Clinical and Therapeutic Evaluation of Hypertensives According to the Practice of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement (ABPM) at the Bel Air International Clinic in Conakry from January 1, 2019 to November 30, 2022

Introduction: Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement (ABPM) is a non- invasive examination recommended for subjects at high cardiovascular risk, and those requiring a nocturnal drop in BP such as elderly and obese subjects, those with secondary hypertension or resistant, diabetics, subjects with metabolic syndrome or sleep apnea syndrome. The objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of ABPM in the diagnosis and evaluation of the level of control of hypertension under treatment at the Bel Air international clinic. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study, carried out at the Bel Air International Clinic in Conakry (Guinea) between January 2019 and November 30, 2022. It included a consecutive series of 180 consenting patients recruited through an ambulatory measurement of 24-hour blood pressure from a FUGADA brand device. Results: We collected 180 patients, with a male predominance (sex-ratio M/F = 2.46). The mean age of the patients was 48.48 ± 14.23 years. The most represented age group was that of 32 to 42 years with 50 cases (27.8%) followed by that of 43 to 52 years with 42 cases or 23.3%. The indication was for diagnostic purposes in 106 cases 58.9%, the therapeutic evaluation in 58 patients (32.2%). The examination was prescribed by a cardiologist in 98 cases (54.4%), a general practitioner in 71 cases (39.4%), a neurologist in 11 cases (6.1%). In the therapeutic evaluation, high blood pressure was controlled in 24 patients (13.3%) and uncontrolled in 34 cases (18.9%). In the diagnostic indication, high blood pressure was confirmed in 79 cases (43.9%) with a statistically significant link (Chi2 = 4.57 and p-value = 0.032). The nycthemeral mean was 187.27 ± 26.22 mmHg for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 110.37 ± 19.06 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure (DBP), during the day, 151.64 ± 21.45 mmHg for SBP and 71.59 ± 8.67 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure. During the study 65 patients (36.1%) were identified as dippers and 115 patients (63.9%) were no-dipping. The antihypertensive protocol used was monotherapy in 68 cases (37.8%), dual therapy in 46 cases (25.6%), triple therapy in 17 cases (9.4%). However 39 patients or 21.7% were not taking any antihypertensive. Conclusion: This preliminary study, despite the modest sample size, showed the importance of ABPM as a tool for diagnosis, monitoring of hypertensive patients and therapeutic adaptation. A large-scale national study would be necessary for the rational use of ambulatory blood pressure measurement in our context in order to improve the management of hypertensive patients.

Ambulatory blood-pressure monitoring, antihypertensive therapy and the risk of fall injuries in elderly hypertensive patients

Background Fall injuries are common among the elderly. The aim of this study was to investigate whether blood-pressure patterns, as measured by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring （ABPM）, or intensification of antihypertensive therapy following the 24-h ABPM, may be associated with fall injuries in hypertensive elderly patients. Methods In a retrospective study, community-based elderly patients （age ≥ 70 years） who were referred to 24-h ABPM were evaluated for fall injuries within one-year post-ABPM. We compared the clinical characteristics, 24-h ABPM patterns and the intensification of hypertensive therapy following 24-h ABPM, between patients with and without a fall injury. Results Overall 1032 hypertensive elderly patients were evaluated. Fifty-five （5.3%） had a fall injury episode in the year following ABPM. Patients with a fall injury were significantly older, and with higher rates of previous falls. Lower 24-h diastolic blood-pressure （67.3 ± 7.6 vs. 70.7 ± 8.8 mmHg; P 〈 0.005） and increased pulse-pressure （74.7 ± 14.3 vs. 68.3 ± 13.7 mmHg; P 〈 0.005）, were found in the patients with a fall injury, compared to those without a fall injury. After adjustment for age, gender, diabetes mellitus and previous falls, lower diastolic blood-pressure and increased pulse-pressure were independent predictors of fall injury. Intensification of antihypertensive treatment following the 24-h ABPM was not associated with an increased rate of fall injury. Conclusions Low diastolic blood-pressure and increased pulse-pressure in 24-h ABPM were associated with an increased risk of fall injury in elderly hypertensive patients. Intensification of antihypertensive treatment following 24-h ABPM was not associated with an increased risk of fall injury.

Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure changes in older patients with essential hypertension receiving monotherapy or dual combination antihypertensive drug therapy

Objective To evaluate the differences in 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) in older patients with hypertension treated with the five major classes of antihypertensive drugs,as monotherapy or dual combination therapy,to improve daytime and nighttime BP control. Methods We enrolled 1920 Chinese community-dwelling outpatients aged ≥ 60 years and compared ambulatory BP values and ambulatory BP control (24-hour BP < 130/80 mmHg;daytime mean BP < 135/85 mmHg;and nighttime mean BP < 120/70 mmHg),as well as nighttime BP dip patterns for monotherapy and dual combination therapy groups. Results Patients’ mean age was 71 years,and 59.5% of patients were women. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) constituted the most common (60.3% of patients) monotherapy,and renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockers combined with CCBs was the most common (56.5% of patients) dual combination therapy. Monotherapy with beta-blockers (BB) provided the best daytime BP control. The probabilities of having a nighttime dip pattern and nighttime BP control were higher in patients receiving diuretics compared with CCBs (OR = 0.52,P = 0.05 and OR = 0.41,P = 0.007,respectively). Patients receiving RAS/diuretic combination therapy had a higher probability of having controlled nighttime BP compared with those receiving RAS/CCB (OR = 0.45,P = 0.004). Compared with RAS/diuretic therapy,BB/CCB therapy had a higher probability of achieving daytime BP control (OR = 1.27,P = 0.45). Conclusions Antihypertensive monotherapy and dual combination drug therapy provided different ambulatory BP control and nighttime BP dip patterns. BB-based regimens provided lower daytime BP,whereas diuretic-based therapies provided lower nighttime BP,compared with other antihypertensive regimens.

A survey of recent reports on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

This article is a review of 25 publications on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(ABPM) and the importance of its results in everyday clinical practice. These studies, published in 2008-2011, were selected from the Scopus database, but are also available in Pubmed. They were prepared by researchers from around the world, concerned with the problems of proper control of blood pressure(BP), and of abnormalities in the circadian pattern of BP in patients with arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus or renal failure. In the first part of this article, I analyse publications focused on some nuances in the methodology of ABPM and recommend ways to avoid some traps, related not only to the individual patient but also to the device used and the technical staff. The next section is devoted to the advantages of ABPM as a diagnostic tool which enables clinicians to learn about patients' BP during sleep, and emphasizes the practical implications of this information for so-called chronotherapy. This section also presents some new studies on the prognostic value of ABPM in patients with cardiovascular(CV) risk. Some recent articles on the results of various methods of pharmacological treatment of arterial hypertension in different agegroups are then described. The observations presented in this article may be helpful not only for researchers interested in the chronobiology of the CV system, but also for general practitioners using ABPM.

Comparison of Clinic and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Response to Antihypertensive Drugs in Chinese Patients

To compare the difference between 24-h ambulatory blood pressure （ABP） and trough clinic blood pressure （CBP） after 8 weeks of therapy. Methods The study used meta-regression analysis to summarize three randomized, double-blind, active controlled trials in order to compare the difference between the magnitude of the reduction in 24-h average ABP and CBP Patients. Chinese patients with seated diastolic blood pressure （SDBP） 95-115 mmHg and ambulatory diastolic blood pressure （ADBP）≥85 mmHg. Results The average age of 126 patients was 47.7 ＋ 8.3 years, ranging from 25 to 67 （95 males and 31 females）. All regimens reduced 24-h ABP and CBP after 8 weeks of treatment. In the 126 patients the baseline 24-h SBP and DBP values （142.7/94.4 mmHg） were markedly lower than those for clinic values （152.6/102.6 mmHg; P〈0.0001）. Similarly, the 24-h SBP and DBP values （132.7/87.7 mmHg） in week 8 were markedly lower than the clinic values （138.9/92.7 mmHg; P〈0.0001）. The differences between the treatment-induced reductions in 24-h ABP and CBP were statistically significant （the difference was 3.7/3.3 mmHg for SBP/DBP, P=O.OO69/P〈O.O001）. Conclusion All regimens significantly reduced seated CBP and ABP. The effect of antihypertensive treatment was greater on CBP than that on ABP, suggesting that assessment on effectiveness of an antihypertensive treatment using CBP readings only has to be carefully interpreted, and a more systematic application of ABP monitoring should be adopted.

Could Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Be a Routine Investigation for Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment?

Objectives: To study the ambulatory measured blood pressure (ABPM) profile in normotensive patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Patients and Methods: The study was designed as a case control study including 50male patients with mild cognitive impairment in the age group of 30 - 50 years old. The control group included 30 volunteers with no cognitive impairment and in the same age group (30 - 50 years old) and same gender. Mini-mental estate examination, office and ABP monitoring (ABPM) and brain MRI scans were done for cases and controls. Results: Thirty patients (60%) with MCI revealed a non-dipper blood pressure pattern. Sleeping systolic blood pressure and sleeping systolic load were significantly higher in patients with MCI than in normal volunteers (p = 0.01). MRI brain showed more white matter lesions (WMLs) in patients with MCI than in normal volunteers;however, this didn’t reach significance level (p = 0.056). Conclusion: MCI in normotensive young adult patients could reflect an abnormal circadian blood pressure rhythm. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring could be an essential investigation in young adult MCI patients.

The Clinical Application of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Pediatrics

Management of hypertension (HTN) largely relies on proper and accurate measurement of blood pressure (BP). Even following the criteria for HTN diagnosis defined in the Fourth report on high BP in children and adolescents, inaccurate diagnosis and misdiagnosis can occur with white coat effect and masked HTN. The use of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) has been increasing in pediatrics in the last 20 years. The main use of ABPM is to differentiate between sustained HTN and white coat HTN in patients who have elevated casual BP measurements and to detect masked HTN in high risk patients. ABPM is most useful in patients with casual BP within 20% of the 95th percentile for age, gender, and height. This report will highlight the use of ABPM in the evaluation of elevated BP and management of HTN in pediatrics. The discussion includes a review of various non-invasive BP measuring techniques, a description of ABPM and ABPM-unique data and diagnoses, updated ABPM clinical data more specific to pediatrics, its use in HTN clinical trials, and future outlook and direction of ABPM in pediatrics.

Individualized Isonatremic and Hyponatremic Dialysate Improves Blood Pressure in Patients with Intradialytic Hypertension: A Prospective Cross-Over Study with 24-h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring

Background. Intradialytic hypertension, a paradoxical rise in systolic blood pressure from pre- to postdialysis, is a poorly understood and difficult-to-treat phenomenon. We examined the effects of individually adjusted isonatremic and hyponatremic dialysate on intradialytic and interdialytic blood pressure in patients with intradialytic hypertension. Methods. We enrolled 11 patients with intradialytic hypertension in a prospective randomized cross-over study, with 4 treatment periods of different dialysate sodium concentrations. Period 1 (run-in) and 3 (wash-out) were standardized at 140 mEq/L;period 2 and 4 with iso- or hyponatremic sodium dialysate. Blood pressure was recorded each dialysis session, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed at the end of each treatment period. Results. Isonatremic and hyponatremic dialysate were associated with significantly lower pre- and post-dialysis blood pressure as compared to baseline 140 mEq/L dialysate (predialysis 148.3 ± 24.7/67.7 ± 12.0 and 144.4 ± 16.5/68.8 ± 13.3 vs. 158.0 ± 18.3/75.6 ± 11.4 mmHg, resp p = 0.04 and 0.007 for systolic and p = 0.004 and 0.04 for diastolic blood pressure;postdialysis 154.2 ± 25.5/76.6 ± 14.1 and 142.5 ± 20.7/73.0 ± 12.9 vs. 159.1 ± 21.6/80.3 ± 12.1 mmHg, resp NS and p = 0.01 for systolic and NS and p = 0.04 for diastolic blood pressure). Postdialysis and 24 h systolic blood pressure tended to be lower with hyponatremic compared to isonatremic dialysate. Conclusion. Individually tailoring dialysate sodium concentration, based on the sodium set-point of each patient, resulted in a lower pre- and post-dialysis blood pressure in patients with intradialytic hypertension. 24 h blood pressure values tended to be lower as well with hyponatremic dialysate.

Characteristic of Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Normotensive Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objectives To observe the characteristic of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in normotensive diabetic subjects with normoalbuminuria or microalbuminuria. Methods Fifty-two normotensive patients with type 2 diabetes received ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were divided into normoalbuminuric and microalbuminuric groups according to their albumin excretion rate, the other 28 normotensive subjects without diabetes were contributed as control group. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed on a working day and measurement of blood pressure circadian rhythm was analyzed. Results Normotensive microalbuminuric diabetic patients had higher night-time systolic blood pressure and more blood pressure burden than normotensive normoalbuminuric diabetic patients. Additionally, the microalbuminuric patients had a higher frequency of non-dippers than normoalbuminuric ones, although they were all normotensive. Compared to the normotensive non-diabetic control subjects, the night- time systolic blood pressure and frequency of non- dippers of the normoalbuminuric diabetic patients were significantly higher. Conclusions Intensive attention should be paid in control of blood pressure in diabetic patients to prevent and limit damage of target organ including kidney, even in those normotensive subjects.

Night time blood pressure dip

The advent of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring permitted examination of blood pressures during sleep and recognition of the associated circadian fall in pressure during this period. The fall in pressure,called the "dip",is defined as the difference between daytime mean systolic pressure and nighttime mean systolic pressure expressed as a percentage of the day value. Ten percent to 20% is considered normal. Dips less than 10%,referred to as blunted or absent,have been considered as predicting an adverse cardiovascular event. This view and the broader concept that white coat hypertension itself is a forerunner of essential hypertension is disputable. This editorial questions whether mean arterial pressures over many hours accurately represent the systolic load,whether nighttime dipping varies from measure to measure or is a fixed phenomenon,whether the abrupt morning pressure rise is a risk factor or whether none of these issues are as important as the actual night time systolic blood pressure itself. The paper discusses the difference between medicated and nonmedicated white coat hypertensives in regard to the cardiovascular risk and suggests that further work is necessary to consider whether the quality and duration of sleep are important factors.

Exercise-induced albuminuria and circadian blood pressure abnormalities in type 2 diabetes

AIMTo investigate the relationship between circadian vari-ations in blood pressure （BP） and albuminuria at rest, and during exercise in non-hypertensive type 2 diabetes （T2D） patients.METHODSWe conducted a cross-sectional study in well controlled T2D patients, non-hypertensive, without clinical pro-teinuria and normal creatinine clearance. In each parti-cipant, we recorded the BP using ambulatory bloodTankeu AT et al . Exercise-induced albuminuria and BP in T2DMpressure monitoring （ABPM） for 24-h, and albuminuria at rest and after a standardized treadmill exercise.RESULTSWe enrolled 27 type 2 patients with a median age of 52; and a mean duration of diabetes and HbA1c of 3.6 ± 0.8 years and 6.3% ± 0.5% respectively. Using a 24-h ABPM, we recorded a mean diurnal systolic blood pressure （SBP） of 128 ± 17 mmHg vs nocturnal of 123 ± 19 mmHg （ P = 0.004）, and mean diurnal diastolic blood pressure （DBP） of 83 ± 11 mmHg vs nocturnal 78 ± 14 mmHg （ P = 0.002）. There was a signifcant difference between albuminuria at rest [median = 23 mg, interquartile range （IQR） = 10-51] and after exercise （median = 35 mg, IQR = 23-80, P 〈 0.001）. Patients with exercise induced albuminuria had an increase in nocturnal BP values on all three components （128 mmHg vs 110 mmHg, P = 0.03 for SBP; 83 mmHg vs 66 mmHg, P = 0.04; 106 vs 83, P = 0.02 for mean arterial pressure）, as well as albuminuric patients at rest. Moreover, exercise induced albuminuria detect a less increase in nocturnal DBP （83 vs 86, P = 0.03） than resting albuminuria.CONCLUSIONExercise induced albuminuria is associated with anincrease in nocturnal BP values in T2D patients.

The relation between prognosis and nocturnal blood pressure variation in hypertensive patients with lacunar infarct

Objective We conducted a study using MRI and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(ABPM) to determine whether an in-apporpriately low nocturnal blood pressure, or an excess fall in nocturnal blood pressure, might be responsible for lacunar infarct. Method ABPM and Casul blood pressure(CBP) were examined in 35 hypertentives with lacunar infarct(LI)and 33 hypertentives without lacunar infarct as control group. Results There is no significant difference of CBP between two groups. But the mean nighttime systolic blood pressure (nSBP) and diastolic blood pressure (nDBP) in patients with lacunar infarct were significantly smaller than in patients without lacunar infarct. The ratio of nSBP/dSBP and nDBP/dDBP in SI were smaller than in control group respectively. Conclusions The results indicate that an inap-propriately low nocturnal blood pressure, or an excessive fall in nocturnal blood pressure, is associated with lacunar infarct. It is necessary not only to control high blood pressure but also to pay attention to circadian changes of blood pressure during the course of anti-hypertensive treatment.

Effects of seasonal variation on blood pressure nocturnal fall in hypertensive patients

Objective Knowledge of seasonal variation of circadian blood pressure(BP)rhythm is still limited.The present study aimed to evaluate the seasonal influences on circadian BP variation based on a telemonitoring system in a large-scale hypertensive patients.Methods Between May 2017 and March 2018,10,988 participants received ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(ABPM),of which the values were automatically and immediately transmitted through the mobile internet to a Hypertension Management Cloud Platform which stored and analyzed the data.The patients from 63 centers residing in the northern cities of China and measured in summer(June-August)and winter(December-February)were included in the analyses.

Exercise-induced albuminuria vs circadian variations in blood pressure in type 1 diabetes

AIM To investigated the relationship between exerciseinduced ambulatory blood pressure measurement(ABPM) abnormalities in type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM) adolescents. METHODS We conducted a case-control at the National Obesity Center of the Yaoundé Central Hospital, Cameroon. We compared 24 h ABPM and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio(ACR) at rest and after a standardized treadmill exercise between 20 Cameroonian T1 DM patients and 20 matched controls. T1 DM adolescents were aged 12-18 years, with diabetes for at least one year, without proteinuria, with normal office blood pressure(BP) and renal function according to the general referencepopulation. Non-diabetic controls were adolescents of general population matched for sex, age and BMI.RESULTS Mean duration of diabetes was 4.2 ± 2.8 years. The mean 24 h systolic blood pressure(SBP) and diastolic blood pressure(DBP) were respectively 116 ± 9 mm Hg in the diabetic group vs 111 ± 8 mm Hg in the nondiabetic(P = 0.06), and 69 ± 7 mm Hg vs 66 ± 5 mm Hg(P = 0.19). There was no difference in the diurnal pattern of BP in diabetes patients and non-diabetic controls(SBP: 118 ± 10 mm Hg vs 114 ± 10 mm Hg, P = 0.11; DBP: 71 ± 7 mm Hg vs 68 ± 6 mm Hg, P = 0.22). Nighttime BP was higher in the diabetic group with respect to SBP(112 ± 11 mm Hg vs 106 ± 7 mm Hg, P = 0.06) and to the mean arterial pressure(MAP)(89 ± 9 mm Hg vs 81 ± 6 mm Hg, P = 0.06). ACR at rest was similar in both groups(5.5 mg/g vs 5.5 mg/g, P = 0.74), but significantly higher in diabetes patients after exercise(10.5 mg/g vs 5.5 mg/g, P = 0.03). SBP was higher in patients having exercise-induced albuminuria(116 ± 10 mm Hg vs 108 ± 10 mm Hg, P = 0.09). CONCLUSION Exercise-induced albuminuria could be useful for early diagnosis of kidney damage in adolescents with T1 DM.

The Relationship between Abnormal Circadian Blood Pressure Rhythm and Risk of Readmission in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Objective:Abnormal circadian blood pressure rhythm has been revealed to be associated with hypertensive target organ damage and cardiovascular events,but its association with readmission risk in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF)remains unknown.We conducted a retrospective study to explore the relationship between circadian blood pressure rhythm and readmission risk in HFpEF patients.Methods:We retrospectively collected baseline and follow-up data on HFpEF patients who underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(ABPM)from May 2015 to October 2019.Patient circadian blood pressure rhythms defi ned by ABPM were grouped as dipper,nondipper,or riser patterns.Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to assess the association between circadian blood pressure rhythm and readmission risk.Results:A total of 122 patients were enrolled in this study.The mean age and ejection fraction were 69.87 years and 61.44%,respectively,with mean the N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)level being 1048.15 pg/mL.There were signifi cant differences in the 24-hour systolic blood pressure(SBP),sleep SBP,and sleep diastolic blood pressure(DBP)among the three groups,where the 24-hour SBP,sleep SBP,and sleep DBP in the riser pattern group were markedly higher than in the dipper pattern group.Notably,serum NT-proBNP levels,the proportion of patients readmitted for heart failure and the mean number of admissions differed markedly among three groups.Instructively,multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the riser pattern was a signifi cant and independent risk factor for increased serum NT-proBNP level(β=929.16,95%confi dence interval 178.79–1679.53,P=0.016).In multivariate logistic regression analysis,the riser pattern was demonstrated to be a signifi cant risk factor for readmission(odds ratio 11.23,95%confi dence interval 2.01–62.67,P=0.006)in HFpEF patients.Conclusion:The riser blood pressure pattern is a potential risk factor for elevated serum NT-proBNP level and readmission in HFpEF patients.

Predictive Value of Blood Pressure,Heart Rate,and Blood Pressure/Heart Rate Ratio in a Chinese Subpopulation with Vasovagal Syncope

Objective:The head-up tilt test(HUTT)is widely used but is time-consuming and not cost-effective to evaluate patients with vasovagal syncope(VVS).The present study aims to verify the hypothesis that ambulatory blood pressure(BP)monitoring(ABPM)and the simplistic tilt test may be potential alternatives to the HUTT.Methods:The study consecutively enrolled 360 patients who underwent the HUTT to evaluate VVS.BP),heart rate(HR),and BP/HR ratios derived from ABPM and the simplistic tilt test were evaluated to predict the presence,pattern,and stage of syncope during the HUTT.Results:Mixed response was the commonest pattern,and syncope occurred frequently with infusion of isoproterenol at a rate of 3μg/min.During the simplistic tilt test,the cardioinhibitory group had higher tilted BP/HR ratios than the vasodepressor group,while the vasodepressor group had a faster tilted HR and a larger HR difference than the cardioinhibitory group.The higher the BP/HR ratio in the tilted position,the higher the isoproterenol dosage needed to induce a positive response.During ABPM,BP/HR ratios were signifi cantly higher in the cardioinhibitory group than in the vasodepressor group.The higher the ABPM-derived BP,the higher the dosage of isoproterenol needed to induce syncope.There were signifi cant correlations in BP/HR ratios between ABPM and the supine position in the vasodepressor group,while signifi cant correlation was found only for the diastolic BP/HR ratio between ABPM and the tilted position in the cardioinhibitory group.The mixed pattern shared correlative features of the other two patterns.Conclusion:ABPM and the simplistic tilt test might be used as promising alternatives to the HUTT in VVS evaluation in clinical settings.

Effect of Antihypertensive Drug Therapy on the Blood Pressure Control among Hypertensive Patients Attending Campus’ Teaching Hospital of Lome, Togo, West Africa

High blood pressure (HBP) is a health problem world—wide. In Togo, that affection constitutes a more and more pre-occupying cause of morbidity and mortality. This study is a prospective one which intended to identify the antihypertensive regimens prescribed and evaluate their effect on patients’ blood pressure (BP) control. Out of the 204 patients enrolled (mean: 55.01 ± 12.55 years;sex ratio: 1.3), 112/176 placed on antihypertensive therapy have controlled their BP (38.39% outpatients vs 61.61% inpatients). Related to the sex factor, we didn’t observe any significant difference in the BP control. Whereas, the mean median value of BP reduction of outpatients (30.00/15.00 mmHg) (p = 0.001) was half lower than that of inpatients (60.00/30.00 mmHg (p = 0.004)). Thirty five outpatients (81.40%) vs 64 inpatients (92.75%) were placed on combination therapy. The bitherapy was prescribed to 23 outpatients (53.49%) against 27 inpatients (39.13%) while the quadritherapy and more than 4 drugs combination were prescribed exclusively to inpatients (20.29%, n = 14). That quadritherapy induced a significant mean reduction of inpatients’ SBP compared to monotherapy (p = 0.043) and to bitherapy (p = 0.004). The favorite combinations were D + CCA, D + ACEI, D + CCA + ACEI and D + CCA + ACEI + CAAD of which the quadruple therapy showed a significant inpatients’ DBP control (p = 0.015) compared to D + CCA combination. The combinations including at least one diuretic induced a significant difference between outpatients (median value: 30.000/10.000 mmHg) (p < 0.001) and inpatients (median value: 60.000 mmHg/30 mmHg) (p < 0.001). The first-line molecules and fixe combinations prescribed in decreasing frequency were among others: hydrochlorothiazide + captopril, nicardipine, α methyldopa for outpatients;furosemide, nicardipine, captopril, α methyldopa, hydrochlorothiazide + captopril for inpatients. Diuretics, CCAs and ACEIs were the 3 favorite pharmacological groups for essential hypertension management in our African resource limited context. Combined to CAAD, they represented the best quadruple combination among inpatients having showed a significant difference in DBP control compared to D + CCA combination.

Blood Pressure Variability and Its Relationship with Cognitive Function in Elderly Patients with Essential Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: To investigate blood pressure variability of Elder hypertensives with type 2 diabetes and its relationship with cognition. Methods: A total of 143 elderly hypertensives were enrolled and divided into diabetic group (59 cases) and non-diabetic group (84 cases). The difference of general clinical characteristics, biochemical parameters, carotid ultrasound, a neuropsychological Scales and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (24hABPM) parameters between the two groups of subjects were compared. Then, the two groups (diabetic group and non-diabetic group) were further divided into (Mild cognitive dysfunction) subgroup (MMSE>26) and normal cognition subgroup (MMSE≤26), respectively. On the basis of MMSE scores, the difference of the parameters of ABPM between the two subgroups was analyzed. Results: Compared with the control group, 24hSBP, 24hPP, dSBP, dPP, nSBP, nPP, 24hSSD, dSSD, nSSD, 24hSCV, dSCV and nSCV were significantly higher in the diabetic group (p<0.05). However, cognition was lower in the diabetic group. No significant difference was found in the circadian pattern of blood pressure between the two groups. 24hSSD, dSSD, nSSD, 24hSCV, dSCV, nSCV were significantly higher in the MCI subgroup than normal cognition subgroup in both diabetic and non-diabetic groups(p<0.05), and they were negatively associated with scores of MMSE, the correlation coefficient were -0.235,-0.246,-0.341,-0.158,-0.222,-0.238 (0.001≤P<0.05). Conclusion: The study showed that in the elderly with hypertension, the mean systolic blood pressure and blood pressure variability were both higher in the diabetic group, and the cognition was lower instead. Whether or not with diabetes, blood pressure variability was always higher in the MCI subgroup. Blood pressure variability increased in patients with diabetes, and was associated with cognitive decline.

THE CIRCADIAN ALTERATIONS OF BLOOD PRESSURE IN PATIENTS WITH SECONDARY HYPERTENSION

Objective To study the pattern of circadian blood pressure changes in patients with se-condary hypertension. Methods The 24h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed in 80 patients with secondary hypertension (SH) including primary aldosteronism in 44, pheochromocytoma in 11, renovas-cular hypertension in 10, renoparenchymal hypertension in 15 and compared with 80 patients with essential hy-pertension (EH) matched by age and sex. Results The diurnal rhythm in patients with SH was different from that of patients with EU. The diurnal curves in SU and EU was overlapped in daytime and separated from each other at nighttime. The nocturnal blood pressure fall was less and average blood pressure at nighttime was higher in patients with SH than those in patients with Eli (P <0. 01). The nighttime blood pressure loading and non-dipper phenomenon were much more frequently seen in patients with SH than those in patients with Eli (P <0. 01). The nighttime blood pressure/daytime blood pressure ratio was significantly higher in patients with SH than that in patients with Eli (P <0. 01). Conclusion The non-invasive 24h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring may be a useful method in screening for

Analyses of Characteristics of Long-Term Monitoring of Arterial Pressure and Pulse

Long-term observations of pulse and arterial blood pressure taken from a patient＇s daily self-control diary have been analyzed in the paper. The diary was kept in the morning and in the evening. It contains regular observational data collected during over 13 years. Statistical estimates of series and their spectral responses were obtained. A difference between the morning and evening series was noted. Spectral harmonics with the period of 7 days was typical of the evening series. The morning series are characterized by a ＂lunar＂ component with the -27.35-day period. The examined series were also compared with the daily series of atmospheric pressure and daily Wolf numbers. Seasonal pulse and arterial pressure pattern and average monthly self-control tabulated data obtained during 13 years are presented in the paper.