Association Between Non-Dipping and Fragmented QRS Complexes in Prehypertensive Patients / Associação entre Ausência de Descenso da Pressão Arterial Durante o Sono e a Fragmentação do Complexo QRS em Pacientes Pré-Hipertensos

Abstract Background: Fragmented QRS (fQRS) is a sign of adverse cardiovascular events in various cardiovascular diseases. It is also associated with increased blood pressure and non-dipping in hypertensive patients. However, no study has investigated the importance of fQRS in prehypertensive patients. Objectives: The aim of our study is to investigate the relationship between fQRS and non-dipper status in prehypertensive patients. Methods: Two hundred and sixteen eligible, newly diagnosed prehypertensive patients who underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) for further evaluation of blood pressure between June 2015 and July 2016 were included into the study. Patients were divided into three groups according to ABPM results: normotensives, dipper prehypertensives, and non-dipper prehypertensives. Groups were compared regarding presence of fQRS on electrocardiography. Additionally, multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between fQRS and blood pressure pattern in prehypertensive patients. Results: According to ABPM recordings, 61 patients had normotensive blood pressure pattern (systolic blood pressure < 120 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure < 80 mmHg). Of the remaining 155 prehypertensive patients, 83 were dippers and 72 were non-dippers. Non-dipper prehypertensives had a significantly higher frequency of fQRS compared to normotensives (p = 0.048). Furthermore, multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that fQRS is an independent predictor of non-dipping blood pressure pattern in prehypertensive patients (p = 0.017, OR: 4.071, 95% CI: 1.281-12.936). Conclusions: We found that fQRS is a predictor of non-dipping in prehypertensives. As a marker of fibrosis and higher fibrotic burden within myocardium, fQRS may be useful in identifying high-risk prehypertensive patients before the development of hypertension.

Resumo Fundamento: A fragmentação do QRS (fQRS) é um sinal de eventos cardiovasculares adversos em várias doenças cardiovasculares. É associado também à pressão arterial elevada e à ausência de descenso da pressão arterial durante o sono (non-dipping) em pacientes pré-hipertensos. Objetivos: O objetivo do estudo presente é investigar a relação entre fQRS e ausência de descenso da pressão arterial durante o sono em pacientes pré-hipertensos. Métodos: Duzentos e dezesseis pacientes elegíveis, recém-diagnosticados com pré-hipertensão, que foram submetidos a monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial (MAPA) durante 24 horas para avaliação mais aprofundada da pressão arterial entre junho de 2015 e julho de 2016, foram incluídos no estudo. De acordo com os resultados da MAPA, os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: normotensos, pré-hipertensos com descenso da pressão arterial durante o sono (padrão dipping) e pré-hipertensos com ausência de descenso da pressão arterial durante o sono (padrão non-dipping). Os grupos foram comparados quanto à presença de fQRS no eletrocardiograma. Adicionalmente, utilizou-se a análise de regressão logística multinomial para determinar a relação entre a fQRS e o padrão de pressão arterial em pacientes pré-hipertensos. Resultados: De acordo com os registos da MAPA, 61 pacientes apresentavam padrão de pressão arterial normotenso (pressão arterial sistólica < 120 mmHg e pressão arterial diastólica < 80 mmHg). Dos 155 pacientes pré-hipertensos, 83 tinham padrão dipping e 72 tinham padrão non-dipping. Os pacientes pré-hipertensos com padrão non-dipping tinham uma frequência significativamente mais alta de fQRS em comparação com os pacientes normotensos (p = 0,048). Além disso, a análise de regressão logística multinomial revelou que fQRS é um preditor independente do padrão non-dipping de pressão arterial em pacientes pré-hipertensos (p = 0,017, OR: 4,071, 95 % CI: 1,281-12,936). Conclusões: Verificamos que a fQRS é um preditor do padrão non-dipping em pacientes pré-hipertensos. Como marcador de fibrose e aumento na carga fibrótica do miocárdio, a fQRS pode ser útil na identificação de pacientes pré-hipertensos de alto risco antes do desenvolvimento da hipertensão.

Riesgo de hipertensión arterial en individuos hiperreactivos cardiovasculares / Risk of high blood pressure in hyperreactive cardiovascular individuals

Resumen Objetivo Determinar el riesgo de padecer hipertensión arterial en individuos normotensos con hiperreactividad cardiovascular, identificados mediante la ergometría isométrica. Material y métodos Se desarrolló un estudio de cohorte, de cinco años de evolución, con un total de 419 personas; de ellas, 215 normorreactivos cardiovasculares y 204 hiperreactivos cardiovasculares. Se determinó el riesgo relativo que tienen los individuos hiperreactivos cardiovasculares de ser hipertensos y el peso de la hiperreactividad cardiovascular en la aparición de hipertensión arterial; se fijó un nivel de significación estadística de p igual 0.05. Resultados La frecuencia de nuevos hipertensos en la cohorte de hiperreactivos cardiovasculares respecto a los normorreactivos cardiovasculares fue dos veces superior (RR: 2.23 IC95% 1.42;3.51). La hiperreactividad cardiovascular fue la variable de mayor influencia. Conclusiones Los individuos normotensos hiperreactivos cardiovasculares tienen mayor riesgo de hipertensión arterial que los normotensos normorreactivos cardiovasculares.

Abstract Objective To determine the risk of high blood pressure in cardiovascular hyperreactive individuals identified by the isometric hand-held weight test. Materials and methods A prospective cohort study was conducted for 5 years, including a total of 419 individuals. Of them, 215 were normoreactive and 204 hyperreactive. The relative risk of hypertension in the hyperreactive individuals and the contribution of cardiovascular hyperreactivity to the development of high blood pressure were determined. The significance level was 0.05. Results The frequency of new hypertension cases after five years was twice as high in the cohort of hyperreactive subjects compared to the cohort of normoreactive subjects (RR 2.23, 95%CI 1.42, 3.51). The cardiovascular hyperreactivity was the most important variable for predicting of the high blood pressure (OR: 2.73; 95%CI 1.59, 4.54). Conclusions Cardiovascular hyperreactive individuals have a higher risk of high blood pressure than normorreactive individuals.

Autonomic and Vascular Control in Prehypertensive Subjects with a Family History of Arterial Hypertension / Controle Autonômico e Vascular em Pré-Hipertensos com Histórico Familiar de Hipertensão Arterial

Abstract Background: Individuals with a family history of systemic arterial hypertension (FHSAH) and / or prehypertension have a higher risk of developing this pathology. Objective: To evaluate the autonomic and vascular functions of prehypertensive patients with FHSAH. Methods: Twenty-five young volunteers with FHSAH, 14 normotensive and 11 prehypertensive subjects were submitted to vascular function evaluation by forearm vascular conductance(VC) during resting and reactive hyperemia (Hokanson®) and cardiac and peripheral autonomic modulation, quantified, respectively, by spectral analysis of heart rate (ECG) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (FinometerPRO®). The transfer function analysis was used to measure the gain and response time of baroreflex. The statistical significance adopted was p ≤ 0.05. Results: Pre-hypertensive individuals, in relation to normotensive individuals, have higher VC both at rest (3.48 ± 1.26 vs. 2.67 ± 0.72 units, p = 0.05) and peak reactive hyperemia (25, 02 ± 8.18 vs. 18.66 ± 6.07 units, p = 0.04). The indices of cardiac autonomic modulation were similar between the groups. However, in the peripheral autonomic modulation, greater variability was observed in prehypertensive patients compared to normotensive individuals (9.4 [4.9-12.7] vs. 18.3 [14.8-26.7] mmHg2; p < 0.01) and higher spectral components of very low (6.9 [2.0-11.1] vs. 13.5 [10.7-22.4] mmHg2, p = 0.01) and low frequencies (1.7 [1.0-3.0] vs. 3.0 [2.0-4.0] mmHg2, p = 0.04) of SBP. Additionally, we observed a lower gain of baroreflex control in prehypertensive patients compared to normotensive patients (12.16 ± 4.18 vs. 18.23 ± 7.11 ms/mmHg, p = 0.03), but similar delay time (-1.55 ± 0.66 vs. -1.58 ± 0.72 s, p = 0.90). Conclusion: Prehypertensive patients with FHSAH have autonomic dysfunction and increased vascular conductance when compared to normotensive patients with the same risk factor.

Resumo Fundamento: Indivíduos com histórico familiar de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HFHAS) e/ou pré-hipertensão apresentam maior risco de desenvolver essa patologia. Objetivo: Avaliar as funções autonômica e vascular de pré-hipertensos com HFHAS. Métodos: Vinte e cinco voluntários jovens com HFHAS, sendo 14 normotensos e 11 pré-hipertensos foram submetidos à avaliação da função vascular, por meio da condutância vascular do antebraço (CV) durante repouso e hiperemia reativa (Hokanson®), e da modulação autonômica cardíaca e periférica, quantificada, respectivamente, por meio da análise espectral da frequência cardíaca (ECG) e da pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) (FinometerPRO®). A análise da função de transferência foi utilizada para mensurar o ganho e o tempo de resposta do barorreflexo. A significância estatística adotada foi p ≤ 0,05. Resultados: Pré-hipertensos, em relação aos normotensos, tem maior CV tanto em repouso (3,48 ± 1,26 vs. 2,67 ± 0,72 unidades; p = 0,05) quanto no pico hiperemia reativa (25,02 ± 8,18 vs. 18,66 ± 6,07 unidades; p = 0,04). Os índices da modulação autonômica cardíaca foram semelhantes entre os grupos. Entretanto, na modulação autonômica periférica, foi observado, nos pré-hipertensos em relação aos normotensos, maior variabilidade (9,4 [4,9-12,7] vs. 18,3 [14,8-26,7] mmHg2; p < 0,01) e maiores componentes espectrais de muito baixa (6,9 [2,0-11,1] vs. 13,5 [10,7-22,4] mmHg2; p = 0,01) e baixa frequências (1,7 [1,0-3,0] vs. 3,0 [2,0-4,0] mmHg2; p = 0,04) da PAS. Adicionalmente, observamos menor ganho do controle barorreflexo nos pré-hipertensos em relação aos normotensos (12,16 ± 4,18 vs. 18,23 ± 7,11 ms/mmHg; p = 0,03), porém, tempo de retardo semelhante (-1,55 ± 0,66 vs. -1,58 ± 0.72 s; p = 0,90). Conclusão: Pré-hipertensos com HFHAS tem disfunção autonômica e condutância vascular aumentada quando comparados a normotensos com o mesmo fator de risco.

Effects of isometric resistance training on blood pressure and physical fitness of men

Abstract AIMS The present study aimed to investigate the effects of whole body isometric resistance training (IRT) on blood pressure (BP), strength and aerobic fitness. We also analyzed whether the effects of whole body isometric training compares to whole body dynamic resistance training (DRT). METHODS Twenty-nine pre-hypertensive sedentary males, aged between 40 and 60 years were divided into three groups: IRT (n = 10), DRT (n = 9), and Control (n = 10). Both programs involved whole body resistance training, and occurred for 12 weeks, three times/week, at an intensity of 60% of a dynamic one repetition maximum test (1RM). Before and after 12 weeks, 24 hours blood pressure monitoring, 1RM strength and aerobic fitness were assessed. RESULTS IRT reduced diastolic BP values during a 24-hour period and daytime. There was also a decrease in mean BP values during daytime (P<0.05). No interaction between time and group in systolic BP, diastolic BP, mean BP, heart rate and arterial stiffness index were observed (P>0.05). IRT increased strength and aerobic fitness when compared to Control group. However, these changes were lower than DRT regarding strength (DRT: ∆ = 43.1±10.6% vs. IRT: ∆ = 24.1±7.1% vs. CON: Δ = 4.2±11.5%; P<0.05) and aerobic fitness (DRT: ∆ = 22.9±10.7% vs. IRT: ∆ = 12.9±6.1% vs. CON: Δ = -2.1±7.4%; P<0.01). CONCLUSION Whole body IRT reduced diastolic BP and mean BP, however, the decrease was not different for the DRT group. IRT also increased strength and aerobic fitness, nevertheless, these changes were lower than after DRT.

Determinants of Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity and Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity in Healthy Koreans

The aim of this study was to determine the normal value of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) according to age group, gender, and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors in healthy Koreans, and to investigate the association between PWV and risk factors such as prehypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, and obesity. We measured an arterial stiffness in 110 normal subjects who were 20 to 69 yr-old with no evidence of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular accident or diabetes mellitus. The mean values of baPWV and cfPWV were 12.6 (+/-2.27) m/sec (13.1+/-1.85 in men, 12.1+/-2.51 in women; P=0.019) and 8.70 (+/-1.99) m/sec (9.34+/-2.13 in men, 8.15+/-1.69 in women; P=0.001), respectively. The distribution of baPWV (P<0.001) and cfPWV (P=0.006) by age group and gender showed an increase in the mean value with age. Men had higher baPWV and cfPWV than women (P<0.001). There was a difference in baPWV and cfPWV by age group on prehypertension, dyslipidemia, current smoking, or obesity (P<0.001). In multiple linear regression, age and prehypertension were highly associated with baPWV and cfPWV after adjustment for confounding factors (P<0.001). The present study showed that baPWV and cfPWV are associated with age, gender, and prehypertension in healthy Koreans.

Riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes prehipertensos en un hospital de tercer nivel / Cardiovascular risk in prehypertensive patients in a hospital of third level

Se buscó establecer el impacto de la prehipertensión como causa de eventos cardiovasculares en pacientes del Hospital Universitario San Jorge de Pereira. Se incluyeron pacientes no identificados previamente como hipertensos o que recibieran tratamiento para tal condición y que clasificaran con cifras tensionales sistólicas entre 120 y 139 mmHg y diastólicas entre 80 y 89 mmHg. Del total de prehipertensos se determinó que el 43.4% ingresaron con eventos cardiovasculares, siendo las más prevalentes el evento cerebrovascular y el infarto agudo de miocardio. Se refuerza la indicación de definir la prehipertensión como factor de riesgo a identificar y tratar haciendo énfasis especial en cambios terapéuticos en estilo de vida

An research has been developed with the subject to evaluate the impact of side effects of prehypertension as cardiovascular events on patients of the university hospital San Jorge in the city of Pereira, they include patients non previously identified as hypertensive or who been receiving treatment for that condition and classify with systolic blood pressure between 120 and 139 mmHg and diastolic between 80 and 89 mmHg. From the research where found that 43.4% was ingress with cardiovascular events been more significant stroke and acute coronary syndrome. Those results enhance the indication of defining prehypertension as risk factor to identify and emphasize on therapeutically changes on life style. Within research limitations were found that the time factor was a limitation to increase the samples, which could be important for future research

Impaired hemodynamic response to mental stress in subjects with prehypertension is improved after a single bout of maximal dynamic exercise

INTRODUCTION: High blood pressure during mental stress in subjects with prehypertension is associated with blunted vasodilation in skeletal muscles, which might be improved by an acute bout of exercise. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hemodynamic responses to mental stress before and after a bout of exercise in subjects with prehypertension. METHOD: Eighteen subjects with prehypertension and 16 with normotension underwent a mental stress test before and after a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test on a treadmill. Blood pressure was measured by auscultation, and forearm blood flow was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography; from these measurements, the vascular conductance was calculated. RESULTS: Subjects with prehypertension had a higher mean blood pressure during mental stress (prehypertension 112±2 vs. normotension 101±3 mm Hg, p<0.05), and their vascular conductance did not increase (baseline 0.025±0.004 vs. mental stress 0.022±0.003 a.u., p.0.05). After the exercise bout, the mean blood pressure during mental stress was lower in subjects with prehypertension (before exercise 112±2 vs. after exercise 107±2 mm Hg, p<0.05), and vascular conductance increased (baseline 0.011±0.001 vs. mental stress 0.024±0.004 a.u., p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Subjects with prehypertension had elevated blood pressure and a blunted vasodilator response during mental stress, but their blood pressure was attenuated and their vasodilator response was normalized after a single bout of maximal dynamic exercise.

Progression from prehypertension to hypertension in a jamaican cohort: incident hypertension and its predictors / Progresión de la prehipertensión a la hipertensión en una cohorte jamaicana: la hipertensión incidente y sus predictores

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incidence of hypertension in people with and without prehypertension and determine the factors that predict progression to hypertension. METHODS: Data from a cohort of 25-74-year old residents of Spanish Town , Jamaica, were analysed. All participants completed a structured questionnaire and had blood pressure (BP), anthropometric measurements and venous blood sampling performed by trained personnel. Blood Pressure was classified using the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC-7) criteria. RESULTS: 708 persons who had the required data and were not hypertensive at baseline were included in this analysis. Mean follow-up time was 4.1 years; 28.7% of prehypertensive participants developed hypertension compared to 6.2% of normotensiveparticipants. The unadjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR [95% CI]) for progression among prehypertensive compared to normotensive participants was 4.62[2.96, 7.43]. Among males, the rate of progression to hypertension was significantly higher for those 45-64 years old and those who were current smokers. Among females, progression was higher for age groups 25-44 years, 45-64 years, those who were overweight (BMI > 25), obese (BMI > 30) and current smokers. In multivariate models, prehypertension, female gender, overweight status and older age remained significantly associated with progression to hypertension among the combined prehypertensive and normotensive groups. IRR [95% CI] were: prehypertension, 3.45 [2.18-5.45]; female gender, 1.81 [1.12, 2.94]; overweight, 1.87 [1.15, 2.94]; age 45-64 years, 1.73 [1.08, 2.76]; age > 65 years 2.39 #91;1.31, 4.34]. CONCLUSIONS: Prehypertension is associated with a three-fold increase in the incidence of hypertension. Higher BMI, age and female gender also independently predict the development of hypertension.

OBJETIVOS: Calcular la tasa de incidencia de hipertensión en las personas con y sin prehipertensión y determinar los factores que predicen la progresión a la hipertensión. MÉTODOS: Se analizaron los datos de una cohorte de residentes de 25-74 años de edad, de Spanish Town, Jamaica. Todos los participantes llenaron una encuesta estructurada. Asimismo se les midió la presión arterial (PA), se les realizó mediciones antropométricas, y se les recogió muestras de sangre por parte de un personal técnico calificado. La presión arterial fue clasificada usando criterios del Séptimo Informe del Comité Conjunto Nacional para la Prevención, Detección, Evaluación y Tratamiento de la Presión Arterial Alta (JNC-7). RESULTADOS: 708 personas que tenían los datos requeridos y no eran hipertensas según los datos de base, fueron incluidas en este análisis. El tiempo promedio de seguimiento fue de 4.1 años; 28.7% de los participantes prehipertensos desarrollaron hipertensión en comparación con 6.2% de participantes normotensos. La razón de tasas de incidencia sin ajustar (RTI [95% CI]) para la progresión entre prehipertensos en comparación con los participantes normotensos fue 4.62 [2.96, 7.43]. Entre los varones, la tasa de progresión a la hipertensión fue significativamente más alta para los de 45-64 años y los fumadores. Entre las hembras, la progresión fue más alta para los grupos etarios de 25-44 años, y 45-64 años, los que tenían sobrepeso (IMC = 25), los obesos (IMC = 30) y los fumadores. En los modelos multivariantes, la prehipertensión, el género femenino, la condición de sobrepeso, y un mayor número de años de edad, permanecieron significativamente asociados con la progresión a la hipertensión entre los grupos combinados de prehipertensos y normotensos. Las RTI [95% CI] fueron: la prehipertensión, 3.45 [2.18-5.45]; el género femenino, 1.81 [1.12,2.94]; el sobrepeso, 1.87 [1.15,2.94]; la edad 45-64 años, 1.73[1.08,2.76]; la edad > 65 años 2.39 [1.31,4.34]. CONCLUSIONES: La prehipertensión se halla asociada con un triple aumento de la incidencia de la hipertensión. El IMC más alto, la edad, y el género femenino predicen también independientemente el desarrollo de la hipertensión.