm; RaVL duration. In evaluating the performance of these criteria, in addition to sensitivity (Sen) and specificity (Esp), the "Diagnostic Odds Ratios" (DOR) were analyzed. We considered p-value <0.05 for the analyses, with two-tailed tests. Results: In 2,458 patients, LVH was present by ECHO in 781 (31.7%). In Groups I and II, the best performances were for the criteria of Narita, Perugia, (Rm+Sm) x duration, with no statistical differences between them. In Group III (very elderly) the Perugia criteria and (Rm+Sm) x duration had the best performances: Perugia [44,7/89.3; (Sen/Esp)] and (Rm+Sm) duration [39.4%/91.3%; (Sen/Esp), p<0.05)], with the best PAIN results:6.8. This suggests that in this very elderly population, these criteria have greater discriminatory power to separate patients with LVH. Conclusion: In very elderly hypertensive patients, the Perugia electrocardiographic criteria and (Rm+Sm) x duration showed the best diagnostic performance for LVH.

World Heart Federation Roadmap for Hypertension - A 2021 Update.

The World Heart Federation (WHF) Roadmap series covers a large range of cardiovascular conditions. These Roadmaps identify potential roadblocks and their solutions to improve the prevention, detection and management of cardiovascular diseases and provide a generic global framework available for local adaptation. A first Roadmap on raised blood pressure was published in 2015. Since then, advances in hypertension have included the publication of new clinical guidelines (AHA/ACC; ESC; ESH/ISH); the launch of the WHO Global HEARTS Initiative in 2016 and the associated Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) initiative in 2017; the inclusion of single-pill combinations on the WHO Essential Medicines' list as well as various advances in technology, in particular telemedicine and mobile health. Given the substantial benefit accrued from effective interventions in the management of hypertension and their potential for scalability in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), the WHF has now revisited and updated the 'Roadmap for raised BP' as 'Roadmap for hypertension' by incorporating new developments in science and policy. Even though cost-effective lifestyle and medical interventions to prevent and manage hypertension exist, uptake is still low, particularly in resource-poor areas. This Roadmap examined the roadblocks pertaining to both the demand side (demographic and socio-economic factors, knowledge and beliefs, social relations, norms, and traditions) and the supply side (health systems resources and processes) along the patient pathway to propose a range of possible solutions to overcoming them. Those include the development of population-wide prevention and control programmes; the implementation of opportunistic screening and of out-of-office blood pressure measurements; the strengthening of primary care and a greater focus on task sharing and team-based care; the delivery of people-centred care and stronger patient and carer education; and the facilitation of adherence to treatment. All of the above are dependent upon the availability and effective distribution of good quality, evidence-based, inexpensive BP-lowering agents.

Associação da Composição Corporal com Rigidez Arterial em Longevos / Association of Body Composition with Arterial Stiffness in Long-lived People

Resumo Fundamento Pouco se conhece sobre a relação entre sarcopenia e hemodinâmica central em idosos longevos. Objetivo Estudar a relação da rigidez arterial com a composição corporal em idosos longevos. Métodos A composição corporal foi avaliada por meio da absortometria de Raio X de dupla energia (DEXA) e dos parâmetros de circulação central (PCC) obtidos por método oscilométrico não invasivo, com o Mobil-O-Graph 24h PWA Monitor®. Os parâmetros centrais avaliados foram: velocidade da onda de pulso (VOP), augmentation index (AIx), índice de amplificação da pressão de pulso (iAPP) e pressão de pulso central (PPc). Estes foram correlacionados com massa magra total (MM) e apendicular (MA), percentual de gordura corporal e índice de Baumgartner (IB). Aceitou-se nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Participaram 124 longevos, com idade média de 87,1 anos (DP±4,3 anos), sendo 74,2% mulheres e 57,3% brancos. Houve correlação inversa do AIx com as variáveis MM (r = - 0,391, p < 0,001), MA (r= -0,378, p< 0,001) e IB (r = -0,258, p 0,004). A PPc apresentou associação inversa com MM (r= -0,268, p =0,003), MA (r=-0,288, p= 0,001) e IB (r= -0,265, p = 0,003). Houve relação direta apenas entre AIx e percentual de gordura corporal (r= 0,197, p= 0,029). Conclusão Em idosos longevos, o percentual de gordura corporal se associa diretamente com a rigidez arterial e tem associação inversa com a quantidade de MM. Esses achados podem estar associados ao maior risco cardiovascular.

Abstract Background Arterial stiffness, obesity and sarcopenia correlate with each other and with cardiac outcomes in younger adults. However, there is little evidence of the association between body composition and markers of central arteries stiffness in long-lived people. Objective To evaluate the relationship between arterial stiffness and body composition in functionally independent long-lived individuals. Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis of the association between markers of arterial stiffness and body composition among participants in a longitudinal cohort of elderly individuals aged 80 years or older who were functionally independent and lived in the community . Body composition measurements were performed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and central circulation parameters (CCP) obtained by a non-invasive oscillometric method through the Mobil-O-Graph 24h PWA Monitor® device. The central parameters evaluated were: pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation Index (AIx), pulse pressure amplification index (PPAi) and central pulse pressure (cPP). These were correlated to total lean mass (LM) and appendicular lean mass (aLM), body fat percentage, and Baumgartner's Index (BI). The level of significance was set at 5% for all tests. Results Data from 124 elderly people with a mean age of 87.1 years (SD ± 4.3 years) were analyzed, with 74.2% of women and 57.3% of white. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation of AIx with LM (r = -0.391, p <0.001), aLM (r = -0.378, p <0.001), and BI (r = -0.258, p = 0.004). Also, cPP had an inversely proportional association with LM (r = -0.268, p = 0.003), aLM (r = -0.288, p = 0.001), and BI (r = -0.265, p = 0.003). When assessing the relationship between fat mass and CCP, a statistically significant direct relationship was observed only between AIx and body fat percentage (r = 0.197, p = 0.029). Conclusion In long-lived people, body fat percentage is directly associated with arterial stiffness and inversely associated with the amount of LM. These findings may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Performance of the Electrocardiogram in the Diagnosis of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Older and Very Older Hypertensive Patients. / Desempenho do Eletrocardiograma no Diagnóstico da Hipertrofia Ventricular Esquerda em Hipertensos Idosos e Muito Idosos.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an important cardiovascular risk factor, regardless of arterial hypertension. Despite the evolution of imaging tests, the electrocardiogram (ECG) is still the most used in the initial evaluation, however, with low sensitivity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of the main electrocardiographic criteria for LVH in elderly and very elderly hypertensive individuals. METHODS: In a cohort of hypertensive patients, ECGs and doppler echocardiographies (ECHO) were performed and separated into three age groups: <60 years, Group I; 60-79 years Group II; and ≥80 years, Group III. The most used electrocardiographic criteria were applied for the diagnosis of LVH: Perugia; Pegaro-Lo Presti; Gubner-Ungerleider; Narita; (Rm+Sm) x duration; Cornell voltage; Cornell voltage duration; Sokolow-Lyon voltage; R of aVL ≥11 mm; RaVL duration. In evaluating the performance of these criteria, in addition to sensitivity (Sen) and specificity (Esp), the "Diagnostic Odds Ratios" (DOR) were analyzed. We considered p-value <0.05 for the analyses, with two-tailed tests. RESULTS: In 2,458 patients, LVH was present by ECHO in 781 (31.7%). In Groups I and II, the best performances were for the criteria of Narita, Perugia, (Rm+Sm) x duration, with no statistical differences between them. In Group III (very elderly) the Perugia criteria and (Rm+Sm) x duration had the best performances: Perugia [44,7/89.3; (Sen/Esp)] and (Rm+Sm) duration [39.4%/91.3%; (Sen/Esp), p<0.05)], with the best PAIN results:6.8. This suggests that in this very elderly population, these criteria have greater discriminatory power to separate patients with LVH. CONCLUSION: In very elderly hypertensive patients, the Perugia electrocardiographic criteria and (Rm+Sm) x duration showed the best diagnostic performance for LVH.

FUNDAMENTO: A hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) é um importante fator de risco cardiovascular, independente da hipertensão arterial. Apesar da evolução dos exames de imagem, o eletrocardiograma (ECG) ainda é o mais utilizado na avaliação inicial, porém, com baixa sensibilidade. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o desempenho dos principais critérios eletrocardiográficos para HVE em indivíduos hipertensos idosos e muito idosos. MÉTODOS: Em coorte de hipertensos foram realizados ECGs e EcoDopplercardiogramas (ECO), e separados em três grupos etários: <60 anos, Grupo I; 60-79 anos Grupo II; e ≥80 anos, Grupo III. Os critérios eletrocardiográficos mais utilizados foram aplicados para o diagnóstico da HVE: Perúgia; Peguero-Lo Presti; Gubner-Ungerleider; Narita; (Rm+Sm) x duração; Cornell voltagem; Cornell voltagem duração; Sokolow-Lyon voltagem; R de aVL ≥11 mm; RaVL duração. Na avaliação do desempenho desses critérios, além da sensibilidade (Sen) e especificidade (Esp), foram analisadas as "Odds Ratios diagnóstico" (DOR). Consideramos p-valor <0,05 para as análises, com testes bi-caudais. RESULTADOS: Em 2.458 pacientes, a HVE estava presente pelo ECO em 781 (31,7%). Nos Grupos I e II, os melhores desempenhos foram para os critérios de Narita, Perúgia, (Rm+Sm) x duração, sem diferenças estatísticas entre eles. No Grupo III (muito idosos) os critérios de Perúgia e (Rm+Sm) x duração tiveram os melhores desempenhos: Perúgia [44,7/89,3; (Sen/Esp)] e (Rm+Sm) duração [39,4%/91,3%; (Sen/Esp), p<0,05)], com os melhores resultados de DOR:6,8. Isto sugere que nessa população de muito idosos esses critérios têm maior poder discriminatório para separar pacientes com HVE. CONCLUSÃO: Nos hipertensos muito idosos os critérios eletrocardiográficos de Perúgia e (Rm+Sm) x duração apresentaram os melhores desempenhos diagnósticos para HVE.

Association of Body Composition with Arterial Stiffness in Long-lived People. / Associação da Composição Corporal com Rigidez Arterial em Longevos.

BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffness, obesity and sarcopenia correlate with each other and with cardiac outcomes in younger adults. However, there is little evidence of the association between body composition and markers of central arteries stiffness in long-lived people. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between arterial stiffness and body composition in functionally independent long-lived individuals. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the association between markers of arterial stiffness and body composition among participants in a longitudinal cohort of elderly individuals aged 80 years or older who were functionally independent and lived in the community . Body composition measurements were performed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and central circulation parameters (CCP) obtained by a non-invasive oscillometric method through the Mobil-O-Graph 24h PWA Monitor® device. The central parameters evaluated were: pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation Index (AIx), pulse pressure amplification index (PPAi) and central pulse pressure (cPP). These were correlated to total lean mass (LM) and appendicular lean mass (aLM), body fat percentage, and Baumgartner's Index (BI). The level of significance was set at 5% for all tests. RESULTS: Data from 124 elderly people with a mean age of 87.1 years (SD ± 4.3 years) were analyzed, with 74.2% of women and 57.3% of white. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation of AIx with LM (r = -0.391, p <0.001), aLM (r = -0.378, p <0.001), and BI (r = -0.258, p = 0.004). Also, cPP had an inversely proportional association with LM (r = -0.268, p = 0.003), aLM (r = -0.288, p = 0.001), and BI (r = -0.265, p = 0.003). When assessing the relationship between fat mass and CCP, a statistically significant direct relationship was observed only between AIx and body fat percentage (r = 0.197, p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: In long-lived people, body fat percentage is directly associated with arterial stiffness and inversely associated with the amount of LM. These findings may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

FUNDAMENTO: Pouco se conhece sobre a relação entre sarcopenia e hemodinâmica central em idosos longevos. OBJETIVO: Estudar a relação da rigidez arterial com a composição corporal em idosos longevos. MÉTODOS: A composição corporal foi avaliada por meio da absortometria de Raio X de dupla energia (DEXA) e dos parâmetros de circulação central (PCC) obtidos por método oscilométrico não invasivo, com o Mobil-O-Graph 24h PWA Monitor®. Os parâmetros centrais avaliados foram: velocidade da onda de pulso (VOP), augmentation index (AIx), índice de amplificação da pressão de pulso (iAPP) e pressão de pulso central (PPc). Estes foram correlacionados com massa magra total (MM) e apendicular (MA), percentual de gordura corporal e índice de Baumgartner (IB). Aceitou-se nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Participaram 124 longevos, com idade média de 87,1 anos (DP±4,3 anos), sendo 74,2% mulheres e 57,3% brancos. Houve correlação inversa do AIx com as variáveis MM (r = - 0,391, p < 0,001), MA (r= -0,378, p< 0,001) e IB (r = -0,258, p 0,004). A PPc apresentou associação inversa com MM (r= -0,268, p =0,003), MA (r=-0,288, p= 0,001) e IB (r= -0,265, p = 0,003). Houve relação direta apenas entre AIx e percentual de gordura corporal (r= 0,197, p= 0,029). CONCLUSÃO: Em idosos longevos, o percentual de gordura corporal se associa diretamente com a rigidez arterial e tem associação inversa com a quantidade de MM. Esses achados podem estar associados ao maior risco cardiovascular.

Muscle Mass Assessed by Computed Tomography at the Third Lumbar Vertebra Predicts Patient Survival in Chronic Kidney Disease

OBJECTIVE: Muscle mass is a key element for the evaluation of nutritional disturbances in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Low muscle mass is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The assessment of muscle mass by computed tomography at the third lumbar vertebra region (CTMM-L3) is an accurate method not subject to errors from fluctuation in the hydration status. Therefore, we aimed at investigating whether CTMM-L3 was able to predict mortality in nondialyzed CKD 3-5 patients. METHODS: This is a prospective observational cohort study. We evaluated 223 nondialyzed CKD patients (60.3 ± 10.6 years; 64% men; 50% diabetics; glomerular filtration rate 20.7 ± 9.6 mLmin1.73 m2). Muscle mass was measured by CTMM-L3 using the Slice-O-Matic software and analyzed according to percentile adjusted by gender. Nutritional parameters, laboratory data, and comorbidities were evaluated, and mortality was followed up for 4 years. RESULTS: During the study period, 63 patients died, and the main cause of death was cardiovascular disease. Patients who died were older, had lower hemoglobin and albumin, as well as lower muscle markers. CTMM-L3 below the 25th percentile was associated with higher mortality according to the Kaplan-Meier curve (P = .017) and in Cox regression analysis (crude hazard ratio, 1.87 [95% confidence interval, 1.11-3.16]), also when adjusting for potential confounders (hazard ratio 1.83 [95% confidence interval 1.02-3.30]). CONCLUSION: Low muscle mass measured by computed tomography at the third lumbar vertebra region is an independent predictor of increased mortality in nondialyzed CKD patients.

The impact of changing home blood pressure monitoring cutoff from 135/85 to 130/80 mmHg on hypertension phenotypes.

This study investigated the impact of changing abnormal home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) cutoff from 135/85 to 130/80 mmHg on the prevalence of hypertension phenotypes, considering an abnormal office blood pressure cutoff of 140/90 mmHg. We evaluated 57 768 individuals (26 876 untreated and 30 892 treated with antihypertensive medications) from 719 Brazilian centers who performed HBPM. Changing the HBPM cutoff was associated with increases in masked (from 10% to 22%) and sustained (from 27% to 35%) hypertension, and decreases in white-coat hypertension (from 16% to 7%) and normotension (from 47% to 36%) among untreated participants, and increases in masked (from 11% to 22%) and sustained (from 29% to 36%) uncontrolled hypertension, and decreases in white-coat uncontrolled hypertension (from 15% to 8%) and controlled hypertension (from 45% to 34%) among treated participants. In conclusion, adoption of an abnormal HBPM cutoff of 130/80 mmHg markedly increased the prevalence of out-of-office hypertension and uncontrolled hypertension phenotypes.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Cardiology Specialists from the Brazilian Society of Cardiology. / Fatores de Risco Cardiovascular em Cardiologistas Especialistas pela Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia.

BACKGROUND: A major cause of death worldwide, cardiovascular diseases and their prevalence in cardiologists are little known. OBJECTIVES: To describe life habits and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and to investigate the prevalence of diagnosis, awareness, and control of these CVRF among cardiologists members affiliated to and specialists from the Brazilian Society of Cardiology. METHODS: National multicenter cross-sectional study to assess Brazilian cardiologists using a questionnaire on life habits, preexisting diseases, current medications, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and levels of glucose and lipids. RESULTS: A total of 555 cardiologists were evaluated, of which 67.9% were male, with a mean age of 47.2±11.7 years. Most were non-smoker (88.7%) and physically active (77.1%), consumed alcohol (78.2%), had normal weight circumference (51.7%), and were overweight (56.1%). The prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), diabetes mellitus (DM), and dyslipidemia (DLP) were 32.4%, 5.9%, and 49.7%, respectively, of which only 57.2%, 45.5%, and 49.6%, respectively, were aware of the diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian cardiologists participating in the study had a high prevalence of SAH, DM and DLP, but only a half of participants were aware of these conditions and, among these, the rates of controlled disease were low for SAH and DLP, although cardiologists are professionals with great knowledge about these CVRF. These findings represent a warning sign for the approach of CVRF in Brazilian cardiologists and encourage the conduction of future studies.

FUNDAMENTO: Principal causa de morte em todo o mundo, as doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) e sua prevalência nos médicos cardiologistas são pouco conhecidas. OBJETIVOS: Descrever os hábitos de vida e os fatores de risco cardiovascular e verificar a prevalência de diagnóstico, conhecimento e controle dos fatores de risco cardiovasculares (FRCV) de médicos cardiologistas associados e especialistas pela Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia. MÉTODOS: Estudo multicêntrico nacional transversal que avaliou cardiologistas brasileiros por meio de questionário sobre hábitos de vida, doenças preexistentes, medicações em uso, medidas antropométricas, pressão arterial e dosagens de glicose e lípideos sanguíneos. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 555 cardiologistas, 67,9% do sexo masculino, média de idade de 47,2±11,7 anos. A maioria era não tabagista (88,7%), fisicamente ativa (77,1%), consumia bebida alcóolica (78,2%), com circunferência abdominal normal (51,7%) e excesso de peso (56,1%). As prevalências de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS), diabetes mellitus (DM) e dislipidemia (DLP) foram de 32,4%, 5,9% e 49,7%, respectivamente e, destes, apenas 57,2%, 45,5% e 49,6% sabiam ter as doenças. CONCLUSÕES: Os cardiologistas brasileiros participantes do estudo apresentaram prevalências significativas de HAS, DM e DLP, mas apenas a metade dos participantes sabia ser portador dessas condições e, entre eles, as taxas de controle eram baixas para HAS e DLP, apesar de os cardiologistas serem profissionais detentores de conhecimento diferenciado sobre esses FRCV. Os achados representam um alerta para a abordagem dos FRCV em cardiologistas brasileiros e estimulam a realização de estudos futuros.

Fatores de Risco Cardiovascular em Cardiologistas Especialistas pela Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia / Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Cardiology Specialists from the Brazilian Society of Cardiology

Resumo Fundamento: Principal causa de morte em todo o mundo, as doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) e sua prevalência nos médicos cardiologistas são pouco conhecidas. Objetivos: Descrever os hábitos de vida e os fatores de risco cardiovascular e verificar a prevalência de diagnóstico, conhecimento e controle dos fatores de risco cardiovasculares (FRCV) de médicos cardiologistas associados e especialistas pela Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia. Métodos: Estudo multicêntrico nacional transversal que avaliou cardiologistas brasileiros por meio de questionário sobre hábitos de vida, doenças preexistentes, medicações em uso, medidas antropométricas, pressão arterial e dosagens de glicose e lípideos sanguíneos. Resultados: Foram avaliados 555 cardiologistas, 67,9% do sexo masculino, média de idade de 47,2±11,7 anos. A maioria era não tabagista (88,7%), fisicamente ativa (77,1%), consumia bebida alcóolica (78,2%), com circunferência abdominal normal (51,7%) e excesso de peso (56,1%). As prevalências de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS), diabetes mellitus (DM) e dislipidemia (DLP) foram de 32,4%, 5,9% e 49,7%, respectivamente e, destes, apenas 57,2%, 45,5% e 49,6% sabiam ter as doenças. Conclusões: Os cardiologistas brasileiros participantes do estudo apresentaram prevalências significativas de HAS, DM e DLP, mas apenas a metade dos participantes sabia ser portador dessas condições e, entre eles, as taxas de controle eram baixas para HAS e DLP, apesar de os cardiologistas serem profissionais detentores de conhecimento diferenciado sobre esses FRCV. Os achados representam um alerta para a abordagem dos FRCV em cardiologistas brasileiros e estimulam a realização de estudos futuros.

Abstract Background: A major cause of death worldwide, cardiovascular diseases and their prevalence in cardiologists are little known. Objectives: To describe life habits and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and to investigate the prevalence of diagnosis, awareness, and control of these CVRF among cardiologists members affiliated to and specialists from the Brazilian Society of Cardiology. Methods: National multicenter cross-sectional study to assess Brazilian cardiologists using a questionnaire on life habits, preexisting diseases, current medications, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and levels of glucose and lipids. Results: A total of 555 cardiologists were evaluated, of which 67.9% were male, with a mean age of 47.2±11.7 years. Most were non-smoker (88.7%) and physically active (77.1%), consumed alcohol (78.2%), had normal weight circumference (51.7%), and were overweight (56.1%). The prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), diabetes mellitus (DM), and dyslipidemia (DLP) were 32.4%, 5.9%, and 49.7%, respectively, of which only 57.2%, 45.5%, and 49.6%, respectively, were aware of the diseases. Conclusions: The Brazilian cardiologists participating in the study had a high prevalence of SAH, DM and DLP, but only a half of participants were aware of these conditions and, among these, the rates of controlled disease were low for SAH and DLP, although cardiologists are professionals with great knowledge about these CVRF. These findings represent a warning sign for the approach of CVRF in Brazilian cardiologists and encourage the conduction of future studies.