Valsartan/amlodipine compared to nifedipine GITS in patients with hypertension inadequately controlled by monotherapy.

Introduction: Current hypertension guidelines recommend single-pill combinations because they not only improve convenience and compliance to therapy and thus blood pressure (BP) control, but also reduce health-care costs. This study compared the efficacy and safety of valsartan/amlodipine single-pill combination with nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) in Chinese patients with hypertension who were inadequately controlled with monotherapy.

Methods: In this multicenter, open-label, active-controlled, parallel-group study, 564 patients with hypertension not adequately controlled by prior monotherapy were randomized to receive valsartan/amlodipine 80/5 mg or nifedipine GITS 30 mg once daily for 12 weeks.

Blood pressure in relation to interactions between sodium dietary intake and renal handling.

There is abundant evidence that sodium intake is related to blood pressure. However, the relationship varies between individuals and is probably determined by renal sodium handling. We investigated clinic and ambulatory blood pressure in relation to interactions between sodium dietary intake and renal handling, as assessed by 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and endogenous lithium clearance, respectively.

Ankle-brachial index in relation to the natriuretic peptide system polymorphisms and urinary sodium excretion in Chinese.

Objective: Recent studies have demonstrated that the natriuretic pepetides induce endothelial regeneration and angiogenesis after vascular injury through the autocrine or paracrine action, and might have an inhibitory effect on atherosclerosis. We therefore systematically investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the natriuretic peptide system in relation to ankle-brachial index (ABI) in a Chinese population.

Methods: The study population was recruited from a mountainous area 500 km south of Shanghai from 2003 to 2009.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in elderly Chinese.

We studied the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in an elderly Chinese population. The study subjects (age ≥60 years) were recruited from a suburban town of Shanghai from 2006 to 2008. We administered a standardized questionnaire to collect information on medical history, the use of medications and lifestyle.

Is blood pressure load associated, independently of blood pressure level, with target organ damage?

Objective: Blood pressure (BP) load, defined as the percentage of abnormally elevated BP readings, is usually provided on the report of ambulatory BP monitoring. However, the usefulness of BP load is still uncertain. In the present study, we examined whether BP load would be associated, independently of BP level, with target organ damage.

Increased pulse pressure linked to dementia: further results from the Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial - HYVET.

Objectives: High blood pressure (BP) has been associated with increased risk of dementia. Concerns have been raised about lowering BP too far in the very elderly and thereby increasing risk. There is some evidence to suggest a potential 'J'-shaped relationship between DBP and risk of cognitive impairment.

Validation of the fully automated A&D TM-2656 blood pressure monitor according to the British Hypertension Society Protocol.

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the fully automated oscillometric upper-arm blood pressure monitor TM-2656 according to the British Hypertension Society (BHS) Protocol 1993.

Methods: We recruited individuals until there were 85 eligible participants and their blood pressure could meet the blood pressure distribution requirements specified by the BHS Protocol. For each individual, we sequentially measured the systolic and diastolic blood pressures using a mercury sphygmomanometer (two observers) and the TM-2656 device (one supervisor).

Efficacy and safety of a fixed combination of irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide in Chinese patients with moderate to severe hypertension.

Background And Objectives: In a multi-center, single-arm, prospective study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of the fixed irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination in Chinese patients with moderate to severe hypertension.

Methods: Eligible patients were aged 18-75 years, with a blood pressure of 160-199 mmHg systolic or 100-119 mmHg diastolic during a 1-week wash-out phase off antihypertensive medication. The enrolled patients started antihypertensive treatment with irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide 150 mg/12.

Validation of the A&D UA-1020 upper-arm blood pressure monitor for home blood pressure monitoring according to the British Hypertension Society Protocol.

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the automated oscillometric upper-arm blood pressure (BP) monitor A&D UA-1020 with two different-shaped cuffs for home BP monitoring according to the British Hypertension Society (BHS) Protocol.

Methods: We recruited individuals for each of the two cuffs (D-ring and cylindrical) until there were 85 eligible participants (255 pairs of comparisons) and their BP could meet the BP distribution requirements specified by the BHS Protocol. For each participant, we sequentially measured the systolic and diastolic BP using a mercury sphygmomanometer (two observers) and the UA-1020 device (one supervisor).

Four-limb blood pressure as predictors of mortality in elderly Chinese.

The predictive value of blood pressure (BP) for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality diminishes in the elderly, which may be confounded and compensated by the BP differences across the 4 limbs, markers of peripheral arterial disease. In a prospective elderly (≥60 years) Chinese study, we performed simultaneous 4-limb BP measurement using an oscillometric device in the supine position, and calculated BP differences between the 4 limbs. At baseline, the mean age of the 3133 participants (1383 men) was 69 years.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in the prediction and prevention of coronary heart disease.

We reviewed studies of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in patients with symptomatic coronary heart disease (CHD) or asymptomatic coronary lesions and in patients at high coronary risk, such as in the presence of hypertension. We identified ten cross-sectional and seven prospective studies in patients with CHD or coronary lesions. These studies showed that patients with CHD or coronary lesions often had nocturnal non-dipping or increased blood pressure variability, and might have increased risk of coronary events, due to either uncontrolled hypertension or treatment-induced hypotension identified by ABPM.

Impact of heart rate on central hemodynamics and stroke: a meta-analysis of β-blocker trials.

Background: In a meta-analysis, we investigated effects of β-blockers on central hemodynamic measurements and explored the impact of heart rate (HR) on central hemodynamics and the risk of stroke.

Methods: We searched randomized controlled trials that compared β-blockers with other classes of antihypertensive drugs in reducing central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) and augmentation index (cAI) and in preventing stroke. A random-effects model was used to compute pooled estimates.

Albuminuria in relation to the single and combined effects of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in Chinese.

We investigated the single and combined effects of systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) on albuminuria in Chinese. We measured blood pressure (BP), anthropometry and urinary excretions of albumin and creatinine, and defined albuminuria as a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio of at least 17 and 25 mg/g in men and women, respectively. The 1068 participants (mean age 56.

Comparison of the SphygmoCor and Omron devices in the estimation of pressure amplification against the invasive catheter measurement.

Background: We previously tested the accuracy of the SphygmoCor and Omron HEM-9000AI devices in the estimation of central blood pressure. In the present study, we investigated these two devices in the estimation of central-to-brachial pressure amplification against the invasive catheter measurement.

Methods: In 33 individuals undergoing cardiac catheterization, we measured central blood pressure simultaneously by the invasive catheter and each of the two noninvasive devices and brachial blood pressure by the invasive catheter and an automated oscillometric blood pressure monitor of the Omron device.

Cardiac structure and function in relation to cardiovascular risk factors in Chinese.

Background: Cardiac structure and function are well-studied in Western countries. However, epidemiological data is still scarce in China.

Methods: Our study was conducted in the framework of cardiovascular health examinations for the current and retired employees of a factory and their family members.

Long-term efficacy of olmesartan medoxomil in Chinese hypertensive patients as assessed by clinic, ambulatory and home blood pressure measurements.

Background And Objectives: There is limited information on the long-term efficacy and safety of olmesartan medoxomil in the management of hypertension in Chinese patients. We therefore conducted the present multicentre, single-arm, prospective, observational study to investigate the 24-week efficacy and safety of olmesartan medoxomil in patients with mild to moderate hypertension.

Methods: Eligible patients (diastolic blood pressure [BP] 90-109 mmHg and systolic BP <180 mmHg off antihypertensive medication) were started on olmesartan medoxomil 20 mg once daily, with the possible up-titration to 40 mg once daily during 24 weeks of follow-up, to control clinic BP to the target level (<140/90 and <130/80 mmHg in diabetes mellitus).

Validation of the Rossmax S150 wrist blood pressure monitor for home blood pressure monitoring according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010.

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the automated oscillometric wrist blood pressure monitor Rossmax S150 for home blood pressure monitoring according to the International Protocol of the European Society of Hypertension revision 2010.

Methods: Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were sequentially measured in 33 adult Chinese (16 women, mean age of 54 years) using a mercury sphygmomanometer (two observers) and the Rossmax S150 device (one supervisor). Ninety-nine pairs of comparisons were obtained from 33 participants for judgments in two parts with three grading phases.

Urinary angiotensinogen excretion and ambulatory blood pressure.

Objective: Previous studies have demonstrated that urinary angiotensinogen excretion, a biomarker of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system activity, is associated with clinic blood pressure (BP). In the present study, we investigated the determinants of urinary angiotensinogen excretion and its associations with ambulatory BP.

Methods: The study participants were suspected hypertensive patients being off antihypertensive medication for at least 2 weeks and referred to our hypertension clinic for 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring.

Characteristics of hypertension in the Chinese population.

In China, the prevalence of hypertension is currently 18.8 %, and a major risk factor for hypertension is unbalanced dietary sodium and potassium intakes. High dietary sodium intake may change the circadian rhythm of 24-h blood pressure, which is characterized by a higher nighttime blood pressure.

Effects of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers on oxidized low-density lipoprotein induced proliferation and oxidative stress of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Background: Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are more effective in reducing carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) than other classes of antihypertensive drugs due to their vascular effects. However, the mechanism remains to be elucidated.

Findings: Ox-LDL induced HUVSMCs proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner.

Comparison of two bioelectrical impedance analysis devices with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging in the estimation of body composition.

We compared a 4-limb bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) system, HBF 359 (Omron), and a 2-limb foot-to-foot device, BC 532 (Tanita), with the standard dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods for the measurement of body fat percentage (BF), skeletal muscle mass percentage (SMM, or fat-free mass [FFM] for BC 532), and visceral fat level (VF). Body composition was measured in 200 healthy volunteers (100 men and 100 women, mean age 48 years) by HBF 359 and BC 532 and by DXA and MRI. The agreement was assessed by correlation analysis and paired t-test.

Accuracy of a Novel Non-Invasive technology based EZSCAN system for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in Chinese.

Background: A new simple technique based on iontophoresis technology (EZSCAN, Impeto Medical, Paris, France) has recently been developed for the screening of diabetes. In the present study, we investigated the accuracy of this system for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in Chinese.

Methods: We performed the EZSCAN test in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects.

Validation of the noninvasive assessment of central blood pressure by the SphygmoCor and Omron devices against the invasive catheter measurement.

Background: To investigate the accuracy of the SphygmoCor and Omron HEM9000-AI devices in the estimation of central blood pressure (BP) in comparison with the simultaneous invasive catheter measurement.

Methods: The radial arterial pulse was sequentially recorded by the use of the Omron and SphygmoCor devices in 33 patients, with the calibration of the brachial oscillometric BP, to derive central BPs, which were also measured simultaneously with a catheter-based fluid-filled manometer system. The procedure was repeated three times to obtain 99 pairs of noninvasive and invasive measurements.