Lack of sphygmomanometer calibration causes over- and under-detection of hypertension: a computer simulation study.

Objective: To estimate the contribution of inadequate sphygmomanometer calibration to over- and under-detection of hypertension.

Design: Monte Carlo simulation of the measurement of blood pressure (BP) of a population with calibrated and uncalibrated sphygmomanometers. Simulated BP measurements included systematic sphygmomanometer error and random variability.

Long-term effectiveness of extended-release nitrate for the treatment of systolic hypertension.

Isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) is effective in the short-term for decreasing systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and pulse wave reflection in patients with systolic hypertension. To determine whether tolerance negates the efficacy of this nitrate in the long-term, a placebo-controlled study was performed in which ISMN was withdrawn briefly in a group of patients (n=16) who had received extended-release ISMN 60 to 120 mg once daily for 16 to 109 months. Blood pressure and wave reflection were determined by 24-hour ambulatory recorder and tonometer, respectively.

Continuous positive airway pressure treatment improves pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Daytime pulmonary hypertension (PH) is relatively common in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is thought to be associated with pulmonary vascular remodeling (PRm). The extent to which PH is reversible with treatment is uncertain. To study this, we measured pulmonary hemodynamics (Doppler echocardiography) in 20 patients with OSA (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] 48.