Pulmonary arterial hypertension: Navigating the pathways of progress in diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a form of precapillary pulmonary hypertension caused by a complex process of endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling. If left untreated, this progressive disease presents with symptoms of incapacitating fatigue causing marked loss of quality of life, eventually culminating in right ventricular failure and death. Patient management is complex and based on accurate diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment initiation, with close monitoring of response and disease progression. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology has enabled the development of multiple drugs directed at different targets in the pathological chain. Vasodilator therapy has been the mainstay approach for the last few years, significantly improving quality of life, functional status, and survival. Recent advances in therapies targeting dysfunctional pathways beyond endothelial dysfunction may address the fundamental processes underlying the disease, raising the prospect of increasingly effective options for this high-risk group of patients with a historically poor prognosis.

The PERInatal MYocardial Remodeling (PERIMYR) cohort study protocol: A prospective study of cardiac remodeling and "recovery" in pregnancy as a model to understand the impact of comorbidities in cardiac remodeling and reverse remodeling.

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure (HF) is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several conditions trigger left ventricular chronic pressure or volume overload, hypertrophy, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, leading to cardiac remodeling and a rapid progression toward HF. Therapeutic interventions elicit reverse remodeling (RR), a highly variable myocardial response that ranges from none to total ventricular structural/functional recovery. However, HF patients present several comorbidities and medications that mask a comprehensive molecular knowledge of RR and hinder the identification of potential biomarkers of its progression or prognosis. Therefore, instead of using this heterogeneous population or even animal models to understand myocardial remodeling, we propose studying pregnancy-induced cardiovascular remodeling and postpartum-induced RR. OBJECTIVES: To assess cardiovascular functional and structural adaptations during pregnancy and in postpartum, characterizing the associated molecular changes; as well as to explore the impact of hypertension, obesity and diabetes on these processes. METHODS: We will perform echocardiography and assess endothelial function and arterial stiffness (EndoPAT® and pulse wave velocity, respectively) and assess potential markers of remodeling and RR using plasma and urine samples from pregnant women. To translate to a HF context, we will determine the impact of risk factors (hypertension, obesity and diabetes) by studying subgroups of pregnant women with these comorbidities. RESULTS: Not applicable. CONCLUSION: We are convinced that understanding the impact of these comorbidities in such a homogeneous population, such as pregnant women, provides a valuable model to unveil the most relevant pathologic and often masked signaling pathways underlying cardiac remodeling and incomplete RR in a heterogeneous population, such as HF patients. Moreover, we expect to identify potential novel biomarkers of RR progression/prognosis more easily.

Chest pain in a patient with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Chest pain is a frequent symptom in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Left main coronary artery (LMCA) extrinsic compression from a pulmonary artery (PA) is an increasingly recognized cause of angina or complications, such as acute myocardial infarction, left ventricular dysfunction, arrythmia, and sudden death. We report the case of a 45-year-old patient with pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PH), a patent ductus arteriosus corrected surgically during adolescence, and chronic constrictive bronchiolitis. In 2016, the patient began to report oppressive chest pain and worsening fatigue. Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) showed extrinsic LMCA compression by a dilated PA, which was confirmed by invasive coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound. After stent implantation, the patient reported symptom resolution, and has been asymptomatic ever since. Imaging studies, in particular CTCA, play an important role in the diagnosis of LMCA compression in patients with PAH. The reported case supports the efficacy and safety of stent implantation as a therapeutic option, as already demonstrated in the literature. It shows the complexity of decision making on the operability of systemic-to-pulmonary shunts and reinforces the importance of continuous diagnostic testing.

Hydrochlorothiazide treatment and risk of non-melanoma skin cancer: Review of the literature. / Terapêutica com hidroclorotiazida e risco de cancro cutâneo não melanoma: revisão da literatura.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most prevalent malignancy in fair-skinned people and its incidence is increasing. Recently, studies have suggested that antihypertensive drugs may increase the risk of these tumors, particularly hydrochlorothiazide, due to its photosensitizing properties. The Portuguese National Authority for Medicines and Health Products, INFARMED, has issued an alert to healthcare professionals concerning the increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer in patients exposed to cumulative doses of this drug. However, study results have been heterogeneous and sometimes conflicting. The high incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer and the large number of patients under chronic hydrochlorothiazide therapy may thus have important public health consequences. In this article, the authors review the published evidence and conclude that there may be an association between hydrochlorothiazide use and the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, but also point out some limitations of the studies in the literature. It is important to promote preventive strategies against sun exposure, regular skin examinations, and individual assessment of the benefits of hydrochlorothiazide use, particularly in patients with previous skin cancer.

Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and other comorbidities in patients with hypertension in Portuguese primary health care populations: The PRECISE study. / Prevalência de fatores de risco cardiovascular e outras comorbilidades em doentes com hipertensão arterial assistidos nos Cuidados de Saúde Primários: estudo Precise.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of death in Portugal. The prevalence of hypertension, the second most important risk factor accounting for overall disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), is significant. Hypertension rarely occurs in isolation, but is usually associated with other determining risk factors that contribute to greater overall CV risk. The main objective of the PRECISE study, a cross-sectional epidemiological study, was to determine the prevalence of other concomitant modulating CV risk factors in hypertensive patients. METHODS: The prevalence of other CV risk factors and target organ damage was assessed in 2848 hypertensive patients of both sexes followed in primary health care centers. Demographic, anthropometric and clinical data and antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapies prescribed were collected. RESULTS: Of the study population (mean age 65.8±11.0 years, 60.8% women), 98.0% were treated for hypertension, but only 56.7% had controlled blood pressure. Hypercholesterolemia was the most frequent concomitant CV risk factor (82.1%), followed by sedentary behavior (71.4%). Prevalences of concomitant modulating risk factors were significantly different between the sexes and age groups. Overall, 81.7% of hypertensive patients had three or more concomitant CV risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that, in Portugal, hypertensive patients have a high prevalence of other CV risk factors, confirming the need to identify these factors, calculate overall CV risk and continuously monitor the care provided and the results obtained.

Is stenting for atherosclerotic renal stenosis an effective technique?

INTRODUCTION: One of the treatments for renal artery stenosis is endovascular intervention, but its effectiveness is controversial. The present study aims to analyze the experience of a working group in the endovascular treatment of selected patients with severe obstructive atherosclerotic lesions of the renal arteries, and to characterize early and late results. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of symptomatic patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis who underwent endoluminal therapy between May 12, 1999 and March 12, 2015 at two institutions. Statistical analysis was performed using the PASW Statistics program. RESULTS: A total of 99 patients were treated, mean age 66 years and 76.8% male. The mean degree of stenosis measured by renal Doppler echocardiography was 83% and 64.6% were ostial lesions. Mean preoperative creatinine level was higher than the postoperative mean: 1.3 vs. 1.2 mg/dl (p=0.014). The number of antihypertensive drugs in the preoperative period was higher than in the postoperative period: 2.0 vs. 1.3 (p=0.001). The mean follow-up was 40 months (0-164). The mean peak systolic velocity over time in the postoperative period was 77 cm/s (40-250). The restenosis rate was 8%, and 30-day mortality was 0%. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that the endovascular technique has a beneficial effect on blood pressure and renal function in selected patients, and is a safe technique associated with a high rate of technical success and few complications.

Promoción de la adherencia al tratamiento antihipertensivo a través de un servicio de atención farmacéutica apoyado en telefonía móvil / Promoting of Adherence to Antihypertensive Treatment through a Pharmaceutical Care Service Supported by Mobile Phones / Promoção da adesão ao tratamento anti-hipertensivo através de um serviço de assistência farmacêutica apoiado por telefonia móvel

ntroducción: la hipertensión arterial continúa siendo un desafío para la salud pública del Paraguay. La falta de adherencia a los tratamientos es un problema desde los puntos de vista médico, económico y psicosocial. Objetivo: promover la adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico antihipertensivo en pacientes con hiperten-sión que asisten a servicio de salud público, mediante un servicio de atención farmacéutica apoyado en el uso de telefonía móvil. Materiales y métodos: estudio cuasiexperimental en pacientes mayores de 18 años de ambos sexos con hipertensión arterial, en quienes se aplicaron intervenciones farmacéuticas apoyadas con el uso de telefonía móvil (llamada, mensajería sms y WhatsApp) y en quienes se evaluó la adherencia al tratamiento mediante el cuestionario de Morisky-Green, junto con preguntas complementarias para cono-cer las causas de no adherencia. Resultados: participaron 60 pacientes. Al inicio, el 68.3 % (n = 41) mostró adherencia al tratamiento según el cuestionario de Morisky-Green, y el 31.7 % (n = 19) no cumplió con la indicación. Después de las intervenciones se ha encontrado una mayor adherencia al tratamiento, al llegar al 96.7 % los cumplidores (p < 0.001). Entre las causas de no adherencia a la farmacoterapia están el olvido (28.3 %; n = 17), la falta de disponibilidad del medicamento en el hospital (20 %; n = 12) y el costo (10 %; n = 6). Conclusión: la utilización de telefonía móvil como apoyo a la atención farmacéutica podría constituirse en una herramienta para la promoción de la adherencia en pacientes con hipertensión arterial.

Introduction: Arterial hypertension remains a public health challenge in Paraguay; lack of adherence to treatment poses medical, economic, and psychosocial concerns. Information and communication tech-nologies (ICT) are valuable tools in monitoring patients and improving adherence to drug treatment. Objective: Promote adherence to antihypertensive drug treatment among hypertensive patients who attend a public health service by implementing a pharmaceutical care service supported by mobile phones. Materials and methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in male and female patients aged 18 years and older with arterial hypertension, in which pharmaceutical interventions supported by mobile telephony (calls, SMS messaging, and WhatsApp) were applied and adherence to treatment was assessed using the Morisky-Green questionnaire with complementary questions to identify the reasons for non-adherence. The research protocol was approved by a Research Ethics Committee of the FCQ-UNA (714/2021). Results: A total of 60 patients participated. Initially, 68.3% (n=41) showed adhe-rence to treatment according to the Morisky-Green questionnaire, while 31.7% (n=19) did not adhere to the indication. After the interventions, an increase in adherence to treatment was observed, with a compliance of 96.7% (p<0.001). Reasons non-adherence to pharmacotherapy included forgetfulness 28.3% (n=17), unavailability of drugs at the hospital 20% (n=12) and cost 10% (n=6).Conclusion: The use of mobile phones to support pharmaceutical care has the potential to serve as a tool for promoting adherence in patients with arterial hypertension

Introdução: A hipertensão arterial continua a ser um desafio para a saúde pública no Paraguai; a falta de adesão aos tratamentos é um problema do ponto de vista médico, econômico e psicossocial. Objetivo:Promover a adesão ao tratamento farmacológico anti-hipertensivo nos doentes com hipertensão que frequentam os serviços públicos de saúde, através de um serviço de assistência farmacêutica apoiado na utilização de telefonia móvel. Materiais e métodos: Estudo quase experimental realizado em pacientes maiores de 18 anos de ambos os sexos com hipertensão arterial; em que foram aplicadas intervenções farmacêuticas apoiadas no uso da telefonia móvel (chamada, mensagem sms e WhatsApp) e a adesão ao tratamento foi avaliada por meio do questionário Morisky-Green, juntamente com perguntas comple-mentares para determinar as causas da não adesão. Resultados. 60 pacientes participaram. No início, 68,3% (n = 41) apresentaram adesão ao tratamento conforme questionário de Morisky-Green e 31,7% (n = 19) não cumpriram a indicação. Após as intervenções constatou-se maior adesão ao tratamento, com adesão chegando a 96,7% (p < 0,001), as causas da não adesão à farmacoterapia foram esquecimento em 28,3% dos casos (n = 17), falta de disponibilidade de medicamentos no hospital 20% (n = 12) e custo 10% (n = 6). Conclusão: a utilização de telefonia móvel para apoio à assistência farmacêutica poderá tornar-se uma ferramenta para promover a adesão ao tratamento em pacientes com hipertensão.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome-like in the follow-up of very low birth weight preterm infants and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome-like symptoms in a population of preterm infants with very low birth weight (<1500g) at 2 years of corrected age and identify the occurrence of associated risk factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study during a five-year period, including preterm infants born with very low birth weight evaluated at 2 years of corrected age. Metabolic syndrome-like symptoms was defined by the presence of three or more of these criteria: abdominal circumference≥90th percentile, fasting blood glucose≥100mg/dL, triglycerides≥110mg/dL, HDL cholesterol≤40mg/dL, and blood pressure≥90th percentile. RESULTS: A total of 214 preterm infants with birth weight<1500g were evaluated. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome-like symptoms at 2 years of corrected age was 15.1%. Arterial hypertension was present in 57.5%, HDL≤40mg/dL in 29.2%, hypertriglyceridemia in 22.6%, and abdominal circumference above the 90th percentile in 18.8%. Only 3.7% had hyperglycemia. The presence of periventricular leukomalacia was an independent risk factor for arterial hypertension at this age (OR 2.34, 95% CI: 0.079-0.69, p=0.008). Overweight and obesity at 2 years of corrected age were independently associated with metabolic syndrome-like symptoms (OR 2.75, 95% CI: 1.19-6.36, p=0.018). CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome-like symptoms can be observed in very low birth weight preterm infants as early as 2 years of corrected age. Overweight and early-onset obesity are significant risk factors for metabolic syndrome-like symptoms, which deserves appropriate intervention for this high-risk population.

Implications for medical activity of differences between individuals with controlled and uncontrolled hypertension. / Pessoas que sofrem de hipertensão arterial: implicações na atividade médica das diferenças entre os controlados e os não controlados.

OBJECTIVES: To compare clinical characteristics, medical activity, and family and social characteristics of individuals with controlled and uncontrolled hypertension. METHODS: This was an observational study on an alphabetically organized randomized sample of individuals suffering from hypertension in a primary care setting followed by 25 general practitioners at three clinics in the Central region of Portugal in mid-2018. Electronic medical records of individuals with an ICPC-2 classification of hypertension were analyzed. Epidemiologic, family, social and therapeutic data were gathered for descriptive and inferential analysis. RESULTS: From a total population of 8750 patients classified as having hypertension, a representative sample of 387 individuals (n=369 required for a 95% confidence interval and 5% error margin) was studied. The incidence of uncontrolled hypertension was 56.1%, significantly higher among those living alone (p=00.24) or in a nuclear family (p=0.011), in lower socioeconomic classes (p=0.018), and prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs (p=0.018). The calculated cardiovascular risk was no higher for uncontrolled hypertension (p=0.116). Therapeutic inertia was not found either in number of medicines or in their association (p=0.274). No other studied variables showed a significant difference. Binary logistic regression revealed that living alone or in a nuclear family, and in a family with low socioeconomic level, were associated with uncontrolled hypertension, this model representing 9.6% of the likelihood of having uncontrolled hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Medical activity in general practice and other settings should, in the light of these findings, ally therapeutic competencies with knowledge gained from studying individual, family and social characteristics in order to improve blood pressure control.

Calçada amiga: dialogando com a comunidade sobre a hipertensão arterial e o diabetes mellitus no território / Calçada Amiga: dialogando con la comunidadsobre la hipertensión arterial y la diabetes mellitus en el territorio / Calçada Amiga: dialoguing with the community about hypertension and diabetes mellitus in the territory

Introdução: As Doenças Crônicas não Transmissíveis constituem-se em um grande desafio de saúde pública. Dentro deste grupo, a Hipertensão Arterial e o Diabetes Mellitus merecem destaque, pois seu enfrentamento requer bastante dos serviços de saúde. Na realidade da Atenção Básica, tem-se destaque para as atividades educativas, em especial para a Educação Popular em Saúde, como a "Calçada Amiga". Objetivo: Abordar a experiência da atividade de educação popular em saúde intitulada "Calçada Amiga" como instrumento de proteção, prevenção e promoção da saúde na Hipertensão Arterial e no Diabetes Mellitus em um serviço de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Metodologia: Trata-se de um relato de Experiência de uma atividade de educação popular em saúde desenvolvida no território de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde do Município de Mossoró/Rio Grande do Norte, durante o ano de 2022.Resultados e Discussões: Foram realizadas 13 ações. Sobre a Hipertensão Arterial e o Diabetes Mellitus, notou-se uma certa dificuldade na adesão ao tratamento, com relatos tanto na prática do exercício físico quanto na alimentação adequada, além do uso das medicações. Ainda sobre as dificuldades na adesão, muitos deles afirmavam uma subutilização dos serviços de saúde, em especial a UBS. Foi possível observar a validade da Educação Popular em Saúde por meio de afirmações de avaliação positiva sobre o método adotado para as atividades, com boa aceitação, frequência e retorno da comunidade. Conclusões: A atividade permitiu o fortalecimento do vínculo entre a Unidade Básica de Saúde e a comunidade por meio da imersão no território com momentos de diálogos horizontais e escuta ativa, facilitando a compreensão por parte dos profissionais sobre a realidade dos sujeitos assistidos no serviço. Para a comunidade, permitiu um momento de fala e escuta, expressando seus anseios, medos e dificuldades sobre as condições, tornando-se ativa no processo de saúde/doença (AU).

Introduction: Chronic non-communicable diseases are a major public health challenge. Within this group, Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus deserve to be highlighted, because coping with it requires a lot of health services. In the reality of Primary Care, there is emphasis on educational activities, especially for Popular Health Education, such as "Calçada Amiga".Objective:To address the experience of popular health education activity entitled "Calçada Amiga" as an instrument of protection, prevention and health promotion in Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus in a Primary Health Care service.Methodology:This is an experience report of a popular health education activity developed in the territory of a Basic Health Unit of the Municipalityof Mossoró/ Rio Grande do Norte during the year 2022.Results and Discussion:13 actions were performed. Regarding Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus, there was some difficulty in adherence to treatment, with reports both in the practice of physical exercise and in proper nutrition, in addition to the use of medications. Still on the difficulties in adherence, many of them stated an underutilization of health services, especially the UBS. It was possible to observe the validity of Popular Health Education through affirmations of positive evaluation of the method adopted for the activities, with good acceptance, frequency and community return.Conclusions:The activity allowed the strengthening of the bond between the Basic Health Unit and the community through immersion in the territory with moments of horizontal dialogues and active listening, professionals about the reality of the subjects assisted in the service. For the community, it allowed a moment of speech and listening, expressing their desires,fears and difficulties about the conditions, becoming active in the health/disease process (AU).

Introducción: Las Enfermedades Crónicas no Transmisibles se constituyen en un gran desafío de salud pública. Dentro de este grupo, la Hipertensión Arterial y el Diabetes Mellitus merecen destaque, pues su enfrentamiento requiere bastante de los servicios de salud. En realidad de la Atención Básica, se ha destacado para las actividades educativas, en especial para la Educación Popular en Salud, como la "Calçada Amiga". Objetivo: Abordar la experiencia de la actividad de educación popular en salud titulada "Calçada Amiga" como instrumento de protección, prevención y promoción de la salud en la Hipertensión Arterial y en la Diabetes Mellitus en un servicio de Atención Primaria de Salud.Metodología: Se trata de un relato de experiencia de una actividad de educación popular en salud desarrollada en el territorio de una Unidad Básica de Salud del Municipio de Mossoró/ Rio Grande do Norte durante el año 2022.Resultados y Discusión: Fueron realizadas 13 acciones. Sobre la Hipertensión Arterial y la Diabetes Mellitus, se notó una cierta dificultad en la adhesión del tratamiento, con relatos tanto en la práctica del ejercicio físico como en la alimentación adecuada, además del uso de las medicaciones. También sobre las dificultades en la adhesión, muchos de ellos afirmaban una infrautilización de los servicios de salud, en especial la UBS. Fue posible observar la validez de la Educación Popular en Salud por medio de afirmaciones de evaluación positiva sobre el método adoptado para las actividades, con buena aceptación, frecuencia y retorno de la comunidad.Conclusiones: La actividad permitió el fortalecimiento del vínculo entre la Unidad Básica de Salud y la comunidad por medio de la inmersión en el territorio con momentos de diálogos horizontales y escucha activa, facilitando la comprensión por parte de los profesionales de la realidad de los sujetos asistidos en el servicio. Para la comunidad, permitió un momento de habla y escucha, expresando sus anhelos, miedos y dificultades sobre las condiciones, haciéndose activa en el proceso de salud/enfermedad (AU).

Prevalência e fatores associados à doença renal crônica em pacientes hipertensos cadastrados na estratégia de saúde da família de Rio Branco, Acre / Prevalence and factors associated with chronic kidney disease in hypertensive patients registered in the family health strategy of Rio Branco, Acre / Prevalencia y factores asociados a la enfermedad renal crónica en pacientes hipertensos registrados en la estrategia de salud familiar de Rio Branco, Acre

Introdução: analisar a prevalência e os fatores associados à doença renal crônica em pessoas com hipertensão arterial (HAS) cadastrados na Estratégia de Saúde da Família em Rio Branco, Acre. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com hipertensos cadastrados nas Estratégias de Saúde da Família (ESF), na zona urbana de Rio Branco, Acre, em 2019. A DRC foi definida por TFG < 60 ml/1,72m², estimada a partir da fórmula Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI), ou presença de albuminúria > 29 mg/g. Medidas de associação foram estimadas por regressão logística, com grau de confiança de 95%. Resultados: A prevalência de DRC foi de 27,3% em pessoas com HAS. Observou-se associação estatisticamente significativa nos pacientes hipertensos entre DRC e escolaridade (ensino fundamental ­ OR: 1,56; IC95%:1,09; 2,23; sem escolaridade ­ OR:1,87; IC95%: 1,14; 3,07), não controle da pressão arterial (OR: 2,39; IC95%: 1,45; 3,94), sedentarismo (OR: 1,63; IC95%: 1,02; 2,60). Conclusão: A DRC apresenta alta prevalência nos hipertensos, evidenciando a necessidade de medidas em saúde pública para prevenção de complicações mediante melhor controle da doença e mudanças no estilo de vida.

Introduction: To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with chronic kidney disease in people with hypertension (SAH) registered in the Family Health Strategy in Rio Branco, Acre. Method: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with hypertensive patients registered in the Family Health Strategies (ESF), in the urban area of Rio Branco, Acre, in 2019. CKD was defined by GFR < 60 ml/1.72m², estimated from the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formula, or presence of albuminuria > 29 mg/g. Association measures were estimated using logistic regression, with a 95% confidence level. Results: The prevalence of CKD was 27.3% in people with hypertension. A statistically significant association was observed in hypertensive patients between CKD and education (primary education ­ OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.09; 2.23; no education ­ OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.14; 3.07), lack of blood pressure control (OR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.45; 3.94), sedentary lifestyle (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.02; 2.60). Conclusion: CKD has a high prevalence in hypertensive patients, highlighting the need for public health measures to prevent complications through better control of the disease and changes in lifestyle.

Introducción: Se analizó la prevalencia y los factores asociados a la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) en personas con hipertensión arterial (HTA) inscritas en la Estrategia de Salud Familiar en Rio Branco, Acre. Método: Estudio transversal con hipertensos inscritos en las Estrategias de Salud Familiar (ESF) en la zona urbana de Rio Branco, Acre, en 2019. La ERC se definió por un FG <60 ml/1,72m², estimado a partir de la fórmula de Colaboración de Epidemiología de Enfermedades Renales Crónicas (CKD-EPI), o la presencia de albuminuria >29 mg/g. Se estimaron medidas de asociación mediante regresión logística, con un nivel de confianza del 95%. Resultados: La prevalencia de ERC fue del 27,3% en personas con HTA. Se observó una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la ERC y la escolaridad (educación primaria ­ OR: 1,56; IC95%: 1,09; 2,23; sin escolaridad ­ OR: 1,87; IC95%: 1,14; 3,07), falta de control de la presión arterial (OR: 2,39; IC95%: 1,45; 3,94), y sedentarismo (OR: 1,63; IC95%: 1,02; 2,60) en pacientes hipertensos. Conclusión: La ERC presenta una alta prevalencia en pacientes hipertensos, lo que destaca la necesidad de medidas de salud pública para prevenir complicaciones mediante un mejor control de la enfermedad y cambios en el estilo de vida.

Hipertensão Arterial Pulmonar com Características de Envolvimento Venoso: Um Trabalho Investigativo / Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension with Features of Venous Involvement: A Detective's Task

Resumo A doença veno-oclusiva pulmonar (DVOP) e a hemangiomatose capilar pulmonar são tipos raros de substratos histopatológicos dentro do espectro da hipertensão arterial pulmonar (HAP) com prognóstico muito ruim. Caracterizam-se por um processo fibroproliferativo generalizado das veias e/ou capilares de pequeno calibre com preservação das veias maiores, resultando em um fenótipo de hipertensão pulmonar pré-capilar. A apresentação clínica é inespecífica e semelhante a outras etiologias de HAP. O diagnóstico definitivo é obtido por meio de análise histológica, embora a biópsia pulmonar não seja aconselhada devido ao maior risco de complicações. No entanto, alguns achados adicionais podem permitir um diagnóstico clínico presuntivo de DVOP, especialmente história de tabagismo, uso de drogas quimioterápicas, exposição a solventes orgânicos (particularmente tricloroetileno), baixa capacidade de difusão do monóxido de carbono (DLCO), dessaturação ao esforço e evidências de doença venosa sem doença cardíaca esquerda no exame de imagem, manifestada por uma tríade clássica de opacidades em vidro fosco, linhas septais, e linfadenopatias. O transplante pulmonar é o único tratamento eficaz e os pacientes devem ser encaminhados no momento do diagnóstico, devido à rápida progressão da doença e ao prognóstico ruim. Apresentamos o caso de um homem de 58 anos com HAP com características de envolvimento venoso/capilar em que a suspeita clínica, o pronto diagnóstico e o encaminhamento precoce para transplante pulmonar foram determinantes para um bom desfecho.

Abstract Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) and pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis are rare types of histopathological substrates within the spectrum of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with a very poor prognosis. They are characterized by a widespread fibroproliferative process of the small caliber veins and/or capillaries with sparing of the larger veins, resulting in a pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension phenotype. Clinical presentation is unspecific and similar to other PAH etiologies. Definitive diagnosis is obtained through histological analysis, although lung biopsy is not advised due to a higher risk of complications. However, some additional findings may allow a presumptive clinical diagnosis of PVOD, particularly a history of smoking, chemotherapy drug use, exposure to organic solvents (particularly trichloroethylene), low diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), exercise induced desaturation, and evidence of venous congestion without left heart disease on imaging, manifested by a classical triad of ground glass opacities, septal lines, and lymphadenopathies. Lung transplant is the only effective treatment, and patients should be referred at the time of diagnosis due to the rapid progression of the disease and associated poor prognosis. We present a case of a 58-year-old man with PAH with features of venous/capillary involvement in which clinical suspicion, prompt diagnosis, and early referral for lung transplantation were determinant factors for the successful outcome.

Association between chronic kidney disease stages and changes in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring parameters / Associação entre estágios da doença renal crônica e alterações dos parâmetros da monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial

Abstract Introduction: Blood pressure (BP) assessment affects the management of arterial hypertension (AH) in chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD patients have specific patterns of BP behavior during ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Objectives: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the associations between progressive stages of CKD and changes in ABPM. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study with 851 patients treated in outpatient clinics of a university hospital who underwent ABPM examination from January 2004 to February 2012 in order to assess the presence and control of AH. The outcomes considered were the ABPM parameters. The variable of interest was CKD staging. Confounding factors included age, sex, body mass index, smoking, cause of CKD, and use of antihypertensive drugs. Results: Systolic BP (SBP) was associated with CKD stages 3b and 5, irrespective of confounding variables. Pulse pressure was only associated with stage 5. The SBP coefficient of variation was progressively associated with stages 3a, 4 and 5, while the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) coefficient of variation showed no association. SBP reduction was associated with stages 2, 4 and 5, and the decline in DBP with stages 4 and 5. Other ABPM parameters showed no association with CKD stages after adjustments. Conclusion: Advanced stages of CKD were associated with lower nocturnal dipping and greater variability in blood pressure.

Resumo Introdução: A avaliação da pressão arterial (PA) tem impacto no manejo da hipertensão arterial (HA) na doença renal crônica (DRC). O portador de DRC apresenta padrão específico de comportamento da PA ao longo da monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial (MAPA). Objetivos: O objetivo do corrente estudo é avaliar as associações entre os estágios progressivos da DRC e alterações da MAPA. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 851 pacientes atendidos nos ambulatórios de um hospital universitário que foram submetidos ao exame de MAPA no período de janeiro de 2004 a fevereiro de 2012 para avaliar a presença e o controle da HA. Os desfechos considerados foram os parâmetros de MAPA. A variável de interesse foi o estadiamento da DRC. Foram considerados como fatores de confusão idade, sexo, índice de massa corporal, tabagismo, causa da DRC e uso de anti-hipertensivos. Resultados: A PA sistólica (PAS) se associou aos estágios 3b e 5 da DRC, independentemente das variáveis de confusão. Pressão de pulso se associou apenas ao estágio 5. O coeficiente de variação da PAS se associou progressivamente aos estágios 3a, 4 e 5, enquanto o coeficiente de variação da pressão arterial diastólica (PAD) não demonstrou associação. O descenso da PAS obteve associação com estágios 2, 4 e 5, e o descenso da PAD, com os 4 e 5. Demais parâmetros da MAPA não obtiveram associação com os estágios da DRC após os ajustes. Conclusão: Estágios mais avançados da DRC associaram-se a menor descenso noturno e a maior variabilidade da pressão arterial.

La aplicación del saber médico. Hipertensión y daño cognitivo

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Introduction: High blood pressure (HBP) is the leading cause of death from cardiovascular disease. Despite the advances, the percentage of undiagnosed and untreated hypertensive patients is 58.4%. The evaluation of cognitive damage in HBP focuses on preventing stroke, while functional damage is ignored. This inadequate management may be multifactorial. The objective was to analyze the opinions that doctors have about the relationship between high blood pressure and cognitive damage. Methodology: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study developed in the period between August 2020 and August 2023. Analysis of data obtained from a self-administered, anonymous and voluntary questionnaire. Revealing information on the professional profile, knowledge of HBP, its link with cognitive impairment (CD), diagnosis and treatment. Results: 222 professionals were included, 215 (96.8%) agree with the existence of a link between HBP and other cardiovascular risk factors in CD, and 218 (98.1%) acknowledge assisting patients at risk of suffering from CD. The CD evaluation is carried out in selected cases by 132 (59.4%) participants and 59 (26.7%) always do it. Of those who perform evaluation, 103 (54%) use the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), 10 (5.2%) use the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and 9 (4.7%) use the Clock Drawing Test. Regarding the decrease in blood pressure in elderly patients and the link with risk of CD: 54 (24.3%) do not recognize risk and 65 (29.2%) recognize a moderate-high risk. In reference to the implication of the treatment of cardiovascular disease and CD: 217 (97.7%) recognized a beneficial effect. Discussion: Given the recognition of the link between HBP and CD, it would be expected that CD would be investigated in the vast majority, however only 26.7% always evaluate it. There is no consensus on the method, the MMSE being the most used, with a low application of the MoCA test and/or Clock Drawing Test, the latter being the ones that evaluate executive function, mostly altered in CD linked to HBP. Although the treatment of cardiovascular disease is recognized as beneficial with respect to CD, the control of HBP in older adults is considered risky. A diagnosis is made of a situation where a disparity is evident between what one recognizes as knowing and what one claims to do. Conclusions: The role of vascular disease in functional brain damage is recognized, considering it necessary to know the cognitive status of patients, however there is a low application of screening tests that evaluate executive function. In this context, a gap between medical knowledge and practice is shown.

Introdução: A hipertensão arterial (HA) é a principal causa de morte por doenças cardiovasculares. Apesar dos avanços, o percentual de hipertensos não diagnosticados e não tratados é de 58,4%. A avaliação do dano cognitivo na hipertensão concentra-se na prevenção do acidente vascular cerebral, enquanto o dano funcional é ignorado. Esse manejo inadequado pode ser multifatorial. É objetivo fue analisar a opinião dos médicos sobre a relação entre hipertensão arterial e danos cognitivos. Metodologia: Estudo observacional, descritivo, transversal desenvolvido no período entre agosto de 2020 e agosto de 2023. Análise de dados obtidos a partir de questionário autoaplicável, anônimo e voluntário. Revelar informações sobre o perfil profissional, conhecimento sobre a HA, sua ligação com o comprometimento cognitivo (DC), diagnóstico e tratamento. Resultados: Foram incluídos 222 profissionais, 215 (96,8%) concordam com a existência de ligação entre hipertensão e outros fatores de risco cardiovascular na DC e 218 (98,1%) reconhecem ajudar pacientes com risco de sofrer de D.C. A avaliação da DC é realizada em casos selecionados por 132 (59,4%) participantes e 59 (26,7%) a fazem sempre. Dos que realizam avaliação, 103 (54%) utilizam o Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), 10 (5,2%) utilizam a Avaliação Cognitiva de Montreal (MoCA) e 9 (4,7%) utilizam o Clock Drawing Test. Em relação à diminuição da pressão arterial em pacientes idosos e a ligação com o risco de DC: 54 (24,3%) não reconhecem risco e 65 (29,2%) reconhecem risco moderado-alto. Em referência à implicação do tratamento de doenças cardiovasculares e DC: 217 (97,7%) reconheceram o efeito benéfico. Discussão: Dado o reconhecimento da ligação entre hipertensão e DC, seria de esperar que a DC fosse investigada na grande maioria, no entanto apenas 26,7% sempre a avaliam. Não há consenso sobre o método, sendo o MEEM o mais utilizado, com baixa aplicação do teste MoCA e/ou Clock Drawing Test, sendo estes últimos os que avaliam a função executiva, majoritariamente alterada nos DC vinculados à HA. Embora o tratamento das doenças cardiovasculares seja reconhecido como benéfico em relação à DC, o controle da HA em idosos é considerado arriscado. É feito um diagnóstico de uma situação em que é evidente uma disparidade entre o que se reconhece como saber e o que se afirma fazer. Conclusões: O papel da doença vascular no dano cerebral funcional é reconhecido, considerando-se necessário conhecer o estado cognitivo dos pacientes, porém há baixa aplicação de testes de triagem que avaliam a função executiva. Nesse contexto, evidencia-se uma lacuna entre o conhecimento e a prática médica.

FERRAMENTAS DIGITAIS: UM ALIADO NA MELHORA DO CONTROLE PRESSÓRICO / DIGITAL TOOLS: AN ALLY IN IMPROVING BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL

O controle pressórico satisfatório representa o maior desafio no tratamento da hipertensão. O alcance das metas de pressão arterial (PA) é um desafio conjunto de médicos e pacientes já que o não controle da PA resulta em aumento de morbidade e mortalidade cardiovascular, cérebro e renovascular. Os dois principais pilares do baixo controle pressóricos são a inércia terapêutica e a baixa adesão ao tratamento anti-hipertensivo. As estratégias para melhorar a adesão terapêutica envolvem medidas diversas, entre elas o uso de ferramentas digitais vem se tornando uma estratégia reconhecidamente capaz de auxiliar na melhora da adesão terapêutica resultando em maior controle pressórico. O ELFIE é um aplicativo para telefone celular dedicado ao apoio no autocuidado em saúde para o paciente hipertenso endossado pela Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia e o seu Departamento de Hipertensão. Faz parte da Solução Servier na Hipertensão, que envolve duas estratégias digitais: o programa de suporte ao paciente Sempre Cuidando e o aplicativo ELFIE. Neste artigo, relatamos a experiência de colegas com o uso da Solução Servier que resultaram em melhora da adesão e do controle pressórico de diferentes pacientes.

Blood pressure control represents the greatest challenge in the treatment of hypertension. Achieving blood pressure goals is a joint challenge for physicians and patients, since failure to control BP results in increased cardiovascular, brain, and renovascular morbidity and mortality. The two main pillars of low blood pressure control are therapeutic inertia and poor adherence to antihypertensive treatment. Strategies to improve therapeutic adherence involve several measures, including the use of digital tools, which has become a strategy recognized as capable of helping to improve therapeutic adherence, resulting in greater blood pressure control. ELFIE is a mobile phone application dedicated to self-care support for hypertensive patients endorsed by the Brazilian Society of Cardiology and its Department of Hypertension. It is part of the Servier Hypertension Solution, which involves two digital strategies: the Semper Cuidando patient support program and the ELFIE application. In this article, we report the experience of colleagues with the use of the Servier solution in hypertension, which resulted in improved adherence and blood pressure control in different patients.

HIPERTENSÃO E TECNOLOGIA: USO DE SOLUÇÃO DIGITAL E SEU IMPACTO NO ENGAJAMENTO DE PACIENTES E DESFECHOS CLÍNICOS / HYPERTENSION AND TECHNOLOGY: USE OF DIGITAL SOLUTION AND ITS IMPACT ON PATIENT ENGAGEMENT AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES

A hipertensão arterial sistêmica, principal fator de risco para as doenças cardiovasculares, é considerada a maior causa de mortes prematuras ao redor do mundo. Pacientes com baixa adesão ao tratamento apresentam maior risco de complicações, hospitalizações e morte prematura, além de aumentar a carga nos sistemas de saúde, onerando as economias nacionais. No Brasil, grande parte dos pacientes ainda apresenta um controle ruim dos fatores de risco cardiovascular, não atingindo as recomendações das principais diretrizes nacionais e internacionais. Com o intuito de trazer soluções para a falta de adesão, a tecnologia se torna uma importante aliada no automonitoramento e regularidade de tratamento. Aplicativos de automonitoramento com programas de gamificação são tecnologias emergentes, e seus resultados têm encorajado sua adoção porque estimulam os pacientes a se comprometerem com mudanças comportamentais e de estilo de vida. Elfie é uma solução digital inovadora e gratuita, validada pela Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia, pela Sociedade Brasileira de Diabetes e pela Associação Nacional de Atenção ao Diabetes, que, além de permitir que os usuários monitorem a sua condição física, também possam aprendam sobre sua saúde e recebam suporte personalizado por meio de um smartphone ou tablet, além de manter um banco de dados eletrônico para posterior consulta do próprio paciente e dos prestadores de cuidado à saúde, como médicos e nutricionistas. Os profissionais de saúde devem ser encorajados a discutir a utilidade desse tipo de ferramenta com seus pacientes, oferecendo, assim, a oportunidade de melhores desfechos clínicos e, consequentemente, reduzindo hospitalizações, mortalidade e custos em saúde.

Systemic Arterial Hypertension, the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is considered the greatest cause of premature deaths worldwide. Patients with low adherence to treatment are more susceptible for complications, hospitalizations, and premature death. In addition, there is an increasing burden on health systems and national economies for cardiovascular disease purposes. In Brazil, a large number of patients still have poor control of the risk factors, not reaching the recommendations of national and international guidelines. In order to attend with solutions, technology becomes an important ally in self-monitoring and regularity of treatment. Self-monitoring apps with gamification programs are emerging technologies which the results have encouraged their adoption because they inspire patients to commit with behavioral and lifestyle changes. Elfie is a novel free digital solution, endorsed by the Brazilian Society of Cardiology, the Brazilian Society of Diabetes and the National Diabetes Care Association. It allows the users to monitor and learn about their health and to receive personalized support through a smartphone or tablet. It also has a database that can be later accessed by the patient or healthcare providers, such as physicians and nutritionists. Healthcare professionals should be encouraged to discuss the advantages of these tools with their patients to offer an opportunity for better clinical outcomes and, consequently reduce hospitalizations, mortality and healthcare costs

Hipertensão em mulheres presas no Brasil: muito além do biológico / Hypertension in female prisoners in Brazil: far beyond the biological aspects

Resumo Objetivou-se estimar a prevalência de hipertensão arterial (HA) e os fatores de risco associados em mulheres presas. Utilizou-se dados do Inquérito Nacional de Saúde na População Penitenciária Feminina e em Servidoras Prisionais, investigando-se características sociodemográficas, fatores das prisões, comportamentos e condições de saúde. As informações foram coletadas por meio de questionário autoaplicado, sendo a magnitude da associação estimada por odds ratio e intervalo de confiança de 95%. Das 1.327 participantes, 24,4% eram hipertensas, a maioria tinha 31 anos ou mais (54,6%), 51,5% autorreferiram etnia/cor parda. Após mutual ajustamento pelos fatores de risco associados na análise bivariada, observou-se relação direta e com gradiente entre idade e HA, em que idade igual/maior a 41 anos foi associada independentemente com uma chance sete vezes maior de ter HA, se comparado a quem tem menos de 25 anos. Aquelas que autorreferiram etnia/cor negra apresentaram colesterol alto e estavam obesas, também foram associadas de forma independente com maior prevalência de HA. O maior número de pessoas com que a presa divide cela esteve associado à maior prevalência de há, sem uma relação dose-resposta. Conclui-se que idade, etnia/cor, obesidade, inatividade física e estresse são fatores de risco para HA em mulheres presas.

Abstract The scope was to estimate the prevalence of arterial hypertension (AHT) and associated risk factors among female prisoners. Data from the National Health Survey of the Female Prison Population and Prison Guards were used, investigating sociodemographic variables, prison characteristics, health behaviors and conditions. Information was collected through a self-administered questionnaire, and the magnitude of the association was estimated by the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Of the 1,327 prisoner participants, 24.4% were hypertensive, the majority were 31 years of age or older (54.6%), and 51.5% self-reported mixed race. After adjustment for associated risk factors in the bivariate analysis, a direct relationship between age and AHT was observed, in which age equal to/over 41 years was independently associated with a 7-fold greater chance of having AHT, compared to those under 25 years of age. Those who self-reported mixed race, had high cholesterol, were obese and were also independently associated with a higher prevalence of AHT. The greater the number of people with whom the inmate shares a cell was associated with a higher prevalence of AHT, but without a dose-response relationship. The conclusion drawn is that age, race, obesity, physical inactivity and stress are risk factors for AHT in female prisoners.

PREVALÊNCIA E FATORES DE RISCOS ASSOCIADOS À HIPERTENSÃO ARTERIAL EM IDOSOS HOSPITALIZADOS / PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HYPERTENSION IN HOSPITALIZED ELDERLY

Introdução: A hipertensão é o principal fator contribuidor para todas as causas de morte e invalidez. Alterações fisiopatológicas em razão do envelhecimento justificam alta incidência da hipertensão no idoso. Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência e fatores associados a hipertensão em idosos hospitalizados. Método: Estudo transversal, quantitativo, realizado com 233 idosos em hospital de ensino brasileiro de grande porte. Dados sociodemográficos/clínicos e hábitos de vida foram coletados. Análise bivariada e regressão logística foram realizadas, sendo considerado significativo p<0,05. Resultados: A média de idade foi 70,9±8,1anos, com prevalência do sexo masculino (63,1%), brancos (62,2%) e hipertensos (67%). Idade ≥80anos (OR:3,965, IC 95%:1,430- 10,995) e diabetes (OR:4,196, IC 95%:1,968-8,946) foram significativos para ocorrência de hipertensão. Conclusão: Indivíduos muito idosos e diabetes foram fatores significativos para hipertensão em idosos hospitalizados.

Introduction: Hypertension is the main contributing factor to all causes of death and disability. Pathophysiological changes due to aging justify a high incidence of hypertension in the elderly. Objective: To verify the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension in hospitalized elderly. Method: Cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted with 233 elderly people in a large Brazilian teaching hospital. Sociodemographic/clinical data and lifestyle habits were collected. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were performed, and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age was 70.9±8.1 years, with prevalence of males (63.1%), whites (62.2%) and hypertensive (67%). Age ≥80 years (OR:3.965, 95% CI:1.430-10.995) and diabetes (OR:4.196, 95% CI:1.968-8.946) were significant for the occurrence of hypertension. Conclusion: Very elderly individuals and diabetes were significant factors for hypertension in hospitalized elderly.

Hábitos e práticas alimentares de uma comunidade paraense e prevenção de hipertensão e diabetes / Eating habits and practices of a community from Pará and prevention of hypertension and diabetes

Trata-se de um relato de experiência que objetivou descrever a vivência de acadêmicos de enfermagem na utilização de uma tecnologia educativa para abordagem da alimentação de hipertensos e diabéticos paraenses. Utilizou-se um painel interativo com figuras de alimentos presentes no cotidiano da população, algumas relacionadas a alimentos capazes de contribuir para o descontrole das doenças e outras com alimentos substitutivos, mais saudáveis e capazes de exercer papel positivo e efeito protetor. Observou-se que a ação centrada na adaptação e nas sugestões de substituições mais saudáveis com diminuição da quantidade ou substituições por alimentos regionais mostrou-se positiva, uma vez que estimulou o senso de pertencimento cultural e a autonomia do participante e que a elaboração de planos de cuidado devem ser personalizados em respeito às diferenças regionais e culturais.

This is an experience report that aimed to describe the experience of nursing students in the use of educational technology to approach the feeding of hypertensive and diabetic patients from Pará. An interactive panel was used with pictures of foods present in the population's daily life, some related to foods capable of contributing to the lack of control of diseases, and others with substitute foods, healthier and capable of exerting a positive role and protective effect. It was observed that the action centered on adaptation and suggestions for healthier replacements, with a reduction in the quantity or substitutions for regional foods, proved to be positive, as it stimulated the participant's sense of cultural belonging and autonomy and the development of care plans must be personalized with respect for regional and cultural differences.

The genetic variant C825T of the beta 3 subunit of G protein is associated with hypertension in a Portuguese population. / A variante genética c825t da subunidade ß3da proteína G associa­se com a hipertensão arterial numa população portuguesa.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is an important public health problem, affecting about 25% of the adult population worldwide.1 Genetic and environmental factors contribute to its pathogenesis. The T allele of the C825T polymorphism of the beta 3 subunit of G protein (rs5443) leads to the production of a truncated variant that enhances intracellular signaling and may interfere with the regulation of blood pressure. This genetic variant has been described as a risk factor for hypertension, although study results are controversial. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the association of the C825T polymorphism of the GNB3 gene with the occurrence of hypertension in a Portuguese population from the Madeira archipelago. METHODS: A case-control study was performed with 1641 Caucasian individuals (mean age 50.6±8.1 years), 848 with hypertension and 793 controls. Blood was collected from all participants for biochemical and genetic analysis, including genotyping of the C825T polymorphism. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine which variables were significantly associated with the onset of hypertension. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 19.0 and p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In our study, there was a significant association between the C825T polymorphism of the GNB3 gene and the occurrence of hypertension (odds ratio 1.275; 95% confidence interval 1.042-1.559; p=0.018) in the dominant model, after multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the C825T polymorphism of the beta 3 subunit of G protein is significantly and independently associated with the occurrence of hypertension in the study population.