Patients Living with Arterial Hypertension in Mexico: First Insights of The Mexican Registry of Arterial Hypertension (RIHTA Study).

BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Mexico. However, there is limited data available to understand blood pressure management and cardiometabolic profiles. AIMS: To assess the prevalence of controlled and uncontrolled blood pressure, as well as the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors among patients from the Mexican Registry of Arterial Hypertension (RIHTA). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of participants living with arterial hypertension registered on RIHTA between December 2021 and April 2023. We used both the 2017 ACC/AHA and 2018 ESC/ESH thresholds to define controlled and uncontrolled arterial hypertension. We considered eleven cardiometabolic risk factors, which include overweight, obesity, central obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, low-HDL-C, high-LDL-C, low-eGFR, and high CVD risk. RESULTS: In a sample of 5,590 participants (female: 61%, n=3,393; median age: 64 [IQR: 56-72] years), the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension varied significantly, depending on the definition (2017 ACC/AHA: 59.9%, 95% CI: 58.6-61.2 and 2018 ESC/ESH: 20.1%, 95% CI: 19.0-21.2). In the sample, 40.43% exhibited at least 5-6 risk factors, and 32.4% had 3-4 risk factors, chiefly abdominal obesity (83.4%, 95% CI: 82.4-84.4), high-LDL-C (59.6%, 95% CI: 58.3-60.9), high-CVD risk (57.9%, 95% CI: 56.6-59.2), high triglycerides (56.2%, 95% CI: 54.9-57.5), and low-HDL-C (42.2%, 95% CI: 40.9-43.5). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension interlinked with a high burden of cardiometabolic comorbidities in Mexican adults living with arterial hypertension, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions and better healthcare policies to reduce the burden of the disease in our country.

Blood pressure telemonitoring and telemedicine, a Latin America perspective.

PURPOSE: To share a Latin-American perspective of the use of telemedicine, together with blood pressure measurements outside the medical office, as a potential contribution to improving access to the health system, diagnosis, adherence, and persistence in hypertension treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A document settled by a Writing Group of Mexico Hypertension Experts Group, Interamerican Society of Hypertension, Epidemiology and Cardiovascular Prevention Council of the Interamerican Society of Cardiology, and National Cardiologist Association of Mexico. RESULTS: In almost all Latin American countries, the health sector faces two fundamental challenges: (1) ensure equitable access to quality care services in a growing population that faces an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases, and (2) optimise the growing costs of health services, maintaining equity, accessibility, universality, and quality. Telehealth proposes an innovative approach to patient management, especially for chronic conditions, intending to provide remote consultation, education, and follow-up to achieve measurements and goals. It is a tool that promises to improve access, empower the patient, and somehow influence their behaviour about lifestyle changes, improving prevention and reducing complications of hypertension. The clinical practitioner has seen increased evidence that the use of out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurement and telemedicine are helpful tools to keep patients and physicians in contact and promote better pharmacological adherence and BP control. A survey carried out by medical and scientific institutions showed that practitioners are up-to-date with telemedicine, had internet access, and had hardware availability. CONCLUSIONS: A transcendent issue is the need to make the population aware of the benefits of taking blood pressure to avoid complications of hypertension, and in this scenario, promote the creation of teleconsultation mechanisms for the follow-up of patients diagnosed with hypertension.

What is the context?In almost all Latin American countries, the health sector faces two fundamental challenges: (1) ensure equitable access to quality care services in a growing population that faces an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases, and (2) optimise the growing costs of health services, maintaining equity, accessibility, universality, and quality.What is new?Telehealth proposes an innovative approach to patient management, especially for chronic conditions, intending to provide remote consultation, education, and follow-up to achieve measurements and goals. It is a tool that promises to improve access, empower the patient, and somehow influence their behaviour about lifestyle changes, improving prevention and reducing complications of hypertension.What is the impact?Needs are always infinite, and resources are finite, so according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), advances in electronic, information, and communication technology point to more significant equity in the provision of services, considering the effectiveness, possibility of refining the rationalisation of health spending, and improving health care for remote populations.A transcendent issue is the need to make the population aware of the benefits of taking blood pressure to avoid complications of hypertension, and in this scenario, promote the creation of teleconsultation mechanisms for the follow-up of patients diagnosed with hypertension.

[Epidemiological characterization of COVID-2019 in Mexican pregnant women: a cohort study]. / Caracterización epidemiológica de la COVID-2019 en población obstétrica mexicana: estudio de cohorte.

Background: COVID-19 in pregnancy can increase the risk of complications due to the cardiorespiratory and immunological changes typical of pregnancy. Objective: To report the epidemiological characterization of COVID-19 in Mexican pregnant women. Material and methods: Cohort study on pregnant women with a positive COVID-19 test, which were followed until delivery and one month later. Results: 758 pregnant women were included in the analysis. Mothers' mean age was 28.8 ± 6.1 years; the majority were workers 497 (65.6%) and with an urban origin (482, 63.6%); the most common blood group was O with 458 (63.0%); 478 (63.0%) were nulliparous women and more than 25% had some comorbidities; the average gestation weeks at infection were 34.4 ± 5.1 weeks; only 170 pregnant women (22.4%) received vaccination; the most frequent vaccine was BioNTech Pfizer (96, 60%); there were no serious adverse events attributed to vaccination. The mean gestational age at delivery was 35.4 ± 5.2 weeks; 85% of pregnancies were cesarean section; the most frequent complication was prematurity (406, 53.5%), followed by preeclampsia (199, 26.2%); there were 5 cases of maternal death and 39 cases of perinatal death. Conclusions: COVID-19 in pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth, preeclampsia, and maternal death. Vaccination against COVID-19 in this series showed no risk for pregnant women and their newborns.

Introducción: la COVID-19 en el embarazo puede incrementar el riesgo de complicaciones debido a los cambios cardiorrespiratorios e inmunológicos propios de la gestación. Objetivo: reportar la caracterización epidemiológica de la COVID-19 en población obstétrica mexicana. Material y métodos: estudio de cohorte en embarazadas con prueba positiva para COVID-19 que fueron seguidas hasta la resolución del embarazo y un mes después. Resultados: 758 mujeres embarazadas fueron incluidas en el análisis. La media de edad en las madres fue 28.8 ± 6.1 años; la mayoría trabajadoras 497 (65.6%) y de origen urbano (482, 63.6%); el grupo sanguíneo más común fue O 458 (63.0%); 478 (63.0%) fueron primigestas, y más del 25% padecía comorbilidades; las semanas de gestación promedio al contagio fueron 34.4 ± 5.1 semanas; solo 170 gestantes (22.4%) recibieron vacunación; la vacuna más frecuente fue BioNTech Pfizer (96, 60%); no hubo eventos adversos graves atribuibles a la vacunación. La edad gestacional media al nacer fue de 35.4 ± 5.2 semanas; el 85% de los embarazos se interrumpieron por cesárea; la complicación más frecuente fue la prematurez con 406 (53.5%), seguida de preeclampsia con 199 (26.2%); hubo 5 casos de muerte materna y 39 casos de muerte perinatal. Conclusiones: la COVID-19 en el embarazo aumenta el riesgo de parto prematuro, preeclampsia y muerte materna. Al menos en esta serie la vacunación contra COVID-19 no mostró riesgo para las mujeres embarazadas y sus recién nacidos.

Blood pressure telemonitoring and telemedicine for hypertension management-positions, expectations and feasibility of Latin-American practitioners. SURVEY carried out by several cardiology and hypertension societies of the Americas.

PURPOSE: To assess the opinion of Latin-American physicians on remote blood pressure monitoring and telehealth for hypertension management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of physicians residing in Latin-America. The study was conducted by the Mexico Hypertension Experts Group, Interamerican Society of Hypertension, Interamerican Society of Cardiology Epidemiology and Cardiovascular Prevention Council, and National Cardiologist Association of Mexico. An online survey composed of 40 questions using Google Forms was distributed from 7 December 2021, to 3 February 2022. The survey was approved by the GREHTA Ethics Committee and participation was voluntary and anonymous. Multiple logistic regression models were constructed to identify the challenges of telehealth. RESULTS: 1753 physicians' responses were gathered. The responses came from physicians from different Latin-American countries, as follows: 24% from Mexico, 20.6% from Argentina, 14.7% from Colombia, 10.9% from Brazil, 8.7% from Venezuela, 8.2% from Guatemala and 3.2% from Paraguay. Responders with a high interest in carrying out their assistance task through remote telemonitoring reached 48.9% (821), while 43.6% are already currently conducting telemonitoring. A high number, 62%, claimed to need telemonitoring training. There is a direct relation between higher interest in telemonitoring and age, medical specialty, team working, residence in the biggest cities, expectations regarding telemedicine and reimbursement. CONCLUSIONS: Remote monitoring is feasible in Latin-America. General practitioners and specialists from bigger cities seem eager and are self-perceived as well-trained and experienced. Facilities and resources do not seem to be a challenge but training reinforcement and telemedicine promotion is necessary for those physicians less motivated.PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARYWhat is the context?Hypertension is one of the leading worldwide modifiable risk factors for premature death. Strong evidence supports that effective treatment of this condition results in a significant reduction of hard outcomes.Only 20%-30% of hypertensive patients are within the blood pressure targets recommended by guidelines in Latin-America. There is an urgent need to implement innovative strategies to reverse this alarming health situation.What is new?Latin-American physicians were highly predisposed to telemonitoring practice. This high motivation was not influenced by hardware or software availability, technological knowledge or experience, by volume of monthly consultations, or by area (private-public) where the care activity is carried out.This high motivation may be supported by the conviction that this practice could be very useful as a complement to face-to-face assistance and a highly effective tool to improve adherence even though respondents considered that just 10% of the patients would prefer telemonitoring over office consultation.What is the impact?Facilities and resources do not seem to be a challenge but training reinforcement and telemedicine promotion is necessary for those physicians less motivated. The general perception is that it is necessary to move forward to resolve legal gaps and financial aspects.Physicians must adapt to changes and develop new communication strategies in a world where the unrestricted access to teleinformation makes patients self-perceived as experts.

[Integrated Care Protocol: Hypertension]. / Protocolo de Atención Integral: hipertensión arterial sistémica.

Background: Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular risk factor that is responsible for complications such as cerebrovascular events, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, kidney failure, arrhythmias and blindness. About 30% of the adult population older than 20 years is a carrier. 40% of carriers are unaware of suffering from it since its onset is generally asymptomatic. Unfortunately, of those who are already known to be hypertensive, only half take drug treatment and of these, only half achieve control figures (<14/90 mmHg). For several decades it has not been possible to forcefully modify the natural history of this disease despite the advancement of therapeutic drugs. The Mexican Institute of Social Security launches the initiative of the Integrated Care Protocols (PAI) of the main diseases. This protocol shows how the three levels of medical care are concatenated, the role of each of the members of the multidisciplinary team for medical care, including: doctor, nurse, social work, psychologist, nutritionist, among others and, to patient sharing. The main changes in diagnostic criteria, in-office and out-of-office blood pressure measurement, drug therapy (monotherapy, dual therapy and triple therapy) and non-drug therapy, and follow-up are presented. The diagnostic-therapeutic approach using algorithm as well as the diagnostic approach to secondary hypertension and special forms of hypertension such as in pregnancy, hypertensive crisis, hypertension in the elderly, ischemic or nephropathy patients.

Introducción: la hipertensión arterial sistémica (HAS) es el factor de riesgo cardiovascular más común y es responsable de complicaciones como evento cerebrovascular, insuficiencia cardiaca, infarto agudo de miocardio, insuficiencia renal, arritmias y ceguera. Alrededor del 30% de la población adulta mayor de 20 años es portadora. El 40% de los portadores ignoran padecerla ya que su inicio generalmente es asintomático. Desafortunadamente de los que ya se saben hipertensos solo la mitad toma tratamiento farmacológico y de estos, tan solo la mitad logra cifras de control (< 140/90 mmHg). Durante varias décadas no se ha logrado de forma contundente modificar la historia natural de esta enfermedad pese al avance fármaco terapéutico. El Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, lanza la iniciativa de los Protocolos de Atención Integral (PAI) de las principales enfermedades. En el presente protocolo se muestra cómo se concatenan los tres niveles de atención médica, el papel de cada uno de los integrantes del equipo multidisciplinario para la atención médica, incluyendo: médico, enfermera, trabajo social, psicólogo, nutricionista, entre otros y, la coparticipación del paciente. Se presentan los principales cambios en criterios diagnósticos, medición de la presión arterial dentro y fuera de consultorio, terapéutica farmacológica (monoterapia, terapia dual y terapia triple), no farmacológica y seguimiento. El Abordaje diagnóstico-terapéutico usando algoritmos, así como también el abordaje diagnóstico de la hipertensión secundaria y formas especiales de hipertensión tales como en el embarazo, crisis hipertensivas, hipertensión en el adulto mayor, pacientes isquémicos o con nefropatía.

[Spatio-temporal trend in detections of diabetes mellitus and systematic arterial hypertension in IMSS users, 2004-2019]. / Tendencia espacio-temporal de detecciones de diabetes mellitus e hipertensión arterial sistémica en usuarios del IMSS, 2004-2019.

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and heart diseases, which include Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH), have been positioned as the two main causes of mortality in Mexico, which represents important challenges for the different health institutions. Objective: To analyze the spatio-temporal trend of DM and SAH based on the detections made in first and and second level units of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, during the period 2004-2019. Material and methods: Ecological study in which detection rates of both diseases were calculated per 1,000 persons according to year, triennium and representation. The spatiotemporal trend was analyzed by spatial statistics using Geographic Information Systems. Results: During 2004-2019 therere were 9 399 889 and 11 862 069 detections on average of DM and SAH, respectively. Regarding DM, the detection rate ranged from 203.4 (2004) to 384.4 (2019) per 1000 persons, this trend increased in Tamaulipas. While SAH decreased from 1140.2 (2004) to 352 (2019) per 1000 persons in Veracruz Sur and Tamaulipas, respectively. Conclusions: The observed spatio-temporal trend can contribute to organizing and guiding, according to representation and level of care, institutional programs, integrated care protocols, clinical practice guidelines and other public policy instruments available at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social to improve early detection, care, control and access to medications for DM and SAH.

Introducción: la diabetes mellitus (DM) y las enfermedades del corazón, entre las que se incluye la hipertensión arterial sistémica (HTA), se han posicionado entre las primeras causas de mortalidad en México, lo que plantea retos importantes para las diferentes instituciones de salud. Objetivo: analizar la tendencia espacio-temporal de DM e HTA con base en las detecciones realizadas en unidades de primero y segundo nivel del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), durante el periodo 2004-2019. Materiales y métodos: estudio ecológico en el que se calcularon las tasas de detección de ambos padecimientos por mil derechohabientes según año, trienio y representación. La tendencia espacio-temporal se analizó mediante estadística espacial utilizando Sistemas de Información Geográfica. Resultados: de 2004 a 2019 hubo 9 399 889 y 11 862 069 detecciones en promedio de DM e HTA, respectivamente. Referente al primer padecimiento, la tasa de deteccion osciló de 203.4 (2004) a 384.4 (2019) por mil derechohabientes, cuya tendencia aumentó en Tamaulipas. Mientras que la HTA disminuyó de 1140.2 (2004) a 352 (2019) detecciones por mil derechohabientes en Veracruz Sur y Tamaulipas, respectivamente. Conclusiones: la tendencia espacio-temporal observada puede contribuir a organizar y orientar, según su representación y nivel de atención, los programas institucionales, protocolos de atención, guías de práctica clínica y demás instrumentos de políticia pública disponibles en el IMSS para mejorar la detección oportuna, atención, control y acceso a medicamentos para DM e HTA.

Tendencia espacio-temporal de detecciones de diabetes mellitus e hipertensión arterial sistémica en usuarios del IMSS, 2004-2019 / Spatio-temporal trend in detections of diabetes mellitus and systematic arterial hypertension in IMSS users, 2004-2019

Introducción: la diabetes mellitus (DM) y las enfermedades del corazón, entre las que se incluye la hipertensión arterial sistémica (HTA), se han posicionado entre las primeras causas de mortalidad en México, lo que plantea retos importantes para las diferentes instituciones de salud. Objetivo: analizar la tendencia espacio-temporal de DM e HTA con base en las detecciones realizadas en unidades de primero y segundo nivel del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), durante el periodo 2004-2019. Material y métodos: estudio ecológico en el que se calcularon las tasas de detección de ambos padecimientos por mil derechohabientes según año, trienio y representación. La tendencia espacio-temporal se analizó mediante estadística espacial utilizando Sistemas de Información Geográfica. Resultados: de 2004 a 2019 hubo 9 399 889 y 11 862 069 detecciones en promedio de DM e HTA, respectivamente. Referente al primer padecimiento, la tasa de deteccion osciló de 203.4 (2004) a 384.4 (2019) por mil derechohabientes, cuya tendencia aumentó en Tamaulipas. Mientras que la HTA disminuyó de 1140.2 (2004) a 352 (2019) detecciones por mil derechohabientes en Veracruz Sur y Tamaulipas, respectivamente. Conclusiones: la tendencia espacio-temporal observada puede contribuir a organizar y orientar, según su representación y nivel de atención, los programas institucionales, protocolos de atención, guías de práctica clínica y demás instrumentos de políticia pública disponibles en el IMSS para mejorar la detección oportuna, atención, control y acceso a medicamentos para DM e HTA.

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and heart diseases, which include Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH), have been positioned as the two main causes of mortality in Mexico, which represents important challenges for the different health institutions. Objective: To analyze the spatio-temporal trend of DM and SAH based on the detections made in first and and second level units of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, during the period 2004-2019. Material and methods: Ecological study in which detection rates of both diseases were calculated per 1,000 persons according to year, triennium and representation. The spatio-temporal trend was analyzed by spatial statistics using Geographic Information Systems. Results: During 2004-2019 therere were 9 399 889 and 11 862 069 detections on average of DM and SAH, respectively. Regarding DM, the detection rate ranged from 203.4 (2004) to 384.4 (2019) per 1000 persons, this trend increased in Tamaulipas. While SAH decreased from 1140.2 (2004) to 352 (2019) per 1000 persons in Veracruz Sur and Tamaulipas, respectively. Conclusions: The observed spatio-temporal trend can contribute to organizing and guiding, according to representation and level of care, institutional programs, integrated care protocols, clinical practice guidelines and other public policy instruments available at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social to improve early detection, care, control and access to medications for DM and SAH.

Guía práctica interinstitucional para el tratamiento del infarto agudo de miocardio / Interinstitutional clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction

Resumen Introducción: México tiene la mortalidad más alta a 30 días por infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM), el cual constituye una de las principales causas de mortalidad en el país: 28 % versus 7.5 % del promedio de los países de la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económicos. Objetivo: Establecer las rutas críticas y las estrategias farmacológicas esenciales interinstitucionales para la atención de los pacientes con IAM en México, independientemente de su condición socioeconómica. Método: Se reunió a un grupo de expertos en diagnóstico y tratamiento de IAM, representantes de las principales instituciones públicas de salud de México, así como las sociedades cardiológicas mexicanas, Cruz Roja Mexicana y representantes de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología, con la finalidad de optimizar las estrategias con base en la mejor evidencia existente. Resultados: Se diseñó una guía de práctica clínica interinstitucional para el diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento oportuno del IAM con elevación del segmento ST, siguiendo el horizonte clínico de la enfermedad, con la propuesta de algoritmos que mejoren el pronóstico de los pacientes que acuden por IAM a los servicios de urgencias. Conclusión: Con la presente guía práctica, el grupo de expertos propone universalizar el diagnóstico y tratamiento en el IAM, independientemente de la condición socioeconómica del paciente.

Abstract Introduction: Mexico has the highest 30-day acute myocardial infarction (AMI) mortality rate: 28% versus 7.5% on average for the OECD countries, and it constitutes one of the main causes of mortality in the country. Objective: To establish critical pathways and essential interinstitutional pharmacological strategies for the care of patients with AMI in Mexico, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Method: A group of experts in AMI diagnosis and treatment, representatives of the main public health institutions in Mexico, as well as the Mexican cardiology societies, the Mexican Red Cross and representatives of the Spanish Society of Cardiology, were brought together in order to optimize strategies based on the best existing evidence. Results: An interinstitutional clinical practice guideline was designed for early diagnosis and timely treatment of AMI with ST elevation, following the clinical horizon of the disease, with the proposal of algorithms that improve the prognosis of patients who attend the emergency services due to an AMI. Conclusion: With these clinical practice guidelines, the group of experts proposes to universalize AMI diagnosis and treatment, regardless of patient socioeconomic status.

Interinstitutional clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: Mexico has the highest 30-day mortality due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which constitutes one of the main causes of mortality in the country: 28 % versus 7.5 % on average for the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development member countries. OBJECTIVE: To establish critical pathways and essential interinstitutional pharmacological strategies for the care of patients with AMI in Mexico, regardless of their socioeconomic status. METHOD: A group of experts in AMI diagnosis and treatment, representatives of the main public health institutions in Mexico, as well as the Mexican cardiology societies, the Mexican Red Cross and representatives of the Spanish Society of Cardiology, were brought together in order to optimize strategies based on the best existing evidence. RESULTS: An interinstitutional clinical practice guideline was designed for early diagnosis and timely treatment of AMI with ST-segment elevation, following the clinical horizon of the disease, with the proposal of algorithms that improve the prognosis of patients who attend the emergency services due to an AMI. CONCLUSION: With these clinical practice guidelines, the group of experts proposes to universalize AMI diagnosis and treatment, regardless of patient socioeconomic status. INTRODUCCIÓN: México tiene la mortalidad más alta a 30 días por infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM), el cual constituye una de las principales causas de mortalidad en el país: 28 % versus 7.5 % del promedio de los países de la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económicos. OBJETIVO: Establecer las rutas críticas y las estrategias farmacológicas esenciales interinstitucionales para la atención de los pacientes con IAM en México, independientemente de su condición socioeconómica. MÉTODO: Se reunió a un grupo de expertos en diagnóstico y tratamiento de IAM, representantes de las principales instituciones públicas de salud de México, así como las sociedades cardiológicas mexicanas, Cruz Roja Mexicana y representantes de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología con la finalidad de optimizar las estrategias con base en la mejor evidencia existente. RESULTADOS: Se diseñó una guía de práctica clínica interinstitucional para el diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento oportuno del IAM con elevación del segmento ST, siguiendo el horizonte clínico de la enfermedad, con la propuesta de algoritmos que mejoren el pronóstico de los pacientes que acuden por IAM a los servicios de urgencias. CONCLUSIÓN: Con la presente guía práctica, el grupo de expertos propone universalizar el diagnóstico y tratamiento en el IAM, independientemente de la condición socioeconómica del paciente.

Formas de medición de la presión arterial sistémica: el debate continúa / Forms of measurement of systemic blood pressure: the debate continues

Resumen La medición de la presión arterial en el brazo continúa siendo la técnica patrón de referencia para el diagnóstico de hipertensión arterial sistémica. Sin embargo, las formas de medir la presión arterial han dado mucho de qué hablar en años recientes. Si bien los aparatos de medición con mercurio han sido desplazados por los digitales, ahora el cuestionamiento es dónde debe medirse la presión. A saber está la forma de medición en consultorio y los métodos fuera de él: medición intermitente domiciliaria o, bien, monitoreo ambulatorio de la presión arterial. Estos dos últimos han dado la oportunidad de identificar mejor el patrón de comportamiento y su variabilidad biológica, lo que acerca aún más al médico al conocimiento del comportamiento de las variaciones de presión en los sujetos con hipertensión arterial y prehipertensión. En esta revisión se discuten los alcances y limitaciones de cada forma de medición de la presión arterial.

Abstract The measurement of blood pressure in the arm continues to be the standard technique for the diagnosis of systemic arterial hypertension. However, the way to measure blood pressure has given much to talk about in recent years. While mercury-containing measuring have been displaced by digital devices, now questioning is where the pressure must be measured. To know this form of measurement in practice and methods outside the office: Home intermittent measurement or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. These last two have given the opportunity to better identify the pattern of behavior and biological variability, what further approaches the medical knowledge of the behavior of the pressure variations in arterial hypertension and prehypertension subject carriers. In this review, we will discuss the scope and limitations of each form of measurement of blood pressure.

Implementation of a Nationwide Strategy for the Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Cardiovascular Disease "A Todo Corazón".

The cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have a growing impact over the world mortality, affecting mostly low and middle-income countries. This is due to changes in the population pyramid and the increase in unhealthy lifestyles that predispose the global population to cardiovascular risk factors such as overweight, obesity, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemias and metabolic syndrome. Ischemic heart disease and the cerebral vascular event remain the first causes of death reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) for more than a decade. Mexico has high prevalence in obesity, overweight, hypertension and diabetes in the population over 20 years old; Within the OECD countries (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) are the country with the highest mortality due to acute myocardial infarction over 45 years in the first 30 days. In order to face the growing pandemic of CVDs, the IMSS, it has developed and implemented a comprehensive care program called "A Todo Corazon", it is the first program of integral care which seeks to strengthen the actions to improving the impact of CVDs from health. This review is focused on describing the 7 axes that make up the program; each axe is described in detail. Axes one to three are dedicated to promotion and primary prevention of CVDs. Axes 4 and 5 are dedicated to infarction code, as a national strategy to confront the principal cause of death in Mexico. Finally axes 6 and 7 are dedicated to intensive care, secondary prevention and rehabilitation of CVDs.

New Challenges for Hypertension Treatment.

In Mexico around 22.3 million adult Mexicans have hypertension. An estimated 65 million adult Americans, or nearly one in four of the adult population of the United States, have hypertension. However, with the new classification from 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines which considered ≥130/80 mmHg as the new cutoff point to diagnosis of hypertension, the number of patients is at least twice, in other words around 40 million adult Mexicans potentially have hypertension. Although this new classification is directed to be more efficient in the changes of life style and nondrug strategies to stage one hypertension the real word evidence suggest that we need to be more careful in the selection of patients to be introduced in a drug therapy strategy. Elevations in systemic arterial pressures have been associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, heart failure and stroke. It remains one of the most reversible causes of various disease states. This article aims to review current blood pressure (BP) targets and medical therapies for hypertension in the modern era, recognizing varying clinical characteristics such as comorbidities and patient risk profile.

Reduction of No Reflow with a Loading Dose of Atorvastatin before Primary Angioplasty in Patients with Acute ST Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: No reflow defined as an altered myocardial reperfusion and failure at microvascular level is a frequent complication in acute myocardial infarction that attenuates beneficial effect of reperfusion therapy leading to poor outcomes. There is not enough evidence to support that previous use of statins improves coronary flow in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). AIM OF STUDY: To determine if a loading dose of 80 mg of atorvastatin before primary angioplasty reduces the frequency of no reflow, hs-CRP, IL6 intracoronary levels, and major combined cardiovascular events at 30 d. METHODS: In this controlled clinical trial, we randomly assigned 103 adult patients within the 12 h of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to receive 80 mg of atorvastatin additional to standard treatment (AST) before performing primary PCI versus standard treatment (ST) alone. The primary outcomes were the occurrence of no reflow and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin 6 levels and secondary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events at 30 d. RESULTS: 103 patients were analyzed, 49 (48%) received AST, 54 (52%) ST. Frequency of no reflow among groups was 27 vs. 63% respectively, p ≤0.0001. hs-CRP level was 2.69 mg/dL for AST vs. 2.2 mg/dL in ST, meanwhile IL-6 levels were 5.2 pg/mL vs. 6.35 pg/mL respectively, p = ns. Cox regression model demonstrated that the treatment assigned is an independent predictor for no reflow occurrence (HR 0.34 95%, CI 0.18-0.61, p ≤0.001). CONCLUSION: The administration of a loading dose of 80 mg atorvastatin before primary PCI is an effective strategy for prevention of no reflow improving also clinical outcomes and free survival rate for the presentation of major adverse cardiovascular events at 30 d.

[Acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation: Code I]. / Infarto agudo del miocardio con elevación del segmento ST: Código I.

Code infarction is a timely strategy for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with elevation of the ST segment. This strategy has shown an increase in survival and quality of life of patients suffering from this event around the world. The processes of management and disposition aimed at the reduction of time for effective and timely reperfusion are undoubtedly a continuous challenge. In the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) the mortality due to AMI has been reduced more than 50%, which is a historical situation that deserves much attention. Nonetheless, the continuous improvement and a wider coverage of this strategy in our country are the key factors that will outline a change in the natural history of the leading cause of death in Mexico. This review focuses on current strategies for the management of patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Código Infarto es una estrategia de manejo oportuno del infarto agudo del miocardio (IAM) con elevación del segmento ST que ha demostrado en todo el mundo un incremento en la sobrevida y calidad de vida de los pacientes que sufren de este evento. Los procesos de gestión y atención oportuna dirigidos a la reducción de tiempo para la reperfusión eficaz y eficiente son sin duda un reto continuo. En el IMSS se ha logrado más del 50% de reducción en la mortalidad, situación histórica que merece mucha atención. Sin embargo, será la mejora continua y la generalización de los servicios a todo el país lo que demarcará un cambio en la historia natural de la primera causa de muerte en nuestro país. Esta revisión se centra en las estrategias actuales del manejo de pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio.

[Obesity hypoventilation syndrome and pulmonary hypertension. An association little-known in Mexico]. / El síndrome de hipoventilación del obeso y la hipertensión pulmonar. Una asociación poco conocida en México.

The obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) refers to the combination of obesity, daytime hypercapnia and sleep-disordered breathing. Obesity has risen to epidemic proportions in the last three decades in the United States, Mexico and Europe. The OHS is associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in 30%. Without treatment, mortality is 46% at 50 months. So in this paper we analyze the OHS, obesity and pulmonary hypertension, the pathophysiology, clinical presentation and diagnosis as well as the treatment, which is aimed at the correction of sleep-disordered breathing and hypoxemia; although there is little experience with the use of specific pulmonary vasodilator drugs.

El síndrome de hipoventilación del obeso (SHO) se refiere a la combinación de obesidad, hipercapnia diurna y trastornos respiratorios del sueño. La obesidad ha aumentado con características epidémicas en las últimas tres décadas en Estados Unidos, México y Europa. El SHO se asocia al síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño hasta en el 30%. Sin tratamiento, la mortalidad es de 46% a 50 meses. Por lo que en este trabajo se analizan el SHO, la obesidad y la hipertensión pulmonar, la fisiopatología, la presentación clínica y el diagnóstico, además del tratamiento, el cual está orientado a la corrección de los trastornos respiratorios del sueño y la hipoxemia; aún hay poca experiencia con el uso de medicamentos vasodilatadores pulmonares específicos.

STEMI and NSTEMI: Real-world Study in Mexico (RENASCA).

INTRODUCTION: Mexico is the country with the highest mortality due to acute myocardial infarction in adults older than 45 years old according to the OECD (28 vs. 7.5% of the average). The first real-world study, RENASCA IMSS, showed a high-risk population at 65%, but 50% without reperfusion strategies. The aim was to describe the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of acute coronary syndromes at the IMSS. METHODS: RENASCA IMSS is a nation-wide, prospective, longitudinal-cohort study. We include consecutive patients with an Acute Coronary Syndrome diagnosis (ACC/AHA/ESC) admitted in 177 representative hospitals of the IMSS (166 of second level and 11 of third level of attention). In an electronic database clinical, paraclinical, times, reperfusion treatment, complications, and other variables were assessed. Confidentiality was maintained in data and informed consent was obtained. Registrer calibration was performed with more than 80% of the variables and 80% of the cases. RESULTS: From March 1, 2014 to December 25, 2017; 21,827 patients were enrolled presenting an average age 63.2 ± 11.7, 75% men (16,259) and 25% women (5,568). The most frequent risk factors were: hypertension (60.5%), smoking (46.8%), diabetes (45.5%), dyslipidemia (35.3%) and metabolic syndrome (39.1%). STEMI diagnosis was established in 73.2% of the patients and NSTEMI in 26.8%. The STEMI group within the Code Infarction showed an improvement in the reperfusion therapy (34.9% before vs. 71.4% after, p ≤0.0001) and reduction of mortality (21.1 vs. 9.4%, p ≤0.0001); while the NSTEMI group showed high risk set by a GRACE score of 131.5 ± 43.7 vs. 135.9 + 41.7, p ≤0.0001. Mortality was more frequent within the STEMI group (14.9 vs. 7.6%, p ≤0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: RENASCA IMSS study represents the largest Acute Coronary Syndromes real-world study in Mexico, demonstrating that the Mexican population has a high risk. Patients with a STEMI diagnosis were more frequently enrolled and were associated with higher mortality and complications; however, there is improvement in the reperfusion therapy and in mortality with the Code Infarction strategy.