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Background and aim: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most effective therapy for symptomatic obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, uncertainty remains about the effectiveness of CPAP in improving OSA-related metabolic dysregulation. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to investigate whether CPAP, compared to other control treatments, could improve glucose or lipid metabolism in OSA patients. Methods: Relevant articles were searched in three different databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science) from inception to 6th Feb 2022 through specific search terms and selection criteria. Results: From a total of 5553 articles, 31 RCTs were included. CPAP modestly improved insulin sensitivity as determined by mean fasting plasma insulin and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance reduction of 1.33 mU/L and 0.287, respectively. In subgroup analyses pre-diabetic/type 2 diabetic patients as well as those with sleepy OSA showed a greater response to CPAP. Regarding lipid metabolism, CPAP was associated with a mean total cholesterol reduction of 0.064 mmol/L. In subgroup analyses, the benefit was higher in patients that showed more severe OSA and oxygen desaturations at the baseline sleep study as well as in younger and obese subjects. Neither glycated haemoglobin nor triglycerides, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol were reduced by CPAP. Conclusion: CPAP treatment may improve insulin sensitivity and total cholesterol levels in OSA patients but with low effect size. Our results suggest that CPAP does not substantially improve metabolic derangements in an unselected OSA population, but the effect may be higher in specific subgroups of OSA patients.

SUMMARY: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic considerably affects health, wellbeing, social, economic and other aspects of daily life. The impact of COVID-19 on blood pressure (BP) control and hypertension remains insufficiently explored. We therefore provide a comprehensive review of the potential changes in lifestyle factors and behaviours as well as environmental changes likely to influence BP control and cardiovascular risk during the pandemic. This includes the impact on physical activity, dietary patterns, alcohol consumption and the resulting consequences, for example increases in body weight. Other risk factors for increases in BP and cardiovascular risk such as smoking, emotional/psychologic stress, changes in sleep patterns and diurnal rhythms may also exhibit significant changes in addition to novel factors such as air pollution and environmental noise. We also highlight potential preventive measures to improve BP control because hypertension is the leading preventable risk factor for worldwide health during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

High altitude is an extreme environment that challenges human beings exposed because of work, recreational activities, or habitat. Exposure to hypobaric hypoxia results in physiological adaptations in response to the geography and the associated extreme environmental conditions. These acclimatization responses can be diverse and result from evolutionary changes and comorbidities. In this context, this review aims to identify the available evidence on the effects of high altitude on blood pressure-from the physiological to clinical aspects at rest and during exercise-and the underlying mechanisms and possible clinical implications of acute and chronic intermittent hypoxia. La gran altitud es un ambiente extremo que impone fuertes desafíos para el ser humano que se expone por actividades laborales, recreativas o que vive en esta condición. La exposición a hipoxia hipobárica genera una serie de adaptaciones fisiológicas dadas por el entorno geográfico y las condiciones ambientales extremas asociadas. Estas respuestas de aclimatación pueden ser heterogéneas, siendo el resultado de cambios evolutivos y de la existencia de comorbilidades o patologías asociadas. En este contexto, el objetivo de este artículo es identificar la evidencia científica acerca de los efectos de la altitud geográfica en la presión arterial, desde los aspectos fisiológicos a las implicaciones clínicas en reposo y ejercicio. Asimismo, se abordan los mecanismos subyacentes y las posibles implicaciones clínicas en hipoxia aguda e hipoxia intermitente crónica.

The present paper provides an update of previous recommendations on Home Blood Pressure Monitoring from the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) Working Group on Blood Pressure Monitoring and Cardiovascular Variability sequentially published in years 2000, 2008 and 2010. This update has taken into account new evidence in this field, including a recent statement by the American Heart association, as well as technological developments which have occurred over the past twenty years. The present document has been developed by the same ESH Working Group with inputs from an international team of experts, and has been endorsed by the ESH.

Blood pressure (BP) exhibits seasonal variation with lower levels at higher environmental temperatures and higher at lower temperatures. This is a global phenomenon affecting both sexes, all age groups, normotensive individuals, and hypertensive patients. In treated hypertensive patients it may result in excessive BP decline in summer, or rise in winter, possibly deserving treatment modification. This Consensus Statement by the European Society of Hypertension Working Group on BP Monitoring and Cardiovascular Variability provides a review of the evidence on the seasonal BP variation regarding its epidemiology, pathophysiology, relevance, magnitude, and the findings using different measurement methods. Consensus recommendations are provided for health professionals on how to evaluate the seasonal BP changes in treated hypertensive patients and when treatment modification might be justified. (i) In treated hypertensive patients symptoms appearing with temperature rise and suggesting overtreatment must be investigated for possible excessive BP drop due to seasonal variation. On the other hand, a BP rise during cold weather, might be due to seasonal variation. (ii) The seasonal BP changes should be confirmed by repeated office measurements; preferably with home or ambulatory BP monitoring. Other reasons for BP change must be excluded. (iii) Similar issues might appear in people traveling from cold to hot places, or the reverse. (iv) BP levels below the recommended treatment goal should be considered for possible down-titration, particularly if there are symptoms suggesting overtreatment. SBP less than 110 mmHg requires consideration for treatment down-titration, even in asymptomatic patients. Further research is needed on the optimal management of the seasonal BP changes. © 2020 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. All rights reserved.

Blood pressure variability is an entity that characterizes the continuous and dynamic fluctuations that occur in blood pressure levels throughout a lifetime. This phenomenon has a complex and yet not fully understood physiological background and can be evaluated over time spans ranging from seconds to years. The present paper provides a short overview of methodological aspects, clinical relevance, and potential therapeutic interventions related to the management of blood pressure variability. ©2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Whether isolated systolic hypertension in the young (ISHY) implies a worse outcome and needs antihypertensive treatment is still a matter for dispute. ISHY is thought to have different mechanisms than systolic hypertension in the elderly. However, findings from previous studies have provided inconsistent results. From the analysis of the literature, two main lines of research and conceptualization have emerged. Simultaneous assessment of peripheral and central blood pressure led to the identification of a condition called pseudo or spurious hypertension, which was considered an innocent condition. However, an increase in pulse wave velocity has been found by some authors in about 20% of the individuals with ISHY. In addition, obesity and metabolic disturbances have often been documented to be associated with ISHY both in children and young adults. The first aspect to consider whenever evaluating a person with ISHY is the possible presence of white-coat hypertension, which has been frequently found in this condition. In addition, assessment of central blood pressure is useful for identifying ISHY patients whose central blood pressure is normal. ISHY is infrequently mentioned in the guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. According to the 2013 European Guidelines on the management of hypertension, people with ISHY should be followed carefully, modifying risk factors by lifestyle changes and avoiding antihypertensive drugs. Only future clinical trials will elucidate if a benefit can be achieved with pharmacological treatment in some subgroups of ISHY patients with associated risk factors and/or high central blood pressure. Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Introduction Masked uncontrolled hypertension (MUCH) carries an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) complications and can be identified through combined use of office (O) and ambulatory (A) blood pressure (BP) monitoring (M) in treated patients. However, it is still debated whether the information carried by ABPM should be considered for MUCH management. Aim of the MASked-unconTrolled hypERtension management based on OBP or on ambulatory blood pressure measurement (MASTER) Study is to assess the impact on outcome of MUCH management based on OBPM or ABPM. Methods and analysis MASTER is a 4-year prospective, randomised, open-label, blinded-endpoint investigation. A total of 1240 treated hypertensive patients from about 40 secondary care clinical centres worldwide will be included -upon confirming presence of MUCH (repeated on treatment OBP

The European Society of Hypertension (ESH) Working Group on Blood Pressure (BP) Monitoring and Cardiovascular Variability organized a Teaching Course on 'Blood Pressure Monitoring: Theory and Practice' during the 2017 ESH Meeting in Milan, Italy. This course performed by 11 international BP monitoring experts covered key topics of BP monitoring, including office BP measurement, ambulatory BP monitoring, home BP monitoring, ambulatory versus home BP, white-coat and masked hypertension, cuff use, and BP variability. This article presents a summary of the proceedings of the ESH BP Monitoring Teaching Course, including essential information, practical issues, and recommendations on the clinical application of BP monitoring methods, aiming to the optimal management of patients with suspected or diagnosed hypertension. © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

This book addresses all aspects of white coat hypertension - the phenomenon of raised blood pressure in a medical setting yet not elsewhere - from its history to its pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment. White coat hypertension is a common condition, accounting for 30-40% of the overall hypertensive population. While many studies have addressed this condition, controversy still exists over whether it causes an increased risk to sufferers and should be treated. In the volume neurogenic and non-neurogenic mechanisms are discussed and the significance of various predictive factors, evaluated. The association of white coat hypertension with dysmetabolic risk factors, new-onset diabetes and other conditions is carefully reviewed. Further chapters consider the occurrence of asymptomatic organ damage and cardiovascular outcomes in affected patients and helpful guidance is also provided on the controversial issue of when to treat and when not to treat. White Coat Hypertension is based largely on work done during the past 30 years by renowned researchers working in Milan, who have made key contributions in improving knowledge of the condition and whose work is well known across the world.

Objective: Beneficial effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on both blood pressure (BP) levels and variability have been documented in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). We investigated the relevant impact of different dosing times of antihypertensive drugs beyond CPAP application. Methods: In this prospective, cross-over trial, we included 41 patients with newly diagnosed hypertension and never treated OSA (apnoea-hypopnea index ≥15/h), without increased daytime somnolence (Epworth Score ≤10 points). Patients first received treatment with valsartan or with a fixed combination of amlodipine and valsartan in a single morning dose for 8 weeks. In the following 8-week period, patients received the same therapeutic regimen in a single evening dose. Office and ambulatory BP were measured at baseline and after each treatment period. Results: Compared with morning administration, evening dosing induced a greater decrease in office SBP (by 3.7 ± 6.5 mmHg, P = 0.001). The decrease in 24-h SBP/DBP was significant and similar after morning and evening dosing (-16.4 ± 11/11.0 ± 7.5 and -18.4 ± 11/12.1 ± 7.5 mmHg, respectively, P < 0.001 for both). Evening compared with morning dosing further reduced night-time SBP/DBP by 4.4 ± 8.6/2.9 ± 5.6 mmHg (P = 0.007 and P = 0.006, respectively). Night-time dippers increased from 24% at baseline to 34% with morning dosing and to 61% with evening dosing. There was no significant interaction between concurrent CPAP application and drugs dosing time on BP changes. Conclusion: Evening dosing of antihypertensive drugs improves night-time BP and dipping status in nonsleepy patients with OSA, irrespective of CPAP application. © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

PubMed ID: 25112663, Aims: Estimated central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) and amplification (Brachial SBP-cSBP) are non-invasive measures potentially prognostic of cardiovascular (CV) disease. No worldwide, multiple-device reference values are available. We aimed to establish reference values for a worldwide general population standardizing between the different available methods of measurement. How these values were significantly altered by cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) was then investigated. Methods and results: Existing data from population surveys and clinical trials were combined, whether published or not. Reference values of cSBP and amplification were calculatedas percentiles for 'Normal' (no CVRFs) and 'Reference' (any CVRFs) populations. We included 45 436 subjects out of 82 930 that were gathered from 77 studies of 53 centres. Included subjects were apparently healthy, not treated for hypertension or dyslipidaemia, and free from overt CV disease and diabetes. Values of cSBP and amplification were stratified by brachial blood pressure categories and age decade in turn, both being stratifiedbysex. Amplification decreased with age and more so in males than in females. Sex was the most powerful factor associated with amplification with 6.6 mmHg (5.8-7.4) higher amplification in males than in females. Amplification was marginally but significantly influenced by CVRFs, with smoking and dyslipidaemia decreasing amplification, but increased with increasing levels of blood glucose. Conclusion: Typical values of cSBP and amplification in a healthy population and a population free of traditional CVRFs are now available according to age, sex, and brachial BP, providing values included from different devices with a wide geographical representation. Amplification is significantly influenced by CVRFs, but differently in men and women. © 2014 Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.