Comparative Effectiveness of Blood Pressure-lowering Drugs in Patients who have Already Suffered From Stroke: Traditional and Bayesian Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials.

Hypertension is the most important risk factor for stroke and stroke recurrence. However, the preferred blood pressure (BP)-lowering drug class for patients who have suffered from a stroke has yet to be determined. To investigate the relative effects of BP-lowering therapies [angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), β blockers, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), diuretics, and combinations of these drugs] in patients with a prior stroke history, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis using both traditional frequentist and Bayesian random-effects models and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the outcomes of recurrent stroke, coronary heart disease (CHD), and any major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

Abnormal Pulsatile Hemodynamics in Hypertensive Patients With Normalized 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure by Combination Therapy of Three or More Antihypertensive Agents.

It remains uncertain whether intensive antihypertensive therapy can normalize pulsatile hemodynamics resulting in minimized residual cardiovascular risks. In this study, office and 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), and forward (Pf) and reflected (Pb) pressure wave from a decomposed carotid pressure wave were measured in hypertensive participants. Among them, 57 patients whose 24-hour SBP and DBP were normalized by three or more classes of antihypertensive medications were included.

Hypoglycemia and risk of vascular events and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aims: Hypoglycemia has been associated with adverse outcomes in patients with diabetes and critical illness. However, such associations in these populations have not been systematically examined.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal follow-up cohort studies to investigate the associations between hypoglycemia and various adverse outcomes.