Safety profile of baroreflex activation therapy (NEO) in patients with resistant hypertension.

Objective: Unlike safety data of baroreflex activation therapy device (Rheos), only few data of the currently used second device (Barostim neo) are available and little is reported about common side effects.

Methods: We prospectively analyzed patients with resistant hypertension treated with Barostim neo. A standardized interview regarding side effects of the therapy was performed in routine follow-up visits after device implantation in 42 patients to determine adverse events staged into three degrees.

[Blood pressure treatment in the acute stage of stroke].

The results of previous studies on blood pressure in acute stroke therapy allow a few generally valid therapeutic recommendations. Efforts should be made to achieve a constant blood pressure level without major fluctuations. An antihypertensive therapy in the acute stage of stroke should be initiated only at highly elevated values.

Impact of endothelin-1 Lys198Asn polymorphism on coronary artery disease and endorgan damage in hypertensives.

Objective: Endothelin is the most potent endogenous vasoconstrictor and is involved in several vascular disorders such as arterial hypertension. Its intense interaction with other vasoactive hormone systems revealed the consideration about the endothelin gene as an interesting candidate for influencing the development of essential hypertension and hypertensive endorgan damage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of endothelin-1 Lys198Asn polymorphism in patients with severe arterial hypertension as well as associated endorgan damages.