The water extract and the lectin WSMoL from the seeds of Moringa oleifera prevent the hypertension onset by decreasing renal oxidative stress.

Maternal endotoxemia disturbs the intrauterine environment, impairs nephrogenesis, and increases the risk of hypertension and kidney disease in adulthood. Here, it was investigated whether maternal treatment with the water extract of Moringa oleifera seeds (WEMoS) or the water-soluble M. oleifera seed lectin (WSMoL) prevents the oxidative stress induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in pregnant rats, and the renal injury and hypertension in the adult offspring. The administration of WEMoS or WSMoL prevented the stimulatory effects of LPS on lipid peroxidation in the maternal-placenta-fetuses environment. The impact of WEMoS was linked to decreased superoxide anions production in the placenta. The effects of WSMoL were parallel to the inhibition of superoxide anion production and NADPH oxidase activity. The WSMoL also prevented increased NADPH oxidase activity in the fetal kidney. The LPS offspring presented higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) and increased lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), NADPH oxidase activity, and nitrate/nitrite in the kidney; the maternal treatment with WEMoS and WSMoL prevented these changes. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that WEMoS and WSMoL have protective effects on maternal endotoxemia, which involve antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions that prevent the programming of hypertension.

[Quaternary prevention in the Cardiovascular Health Program Rational use of complementary exams: A narrative review]. / Prevención cuaternaria en el programa de Salud Cardiovascular Uso racional de exámenes complementarios: Una revisión narrativa "Exámenes en prevención cardiovascular cuaternaria".

INTRODUCTION: The Cardiovascular Health Program (PSCV), founded by the Ministry of Health of Chile (Minsal), is focused on the global cardiovascular risk of people with the purpose of preventing and reducing morbidity, disability and premature death caused by cardiovascular diseases, in congruence with its sanitary aims. Quaternary Prevention is defined as "actions taken to protect individuals from medical interventions that are likely to cause more harm than good". The PSVC's 2017 technical guidelines establish a battery of 11 complementary exams to request upon entering the program, however, neither the scientific evidence that supports them nor the periodicity of their request was mentioned. The aim of this revision is to evaluate the rationality of exams request, based on updated evidence, as a strategy for quaternary prevention and potential economic savings for the sanitary system. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted through searches on databases, updated clinical guidelines and international recommendations about 11 complementary exams on the follow-up of Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension. RESULTS: Based on the data analysis, recommendations were made according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the costs of widely requested complementary exams could be reduced through a more efficient management guided by updated evidence. Our proposal entails changes in some processes and in the evaluation of fulfillment of the PSCV, as well as a deeper cost-effectiveness analysis of the recommendations in order to optimize the management of resources in primary health care.

Educação em saúde para pessoa idosa: um relato de experiência das ações desenvolvidas em estágio de saúde coletiva em medicina / Health education for older adults: an experience report of the actions developed in a collective health internship in medicine / Educación en salud para personas mayores: reporte de experiencia de acciones desarrolladas en una pasantía de salud colectiva en medicina

Introdução:O processo do cuidado integral à saúde é missão básica do Sistema Único de Saúde e da atenção primária à saúde. Objetivo:Relatar a experiência de ação interventiva na população idosa acerca da prevenção de doenças crônicas prevalentes nessa faixa etária, no território de uma unidade de saúde da família no município de Parnamirim. Metodologia:Trata-se de um estudo descritivo do tipo relato de experiência que foi desenvolvido a partir de um projeto de intervenção em estágio desaúde coletiva, com ênfase na educação em saúde para a pessoa idosa e portadora de diabetes mellitus e hipertensão arterial sistêmica, em uma unidade de saúde da família de Parnamirim, em abril de 2023. Resultados:A partir da ação, que abarcou estagiários de Medicina e a equipe multiprofissional da atenção primária à saúde, foi possível explanar a importância das ações no âmbito da saúde coletiva e do seguimento terapêutico, farmacológico e não farmacológico, para gerar autonomia e autogestão de disfunções crônicas e diminuir a probabilidade de complicações inerentes, como infarto agudo do miocárdio, nefropatia, retinopatia e polineuropatia diabética. Conclusões:A experiência foi de grande valia para todos os participantes, ao contar com elementos proeminentes na implementação da saúde no cenário da atenção básica em nosso país, especialmente com a pretensão de rastreio e controle de patologias crônicas de alta prevalência, e que são uma das principais causas de morbimortalidade no Brasil (AU).

Introduction:The process of comprehensive health care is the basic mission of the Unified Health System and primary health care. Objective:To report the experience of an intervention in a population of older adults regarding the prevention of chronic diseases prevalent in this age group in the territory of a family health unit in the city of Parnamirim. Methodology:This is a descriptive study of the experience report typethat was developed from an intervention project in a public health internship with an emphasis on health education for older adults with diabetes mellitus and systemic hypertension arterial at a family health unit in Parnamirim in april 2023. Results:Based on the action, which included medical interns and the multidisciplinary primary health care team, it was possible to explain the importance of actions within the scope of public health and therapeutic, pharmacological and non-pharmacological monitoring to generate autonomy and self-management of chronic dysfunctions and reduce the likelihood of inherent complications, such as acute myocardial infarction, nephropathy, retinopathy and diabetic polyneuropathy. Conclusions:The experience was of great value to all participants, as it included prominent elements in the implementation of health in the primary care scenario in our country, especially with the aim of screening and controlling high-prevalence chronic pathologies which are among the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Brazil (AU).

Introducción: El proceso de atención integral en salud es la misión básica del Sistema Único de Salud y de la atención primaria de salud. Objetivo: Relatar la experiencia de intervención en población de adultos mayores en relación a la prevención de enfermedades crónicas prevalentes en ese grupo etario, en el territorio de una unidad de salud de la familia de la ciudad de Parnamirim.Metodología: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo del tipo relato de experiencia que se desarrolló a partir de un proyecto de intervención en una pasantía de salud pública, con énfasis en educación en salud para adultos mayores y personas con diabetes mellitus e hipertensión arterial sistémica, en una unidad de salud de la familia de Parnamirim, en abril de 2023. Resultados: A partir de la acción, que incluyó a médicos pasantes y al equipo multidisciplinario de atención primaria a la salud, fue posible explicar la importancia de las acciones en el ámbito de la salud pública y seguimiento terapéutico, farmacológico y no farmacológico, para generar autonomía y autocontrol de las disfunciones crónicas y reducir la probabilidad de complicaciones inherentes, como infarto agudo del miocardio, nefropatía, retinopatía y polineuropatía diabética.Conclusiones: La experiencia fue de gran valor para todos los participantes, ya que incluyó elementos destacados en la implementación de la salud en el escenario de la atención primaria en nuestro país, especialmente con el objetivo de cribar y controlar patologías crónicas de alta prevalencia, que son una de las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad en Brasil (AU).

Indicators of Dietary Behavior and Physical Activity Change Associated with Metabolic Control of Obesity, Hypertension, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Mexican Adults: National Nutrition and Health Survey in Mexico, 2016.

Introduction: Obesity (OB), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), and hypertension (HTN) are health issues in Mexico linked to unhealthy behaviors. This study investigates the relationship between behavior change indicators and metabolic control in Mexican adults with OB, T2D, and HTN. Methods: We used data from the 2016 National Health and Nutrition Survey Midway (ENSANUT MC-2016), representing ∼59.5 million Mexican adults aged 20-59 with these conditions. We assessed behavior change indicators, including stages of change, self-efficacy, and perceptions of benefits and barriers. In addition, we conducted descriptive analyses and used statistical tests, such as Pearson's chi-squared test and logistic regression models, adjusted for multiple variables. Results: We found that adults in the action and maintenance stages of physical activity (PA) were four times more likely to have adequate HTN control than those in the precontemplation stage. Self-efficacy for PA was related to better control in T2D and HTN. Self-efficacy for reducing the consumption of sugary beverages was positively associated with control in OB and T2D. No significant association was observed with self-efficacy for consuming fruits and vegetables. Conclusion: Behavior-change indicators are significantly linked to metabolic control in adults with HTN. These results support the importance of these indicators in managing chronic diseases such as HTN and their potential use in public health strategies.

Ação de prevenção e combate à hipertensão arterial: um relato de experiência em uma liga acadêmica de medicina / Acción para prevenir y combatir la hipertensión arterial: un reporte de experiencia en una liga académica de medicina / Initiative to prevent and control arterial hypertension: a report of an experience in an academic medicine league

Introdução: A hipertensão arterial sistêmica é uma das doenças crônicas de maior prevalência no Brasil, sendo esta, juntamente com outras doenças crônicas, o foco de atenção das unidades primárias de saúde. Desta forma, atividades de educação em saúde relacionadas à prevenção e combate a hipertensão arterial sistêmica são de grande importância para reduzir a incidência dessa doença na população. Objetivo: Nesse sentido, o presente relato possui uma abordagem qualitativa descritiva exploratória, de uma experiência dos membros de uma liga acadêmica de medicina de uma universidade no Sul de Santa Catarina. Metodologia: A abordagem do público se deu através de um projeto social no ambulatório de especialidades médicas da universidade, realizado no dia nacional de combate à hipertensão arterial de 2023, com duração de 11 horas. Neste projeto, contou com 12 membros da liga e 79 pacientes com idade média de 42 anos, foram distribuídos panfletos com informações importantes sobre hipertensão, além de outras ações, como: esclarecimento de dúvidas, distribuição demudas frutíferas e frutas, aferições de pressão arterial, encaminhamentos para consultas com clínico geral e nutricionista. Resultados: A maioria das Pressões Arteriais aferidas estava dentro da normalidade; no entanto, foram identificados alguns casos de pré-hipertensão e hipertensão ainda não diagnosticadas, além de casos em que a pressão arterial estava descompensada mesmo com tratamento farmacológico(50% dos pacientes hipertensos), incluindo um caso de crise hipertensiva, também foi possível perceber o desconhecimento do público sobre a PA e seus riscos a saúde. Conclusões: Conclui-se que é necessária a conscientização e educação em saúde das pessoas a respeito do que é a hipertensão arterial sistêmica, uma vez que, cerca de, 49%dos pacientes estavam com Índice de Massa Corporal acima de25e 37% com pressão arterial acima de 120x80mmHg (AU).

Introduction: Systemic arterial hypertension is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in Brazil. Together with other chronic diseases, this condition is the focus of attention in the primary health units. Therefore, health education with view at preventing and controlling systemic arterial hypertension is of great importance to reduce the incidence of this disease in the population.Objective:, the present report is an exploratory descriptive qualitative approach of an Academic Medical League's members' experience at a university in the south of Santa Catarina.Methodology: The target audience was approached through a social project held at the university's medical specialty outpatient clinic on the national day of high blood pressure control in 2023 with an 11 hours duration. This project involved 12 members of the League and 79 patients. Patients' average age was 42 years. Leaflets containing important information about hypertension were distributed. Further initiatives included answering questions, fruit seedlings and fruits distribution, assessment of blood pressure, referring people to a general practitioner and to a nutritionist. Results: Blood pressure of most of the individuals who had their blood pressure measured at the event was within normal range; however, some cases of undiagnosed pre-hypertension and hypertension were identified, in addition to cases in which blood pressure was decompensated despite pharmacological treatment (50% of hypertensive patients); this included one case of hypertensive crisis. It was also evident the audience's lack of knowledge about blood pressure and its health risks.Conclusions: it is necessary to raise awareness and improve health education among people regarding what systemic arterial hypertension is, since approximately 49% of patients had a body mass index above 25 and 37% had a blood pressure above 120x80 mmHg (AU).

Introducción: La hipertensión arterial sistémica es una de las enfermedades crónicas más prevalentes en Brasil. Junto con otras enfermedades crónicas, es foco de atención en las unidades primarias de salud. Por lo tanto, las actividades de educación sanitaria relacionadas con la prevención y el combate de la hipertensión arterial sistémica son de gran importancia para reducir la incidencia de esta enfermedad en la población.Objetivo: El presente relato tiene un enfoque cualitativo descriptivo exploratorio basado en una experiencia de miembros de una liga médica académica de la universidad del sur de Santa Catarina.Metodología: Se acercó al público a través de un proyecto social realizado en el ambulatorio de especialidades médicas de la universidad, en el día nacional de combate a la hipertensión arterial del año 2023, que tuve una duración de 11 horas. En este proyecto participaron 12 integrantes de la liga y 79 pacientes con promedio de 42 años; se distribuyeron folletos con información importante sobre la hipertensión, además de otras iniciativas como: aclarar dudas, repartir plantones y frutas, medir la presión arterial, derivaciones para consultas con médico general y nutricionista. Resultados: La mayoría de las presiones medidas estuvieron dentro de los límites normales; sin embargo, se identificaron algunos casos de prehipertensión e hipertensión no diagnosticadas, además de casos en los que la presión arterial se descompensaba incluso con tratamiento farmacológico (50% de los hipertensos); hubo un caso de crisis hipertensiva. También se pudo notar la falta de conocimiento delpúblico sobre la PA y sus riesgos para la salud. Conclusiones: Se concluye que es necesario generar conciencia y educación en salud en las personas respecto de la hipertensión arterial sistémica, ya que aproximadamente el 49% de los pacientes tenían un Índice de Masa Corporal superior a 25 y el 37% tenían una presión superior a 120x80 mmHg (AU).

Calçada amiga: dialogando com a comunidade sobre a hipertensão arterial e o diabetes mellitus no território / Calçada Amiga: dialogando con la comunidadsobre la hipertensión arterial y la diabetes mellitus en el territorio / Calçada Amiga: dialoguing with the community about hypertension and diabetes mellitus in the territory

Introdução: As Doenças Crônicas não Transmissíveis constituem-se em um grande desafio de saúde pública. Dentro deste grupo, a Hipertensão Arterial e o Diabetes Mellitus merecem destaque, pois seu enfrentamento requer bastante dos serviços de saúde. Na realidade da Atenção Básica, tem-se destaque para as atividades educativas, em especial para a Educação Popular em Saúde, como a "Calçada Amiga". Objetivo: Abordar a experiência da atividade de educação popular em saúde intitulada "Calçada Amiga" como instrumento de proteção, prevenção e promoção da saúde na Hipertensão Arterial e no Diabetes Mellitus em um serviço de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Metodologia: Trata-se de um relato de Experiência de uma atividade de educação popular em saúde desenvolvida no território de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde do Município de Mossoró/Rio Grande do Norte, durante o ano de 2022.Resultados e Discussões: Foram realizadas 13 ações. Sobre a Hipertensão Arterial e o Diabetes Mellitus, notou-se uma certa dificuldade na adesão ao tratamento, com relatos tanto na prática do exercício físico quanto na alimentação adequada, além do uso das medicações. Ainda sobre as dificuldades na adesão, muitos deles afirmavam uma subutilização dos serviços de saúde, em especial a UBS. Foi possível observar a validade da Educação Popular em Saúde por meio de afirmações de avaliação positiva sobre o método adotado para as atividades, com boa aceitação, frequência e retorno da comunidade. Conclusões: A atividade permitiu o fortalecimento do vínculo entre a Unidade Básica de Saúde e a comunidade por meio da imersão no território com momentos de diálogos horizontais e escuta ativa, facilitando a compreensão por parte dos profissionais sobre a realidade dos sujeitos assistidos no serviço. Para a comunidade, permitiu um momento de fala e escuta, expressando seus anseios, medos e dificuldades sobre as condições, tornando-se ativa no processo de saúde/doença (AU).

Introduction: Chronic non-communicable diseases are a major public health challenge. Within this group, Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus deserve to be highlighted, because coping with it requires a lot of health services. In the reality of Primary Care, there is emphasis on educational activities, especially for Popular Health Education, such as "Calçada Amiga".Objective:To address the experience of popular health education activity entitled "Calçada Amiga" as an instrument of protection, prevention and health promotion in Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus in a Primary Health Care service.Methodology:This is an experience report of a popular health education activity developed in the territory of a Basic Health Unit of the Municipalityof Mossoró/ Rio Grande do Norte during the year 2022.Results and Discussion:13 actions were performed. Regarding Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus, there was some difficulty in adherence to treatment, with reports both in the practice of physical exercise and in proper nutrition, in addition to the use of medications. Still on the difficulties in adherence, many of them stated an underutilization of health services, especially the UBS. It was possible to observe the validity of Popular Health Education through affirmations of positive evaluation of the method adopted for the activities, with good acceptance, frequency and community return.Conclusions:The activity allowed the strengthening of the bond between the Basic Health Unit and the community through immersion in the territory with moments of horizontal dialogues and active listening, professionals about the reality of the subjects assisted in the service. For the community, it allowed a moment of speech and listening, expressing their desires,fears and difficulties about the conditions, becoming active in the health/disease process (AU).

Introducción: Las Enfermedades Crónicas no Transmisibles se constituyen en un gran desafío de salud pública. Dentro de este grupo, la Hipertensión Arterial y el Diabetes Mellitus merecen destaque, pues su enfrentamiento requiere bastante de los servicios de salud. En realidad de la Atención Básica, se ha destacado para las actividades educativas, en especial para la Educación Popular en Salud, como la "Calçada Amiga". Objetivo: Abordar la experiencia de la actividad de educación popular en salud titulada "Calçada Amiga" como instrumento de protección, prevención y promoción de la salud en la Hipertensión Arterial y en la Diabetes Mellitus en un servicio de Atención Primaria de Salud.Metodología: Se trata de un relato de experiencia de una actividad de educación popular en salud desarrollada en el territorio de una Unidad Básica de Salud del Municipio de Mossoró/ Rio Grande do Norte durante el año 2022.Resultados y Discusión: Fueron realizadas 13 acciones. Sobre la Hipertensión Arterial y la Diabetes Mellitus, se notó una cierta dificultad en la adhesión del tratamiento, con relatos tanto en la práctica del ejercicio físico como en la alimentación adecuada, además del uso de las medicaciones. También sobre las dificultades en la adhesión, muchos de ellos afirmaban una infrautilización de los servicios de salud, en especial la UBS. Fue posible observar la validez de la Educación Popular en Salud por medio de afirmaciones de evaluación positiva sobre el método adoptado para las actividades, con buena aceptación, frecuencia y retorno de la comunidad.Conclusiones: La actividad permitió el fortalecimiento del vínculo entre la Unidad Básica de Salud y la comunidad por medio de la inmersión en el territorio con momentos de diálogos horizontales y escucha activa, facilitando la comprensión por parte de los profesionales de la realidad de los sujetos asistidos en el servicio. Para la comunidad, permitió un momento de habla y escucha, expresando sus anhelos, miedos y dificultades sobre las condiciones, haciéndose activa en el proceso de salud/enfermedad (AU).

Angiotensin-(1-7) Treatment Early in Life Prevents Cardiac Hypertrophy in Adult Hypertensive Rats.

ABSTRACT: Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) is a cardioprotective peptide of the renin-angiotensin system. Prepuberty has been considered as a later susceptible window of development, and stressful factors in this life phase can induce chronic diseases in adulthood. We aimed to investigate whether the treatment with Ang-(1-7) during the prepuberty could attenuate the development of hypertension and cardiac injury in adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). SHRs were treated with Ang-(1-7) (24 µg/kg/h) from age 4 to 7 weeks. Systolic blood pressure was measured by tail-cuff plethysmography up to 17th week. Thereafter, echocardiography was performed, and the rats were euthanized for the collection of tissues and blood. Ang-(1-7) did not change the systolic blood pressure but reduced the septal and posterior wall thickness, and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis in SHR. In addition, Ang-(1-7) reduced the gene expression of atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide, increased the metalloproteinase 9 expression, and reduced the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 phosphorylation. Ang-(1-7) also prevented the reduction of Mas receptor but did not change the protein expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, AT1, and AT2. The treatment with Ang-(1-7) decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased superoxide dismutase-1 and catalase activities and protein expression of catalase. Our findings demonstrate that the treatment of SHR with Ang-(1-7) for 3 weeks early in life promotes beneficial effects in the heart later in life, even without altering blood pressure, through mechanisms involving the reduction of oxidative stress and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In addition, this study supports the prepuberty as an important programming window.

Naringen's Effects on Diuresis and Prevention of Urolithiasis in Hypertensive Rats.

This research demonstrates the diuretic effect of naringenin, a flavanone aglycone found in citrus, on spontaneously hypertensive female and male rats (SHR). The data reinforces existing literature findings that male SHR exhibits higher systolic blood pressure than age-matched females. Urine volume assessed over 8 hours was lower when obtained from SHR males than females. When these animals were orally treated with different doses of naringenin (0.1-1 mg/kg), this increased urinary volume in both genders at the highest dose tested. In contrast, the lowest dose promoted a significant natriuretic effect. The other electrolytes analyzed in urine were not significantly altered, except potassium excretion, which was shown to be increased in the urine of SHR males. Furthermore, naringenin showed promise in reducing calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal formation in an in vitro model, presenting potential advantages in lithiasis prevention.

Resistance Training Reduces Blood Pressure: Putative Molecular Mechanisms.

Arterial hypertension is a multifactorial clinical condition characterized by higher blood pressure levels. The main treatment for controlling high blood pressure consists of drug therapy, but the scientific literature has been pointing to the efficiency of aerobic and resistance exercises acting in a therapeutic and/or preventive way to reduce and control the blood pressure levels. Resistance training is characterized by sets and repetitions on a given muscle segment that uses overload, such as machine weights, bars, and dumbbells. As it successfully affects a number of variables associated to practitioners' functional and physiological features as well as emotional and social variables, resistance training has been a crucial part of physical exercise programs. Several reports highlight the various adaptive responses it provides, with a focus on the improvement in strength, balance, and muscular endurance that enables a more active and healthy lifestyle. Resistance training programs that are acute, sub-chronic, or chronic can help people with varying ages, conditions, and pathologies reduce their arterial hypertension. However, molecular mechanisms associated with resistance training to reduce blood pressure still need to be better understood. Thus, we aimed to understand the main effects of resistance training on blood pressure as well as the associated molecular mechanisms.

Assessing the contributions of an urban population health initiative to shift political priority towards cardiovascular health: three case studies from Brazil, Mongolia and Senegal.

BACKGROUND: The urban population health initiative was designed as a multidisciplinary, multisector programme to address cardiovascular (CV) disease, specifically hypertension and its underlying causes in the cities of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Dakar, Senegal; and São Paulo, Brazil. This article aims to provide an overview of the history and dynamics of CV disease policy making in the three countries, to present the policy reform contributions of the initiative and its role in the policy agenda-setting framework/process in each country and to identify the enablers and challenges to the initiative for doing so. METHODS: A qualitative case study was conducted for each setting from November 2020 to January 2021, comprised of a document review, semi-structured in-depth interviews and unstructured interviews with stakeholders involved in the initiative. The literature review included documents from the initiative and the peer-reviewed and grey literature with a total of 188 documents screened. Interviews were conducted with 21 stakeholders. Data collection and thematic analysis was guided by (i) the Kingdon multiple streams conceptual framework with the main themes being CV disease problems, policy, politics and the role of policy entrepreneurs; and (ii) the study question inquiring on the role of the urban population health initiative at the CV disease policy level and enabling and challenging factors to advancing CV disease policy. Data were thematically analysed using the Framework Method. RESULTS: Each setting was characterized by a high hypertension and CV disease burden combined with an aware and proactive political environment. Policy outcomes attributed to the initiative were updating the guidelines and/or algorithms of care for hypertension and including revised physical and nutritional education in school curricula, in each city. Overall, the urban health initiative's effects in the policy arena, were most prominent in Mongolia and Senegal, where the team effectively acted as policy entrepreneur, promoting the solutions/policies in alignment with the most pressing local problems and in strong involvement with the political actors. The initiative was also involved in improving access to CV disease drugs at primary health levels. Its success was influenced by the local governance structures, the proximity of the initiative to the policy makers and the local needs. In Brazil, needs were expressed predominantly in the clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: This multi-country experience shows that, although the policy and political environment plays its role in shaping initiatives, often the local priority needs are the driving force behind wider change.

Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease at Community Clinics in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil: Results from the Epidemiological Information Study of Communities.

Background: Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major challenge, especially in communities of low- and middle-income countries with poor medical assistance influenced by distinct local, financial, infrastructural, and resource-related factors. Objective: This a community-based study aimed to determine the proportion and prevalence of uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) in Brazilian communities. Methods: The EPICO study was an observational, cross-sectional, and community clinic-based study. Subjects were living in Brazilian communities and were of both sexes and ≥18 years old, without a history of a stroke or myocardial infarction but presenting at least one of the following cardiovascular risk factors: hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia. The study was carried out in Brazil, including 322 basic health units (BHU) in 32 cities. Results: A total of 7,724 subjects with at least one CRF were evaluated, and one clinical visit was performed. Mean age was 59.2 years-old (53.7% were >60 years old). A total of 66.7% were women. Of the total, 96.2% had hypertension, 78.8% had diabetes mellitus type II, 71.1% had dyslipidemia, and 76.6% of patients were overweight/obese. Controlled hypertension (defined by <130/80 mmHg or <140/90 mmHg) was observed in 34.9% and 55.5% patients among respective criteria, the rates of controlled blood glucose in patients taking antidiabetic medications was 29.5%, and among those with documented dyslipidemia who received any lipid-lowering medication, only 13.9% had LDL-c on target. For patients presenting three CRF less than 1.9% had LDL-c < 100 mg/dL once their BP and blood glucose were on target. High education level as associated with blood pressure (BP) target of less than 130 / 80mm Hg. The glucose and LDL-c levels on target were associated with the presence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: In Brazilian community clinics, regarding most patients in primary prevention, the CRF such as BP, blood glucose, and lipid levels are poorly controlled, with a majority of patients not achieving guidelines/recommendations.

Sildenafil attenuates oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in lead-induced hypertension.

Lead (Pb) reduces NO bioavailability, impairs the antioxidant system, and increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pb-induced oxidative stress may be responsible for the associated endothelial dysfunction. Sildenafil has shown nitric oxide (NO)-independent action, including antioxidant effects. Therefore, we examined the effects of sildenafil on oxidative stress, reductions of NO and endothelial dysfunction in Pb-induced hypertension. Wistar rats were distributed into three groups: Pb, Pb + sildenafil and Sham. Blood pressure and endothelium-dependent vascular function were recorded. We also examined biochemical determinants of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant function. ROS levels, NO metabolites and NO levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were also evaluated. Sildenafil prevents impairment of endothelium-dependent NO-mediated vasodilation and attenuates Pb-induced hypertension, reduces ROS formation, enhances superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and antioxidant capacity in plasma and increases NO metabolites in plasma and HUVECs culture supernatants, while no changes were found on measurement of NO released from HUVECs incubated with plasma of the Pb and Pb + sildenafil groups compared with the sham group. In conclusion, sildenafil protects against ROS-mediated inactivation of NO, thus preventing endothelial dysfunction and attenuating Pb-induced hypertension, possibly through antioxidant effects.

Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease at community clinics in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil: results from the epidemiological information study of communities

BACKGROUND: Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major challenge, especially in communities of low- and middle-income countries with poor medical assistance influenced by distinct local, financial, infrastructural, and resource-related factors. OBJECTIVE: This a community-based study aimed to determine the proportion and prevalence of uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) in Brazilian communities. METHODS: The EPICO study was an observational, cross-sectional, and community clinic-based study. Subjects were living in Brazilian communities and were of both sexes and ≥18 years old, without a history of a stroke or myocardial infarction but presenting at least one of the following cardiovascular risk factors: hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia. The study was carried out in Brazil, including 322 basic health units (BHU) in 32 cities. RESULTS: A total of 7,724 subjects with at least one CRF were evaluated, and one clinical visit was performed. Mean age was 59.2 years-old (53.7% were >60 years old). A total of 66.7% were women. Of the total, 96.2% had hypertension, 78.8% had diabetes mellitus type II, 71.1% had dyslipidemia, and 76.6% of patients were overweight/obese. Controlled hypertension (defined by <130/80 mmHg or <140/90 mmHg) was observed in 34.9% and 55.5% patients among respective criteria, the rates of controlled blood glucose in patients taking antidiabetic medications was 29.5%, and among those with documented dyslipidemia who received any lipid-lowering medication, only 13.9% had LDL-c on target. For patients presenting three CRF less than 1.9% had LDL-c < 100 mg/dL once their BP and blood glucose were on target. High education level as associated with blood pressure (BP) target of less than 130 / 80mm Hg. The glucose and LDL-c levels on target were associated with the presence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION: In Brazilian community clinics, regarding most patients in primary prevention, the CRF such as BP, blood glucose, and lipid levels are poorly controlled, with a majority of patients not achieving guidelines/recommendations.

Avocado consumption is associated with a reduction in hypertension incidence in Mexican women.

Avocado is a fruit rich in dietary fibre, potassium, Mg, mono and PUFA and bioactive phytochemicals, which are nutritional components that have been associated with cardiovascular health. Yet, despite the boom in avocado consumption, we lack evidence on its association with CVD risk in the general population. To estimate the prospective association between avocado consumption and incident hypertension in Mexican women, we estimated the association in participants from the Mexican Teachers' Cohort who were ≥ 25 years, free of hypertension, CVD and cancer at baseline (n 67 383). We assessed baseline avocado consumption with a semi-quantitative FFQ (never to six or more times per week). Incident hypertension cases were identified if participants self-reported a diagnosis and receiving treatment. To assess the relation between categories of avocado consumption (lowest as reference) and incident hypertension, we estimated incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95 % CI using Poisson regression models and adjusting for confounding. We identified 4002 incident cases of hypertension during a total of 158 706 person-years for a median follow-up of 2·2 years. The incidence rate of hypertension was 25·1 cases per 1000 person-years. Median avocado consumption was 1·0 (interquartile range: 0·23, 1·0) serving per week (half an avocado). After adjustment for confounding, consuming 5 + servings per week of avocado was associated with a 17 % decrease in the rate of hypertension, compared with non- or low consumers (IRR = 0·83; 95 % CI: 0·70, 0·99; Ptrend = 0·01). Frequent consumption of avocado was associated with a lower incidence of hypertension.

Challenges for the prevention of hypertension among international migrants in Latin America: prioritizing the health of migrants in healthcare systems.

Among the health priorities of international migrants, non-communicable diseases such as hypertension are of major interest due to their increasing prevalence, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. Previous evidence has reported a significant risk of hypertension in international migrants derived from multiple exposures during the migration process and at the destination, such as living conditions, health literacy and access to preventive services. Also, poorer disease control has been found compared to the local population. Considering existing deficiencies in access and use of healthcare services related to hypertension prevention and continuity of care of migrants globally, we aimed to offer a Latin American perspective of the challenges faced by international migrants residing in Latin America in accessing hypertension preventive care from a human rights, equity, and universal primary healthcare approaches. From a health systems perspective, we conducted a scoping review of scientific literature on hypertension prevention and control among international migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean. Based on the findings, we discuss the potential influence of migration and health policies on healthcare systems and individual and structural barriers to healthcare access, including lack of insurance, linguistic barriers, limited intercultural competence, and geographical and financial barriers. From existing evidence related to hypertension, we highlight the particular healthcare needs of migrants and their implications for regional public health goals. This aligns with promoting culturally tailored interventions considering the migration process, lifestyle patterns, structural vulnerabilities, and gender particularities in hypertension prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. We advocate for developing universal, voluntary, and systemic regional screening and disease control initiatives in Latin America for hypertension and other chronic conditions.

Efeito dos padrões alimentares no tratamento e prevenção da hipertensão arterial: uma atualização / Effect of dietary patterns on the treatment and prevention of high blood pressure: an update

A hipertensão arterial (HA) é uma condição clínica caracterizada por elevação sustentada dos níveis pressóricos maior ou igual a 140 e/ou 90 mmHg. As diretrizes atuais têm apontado cada vez mais estudos que verificam a influência dos diferentes padrões alimentares e seus efeitos benéficos no controle da HA, como: Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) que preconiza o consumo de frutas, hortaliças, fibras, minerais e laticínios com baixos teores de gordura; DASH-Sodium a qual combina três níveis diferentes de ingestão de sódio; Dieta Mediterrânea (MedDiet) caracterizada pela ingestão reduzida de carne vermelha e processada, ovos, doces e bebidas açucaradas, somada ao consumo moderado de peixes, vinho tinto e laticínios com baixo teor de gordura e alta ingestão de azeite de oliva; Plant based cujo escopo é consumir principalmente proteínas de origem vegetal, com um padrão alimentar rico em fibras, que inclua cereais integrais, frutas, legumes, leguminosas e nozes, com uma ingestão regular de peixes e frutos do mar, laticínios com baixo teor de gordura. Todas essas intervenções mostraram benefícios nos níveis pressóricos, porém a DASH é o padrão alimentar mais frequentemente recomendado e com maior nível de evidência para a prevenção primária e o controle da HA (AU).

Arterial hypertension (AH) is a clinical condition characterized by a sustained increase in blood pressure levels higher than or equal to 140 and or 90 mmHg. Present guidelines have increasingly pointed to studies that show the influence of different dietary patterns and their beneficial effects on the control of AH, just as: Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH), which advocates the consumption of fruits, vegetables, fiber, minerals and dairy products low in fat; DASH-Sodium which associate three different levels of sodium intake; Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) characterized by reduced intake of red and processed meat, eggs, sweets, and sugary drinks, besides, moderate consumption of fish, red wine and low-fat dairy products and high intake of olive oil; Plant-based whose scope is to consume mainly plant-based proteins, with a dietary pattern rich in fiber, which includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts, with a regular intake of fish and seafood, low-fat dairy products. All these interventions showed benefits in blood pressure levels, however DASH is the most frequently recommended dietary pattern with the highest level of evidence for primary prevention and AH control (AU).