Search

Fang Wen,1,* Shantong Jiang,1– 4,* Ping Yuan,1– 5,* Jinbo Liu,1– 4 Xiu Bai,1 Hongwei Zhao,1– 4,6,7 Xin Chen,1– 4,7 Yan-Bing Gong,5 Roland Asmar,8 Hongyu Wang1– 4,6,7 1Department of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Vascular Health Research Center of Peking University Health Science Center (VHRC-PKUHSC), Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 3Beijing Shijingshan District Key Clinical Specialty of Vascular Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 4Heart and Vascular Health Research Center of Peking University Clinical Research Institute (HVHRC-PUCRI), Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Scientific Research, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 6State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, (Peking University), Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 7Heart and Vascular Health Research Center of Chengdu Medical College (HVHRC-CMC), Chengdu, People’s Republic of China; 8Foundation-Medical Research Institutes, Beirut, Lebanon*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Hongyu Wang, Department of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, 100144, People’s Republic of China, Email dr.hongyuwang@foxmail.comAbstract: Cardiovascular disease(CVD) has become a major disease burden affecting people’s health in China. Blood vessels are very important for human health and are the “sentinel” for the development of many cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The key to effectively preventing fatal, disabling heart, brain and peripheral vascular events lies in controlling traditional and non-traditional risk factors for vascular health from the source, and early assessment and intervention of early vascular lesions. Since 2004, China government promoted the early detection technology of vascular lesions and vascular medicine, and proposed the Beijing Vascular Health Stratification (BVHS) to provide suggestions for the examination, evaluation and management of risk factors, and to provide new ideas for lifelong maintenance of vascular health. This review mainly introduces the establishment and development of the clinical discipline of “vascular medicine” in the past 20 years in China, introduces the indicators for detecting vascular function and structure and the predictive value of vascular events, and carries out intelligent and digital management of vascular health throughout the life cycle of individualized prevention, treatment and rehabilitation for people with different parts or degrees of lesions, effectively reducing the occurrence and development of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and the prospect of new technology in maintaining vascular health.Keywords: heart and vascular health, vascular medicine, early assessment, digital, Beijing vascular health stratification

Zoya Hakobyan,1 Parounak Zelveian,1 Jirar Topouchian,2 Lusine Hazarapetyan,1,3 Roland Asmar4 1Institute of Cardiology After Levon Hovhannisyan, Yerevan, Armenia; 2Diagnosis and Therapeutic Center, Hôtel Dieu Hospital, Paris, France; 3Yerevan State Medical University After Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia; 4Foundation-Medical Research Institutes (F-MRI), Geneva, SwitzerlandCorrespondence: Roland Asmar, Foundation-Medical Research Institutes, Place St Gervais 1, Geneva, Switzerland, Tel +33640142239, Email ra@cmcv.orgBackground: Most of the scientific societies recommend assessing the accuracy of electronic devices for blood pressure (BP) measurements using established validation protocol.Objective: To determine the accuracy of the BP measurements using the Withings BPM Core device in the general population according to the “Universal Standard (ISO 81060-2:2018/AMD 1:2020)”.Methods: The Withings BPM Core is an oscillometric device measuring BP at the brachial level. The study was performed according to the “Universal Standard (ISO 81060-2:2018/AMD 1:2020) protocol” using the same-arm sequential BP measurement method. Subjects (n ≥ 85) fulfilling the age, gender, BP, and cuff distribution criteria of the protocol were included. Analysis was performed as required by the Universal protocol using Criterion 1 – differences between observers’ mercury sphygmomanometer reference measurements and test device BP values (test versus reference) and their standard deviation (SD); and Criterion 2 – The SD of the mean BP differences between the test device and reference BP per subject.Results: Eighty-six subjects were selected, 85 of whom were included. The mean BP differences between the simultaneous two observers’ measurements were − 0.2 ± 2.1 mmHg for systolic BP (SBP) and 0.3 ± 2.1 mmHg for diastolic BP (DBP). For validation criterion 1, the mean difference ± SD between the reference and device BP values was − 0.6 ± 4.8 mmHg for SBP and 0.1 ± 3.7 mmHg for DBP (≤ 5 ± 8 mmHg for both SBP and DBP). For criterion 2, the SD of the mean BP differences between the test device and reference BP per subject was 3.2/2.6 mmHg for SBP and DBP (≤ 6.91/6.95 mmHg).Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the Withings BPM Core oscillometric device for home BP measurement fulfilled the accuracy requirements of the (ISO 81060-2:2018/AMD 1:2020) Universal protocol in the general population.Keywords: blood pressure measurements, accuracy, validation, home blood pressure, oscillometric, Withings

Parounak Zelveian,1 Jirar Topouchian,2 Zoya Hakobyan,1 Jennifer Asmar,3 Heghine Gharibyan,1 Roland Asmar4 1Preventive Cardiology Dept, Institute of Cardiology Named After Levon Hovhannisyan, Yerevan, Armenia; 2Diagnosis & Therapeutic Center, Hôtel Dieu Hospital, Paris, France; 3Gynecology-Obstetric Dept, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France; 4Foundation-Medical Research Institutes (F-MRI)®, Geneva, SwitzerlandCorrespondence: Roland Asmar, Foundation-Medical Research Institutes (F-MRI) ®, Place St Gervais 1, Geneva, Switzerland, Tel +33640142239, Email ra@cmcv.orgBackground: Electronic devices for blood pressure (BP) measurements require independent clinical validation as recommended by various authorities/societies, both in general and special populations such as pregnancy.Objective: To assess the accuracy of the Withings BPM Connect device in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia according to the Universal Standard Validation Protocol.Methods: The Withings BPM Connect device measures BP at the brachial level using the oscillometric method. The study was performed according to the so-called “modified AAMI/ESH/ISO (ISO 81060-2:2018) protocol” or the “Universal Standard Protocol”. The validation study included 45 pregnant women in the second and third gestational trimester: 15 with pre-eclampsia, 15 with gestational hypertension and 15 normotensives. Differences between mercury sphygmomanometer BP measurements (reference) and device BP values (test) and their standard deviation (SD) were calculated.Results: The mean differences between the mercury standard and device BP values in pregnancy (n = 45) were − 0.5 ± 5.7 mmHg for systolic BP (SBP) and − 0.8 ± 3.8 mmHg for diastolic BP (DBP). In the preeclamptic patients (n = 15), the mean differences were 0.14 ± 5.5 mmHg for SBP and 0.39 ± 3.7 mmHg for DBP. These results fulfilled the protocol requirements (< 5 ± 8 mmHg).Conclusion: The Withings BPM Connect fulfills the validation protocol criteria in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. Consequently, this device can be recommended for home BP measurements in this specific pregnancy population.Keywords: blood pressure measurements, accuracy, validation, pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, home blood pressure, Withings

Jirar Topouchian,1 Parounak Zelveian,2 Zoya Hakobyan,2 Heghine Gharibyan,2 Roland Asmar3 1Diagnosis and Therapeutic Center, Hôtel Dieu Hospital, Paris, France; 2Preventive Cardiology Dept, Institute of Cardiology Named After Levon Hovhannisyan, Yerevan, Armenia; 3Foundation-Medical Research Institutes (F-MRI)®, Geneva, SwitzerlandCorrespondence: Roland Asmar, Foundation-Medical Research Institutes ®, Place St Gervais 1, Geneva, Switzerland, Tel +33640142239, Email ra@cmcv.orgBackground: As recommended by various authorities and scientific societies, electronic devices for blood pressure (BP) measurements must undergo independent clinical validations for accuracy assessment.Objective: To assess the accuracy of the Withings BPM Connect device in the general population according to the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation/European Society of Hypertension/International Organization for Standardization “AAMI/ESH/ISO Universal Standard (ISO 81060– 2:2018)”.Methods: The Withings BPM Connect device measures BP at the brachial level using the oscillometric method. According to this protocol using the same-arm sequential BP measurement method, subjects (n ≥ 85) fulfilling the age, gender, BP and cuff distribution criteria must be included. Two criteria are used for the analysis: Criterion 1: differences between observers’ mercury sphygmomanometer reference measurements and test device BP values (test versus reference) and their standard deviation (SD) must be ≤ 5 ± 8 mmHg for both systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). Criterion 2: the SD of the mean BP differences between the test device and reference BP per subject must be ≤ 6.91/6.62 mmHg for SBP/DBP.Results: Ninety-two subjects were selected, 85 of whom were included. For validation criterion 1, the mean difference ± SD between the reference and device BP values was 0.6 ± 5.3 mmHg for SBP and 2.1 ± 4.3 mmHg for DBP. For criterion 2, the SD of the mean BP differences between the test device and reference BP per subject was 4.2/3.6 mmHg (SBP/DBP). These results fulfilled the AAMI/ESH/ISO Universal Standard (ISO 81060– 2:2018) protocol requirements.Conclusion: The Withings BPM Connect oscillometric device for home BP measurement fulfilled all of the accuracy requirements of the AAMI/ESH/ISO Universal Standard (ISO 81060– 2:2018) in general population and consequently can be recommended for home BP measurements.Keywords: blood pressure measurements, accuracy, validation, home blood pressure, oscillometric, Withings

Nebojsa Tasi&cacute;,1 Jirar Topouchian,2 Danijela Tasic,1 Zorana Kovacevic,1 Marko Filipovic,1 Roland Asmar3 1Cardiology & Clinical Research Department, Cardiovascular Institute « Dedinje », Belgrade, Serbia; 2Diagnosis and Therapeutic Center, Hôtel Dieu Hospital, Paris, France; 3Foundation-Medical Research Institutes (F-MRI) ®, Geneva, SwitzerlandCorrespondence: Roland Asmar, Foundation-Medical Research Institutes, Place St Gervais 1, Geneva, Switzerland, Tel +33640142239, Email ra@cmcv.orgBackground: Electronic devices for blood pressure (BP) measurements must undergo independent clinical validation as recommended by various authorities and scientific societies.Objective: To assess the accuracy of the Combei BP118A device in the general population according to the Universal Standard Validation Protocol.Methods: The new-developed Combei BP118A device measures BP at the brachial level using the oscillometric method. The study was performed according to the “AAMI/ESH/ISO Universal Standard (ISO 81060– 2:2018) protocol”. Subjects (n = 88) were recruited to fulfill the age, gender, BP and cuff distribution criteria according to the protocol requirements using the same arm sequential BP measurement method. Differences between observers’ mercury sphygmomanometer reference measurements and device BP values (test versus reference) and their standard deviation (SD) were calculated.Results: Ninety-one subjects were selected, 88 of whom were included. The mean BP differences between the simultaneous observers’ reference measurements were − 0.2 ± 1.7 mmHg for systolic BP (SBP) and − 0.2 ± 1.7 mmHg for diastolic BP (DBP). For validation criterion 1, the mean difference ± SD between the reference and device BP values were 3.6 ± 5.5 mmHg for SBP and 1.4 ± 4.5 mmHg for DBP. For criterion 2, the SD of the mean BP differences between the test device and reference BP per subject was 5/4.1 mmHg for SBP/DBP (≤ 5.9/6.8). These results fulfilled the protocol requirements.Conclusion: The Combei BP118A oscillometric device for home BP measurement fulfilled all of the requirements of the AAMI/ESH/ISO Universal Standard (ISO 81060– 2:2018) in general population and consequently can be recommended for home BP measurements.Keywords: blood pressure measurement, accuracy, validation, home blood pressure, oscillometric, Combei

Jirar Topouchian,1 Zoya Hakobyan,2 Jennifer Asmar,3 Svetlana Gurgenian,4 Parounak Zelveian,2 Roland Asmar5 1Diagnosis and Therapeutic Center, Hôtel Dieu Hospital, Paris, France; 2Department of Preventive Cardiology, Institute of Cardiology, Yerevan, Armenia; 3Department of Gynecology-Obstetric, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France; 4Department of Arterial Hypertension, Institute of Cardiology, Yerevan, Armenia; 5Foundation-Medical Research Institutes (F-MRI)®, Geneva, Switzerland Background: Electronic devices for blood pressure (BP) measurements need to go through independent clinical validation as recommended by different authorities, both in general and in special populations such as pregnancy. Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of the Omron Evolv® (HEM-7600T-E) and the Omron M3 Comfort® (HEM-7134-E) devices in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia according to the Universal Standard Validation Protocol. Methods: Both devices, the Evolv and the M3 Comfort, measure BP at the brachial level using the oscillometric method. The study was performed according to the recently published protocol, the so-called “modified Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)/British Hypertension Society (BHS)/European Society of Hypertension (ESH) protocol” or the “Universal Standard Protocol.” Validation of each device included 45 pregnant women in the second and third gestational trimester of whom 15 had pre-eclampsia, 15 had gestational hypertension and 15 were normotensives. BP differences between the observer and the device BP values were classified into three categories (≤5, ≤10, and ≤15 mmHg) and the mean BP differences (test vs reference) and its SD were calculated. Results: Both devices, the Evolv and the M3 Comfort, achieved a grade A/A in both pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. The mean difference (SD) between the mercury standard and the device BP values in pregnancy were: 1) for the Evolv of –0.7±2.3 mmHg for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and –0.1±1.8 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure (DBP); 2) for the M3 Comfort of –1.6±2.8 mmHg for SBP and –0.1±2.3 mmHg for DBP. Conclusion: Both devices, the Evolv and the M3 Comfort, achieved a grade A/A for both SBP and DBP and fulfill the validation protocol criteria in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. Consequently, these two devices can be recommended for home BP measurements in this specific population. Keywords: blood pressure, blood pressure measurements, validation, pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, home blood pressure, self-BP measurement

Alaa Azaki,1,* Reem Diab,1,* Aya Harb,1,* Roland Asmar,1,2 Mirna N Chahine1,2 1Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, 2Foundation‑Medical Research Institutes (F-MRI®), Beirut, Lebanon *These authors contributed equally to this work Objective: Two oscillometric devices, the Microlife WatchBP O3® and the Omron RS6®, designed for self-blood pressure measurement were evaluated according to the European Society of Hypertension (ESH)-International Protocol (IP) Revision 2010 in the obese population. Methods: The Microlife WatchBP O3 measures blood pressure (BP) at the brachial level and the Omron RS6 measures BP at the wrist level. The ESH-IP revision 2010 includes a total of 33 subjects. The difference between observers’ and device BP values was calculated for each measure. A total of 99 pairs of BP differences were classified into three categories (≤5, ≤10, and ≤15 mmHg). The protocol procedures were followed precisely in each of the two studies. Results: Microlife WatchBP O3 and Omron RS6 failed to fulfill the criteria of the ESH-IP. The mean differences between the device and the mercury readings were: 0.3±7.8 mmHg and −1.9±6.4 mmHg for systolic BP and diastolic BP, respectively, for Microlife WatchBP O3, and 2.7±9.9 mmHg for SBP and 3.5±11.1 mmHg for diastolic BP for Omron RS6. Conclusion: Microlife WatchBP O3 and Omron RS6 readings differing from the mercury standard by more than 5, 10, and 15 mmHg failed to fulfill the ESH-IP revision 2010 requirements in obese subjects. Therefore, the two devices cannot be recommended for use in obese subjects. Keywords: Microlife WatchBP O3, Omron RS6, validation, blood pressure measurement, home blood pressure measurement, obese population, European Society of Hypertension, International Protocol

Rouba Karen Zeidan,1 Rita Farah,2 Mirna N Chahine,3 Roland Asmar,3 Hassan Hosseini,4,5 Pascale Salameh,6,7 Atul Pathak8 1Doctoral School of Biology Health and Biotechnologies, Toulouse III University, Toulouse, 2Doctoral School of Life and Health Sciences, Paris-Est University, Creteil, France; 3Foundation-Medical Research Institutes, F-MRI®, Beirut, Lebanon; 4Department of Neurology, Henri Mondor Hospital AP-HP, 5EA 4391, Nerve Excitability and Therapeutics, Université Paris-Est, Creteil, France; 6School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Byblos, 7Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiology Research, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon; 8Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hypertension, Risk Factors and Heart Failure Unit, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse, France Background: Lebanon is experiencing a growing epidemic of coronary heart diseases (CHDs), as most low- and middle-income countries currently are. However, this growth can be attenuated if effective preventive strategies are adopted. Purpose: To provide the first national population-based prevalence of CHD and to describe the profile of Lebanese adults with prevalent CHD. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study using a multistage cluster sample across Lebanon. We interviewed residents aged 40 years and older using a questionnaire that captured the presence of CHDs and their risk factors (RFs). Results: Our study showed that 13.4% of the Lebanese population aged ≥40 years suffer from a prevalent CHD. CHD seemed to appear more prematurely than in developed countries, and males seemed to be more subject to CHD than females until a certain age. CHD was associated with older age, male sex, a lower economic situation, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, having a family history of premature cardiovascular diseases, and suffering from diabetes. However, smoking and waist circumference did not seem to have an independent effect on CHD, but rather an effect mediated by biological RFs. Conclusion: This is the first nationwide endeavor conducted in Lebanon to assess the prevalence of CHD. This study also confirms the relevance of the classic RFs of CHD and their applicability to the Lebanese population, thus allowing for prevention strategies. Keywords: coronary heart disease, correlates, epidemiology, prevalence, risk factors

Jirar Topouchian,1 Davide Agnoletti,1 Jacques Blacher,1 Ahmed Youssef,1 Mirna N Chahine,2,3 Isabel Ibanez,3 Nathalie Assemani,3 Roland Asmar1–31Centre de Diagnostic, Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, Paris, France; 2Faculty of Medicine of the Lebanese University, 3Foundation-Medical Research Institutes, Beirut, LebanonBackground: Four oscillometric devices, including the Omron M6 Comfort, Omron HEM-7420, Withings BP-800, and Polygreen KP-7670, designed for self-blood pressure measurement (SBPM) were evaluated according to the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) International Protocol Revision 2010 in four separate studies.Methods: The four devices measure brachial blood pressure (BP) using the oscillometric method. The Withings BP-800 has to be connected to an Apple® iOS device such as an iPhone®, iPad®, or iPod®. The ESH International Protocol Revision 2010 includes a total number of 33 subjects. The difference between observer and device BP values was calculated for each measure. Ninety-nine pairs of BP differences were classified into three categories (≤5 mmHg, ≤10 mmHg, ≤15 mmHg). The protocol procedures were followed precisely in each of the four studies.Results: All four tested devices passed the validation process. The mean differences between the device and mercury readings were: −1.8±5.1 mmHg and −0.4±2.8 mmHg for systolic and diastolic BP, respectively, using the Omron M6 Comfort device; 2.5±4.6 mmHg and −1.2±4.3 mmHg for the Omron HEM-7420 device; −0.2±5.0 mmHg and 0.4±4.2 mmHg for the Withings BP-800 device; and 3.0±5.3 mmHg and 0.3±5.2 mmHg for the Polygreen KP-7670 device.Conclusion: Omron M6 Comfort, Omron HEM-7420, Withings BP-800, and Polygreen KP-7670 readings differing by less than 5 mmHg, 10 mmHg, and 15 mmHg fulfill the ESH International Protocol Revision 2010 requirements, and therefore are suitable for use by patients for SBPM, if used correctly.Keywords: Omron M6 Comfort, Omron HEM-7420, Withings BP-800, Polygreen KP-7670, self-blood pressure measurement, validation, European Society of Hypertension International Protocol Revision

James D Cameron,1 Roland Asmar,2 Harry Struijker-Boudier,3 Kohji Shirai,4 Yuriy Sirenko,5 Yulia Kotovskaya,6 Jirar Topouchian71Monash Cardiovascular Research Centre, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; 2Roland Asmar, Foundation Medical Research Institutes, Paris, France; 3Department of Pharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; 4Department of Vascular Function, Sakura Hospital, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan; 5Institute of Cardiology, Kiev, Ukraine; 6ESH Hypertension Excellence Center of Peoples Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia; 7Department of Diagnosis and Therapeutics, Hôtel-Dieu University Hospital, Paris, FranceAbstract: Central arterial structure and function comprise a primary determinant of vascular health, and are integral to the important concept of ventriculo-vascular coupling or interaction. Central aortic stiffening is a major influence on central blood pressure, and directly relates to coronary perfusion. The joint session of the International Society of Vascular Health (Eastern Region) and the Ukrainian Congress of Cardiology was held in Kiev, Ukraine, on September 23, 2011; it provided an expert forum to discuss arterial evaluations, clinical applications, and progress toward translating arterial protection into cardiovascular benefits. The conclusions of the expert panel were:1. Aortic stiffness is not presently a treatment target but may be useful for substratifying cardiovascular risk in individuals in order to better target the intensity of conventional therapy, and it may be useful in assessing response to treatment.2. Crosstalk between macro- and microcirculation in hypertension has important implications for pharmacological treatment. An antihypertensive regimen should abolish the vicious cycle between the increased resistance in the microcirculation and the increased stiffness of the larger arteries. Such treatment should be based on drugs with multiple actions on the vascular tree, or on drug combinations that target the various segments of the arterial system.3. Several blood pressure-independent mechanisms of large artery stiffness exist. Future considerations for clinical understanding of large artery stiffness should involve new drugs and new evaluation methods – with a focus on vascular health, for the initiation of cardiovascular prevention, for newly designed studies for treatment evaluation, and for new studies of drug combinations.4. Arterial stiffening is a sign of cardiovascular aging and is a major factor affecting the biomechanics of large arteries. Arterial stiffness is an attractive therapeutic target in terms of vascular aging. Healthy lifestyle, physical exercise, and smoking cessation are the most effective ways of preventing and treating early vascular aging. Long-term effects of cardiovascular drugs on arterial stiffness need to be further investigated.5. The emerging clinical data on the cardio ankle vascular index (CAVI) technique of arterial health assessment is presented, showing that the CAVI is elevated in aging, coronary artery diseases, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and stress. The CAVI decreased with the administration of statins, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, and calcium channel blockers. The CAVI is suggested as an important predictor of cardiovascular diseases.Future development of a clinical understanding of large artery stiffness is important and should include consideration of new drugs and new evaluation methods, with a focus on vascular health aimed at cardiovascular prevention.Keywords: arterial stiffness, cardiovascular protection, hypertension, arterial hemodynamic evaluation

Jirar Topouchian1, Davide Agnoletti1, Jacques Blacher1, Ahmed Youssef1, Isabel Ibanez2,3, Jose Khabouth2, Salwa Khawaja2, Layale Beaino2, Roland Asmar1–31Centre de Diagnostic, Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, Paris, France; 2Hôpital Libanais and Faculté Libanaise de Médecine, Beirut, Lebanon; 3Foundation-Medical Research Institutes, Geneva, SwitzerlandBackground: Four oscillometric devices for self-measurement of blood pressure (SBPM) were evaluated according to the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) international protocol and its 2010 revision in four separate studies. The Omron® M2, Omron M3, and Omron M6 measure blood pressure (BP) at the brachial level, while the Omron R2 measures BP at the wrist level.Methods: The international protocol requires a total number of 33 subjects in which the validation is performed. The Omron M2 and Omron R2 were validated in 2009 according to the ESH international protocol, while the Omron M3 and Omron M6 were validated in 2010–2011 according to the 2010 ESH international protocol revision. The protocol procedures were followed precisely.Results: All four tested devices passed the validation process. The mean differences between the device and mercury readings were 2.7 ± 5.0 and –1.4 ± 3.2 mmHg for systolic and diastolic BP, respectively, using the Omron M2 device, and 1.7 ± 3.2 and –0.9 ± 2.6 mmHg using the Omron M3, 1.6 ± 2.9 and -0.9 ± 2.5 mmHg using the Omron M6, and –1.1 ± 4.8 and –0.9 ± 4.3 mmHg using the Omron R2.Conclusion: Readings from the Omron M2, Omron M3, Omron M6, and Omron R2, differing by less than 5, 10, and 15 mmHg, fulfill the ESH international protocol and its 2010 revision requirements. Therefore, each of these four devices can be used by patients for SBPM.Keywords: Omron R2, M2, M3, M6, blood pressure measurement, validation, international protocol, European Society of Hypertension

Roland Asmar1, Juan Garcia-Puig2, Philippe Gosse3, Yuri A Karpov4, Peter Wilhem De Leeuw5, Dieter Magometschniggs6, Lajos Matos7, Roland Schmieder81Institut Cardiovasculaire, Paris, France; 2Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain; 3Hôpital Saint André, Bordeaux, France; 4Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia; 5Academisch Ziekenhuis, Maastricht, the Netherlands; 6Institut für Hypertoniker, Vienna, Austria; 7Hungarian Institut of Cardiology, Budapest, Hungary; 8Medizinische FakultÄt, Erlangen GermanyBackground: Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) is more sensitive than office BP and is highly correlated with the left ventricular mass (LVM) of hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Methods: In this prospectively designed ancillary study of the PICXEL trial, the effects of first-line combination perindopril/indapamide on ambulatory BP were compared with those of monotherapy with enalapril in 127 patients. Hypertensive patients with LVH received once daily either perindopril 2 mg/indapamide 0.625 mg (n = 65) or enalapril 10 mg (n = 62) for 52 weeks. Dose adjustments were allowed for uncontrolled BP. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory BP and echocardiographic parameters were measured at baseline, week 24, and week 52. Results: At study end, both treatments significantly improved ambulatory BP compared with baseline (p ≤ 0.01). Perindopril/indapamide treatment reduced 24-hour and daytime systolic BP (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP) significantly more than enalapril treatment (p < 0.01). No significant between-group differences were noted for diastolic BP (DBP) or for night-time measurements. Trough/peak ratios were higher with perindopril/indapamide than with enalapril (88.5 vs 65.8 for SBP and 86.7 vs 63.9 for DBP, respectively). The global smoothness index was higher with perindopril/indapamide than with enalapril (6.6 vs 5.2 for SBP and 5.6 vs 4.9 for DBP, respectively). With perindopril/indapamide treatment, LVM index was significantly reduced (−9.1 g/m2 from baseline; p vs baseline

Jirar Topouchian1, Ramzi El Feghali1, Bruno Pannier1, Shuyu Wang2, Feng Zhao3, Karel Smetana4, Koon Teo3, Roland Asmar11The CardioVascular Institute, Paris, France; 2Beijing Clinical Trial and Research Center, Beijing, China; 3Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, Canada; 4Vojenska nemocnice Plzen, Pizen, Czech RepublicAbstract: The degree of arterial stiffness is correlated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases and it is a powerful predictor for morbidity and mortality. Studies have shown that arterial stiffness reduction is associated with an improvement in survival. Reduction of arterial stiffness by pharmacological drugs varies according to the drugs and doses used and duration of treatment. This effect on the arteries differs among the various classes of drugs and among individual drugs in the same class. Quantification of the stiffness and other properties of the arterial wall can be used to monitor the responses to therapy in individuals with hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. These measures can then be used as surrogate markers for the risk of clinical events. Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is associated with an important decrease in cardiovascular risk. Findings from clinical trials support the hypothesis that the protective effects of RAS inhibition are partly independent from blood pressure reduction and related to several mechanisms including vascular protective effects. The aim of the TRanscend Arterial stiffNess Substudy (TRANS) is to assess the effect of an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), telmisartan, on the arterial stiffness in a subgroup of patients from the Telmisartan Randomized Assessment Study in aCE iNtolerant subjects with cardiovascular Disease (TRANSCEND) trial. The TRANSCEND trial is an international, multicenter, randomized double blind placebo controlled trial of telmisartan that enrolled patients at high risk for cardiovascular events. Some clinical baseline data of the TRANS substudy are reported. When completed, the results of the TRANS substudy will show whether the beneficial effects of treatment with telmisartan on cardiovascular outcome may be related to an improvement in arterial stiffness.Keywords: arterial stiffness, cardiovascular prevention, ARBs, telmisartan, pulse wave velocity, antihypertensive

Ramzi EL Féghali1, Sophie Nisse-Durgeat2, Roland Asmar11The CardioVascular Institute, Paris, France; 2Laboratoires Takeda, Puteaux, FranceObjective: To study the effect of candesartan cilexetil (CC) in the management of blood pressure (BP) in diabetic and non-diabetic hypertensive patients.Methods: A selection of five randomized double-blind clinical trials in which patients were treated for hypertension with CC was analyzed. All of these were similar in design: i) a 4-week placebo run-in period, ii) a 4- to 6-week period (V1) with CC 8 mg once daily (od), after which the dosage was doubled if BP was not normalized (BP >140/90 or BP >130/80 mmHg in diabetes), and iii) a 4- to 6-week period (V2) with CC 8 or 16 mg od. Efficacy was measured at V1 and V2.Results: 702 patients were screened. The population consisted of 397 males (56.6%) with a mean age of 60 ± 11 years, with 153 diabetic (21.8%) and 549 non-diabetic (78.2%) patients. At baseline, mean BP values were 160/94/65 mmHg for SPB, DBP, and pulse pressure (PP) respectively, with differences between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. SBP, DBP, and PP values showed a significant reduction at V1 (p < 0.001) and V2 (p < 0.001) compared with baseline for all hypertensive patients. Mean changes at V2 in SBP and PP values were higher in diabetic than non-diabetic patients (p < 0.001), and to a lesser degree on DBP values (p = 0.034).Conclusions: CC was effective in lowering BP in diabetic and non-diabetic hypertensive patients. CC is a promising therapy to manage hypertensive diabetic patients, as demonstrated by the significant BP reduction.Keywords: candesartan cilexetil, hypertension, antihypertensive diabetes, blood pressure lowering, angiotensin II receptor antagonistShort abstract: The effect of candesartan cilexetil (CC) on controlling blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive diabetic and non-diabetic patients was analyzed. Five randomized double-blind trials were pooled treating hypertension by CC (n = 702), including 153 diabetic (21.8%) and 549 non-diabetic (78.2%) patients. After treatment with CC (8–16 mg), significant reductions in SBP, DBP, and pulse pressure (PP) values were observed after 4–6 weeks (p < 0.001) and after 8–12 weeks (p < 0.001) compared with baseline for all hypertensive patients. Mean BP reductions after 8–12 weeks were higher in diabetic patients than non-diabetic (p < 0.001). CC is a promising therapy to treat hypertensive patients, both diabetic and non- diabetic.

Roland Asmar1, Sophie Nisse-Durgeat21The Cardiovascular Institute, Paris, France; 2Laboratoire Takeda, Puteaux, FranceAbstract: This 8-week, multicenter study evaluated the efficacy and safety of candesartan cilexetil (CC, 8–16 mg) in elderly (>65 years) hypertensive patients. Patients (n=3013) received CC 8 mg during 8 weeks which eventually doubled to CC 16 mg at week 4 if blood pressure remained uncontrolled (>140/90 mmHg). At week 8, 65.5% of patients were normalized (BP

Prof. Roland Asmar, President; David Oldfield, Secretary GeneralInternational Society for Vascular Health (ISVH)In 2008, the International Society for Vascular Health (ISVH) continued its international expansion with the establishment of regional operations in the USA, Japan, and Australasia. In addition the ISVH held its 3rd annual China Week.

Roland Asmar, Paris, FranceThe International Society for Vascular Health (ISVH) was established in June 2005 as a non-profit making society under French Law (1901). Publication of ISVH by-laws and establishment of the Executive Committee were achieved in August 2005.The first question posed by the Board was: “Why yet another International Society?” The unanimous conclusion of the ISVH Board was that there exists an urgent need for a society dedicated to the improvement of vascular health in patients worldwide. Our first step was to contact national and international societies of cardiology, diabetes, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis. We were aware of the excellent role of these vital societies in their research into the causes and consequences of their respective diseases. We received a positive response and confirmation of the need for a clinical-based society which can bring together the patient-oriented aspects in the management of vascular health globally.At the same time, the Society Journal Vascular Health and Risk Management was created. The journal is now indexed in MedLine and PubMed, and ISVH will encourage the production of manuscripts in the field of vascular health management.ISVH membership has grown worldwide, not only from areas such as cardiology, diabetes, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis, but also notably in nephrology, rheumatology, neurology, and diet/nutrition.ISVH acknowledges support from founding sponsors: Servier, Microlife, Omron, and Atcor Medical. Further sponsorships have been received and will be thanked in the next edition of ISVH Society News.

JP Baguet1, R Asmar2, P Valensi3, S Nisse-Durgeat4, JM Mallion11Clinique de Cardiologie, CHU de Grenoble, Grenoble, France; 2Institut CardioVasculaire, Paris, France; 3Service d’Endocrinologie-Diabétologie-Nutrition, CHU Jean Verdier, AP-HP, Bondy, France; 4Laboratoires Takeda, Puteaux, FranceAbstract: In hypertension and diabetes, early structural changes of the arterial wall precede or support atherosclerosis. There is evidence that some antihypertensive drugs exert an antiatherosclerotic effect. Over 36 months, we investigated the effect of candesartan cilexetil (CC) on the common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) vs amlodipine besylate (AML) in patients with type 2 diabetes and mild to moderate essential hypertension. After a 4-week wash-out period, 209 patients were randomized to either CC 8 mg or AML 5 mg once daily for a minimum of 1 month, after which, if BP was not normalized, the dosage was doubled, followed by the addition of hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg if necessary. No significant differences were observed between the two groups for change in IMT at M12 (−0.001 vs −0.027 mm/year for CC and AML respectively, p = 0.425), at M24 (−0.033 vs −0.019 mm per year respectively, p = 0.442), and at the last visit (−0.016 vs −0.039 mm per year respectively, p = 0.549). Within the group, comparisons did not show a significant difference in changes in IMT from baseline to the three visits. At the last visit, IMT regression was observed in 52.2% of patients receiving CC and in 51.3% of those receiving AML (p = 0.908). The augmentation in carotid lumen diameter from baseline was statistically greater in the AML group at the last visit (p = 0.034). BP variations during the study were similar in the two groups. The results of this study show that CC and AML treatments may alter identically the natural progression of carotid IMT in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients.Keywords: hypertension, diabetes, carotid, intima-media thickness, candesartan, amlodipine

Background: Electronic devices for blood pressure (BP) measurements need to go through independent clinical validation as recommended by different authorities, both in general and in special populations such as pregnancy., Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of the Omron Evolv ® (HEM-7600T-E) and the Omron M3 Comfort ® (HEM-7134-E) devices in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia according to the Universal Standard Validation Protocol., Methods: Both devices, the Evolv and the M3 Comfort, measure BP at the brachial level using the oscillometric method. The study was performed according to the recently published protocol, the so-called "modified Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)/British Hypertension Society (BHS)/European Society of Hypertension (ESH) protocol" or the "Universal Standard Protocol." Validation of each device included 45 pregnant women in the second and third gestational trimester of whom 15 had pre-eclampsia, 15 had gestational hypertension and 15 were normotensives. BP differences between the observer and the device BP values were classified into three categories (≤5, ≤10, and ≤15 mmHg) and the mean BP differences (test vs reference) and its SD were calculated., Results: Both devices, the Evolv and the M3 Comfort, achieved a grade A/A in both pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. The mean difference (SD) between the mercury standard and the device BP values in pregnancy were: 1) for the Evolv of -0.7±2.3 mmHg for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and -0.1±1.8 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure (DBP); 2) for the M3 Comfort of -1.6±2.8 mmHg for SBP and -0.1±2.3 mmHg for DBP., Conclusion: Both devices, the Evolv and the M3 Comfort, achieved a grade A/A for both SBP and DBP and fulfill the validation protocol criteria in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. Consequently, these two devices can be recommended for home BP measurements in this specific population., Competing Interests: Disclosure J Topouchian, Z Hakobyan, P Zelveian, S Gurgenian and R Asmar have conducted validation studies for various manufacturers. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.

Objective: Two oscillometric devices, the Microlife WatchBP O3 ® and the Omron RS6 ® , designed for self-blood pressure measurement were evaluated according to the European Society of Hypertension (ESH)-International Protocol (IP) Revision 2010 in the obese population., Methods: The Microlife WatchBP O3 measures blood pressure (BP) at the brachial level and the Omron RS6 measures BP at the wrist level. The ESH-IP revision 2010 includes a total of 33 subjects. The difference between observers' and device BP values was calculated for each measure. A total of 99 pairs of BP differences were classified into three categories (≤5, ≤10, and ≤15 mmHg). The protocol procedures were followed precisely in each of the two studies., Results: Microlife WatchBP O3 and Omron RS6 failed to fulfill the criteria of the ESH-IP. The mean differences between the device and the mercury readings were: 0.3±7.8 mmHg and -1.9±6.4 mmHg for systolic BP and diastolic BP, respectively, for Microlife WatchBP O3, and 2.7±9.9 mmHg for SBP and 3.5±11.1 mmHg for diastolic BP for Omron RS6., Conclusion: Microlife WatchBP O3 and Omron RS6 readings differing from the mercury standard by more than 5, 10, and 15 mmHg failed to fulfill the ESH-IP revision 2010 requirements in obese subjects. Therefore, the two devices cannot be recommended for use in obese subjects., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Background: Four oscillometric devices for self-measurement of blood pressure (SBPM) were evaluated according to the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) international protocol and its 2010 revision in four separate studies. The Omron® M2, Omron M3, and Omron M6 measure blood pressure (BP) at the brachial level, while the Omron R2 measures BP at the wrist level., Methods: The international protocol requires a total number of 33 subjects in which the validation is performed. The Omron M2 and Omron R2 were validated in 2009 according to the ESH international protocol, while the Omron M3 and Omron M6 were validated in 2010-2011 according to the 2010 ESH international protocol revision. The protocol procedures were followed precisely., Results: All four tested devices passed the validation process. The mean differences between the device and mercury readings were 2.7 ± 5.0 and -1.4 ± 3.2 mmHg for systolic and diastolic BP, respectively, using the Omron M2 device, and 1.7 ± 3.2 and -0.9 ± 2.6 mmHg using the Omron M3, 1.6 ± 2.9 and -0.9 ± 2.5 mmHg using the Omron M6, and -1.1 ± 4.8 and -0.9 ± 4.3 mmHg using the Omron R2., Conclusion: Readings from the Omron M2, Omron M3, Omron M6, and Omron R2, differing by less than 5, 10, and 15 mmHg, fulfill the ESH international protocol and its 2010 revision requirements. Therefore, each of these four devices can be used by patients for SBPM.

The incidence of pre-eclampsia ranges from 3% to 7% for nulliparas and 1% to 3% for multiparas. Pre-eclampsia is a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity, preterm birth, perinatal death, and intrauterine growth restriction. Unfortunately, the pathophysiology of this multisystem disorder, characterized by abnormal vascular response to placentation, is still unclear. Despite great polymorphism of the disease, the criteria for pre-eclampsia have not changed over the past decade (systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg and 24-hour proteinuria ≥ 0.3 g). Clinical features and laboratory abnormalities define and determine the severity of pre-eclampsia. Delivery is the only curative treatment for pre-eclampsia. Multidisciplinary management, involving an obstetrician, anesthetist, and pediatrician, is carried out with consideration of the maternal risks due to continued pregnancy and the fetal risks associated with induced preterm delivery. Screening women at high risk and preventing recurrences are key issues in the management of pre-eclampsia.

In hypertension and diabetes, early structural changes of the arterial wall precede or support atherosclerosis. There is evidence that some antihypertensive drugs exert an antiathero-sclerotic effect. Over 36 months, we investigated the effect of candesartan cilexetil (CC) on the common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) vs amlodipine besylate (AML) in patients with type 2 diabetes and mild to moderate essential hypertension. After a 4-week wash-out period, 209 patients were randomized to either CC 8 mg or AML 5 mg once daily for a minimum of 1 month, after which, if BP was not normalized, the dosage was doubled, followed by the addition of hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg if necessary. No significant differences were observed between the two groups for change in IMT at M12 (-0.001 vs -0.027 mm/year for CC and AML respectively, p = 0.425), at M24 (-0.033 vs -0.019 mm per year respectively, p = 0.442), and at the last visit (-0.016 vs -0.039 mm per year respectively, p = 0.549). Within the group, comparisons did not show a significant difference in changes in IMT from baseline to the three visits. At the last visit, IMT regression was observed in 52.2% of patients receiving CC and in 51.3% of those receiving AML (p = 0.908). The augmentation in carotid lumen diameter from baseline was statistically greater in the AML group at the last visit (p = 0.034). BP variations during the study were similar in the two groups. The results of this study show that CC and AML treatments may alter identically the natural progression of carotid IMT in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients.

Arterial stiffness normally increases with age and has been established as a precursor of cardiovascular disease. Interleukin-6 is a pleiotropic inflammatory cytokine with an important role in the inflammatory cascade, such as up-regulation of C-reactive protein (CRP). The interleukin-6-174-G/C promoter polymorphism appears to influence levels of inflammatory markers, which have been shown to be associated with arterial stiffness. We studied the association of this polymorphism with levels of interleukin-6 and CRP and with arterial stiffness. The study (n=3849) was embedded in the Rotterdam Study, a prospective, population-based study. Analyses on the association between the -174-G/C polymorphism and pulse wave velocity, distensibility coefficient, and pulse pressure were performed using analyses of variance. Analyses on the levels of inflammatory markers and arterial stiffness were performed using linear regression analyses. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, known cardiovascular risk factors, and atherosclerosis. We found pulse wave velocity to be 0.35 m/s higher for CC-homozygotes vs. wildtype GG-homozygotes (p = 0.018) with evidence for an allele-dose effect (p trend = 0.013), and a similar pattern for pulse pressure (p trend = 0.041). No apparent consistent association with the distensibility coefficient was found. CRP levels were associated with pulse wave velocity (p = 0.007). In conclusion, the interleukin-6-174 G/C polymorphism is associated with increased arterial stiffness and pulse pressure.

Objective: To study the effect of candesartan cilexetil (CC) in the management of blood pressure (BP) in diabetic and non-diabetic hypertensive patients., Methods: A selection of five randomized double-blind clinical trials in which patients were treated for hypertension with CC was analyzed. All of these were similar in design: i) a 4-week placebo run-in period, ii) a 4- to 6-week period (V1) with CC 8 mg once daily (od), after which the dosage was doubled if BP was not normalized (BP > 140/90 or BP >130/80 mmHg in diabetes), and iii) a 4- to 6-week period (V2) with CC 8 or 16 mg od. Efficacy was measured at V1 and V2., Results: 702 patients were screened. The population consisted of 397 males (56.6%) with a mean age of 60 +/- 11 years, with 153 diabetic (21.8%) and 549 non-diabetic (78.2%) patients. At baseline, mean BP values were 160/94/65 mmHg for SPB, DBP, and pulse pressure (PP) respectively, with differences between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. SBP, DBP, and PP values showed a significant reduction at V1 (p < 0.001) and V2 (p < 0.001) compared with baseline for all hypertensive patients. Mean changes at V2 in SBP and PP values were higher in diabetic than non-diabetic patients (p < 0.001), and to a lesser degree on DBP values (p = 0.034)., Conclusions: CC was effective in lowering BP in diabetic and non-diabetic hypertensive patients. CC is a promising therapy to manage hypertensive diabetic patients, as demonstrated by the significant BP reduction.

Background: Four electronic devices for self-measurement of brachial blood pressure (BP): the Omron M1 Plus, the Omron M6 Comfort, the Spengler KP7500 D, and the Microlife BP A100 Plus, were evaluated in four separate studies according to the International Protocol of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH)., Design: The International Validation Protocol is divided into 2 phases: the first phase is performed on 15 selected subjects (45 pairs of BP measurements); if the device passes this phase, 18 supplementary subjects are included (54 pairs of BP measurements) making a total number of 33 subjects (99 pairs of BP measurements) on which the final validation is performed., Methods: The same methodology recommended by the ESH protocol was applied for the 4 studies. In each study and for each subject, 4 BP measurements were performed simultaneously by 2 trained observers using mercury sphygmomanometers alternately with 3 measurements by the tested device. The difference between the BP value given by the device and that obtained by the two observers (mean of the two observers) was calculated for each measure. The 99 pairs of BP differences were classified into 3 categories (< or =5, 10, < or =15 mmHg). The number of differences in each category was compared with the number required by the International Protocol. An individual analysis was then done to determine for each subject the number of comparisons < or =5 mmHg. At least 22 of the 33 subjects should have 2 of their 3 comparisons < or =5 mmHg., Results: All 4 tested devices passed the first and the second phase of the validation process. The average differences between the device and mercury sphygmomanometer readings were -1.4 +/- 5.5 and -0.4 +/- 4.8 mmHg for SBP and DBP respectively for the Omron M1 Plus device, -2.1 +/- 7.4 and 0.1 +/- 4.9 mmHg for SBP and DBP respectively for the Omron M6 Comfort device, -1.4 +/- 8.6 and -0.1 +/- 3.5 mmHg for SBP and DBP respectively for the Spengler KP7500 D device, and 1.6 +/- 4.2 mmHg and 0.54 +/- 2.8 mmHg for SBP and DBP respectively for the Microlife BP A100 Plus device. For all devices, readings differing by less than 5, 10, and 15 mmHg for SBP and DBP values fulfill the recommendation criteria of the International Protocol as well as the individual analysis., Conclusions: Omron M1 Plus (HEM-401 1C-E), Omron M6 Comfort (HEM 7000-E), Spengler KP7500 D, and Microlife BP A100 Plus devices fulfilled the validation recommendations of the International Protocol.

The degree of arterial stiffness is correlated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases and it is a powerful predictor for morbidity and mortality. Studies have shown that arterial stiffness reduction is associated with an improvement in survival. Reduction of arterial stiffness by pharmacological drugs varies according to the drugs and doses used and duration of treatment. This effect on the arteries differs among the various classes of drugs and among individual drugs in the same class. Quantification of the stiffness and other properties of the arterial wall can be used to monitor the responses to therapy in individuals with hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. These measures can then be used as surrogate markers for the risk of clinical events. Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is associated with an important decrease in cardiovascular risk. Findings from clinical trials support the hypothesis that the protective effects of RAS inhibition are partly independent from blood pressure reduction and related to several mechanisms including vascular protective effects. The aim of the TRanscend Arterial stiffNess Substudy (TRANS) is to assess the effect of an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), telmisartan, on the arterial stiffness in a subgroup of patients from the Telmisartan Randomized Assessment Study in aCE iNtolerant subjects with cardiovascular Disease (TRANSCEND) trial. The TRANSCEND trial is an international, multicenter, randomized double blind placebo controlled trial oftelmisartan that enrolled patients at high risk for cardiovascular events. Some clinical baseline data of the TRANS substudy are reported. When completed, the results of the TRANS substudy will show whether the beneficial effects of treatment with telmisartan on cardiovascular outcome may be related to an improvement in arterial stiffness.