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Background: Chronotherapy in hypertension control is considered to better control nocturnal blood pressure patterns. This study aimed at studying relation between diurnal blood pressure patterns and timing of antihypertensive medication. Method: Hypertensive patients of age group 19 years to 65 years who were on antihypertensives for a minimum period of one month and were free of any cardiovascular complication or chronic kidney disease were included in the study. After doing routine workup, they were subjected to 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Results: In this study of 105 patients (mean age 44±10.9), morning administration of antihypertensive medication resulted in significantly higher blood pressure surges and less nighttime BP decrease compared to nighttime administration, with a p-value of 0.001. No significant difference was found across medication classes for nocturnal dipping. Conclusion: Taking antihypertensive drugs in night appears to results in better control of hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This was a retrospective study. This study investigated the occurrence of a composite endpoints (cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, end‐stage renal disease, and death) in 153 patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with a diagnosis of in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Based on morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) defined as ≥35 mm Hg, patients were divided into two groups: with MBPS (n = 50) and without MBPS (n = 103). All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Baseline demographic, laboratory and follow‐up data were collected. The clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared. The relationships between MBPS and endpoint events were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression model. In total, 153 patients (mean age 41.8 years; 56.86% males) were included in this study. During the follow‐up period (mean 4.3 years), 34 endpoint events occurred. After adjustment for the covariates, the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, end‐stage renal disease and death remained significantly higher in patients with MBPS (hazard ratio [HR] and 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.124 [1.096–9.130]]) Among the other variables, systolic blood pressure, and night‐time and daytime pulse pressures remained significantly associated with outcome in patients of CKD (1.789 [1.205–2.654], 1.710 [1.200–2.437], and 1.318 [1.096–1.586], respectively]. In conclusions, MBPS was identified as an independent prognostic factor for composite endpoint events (cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, end‐stage renal disease and death) patients with chronic kidney disease patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This was a retrospective study. This study investigated the occurrence of a composite endpoints (cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, end‐stage renal disease, and death) in 153 patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with a diagnosis of in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Based on morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) defined as ≥35 mm Hg, patients were divided into two groups: with MBPS (n = 50) and without MBPS (n = 103). All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Baseline demographic, laboratory and follow‐up data were collected. The clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared. The relationships between MBPS and endpoint events were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression model. In total, 153 patients (mean age 41.8 years; 56.86% males) were included in this study. During the follow‐up period (mean 4.3 years), 34 endpoint events occurred. After adjustment for the covariates, the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, end‐stage renal disease and death remained significantly higher in patients with MBPS (hazard ratio [HR] and 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.124 [1.096–9.130]]) Among the other variables, systolic blood pressure, and night‐time and daytime pulse pressures remained significantly associated with outcome in patients of CKD (1.789 [1.205–2.654], 1.710 [1.200–2.437], and 1.318 [1.096–1.586], respectively]. In conclusions, MBPS was identified as an independent prognostic factor for composite endpoint events (cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, end‐stage renal disease and death) patients with chronic kidney disease patients.

Objective To investigate the relationship between morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) and intracranial atherosclerotic plaque burden and vulnerability. Methods A total of 267 ischaemic stroke patients were retrospectively analysed. Sleep-trough and prewaking MBPS were calculated from ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Plaque characteristics, including intraplaque haemorrhage (IPH), maximum wall thickness (max WT), and stenosis degree, were obtained from high-resolution MR vessel wall imaging (HR-vwMRI). Linear and logistic regression were used to detect the association. Results Subjects with the top tertile of sleep-trough MBPS (≥15.1 mmHg) had a lower prevalence (9.1% vs. 19.6%, P  = .029) of severe stenosis (≥70%) than others. Subjects within the top tertile of prewaking MBPS (≥7.6 mmHg) had a lower percentage of IPH (27.3% vs. 40.4%, P  = .035) than others. After adjusting for stroke risk factors (age, sex, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, hyperhomocysteinaemia, smoking, and family stroke history) and 24-h mean systolic blood pressure, 10 mmHg sleep-trough MBPS increment was associated with 0.07mm max WT reduction, and the top tertile MBPS group was associated with a lower chance of severe stenosis (odd ratio = 0.407, 95% CI, 0.175-0.950). Additionally, an increased prewaking MBPS is associated with a lower incidence of IPH, with OR = 0.531 (95% CI, 0.296-0.952). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the positive findings could only be seen in non-diabetic subjects. Conclusion Increment of MBPS is negatively associated with intracranial atherosclerotic plaque burden and vulnerability, and this relationship remains significant in the non-diabetic subgroup. Advances in knowledge This study provided evidence that MBPS was associated with the intracranial atherosclerotic plaque burden and vulnerability on HR-vwMRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kuniaki Otsuka,1,2 Shougo Murakami,3 Kiyotaka Okajima,4 Koichi Shibata,1 Yutaka Kubo,5 Denis G Gubin,6– 8 Larry A Beaty,2 Germaine Cornelissen2 1Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan; 2Halberg Chronobiology Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; 3Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Soseikai General Hospital, Kyoto, Japan; 4Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Higashi Omiya General Hospital, Saitama, Japan; 5Department of Medicine, Machida Keisen Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; 6Laboratory for Chronobiology and Chronomedicine, Research Institute of Biomedicine and Biomedical Technologies, Medical University, Tyumen, 625023, Russia; 7Department of Biology, Medical University, Tyumen, 625023, Russia; 8Tyumen Cardiology Research Center, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Science, Tomsk, RussiaCorrespondence: Germaine Cornelissen, Halberg Chronobiology Center, University of Minnesota, MMC8609, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA, Email corne001@umn.edu.an Kuniaki Otsuka, Executive Medical Center, Totsuka Royal Clinic, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Related Medical Facility, Sinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan, Email frtotk99@ba2.so-net.ne.jpBackground: Blood pressure (BP) variability is involved in the appraisal of threat and safety, and can serve as a potential marker of psychological resilience against stress. The relationship between biological rhythms of BP and resilience was cross-sectionally assessed by 7-day/24-hour chronobiologic screening in a rural Japanese community (Tosa), with focus on the 12-hour component and the “circadian-circasemidian coupling” of systolic (S) BP.Subjects and Methods: Tosa residents (N = 239, 147 women, 23– 74 years), free of anti-hypertensive medication, completed 7-day/24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. The circadian-circasemidian coupling was determined individually by computing the difference between the circadian phase and the circasemidian morning-phase of SBP. Participants were classified into three groups: those with a short coupling interval of about 4.5 hours (Group A), those with an intermediate coupling interval of about 6.0 hours (Group B), and those with a long coupling interval of about 8.0 hours (Group C).Results: Residents of Group B who showed optimal circadian-circasemidian coordination had less pronounced morning and evening SBP surges, as compared to residents of Group A (10.82 vs 14.29 mmHg, P < 0.0001) and Group C (11.86 vs 15.21 mmHg, P < 0.0001), respectively. The incidence of morning or evening SBP surge was less in Group B than in Group A (P < 0.0001) or Group C (P < 0.0001). Group B residents showed highest measures of wellbeing and psychological resilience, assessed by good relation with friends (P < 0.05), life satisfaction (P < 0.05), and subjective happiness (P < 0.05). A disturbed circadian-circasemidian coupling was associated with elevated BP, dyslipidemia, arteriosclerosis and a depressive mood.Conclusion: The circadian-circasemidian coupling of SBP could serve as a new biomarker in clinical practice to guide precision medicine interventions aimed at achieving properly timed rhythms, and thereby resilience and wellbeing.Keywords: 7-day/24-hour chronobiologic screening, blood pressure, biological 12-hour rhythm, appropriate circadian-circasemidian coupling, circadian acrophase, 12-hour morning acrophase, morning blood pressure surge, evening blood pressure surge, human resilience, wellbeing

Introduction. Patients with arterial hypertension have a higher rate of morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) than non-hypertensive patients. MBPS increases the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, arterial stiffness, left ventricular hypertrophy, carotid atherosclerosis, and vascular inflammation. The prevalence and predictors of MBPS may vary significantly between geographic regions. The objective of the study was to determine the incidence of MBPS and associated factors in patients with primary hypertension. Material and methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in patients ≥35 years old, diagnosed with primary arterial hypertension, and hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology of Thanh Vu Hospital, Bac Lieu, Vietnam, between March 2019 and May 2020. Results. Among 126 hypertensive patients, 80 had MBPS (63.5%): 66 had systolic MBPS (52.4%), 65 had diastolic MBPS (51.6%), and 51 had both systolic and diastolic MBPS (40.5%). Nocturnal hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and stroke were statistically associated with MBPS. Conclusions. Since there is a high prevalence of MBPS, associated with multiple complications in patients with grade 2 or 3 hypertension, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement must be used in clinical practice in this group of patients, to ensure the timely detection and treatment of MBPS.

Background: When the blood pressure rises before awakening in the morning, it is called as morning blood pressure pulse (MBPS). MBPS is considered to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between MBPS, graft function, arterial stiffness and echocardiographic indices in renal transplant recipients. Methods: Among 600 renal transplant recipients, 122 patients who had a history of hypertension and were taking at least one antihypertensive medication were enrolled in the study. Arterial stiffness was measured by carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWv), and echocardiographic indices were assessed. 24 h ambulatory blood pressure was monitored for all patients. MBPS was calculated by subtracting morning systolic blood pressure from minimal asleep systolic blood pressure. Results: Mean morning, day time and asleep systolic blood pressure values were 171.2 ± 23.9, 137.9 ± 18.1, and 131.7 ± 18.9, respectively. Nondipper hypertension status was observed in 93 patients. Mean MBPS was 35.6 ± 19.5 mm Hg, means PWv was 6.5 ± 2.0 m/s. Patients with MBPS ≥ 35 mm Hg, had significantly lower eGFR and higher proteinuria, PWv. higher left atrium volume and LVMI. In regression analysis, day time systolic blood pressure, asleep systolic blood pressure, morning blood pressure surge, nondipper status and left ventricular mass index were detected as the predictors of graft function. Conclusions: Increased morning blood pressure surge is associated with graft dysfunction, increased arterial stiffness and LVMI that contribute to cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in renal transplant recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elevated soluble E-selectin which reflects a state of endothelial activation with subsequent vasoconstriction may elevate morning blood pressure (BP) surge. This study aimed to analyze soluble E-selectin serum concentrations in patients with essential hypertension against normotensive healthy individuals and to find a role of such molecule in the phenomenon of morning BP surge. Material and methods: In this case-control study, a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring with recording of morning BP surge and serum soluble E-selectin levels were measured for a total of 90 patients (60 patients with essential hypertension and 30 normotensive subjects as a control). Results: Hypertensive patients had higher body mass index in comparison to control subjects (30.7 ± 2.3 kg/m2 vs. 27 ± 3.2 kg/m2, p < 0.001). Serum uric acid levels were higher in hypertensive patients than control subjects (7.26 ± 2.60 mg/dL vs. 5.92 ± 1.15 mg/dL, p = 0.028). Hypertensive patients had higher left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (110.5 ± 19.2 g/m2 vs. 99.8 ± 9.5 g/m2, p = 0.001). Patients with essential hypertension have higher level of soluble E-selectin than normotensive participants (180.6 ± 96.1 vs. 75.9 ± 31.5 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Soluble E-selectin was positively correlated with morning BP surge (r = 0.696, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with essential hypertension have higher level of soluble E-selectin than normotensive. Soluble E-selectin was positively correlated with morning BP surge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) is related to an exaggerated risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. With increasing attention on circadian change in blood pressure and extensive use of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), chronotherapy that administration of medication according to biological rhythm, is reported to improve cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of chronotherapy of antihypertensive drugs upon MBPS in hypertensive patients. Methods A search strategy was applied in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane (Wiley) CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the Chinese Biomedical literature database. No language and date restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) assessing the efficacy of evening and morning administration of the same medications in adult patients with primary hypertension were included. Results A total of ten trials, comprising 1724 participants with a mean age of 61 and 51% female, were included in this study. Combined analysis observed significant reduction of MBPS (− 5.30 mmHg, 95% CI − 8.80 to − 1.80), night-time SBP (− 2.29 mmHg, 95% CI − 4.43 to − 0.15), night-time DBP (− 1.63 mmHg, 95 %CI − 3.23 to − 0.04) and increase in night blood pressure dipping (3.23%, 95% CI 5.37 to 1.10) in evening dosage compared with traditional morning dosage of blood pressure-lowering drugs. No significant difference was found in the incidence of overall adverse effects (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.41) and withdrawal due to adverse effects (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.71). Conclusions Our study suggested that evening administration of antihypertensive medications exerted better blood pressure-lowering effect on MBPS compared with conventional morning dosage. Safety assessment also indicated that the evening regimen did not increase the risk of adverse events. However, endpoint studies need to be carried out to confirm the significance and feasibility of this treatment regimen in clinical practice.

Introduction The activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which usually leads to a swift surge in blood pressure in the morning hours (MBPS) may be the cause of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and endothelial dysfunction (ED) in early autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients. We studied the association between MBPS and LVH in ADPKD patients with preserved renal functions. Methods Patients with ADPKD with preserved renal functions were enrolled. Prewaking MBPS was calculated using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The patients were categorized as MBPS (≥median) and non-MBPS (

Introduction: There is not enough data on the effects of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) on morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) in the literature. We aimed to determine whether there was any change in MBPS value in patients with hypertensive pHPT and to determine the parameters related to MBPS. Method: 80 patients with newly diagnosed pHPT with hypertension (HT) and 80 controls with newly diagnosed hypertension were included. Routine laboratory examinations and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were performed in all patients. Results: In patients with pHPT, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglyceride, hs-CRP, uric acid, serum calcium (Ca), parathormone (PTH), daytime SBP and MBPS levels are higher than others (p < 0.05). Body mass index (BMI) and Ca level were independently associated with MBPS. In patients with MBPS ≥ 25 mmHg, BMI, BUN, creatinine, uric acid, Ca and PTH levels were found to be higher than others. BMI values and Ca levels determine the patients with MBPS ≥ 25 mmHg (p < 0.05) independently. According to this analysis, increase in BMI (for each 1 unit) and Ca level (for each 0.1 mg/dL) was found to increase the probability of MBPS ≥ 25 mmHg by 17.8% and 7.7%, respectively. When the cut-off value for Ca was taken as 10 mg/dL, the patients with MBPS ≥ 25 mmHg were determined with 73.5% sensitivity and 73.1% specificity. Conclusion: MBPS significantly increases in patients with newly diagnosed hypertensive pHPT. This increase in MBPS is closely associated with increased Ca levels. In patients with pHPT, lowering the Ca level below 10 mg/dL may have clinical implications.

The activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which usually leads to a swift surge in blood pressure in the morning hours (MBPS) may be the cause of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and endothelial dysfunction (ED) in early autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients. We studied the association between MBPS and LVH in ADPKD patients with preserved renal functions. Patients with ADPKD with preserved renal functions were enrolled. Prewaking MBPS was calculated using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The patients were categorized as MBPS (≥median) and non-MBPS (

Objective: Red cell distribution width (RDW) is related to adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure, coronary artery disease and acute myocardial infarction. Morning Blood Pressure Surge (MBPS) phenomenon is defined as a prominent increase at BP in the morning. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between these two cardiovascular risk factors, RDW and MBPS. Material and Method: The two hundred eighty-nine (289) patient's data who underwent ambulatory blood pressure recording, between June 2019-December 2019 was analysed retrospectively. Results: Red cell distribution width upper limit is accepted as 16% in our hospital's biochemistry laboratory. When MBPS values were compared according to RDW cut-off values (respectively above 16% and 16%below), a statistically significant difference was revealed between both groups (33.7±16.2 vs 28.1±11.5; p= 0.038*). Multivariate linear regression analysis conducted for demonstrating associated parameters with MBPS and MBPS was found to be associated with RDW (p=0.03), and uric acid (P=0.02). Conclusion: Our results showed that MBPS was independently associated with RDW and was significantly higher, when RDW was above 16%. MBPS, a new cardiovascular risk factor, is associated with RDW, which has been linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. MBPS, which we often neglect in ambulatory blood pressure evaluations, should be considered as a risk factor and prospective studies are needed to determine whether it is a target for treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The main aim of this study is to reveal the relationship between the blood pressure surge pattern in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Materials and Methods: 92 patients (60 female, 32 male) were included in the study. Patients who have not been diagnosed with hypertension or even if they have been diagnosed with it, have not received any medication since the last 3 weeks, and who were newly diagnosed with hypertension were included in the study. Morning Blood Pressure Surge (MBPS) was calculated by subtracting the lowest systolic blood pressure recorded during sleep from the systolic blood pressure value of the 2nd hour after awakening. Results: It was observed that 69 patients were nondippers and 29 patients had LVH. As a result of the comparison of LVH groups, it was determined that patients with LVH had higher night time systolic blood pressure values and morning blood pressure surges. In the consequence of the correlation analysis, it was found out that there was a positive correlation between left ventricular mass index and night and 24-hour systolic blood pressure and morning blood pressure surge. Conclusion: The morning blood pressure surge is a marker and independent predictor of hypertension in terms of cardiovascular incidents and target organ damage. In our study, we found the frequency of LVH to be significantly higher in patients with morning blood pressure surges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) is related to an exaggerated risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. With increasing attention on circadian change in blood pressure and extensive use of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), chronotherapy that administration of medication according to biological rhythm, is reported to improve cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of chronotherapy of antihypertensive drugs upon MBPS in hypertensive patients.Methods: A search strategy was applied in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane (Wiley) CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the Chinese Biomedical literature database. No language and date restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) assessing the efficacy of evening and morning administration of the same medications in adult patients with primary hypertension were included.Results: A total of ten trials, comprising 1724 participants with a mean age of 61 and 51% female, were included in this study. Combined analysis observed significant reduction of MBPS (- 5.30 mmHg, 95% CI - 8.80 to - 1.80), night-time SBP (- 2.29 mmHg, 95% CI - 4.43 to - 0.15), night-time DBP (- 1.63 mmHg, 95 %CI - 3.23 to - 0.04) and increase in night blood pressure dipping (3.23%, 95% CI 5.37 to 1.10) in evening dosage compared with traditional morning dosage of blood pressure-lowering drugs. No significant difference was found in the incidence of overall adverse effects (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.41) and withdrawal due to adverse effects (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.71).Conclusions: Our study suggested that evening administration of antihypertensive medications exerted better blood pressure-lowering effect on MBPS compared with conventional morning dosage. Safety assessment also indicated that the evening regimen did not increase the risk of adverse events. However, endpoint studies need to be carried out to confirm the significance and feasibility of this treatment regimen in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundAcute high altitude (HA) exposure elicits blood pressure (BP) responses in most subjects, and some of them suffer from acute mountain sickness (AMS). However, a 24-h ambulatory BP (ABP) change and the correlation with the occurrence of AMS in different sexes are still unclear.ObjectivesThis prospective study aimed to investigate HA induced BP responses in males and females and the relationship between AMS and 24-h ABP.MethodsForty-six subjects were matched according to demographic parameters by propensity score matching with a ratio of 1:1. All the subjects were monitored by a 24-h ABP device; the measurement was one period of 24 h BP. 2018 Lake Louise questionnaire was used to evaluate AMS.ResultsBoth the incidence of AMS (14 [60.9%] vs. 5 [21.7%], P = 0.007) and headache (18 [78.3%] vs. 8 [34.8%], P = 0.003) were higher in females than in males. All subjects showed an elevated BP in the early morning [morning systolic BP (SBP), 114.72 ± 13.57 vs. 120.67 ± 11.10, P = 0.013]. The elevation of morning SBP variation was more significant in females than in males (11.95 ± 13.19 vs. −0.05 ± 14.49, P = 0.005), and a higher morning BP surge increase (4.69 ± 18.09 vs. −9.66 ± 16.96, P = 0.005) was observed after acute HA exposure in the female group. The increase of morning SBP was associated with AMS occurrence (R = 0.662, P < 0.001) and AMS score (R = 0.664, P = 0.001). Among the AMS symptoms, we further revealed that the incidence (R = 0.786, P < 0.001) and the severity of headache (R = 0.864, P < 0.001) are closely correlated to morning SBP.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that females are more likely to suffer from AMS than males. AMS is closely associated with elevated BP in the early morning period, which may be correlated to higher headache incidence in subjects with higher morning SBP.

Background: Acute high altitude (HA) exposure elicits blood pressure (BP) responses in most subjects, and some of them suffer from acute mountain sickness (AMS). However, a 24-h ambulatory BP (ABP) change and the correlation with the occurrence of AMS in different sexes are still unclear. Objectives: This prospective study aimed to investigate HA induced BP responses in males and females and the relationship between AMS and 24-h ABP. Methods: Forty-six subjects were matched according to demographic parameters by propensity score matching with a ratio of 1:1. All the subjects were monitored by a 24-h ABP device; the measurement was one period of 24 h BP. 2018 Lake Louise questionnaire was used to evaluate AMS. Results: Both the incidence of AMS (14 [60.9%] vs. 5 [21.7%], P = 0.007) and headache (18 [78.3%] vs. 8 [34.8%], P = 0.003) were higher in females than in males. All subjects showed an elevated BP in the early morning [morning systolic BP (SBP), 114.72 ± 13.57 vs. 120.67 ± 11.10, P = 0.013]. The elevation of morning SBP variation was more significant in females than in males (11.95 ± 13.19 vs. −0.05 ± 14.49, P = 0.005), and a higher morning BP surge increase (4.69 ± 18.09 vs. −9.66 ± 16.96, P = 0.005) was observed after acute HA exposure in the female group. The increase of morning SBP was associated with AMS occurrence (R = 0.662, P < 0.001) and AMS score (R = 0.664, P = 0.001). Among the AMS symptoms, we further revealed that the incidence (R = 0.786, P < 0.001) and the severity of headache (R = 0.864, P < 0.001) are closely correlated to morning SBP. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that females are more likely to suffer from AMS than males. AMS is closely associated with elevated BP in the early morning period, which may be correlated to higher headache incidence in subjects with higher morning SBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Findings What is the central question of this study? The venoarteriolar response (VAR) contributes substantially to the maintenance of orthostatic tolerance in humans. Despite its importance in haemodynamic homeostasis, the impact of ageing on the VAR remains understudied. What is the main finding and its importance? Older adults exhibit an augmented VAR in response to leg dependency. The age‐related augmentation of the VAR might be linked with progressive increases of peripheral vascular resistance with ageing. We found a modest but significant correlation between the leg VAR and the morning blood pressure surge in older adults. Augmented leg VAR might contribute to the blood pressure elevation in the early morning. Abstract The venoarteriolar response (VAR) is a non‐adrenergic, non‐baroreflex‐mediated mechanism of vasoconstriction, which has been proposed to contribute ∼45% of the increase in total peripheral resistance during orthostasis. Despite its importance in human cardiovascular control during orthostatic stress, there is no information available regarding the impact of age and sex on the VAR or its role in diurnal blood pressure (BP) variation. We studied 33 (15 women) young (mean ± SD; 28 ± 4 years old) and 26 (12 women) older (71 ± 3 years old) healthy individuals. Brachial and femoral blood flow were measured using Doppler ultrasound. The percentage reduction in vascular conductance (blood flow/mean BP) during 4 min of limb dependency (35–40 cm below the heart level) was used to assess the VAR. The morning surge in BP was assessed using 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring. Peak VAR in the lower limb, but not in the upper limb, was significantly higher in the older than the younger adults (33 ± 4 versus 26 ± 6%, older versus young; P < 0.05). There was no sex difference in the VAR in either the young or the older group. A greater leg VAR was related to a greater morning surge in BP in older adults (r = −0.4, P = 0.02) but not in the young adults (r = −0.26, P = 0.1). Thus, advancing age enhances the VAR in the lower limb and is associated with the morning blood pressure surge in older adults. Sex does not affect this local axonal reflex in healthy humans.

Oreste Marrone,1 Maria R Bonsignore1,2 1National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, 2DiBiMIS, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy Abstract: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is often associated with hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Blood pressure (BP) variability is part of the assessment of cardiovascular risk. In OSA, BP variability has been studied mainly as very short-term (beat-by-beat) and short-term (24-hour BP profile) variability. BP measured on consecutive heartbeats has been demonstrated to be highly variable, due to repeated peaks during sleep, so that an accurate assessment of nocturnal BP levels in OSA may require peculiar methodologies. In 24-hour recordings, BP frequently features a “nondipping” profile, ie,

Abstract Background Our aim in this study was to investigate morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) in patients of reproductive age with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its relation to insulin resistance (IR). Methods Fifty-three patients with PCOS without additional illness were included in the study. Forty-two age-matched subjects without PCOS were selected as the control group. All study subjects underwent 24-h blood pressure monitoring. Patients with additional illnesses, drug users, smokers, and alcohol and drug abusers were excluded. Blood insulin, fasting glucose, lipid profile, and hormone profile were measured. Insulin resistance was calculated using the HOMA-IR formula. Results Median age (years) was 27 (20–33) in the PCOS group and 27 (22–33) in the control group. Body mass index was higher in the PCOS group. Office systolic and diastolic blood pressure was higher in the PCOS group. Mean awakening 2-h BPs (mmHg) was 110 ± 7 in the control group and 118 ± 5 in the PCOS group (p

Grzegorz Bilo,1,2 Andrea Grillo,1,2 Valentina Guida,1,2 Gianfranco Parati1,2 1Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; 2Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, San Luca Hospital, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy Abstract: Morning hours are the period of the day characterized by the highest incidence of major cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction, sudden death or stroke. They are also characterized by important neurohormonal changes, in particular, the activation of sympathetic nervous system which usually leads to a rapid increase in blood pressure (BP), known as morning blood pressure surge (MBPS). It was hypothesized that excessive MBPS may be causally involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular events occurring in the morning by inducing hemodynamic stress. A number of studies support an independent relationship of MBPS with organ damage, cerebrovascular complications and mortality, although some heterogeneity exists in the available evidence. This may be due to ethnic differences, methodological issues and the confounding relationship of MBPS with other features of 24-hour BP profile, such as nocturnal dipping or BP variability. Several studies are also available dealing with treatment effects on MBPS and indicating the importance of long-acting antihypertensive drugs in this regard. This paper provides an overview of pathophysiologic, methodological, prognostic and therapeutic aspects related to MBPS. Keywords: morning blood pressure surge, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, cardiovascular risk, blood pressure variability

The authors aimed to investigate the epidemiology of morning blood pressure (BP) surge (MBPS) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, and the interaction effect between MBPS and dipping status for target organ damage (TOD). A total of 823 non‐dialysis CKD patients were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Subjects were grouped according to their systolic BP morning surge and dipping status, assessed by 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Patients with elevated MBPS had the highest quartile of MBPS (≥26.89 mm Hg). Non‐dipping pattern was defined as a decline in the nocturnal systolic BP of <10%. The factorial‐designed analysis of variance indicated that there was no statistically significant interaction effect for TOD between MBPS and dipping status (P >.05). There was a statistically significant association between MBPS and the non‐dipping pattern (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.12‐0.25; OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.91‐0.93). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that excessive MBPS is an independent risk factor for poor renal function, independent of a non‐dipping pattern, and BP level, whereas the non‐dipping pattern was an important risk factor for left ventricular hypertrophy. Special attention should be paid to synchronous control of MBPS and nocturnal BP in CKD patients in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is not enough data on the effects of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) on morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) in the literature. We aimed to determine whether there was any change in MBPS value in patients with hypertensive pHPT and to determine the parameters related to MBPS. Method: 80 patients with newly diagnosed pHPT with hypertension (HT) and 80 controls with newly diagnosed hypertension were included. Routine laboratory examinations and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were performed in all patients. Results: In patients with pHPT, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglyceride, hs-CRP, uric acid, serum calcium (Ca), parathormone (PTH), daytime SBP and MBPS levels are higher than others (p < 0.05). Body mass index (BMI) and Ca level were independently associated with MBPS. In patients with MBPS ≥ 25 mmHg, BMI, BUN, creatinine, uric acid, Ca and PTH levels were found to be higher than others. BMI values and Ca levels determine the patients with MBPS ≥ 25 mmHg (p < 0.05) independently. According to this analysis, increase in BMI (for each 1 unit) and Ca level (for each 0.1 mg/dL) was found to increase the probability of MBPS ≥ 25 mmHg by 17.8% and 7.7%, respectively. When the cut-off value for Ca was taken as 10 mg/dL, the patients with MBPS ≥ 25 mmHg were determined with 73.5% sensitivity and 73.1% specificity. Conclusion: MBPS significantly increases in patients with newly diagnosed hypertensive pHPT. This increase in MBPS is closely associated with increased Ca levels. In patients with pHPT, lowering the Ca level below 10 mg/dL may have clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data are sparse regarding ambulatory blood pressure (BP) reduction of up-titration from a standard dose to a high dose in both nifedipine controlled-release (CR) and amlodipine. This was a prospective, randomized, multicenter, open-label trial. Patients and methods: Fifty-one uncontrolled hypertensives medicated by two or more antihypertensive drugs including a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor and a calcium antagonist were randomly assigned to either the nifedipine CR (80 mg)/candesartan (8 mg) group or the amlodipine (10 mg)/candesartan (8 mg) group. Results: The changes in 24-hr BP were comparable between the groups. The nifedipine group demonstrated a significant decrease in their urinary albumin creatinine ratio, whereas the amlodipine group demonstrated a significant decrease in their NTproBNP level. However, there was no significant difference in any biomarkers between the two groups. Conclusion: Nifedipine showed an almost equal effect on ambulatory blood pressure as amlodipine. Their potentially differential effects on renal protection and NTproBNP should be tested in larger samples.

The features of the pharmacokinetics of the angiotensin II receptor blocker telmisartan are considered. Thanks to these features it has a number of advantages in comparison with other angiotensin II receptor blockers and antihypertensive drugs from other classes. Particular attention is paid to the long half-life of telmisartan, which retains its effect for more than 24 hours. This is especially important for controlling blood pressure (BP) in the early morning hours. Data from studies demonstrating that excessive BP rises in the early morning hours increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications are presented. The results of comparative studies of telmisartan using the ambulatory BP monitoring, which testify to its advantages in BP control within 24-hours, are considered.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the relationship between the morning blood pressure (BP) surge and arterial stiffness in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension. Subjects and methods: Three hundred and twenty four (mean age 51.7 ± 11.4 years) patients who had newly diagnosed hypertension with 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring were enrolled. Parameters of arterial stiffness, pulse wave velocity and augmentation index (Aix) were measured by applanation tonometry and aortic distensibility was calculated by echocardiography. Results: Compared with the other groups, pulse wave velocity, day–night systolic BP (SBP) difference (p

Objective: To determine the usefulness of monitoring morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) to predict cardiovascular events in patients with essential hypertension. Materials and Methods: A total of 81 patients (43 males and 38 females) with a mean age of 55.9 ± 9.8 years with essential hypertension were included in the study. Twenty-four hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring was carried out to record MBPS. All patients were followed up for 36 months for cardiovascular events. Results: Mean MBPS was 26.23 ± 10.17 mmHg. Nineteen patients (23%) who experienced a cardiovascular event during the follow-up period had higher MBPS than patients who did not experience a cardiovascular event (P < 0.0001). MBPS was positively correlated with interventricular septum thickness (r = +0.38 and P = 0.000), left atrial size (r = +0.39 and P = 0.000), 24-h mean systolic BP (r = +0.36 and P = 0.001) and total cholesterol level (r = +0.23 and P = 0.003). MBPS was negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (r = −0.37 and P = 0.001). Conclusion: MBPS can be used as a biomarker for a cardiovascular disease event in hypertensive patients.

Background: It is well established that an exaggerated morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease development in hypertensive individuals. However, in non-dipping individuals, a lower surge was reportedly associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Sympathetic nervous system activity is involved in 24-hour blood pressure fluctuations, including night-time dipping and the MBPS. To better understand this interaction, we investigated associations of MBPS with heart-rate variability and baroreceptor sensitivity in young healthy dippers and non-dippers.Methods: We included black and white men and women (n=827), aged 20-30 years and determined the MBPS using two formulas: the sleep-trough and dynamic morning surge. For autonomic function we determined baroreceptor sensitivity and heart-rate variability.Results: The majority of non-dippers in this population were black (70.4%), presenting lower sleep-trough and dynamic morning surge (all p<0.001). Heart-rate variability was comparable between dippers and non-dippers, whereas baroreceptor sensitivity was higher in non-dippers (p=0.021). Despite a suppressed MBPS profile in non-dippers, we found both sleep-trough (β=-0.25; p=0.039) and dynamic morning surge (β=-0.14; p=0.047) to be inversely and independently associated with 24-hour heart-rate variability (total power). These results were absent in dippers.Conclusions: In conclusion, we found a higher night-time blood pressure coupled with lower MBPS in young healthy non-dippers. Furthermore, this lower MBPS was independently and negatively associated with autonomic neural activity, suggesting increased autonomic function involvement in MBPS suppression of non-dippers. The predictive value of suppressed nocturnal dipping pattern should be investigated while taking autonomic neural activity into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. To effectively prevent end-organ damage, maintain vascular integrity and reduce morbidity and mortality, it is essential to decrease and adequately control blood pressure (BP) throughout each 24-hour period. Exaggerated early morning BP surge (EMBS) is one component of BP variability (BPV), and has been associated with an increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular events, independently of 24-hour average BP. BPV includes circadian, short-term and long-term components, and can best be documented using out-of-office techniques such as ambulatory and/or home BP monitoring. There is a large body of evidence linking both BPV and EMBS with increased rates of adverse cardio- and cerebrovascular events, and end-organ damage. Differences in hypertension and related cardiovascular disease rates have been reported between Western and Asian populations, including a higher rate of stroke, higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome, greater salt sensitivity and more common high morning and nocturnal BP readings in Asians. This highlights a need for BP management strategies that take into account ethnic differences. In general, long-acting antihypertensives that control BP throughout the 24-hour period are preferred; amlodipine and telmisartan have been shown to control EMBS more effectively than valsartan. Home and ambulatory BP monitoring should form an essential part of hypertension management, with individualized pharmacotherapy to achieve optimal 24-hour BP control particularly the EMBS and provide the best cardio- and cerebrovascular protection. Future research should facilitate better understanding of BPV, allowing optimization of strategies for the detection and treatment of hypertension to reduce adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the influence of morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) on occult coronary heart disease (CHD,50%≤coronary stenosis degree <70%) without critical lesion. Methods Ninety-two occult CHD patients with subcritical lesions were selected. All the patients had no clinical symptomof angina;coronary angiography(CAG) examination implies that the stenosis degree of the main coronary artery was ≥50% and <70%. Ambulatory blood pressure and ambulatory electrocardiography examination were synchronously performed one week after surgery. Patients with MBPS ≥23.6 mmHg were set as MBPS group (54 cases) while those with MBPS<23.6 mmHg were set as the non-MBPS group (38 cases). The influence of MBPS on the ST-segment of the ECG of patients in different groups was observed. Results The early morning systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and the proportion of patients with depressed ST-segment in the MBPS group are higher than those in the non-MBPS group,with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Conclusion MBPS could give rise to ST-segment depression of ECG in occult CHD patients with subcritical lesions, and therefore it is important for these patients to control MBPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. However, little is known about the association between glycemic control and MBPS, and its effect on vascular injury in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current study examined the association between glycemic control and MBPS and the involvement of MBPS in the development of vascular dysfunction in T2DM patients. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-two consecutive T2DM outpatients from the Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology were enrolled in this study. We did MBPS in T2DM patients, 85 (male) (69.7%) patients and 37 (female) patients (30.3%); mean age 60.1 ± 9.39; (n = 122) using 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and assessed vascular function by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD). Results: The correlation between MBPS and various clinical variables were examined by single regression analysis in all subjects. MBPS showed significant and positive correlation with pulse rate (P = 0.01), fasting blood sugar (P = 0.002), and postprandial blood sugar (P = 0.05). To further confirm the association of insulin resistance (IR) with MBPS in T2DM patients, we examined the correlation between homeostasis model assessment-IR (HOMA-IR), an established marker of IR and MBPS in diabetic (DM) patients who were not taking insulin no significant association with MBPS in T2DM patients (P = 0.41), angiotensin-converting enzyme/angiotensin receptor blocker (P = 0.07). We examined the relationship between MBPS and vascular injury by measuring endothelium-dependent FMD and endothelium-independent NMD in T2DM patients. Among the various traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis such as DM duration (P = 0.04), platelet reactivity (P = 0.04) and morning surge (P = 0.002) emerged as significant factors. HOMA-IR was a negative correlation with FMD. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated that poor glycemic control and IR have predictive value for the occurrence of MBPS in T2DM patients, which might be significantly associated with endothelial dysfunction.

New Findings: What is the central question of this study?The venoarteriolar response (VAR) contributes substantially to the maintenance of orthostatic tolerance in humans. Despite its importance in haemodynamic homeostasis, the impact of ageing on the VAR remains understudied.What is the main finding and its importance?Older adults exhibit an augmented VAR in response to leg dependency. The age‐related augmentation of the VAR might be linked with progressive increases of peripheral vascular resistance with ageing. We found a modest but significant correlation between the leg VAR and the morning blood pressure surge in older adults. Augmented leg VAR might contribute to the blood pressure elevation in the early morning. The venoarteriolar response (VAR) is a non‐adrenergic, non‐baroreflex‐mediated mechanism of vasoconstriction, which has been proposed to contribute ∼45% of the increase in total peripheral resistance during orthostasis. Despite its importance in human cardiovascular control during orthostatic stress, there is no information available regarding the impact of age and sex on the VAR or its role in diurnal blood pressure (BP) variation. We studied 33 (15 women) young (mean ± SD; 28 ± 4 years old) and 26 (12 women) older (71 ± 3 years old) healthy individuals. Brachial and femoral blood flow were measured using Doppler ultrasound. The percentage reduction in vascular conductance (blood flow/mean BP) during 4 min of limb dependency (35–40 cm below the heart level) was used to assess the VAR. The morning surge in BP was assessed using 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring. Peak VAR in the lower limb, but not in the upper limb, was significantly higher in the older than the younger adults (33 ± 4 versus 26 ± 6%, older versus young; P < 0.05). There was no sex difference in the VAR in either the young or the older group. A greater leg VAR was related to a greater morning surge in BP in older adults (r = −0.4, P = 0.02) but not in the young adults (r = −0.26, P = 0.1). Thus, advancing age enhances the VAR in the lower limb and is associated with the morning blood pressure surge in older adults. Sex does not affect this local axonal reflex in healthy humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Considerable researches suggest that high level of homocysteine (Hcy) is associated with the risk of ischemic stroke. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) parameters have also been confirmed associated with cardio-cerebrovascular events. However, the relationship between Hcy and ABPM parameters remains unclear in patients with acute ischemic stroke. In this study, we aim to investigate the association between Hcy level and ABPM parameters in patients with acute ischemic stroke.Methods: We enrolled 60 patients with acute ischemic stroke who received ABPM. We calculated ABPM parameters like morning blood pressure surge (MBPS), ambulatory arterial stiffness index, blood pressure variability, and night dipping patterns.Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that patients in the top quartile of Hcy level tended to have a higher level of prewaking and sleep-trough MBPS compared with patients in the lower 3 quartiles after adjusted for age and gender (P = .028 and P = .030, respectively). When treating Hcy as a continuous variable, the linear regression showed the association between Hcy level and both MBPS parameters remained significant (prewaking MBPS, r = .356, P = .022; sleep-trough MBPS, r = .365, P = .017, respectively). However, there is no association between Hcy level and ambulatory arterial stiffness index, blood pressure variability or night dipping patterns (P = .635, P = .348 and P = .127 respectively).Conclusions: There is a relationship between the 2 major cerebrovascular risk factors: MBPS and Hcy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There are limited data about increased aortic intima-media thickness (A-IMT) in the presence of subclinical target organ damage in hypertensive (HT) patients. In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of increased A-IMT, the parameters determining increased A-IMT, and the relationship between increased A-IMT and other vascular IMT measurements.Materials and methods: We prospectively included 265 patients (mean age 54.1 ± 10.6 years, male/female 91/174) with essential HT. Physical examination of all patients was performed. Laboratory data and antihypertensive treatments were recorded. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was performed. Bilateral carotid, brachial, and femoral artery and abdominal A-IMT values were measured by B-mode ultrasonography (USG). Patients were categorized into two main groups: patients with increased A-IMT (≥ 3 mm) or normal A-IMT (< 3 mm).Results: Increased A-IMT was detected in 55 patients (20.8%). There was a close relationship between increased A-IMT and advanced age, presence of coronary artery disease, high morning blood pressure surge (MBPS), and bilateral carotid and femoral IMT. Parameters associated with increased A-IMT in univariate analysis were assessed by regression analysis. Left femoral IMT and MBPS were independently associated with increased A-IMT. In the regression model, each 5-mmHg elevation in MBPS increased the risk of increased A-IMT by 34.2%. The cutoff value of MBPS obtained by the ROC curve analysis was 32 mmHg for the prediction of increased A-IMT (sensitivity 76.3%, specificity 63.5%). The area under the curve was 0.784 (95% CI 0.720-0.847, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Abdominal A-IMT increased at a significant rate in patients with HT. An independent association was found between MBPS and A-IMT, which can both be easily detected by ABPM and B-mode USG. The high MBPS level was considered to be a simple and inexpensive method for detecting subclinical target organ damage. A-IMT measurement should also be a part of abdominal USG, which is a routine examination in HT patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMorning blood pressure (BP) surge (MS), defined by the MS amplitude, is an independent prognostic factor of cardiovascular outcomes in some, but not all, populations. Method and ResultsWe enrolled 2020 participants (1029 men; aged 30–79 years) with 24‐hour ambulatory BP data. During a median 19.7‐year follow‐up, 607 deaths (182 by cardiovascular causes) were confirmed from the National Death Registry. The amplitude of sleep‐trough MS (STMS) was derived from the difference between morning systolic BP (SBP) and lowest nighttime SBP. The rate of STMS was derived as the slope of linear regression of sequential SBP measures on time intervals within the STMS period. Thresholds for high STMS amplitude and rate were determined by the 95th percentiles (43.7 mm Hg and 11.3 mm Hg/h, respectively). Multivariable Cox models, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, alcohol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, 24‐hour SBP, night:day SBP ratio, and antihypertensive treatment, revealed that a high STMS rate (hazard ratio, 1.666; 95% confidence interval, 1.185–2.341), but not STMS amplitude (hazard ratio, 1.245; 95% confidence interval, 0.984–1.843), was significantly associated with a greater mortality risk. Similarly, STMS rate (hazard ratio, 2.608; 95% confidence interval, 1.554–4.375), but not STMS amplitude, was significantly associated with the risk of cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio, 0.966; 95% confidence interval, 0.535–1.747). Moreover, the prognostic values of STMS rate were comparable in subjects with or without morning and nocturnal hypertension (P>0.05 for interaction for all). In simulation studies, STMS rate was less susceptible to measurement errors of the sleep‐trough SBP than STMS amplitude. ConclusionsSTMS rate could independently help identify subjects with an increased cardiovascular risk.

Background:Data are sparse regarding ambulatory blood pressure (BP) reduction of up-titration from a standard dose to a high dose in both nifedipine controlled-release (CR) and amlodipine. This was a prospective, randomized, multicenter, open-label trial. Patients and methods:Fifty-one uncontrolled hypertensives medicated by two or more antihypertensive drugs including a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor and a calcium antagonist were randomly assigned to either the nifedipine CR (80 mg)/candesartan (8 mg) group or the amlodipine (10 mg)/candesartan (8 mg) group. Results:The changes in 24-hr BP were comparable between the groups. The nifedipine group demonstrated a significant decrease in their urinary albumin creatinine ratio, whereas the amlodipine group demonstrated a significant decrease in their NTproBNP level. However, there was no significant difference in any biomarkers between the two groups. Conclusion:Nifedipine showed an almost equal effect on ambulatory blood pressure as amlodipine. Their potentially differential effects on renal protection and NTproBNP should be tested in larger samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:We aimed to investigate the relationship between the morning blood pressure (BP) surge and arterial stiffness in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension. Subjects and methods:Three hundred and twenty four (mean age 51.7 ± 11.4 years) patients who had newly diagnosed hypertension with 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring were enrolled. Parameters of arterial stiffness, pulse wave velocity and augmentation index (Aix) were measured by applanation tonometry and aortic distensibility was calculated by echocardiography. Results:Compared with the other groups, pulse wave velocity, day–night systolic BP (SBP) difference (p < 0.001, for all) and hs-CRP (p = 0.005) were higher in morning BP surge high group. Aortic distensibility values were significantly lower in morning BP surge high group compared to the other groups (p < 0.05, for all). Morning BP surge was found to be independently associated with pulse wave velocity (β = 0.286,p < 0.001), aortic distensibility (β= −0.384,p < 0.001) and day–night SBP difference (β = 0.229,p < 0.001) in multivariate linear regression analysis. Conclusions:We found independent relationship between morning BP surge and arterial stiffness which is a surrogate endpoint for cardiovascular diseases. The inverse relationship between morning BP surge and aortic distensibility and direct relation found in our study is new to the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both oxidative stress and morning surge (MS) of blood pressure (BP) were found to be closely related with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. We investigated the association between MS of BP and oxidative stress in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients.Methods: We prospectively included 237 newly diagnosed hypertensive patients in the present study (mean age: 51.6 ± 11.7 years). The patients were classified according to the extent of the sleep-through surge as follows: the top decile of sleep-through surge (>47.2 mmHg,n= 27; EMShigh group), versus all others (n= 210, EMSlow group). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were determined by using an automated measurement method. The oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated as the ratio of TOS to TAC. Serum paraoxonase 1 (PON-1) activity was measured spectrophotometrically.Results: Patients in EMShigh group were found to have higher hs-CRP, TOS, and OSI values and lower TAC and PON-1 values (p< 0.01, for all). MS of BP was associated with hs-CRP, PON-1, TOS, TAC, and OSI levels in bivariate analysis. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that MS of BP was significantly associated with PON-1(β= −0.206,p< 0.001), OSI (β= 0.602,p< 0.001) and hs-CRP (β= 0.210,p< 0.001).Conclusion: Present study shows that OSI is increased and antioxidant PON-1 activity is decreased in patients with enhanced MS of BP. There is a close association between high MS of BP and oxidative stress markers in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. However, little is known about the association between glycemic control and MBPS, and its effect on vascular injury in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current study examined the association between glycemic control and MBPS and the involvement of MBPS in the development of vascular dysfunction in T2DM patients. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-two consecutive T2DM outpatients from the Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology were enrolled in this study. We did MBPS in T2DM patients, 85 (male) (69.7%) patients and 37 (female) patients (30.3%); mean age 60.1 ± 9.39; (n = 122) using 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and assessed vascular function by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD). Results: The correlation between MBPS and various clinical variables were examined by single regression analysis in all subjects. MBPS showed significant and positive correlation with pulse rate (P = 0.01), fasting blood sugar (P = 0.002), and postprandial blood sugar (P = 0.05). To further confirm the association of insulin resistance (IR) with MBPS in T2DM patients, we examined the correlation between homeostasis model assessment-IR (HOMA-IR), an established marker of IR and MBPS in diabetic (DM) patients who were not taking insulin no significant association with MBPS in T2DM patients (P = 0.41), angiotensin-converting enzyme/angiotensin receptor blocker (P = 0.07). We examined the relationship between MBPS and vascular injury by measuring endothelium-dependent FMD and endothelium-independent NMD in T2DM patients. Among the various traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis such as DM duration (P = 0.04), platelet reactivity (P = 0.04) and morning surge (P = 0.002) emerged as significant factors. HOMA-IR was a negative correlation with FMD. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated that poor glycemic control and IR have predictive value for the occurrence of MBPS in T2DM patients, which might be significantly associated with endothelial dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background.The aim of this study was to evaluate the mediating effects of nocturnal blood pressure (BP) and morning surge on the contribution of arterial stiffness and sodium intake to morning BP in a middle-aged general population.Methods.The study included 124 subjects aged 30–59 years, from rural Yeoju County, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Ambulatory BP monitoring, 24 h urinary sodium excretion (24 h UNa) and brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurements were performed in all subjects.Results.The mean ± SD age was 48.1 ± 8.2 years and the proportion of male subjects was 41.1%. After adjusting for covariates, morning systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly correlated with morning surge [coefficient = 0.761, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.651–0.872,p < 0.001], nocturnal SBP (coefficient = 0.576, 95% CI 0.454–0.698,p < 0.001) and baPWV (coefficient = 3.550, 95% CI 1.447–5.653,p = 0.001). Path analysis modeling revealed that baPWV had significant direct (0.035,p = 0.013) and indirect effects (0.042,p = 0.012) on morning SBP. The indirect effect mediated by nocturnal SBP was statistically significant (0.054,p = 0.005), but the indirect effect mediated by the morning surge was not significant. The 24 h UNa had no significant direct or indirect effects on morning SBP.Conclusion.baPWV had significant direct and indirect effects on morning SBP. The indirect effect was mediated by nocturnal SBP, but not by morning surge. The 24 h UNa had neither significant direct nor indirect effects on morning SBP. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article focuses on a study which investigates that Type 2 diabetic patients display significantly higher incidence of cardiovascular (CV) events including stroke compared to non-diabetics. Topics discussed include morning blood pressure surge (MBPS), blunted systolic night-day (SND) ratio and diseases associated with hypertensive patients.

Morning blood pressure (BP) surge has been reported to be a prognostic factor for cardiovascular events. Its determinants are still poorly defined, however. In particular, it is not clear whether ethnic differences play a role in determining morning surge (MS) size. Aim of our study was to explore whether differences exist in the size of MS between Japanese and Western European hypertensive patients. We included 2887 untreated hypertensive patients (age 62.3±8.8 years) from a European ambulatory BP monitoring database and 811 hypertensive patients from a Japanese database (Jichi Medical School Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring WAVE1, age 72.3±9.8 years) following the same inclusion criteria. Their 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring recordings were analyzed focusing on MS. Sleep-trough MS was defined as the difference between mean systolic BP during the 2 hours after awakening and mean systolic BP during the 1-hour night period that included the lowest sleep BP level. The sleep-trough MS was higher in Japanese than in European hypertensive patients after adjusting for age and 24-hour mean BP levels (40.1 [95% confidence interval 39.0-41.2] versus 23.0 [22.4-23.5] mm Hg; P<0.001). This difference remained significant after accounting for differences in night-time BP dipping. Age was independently associated with MS in the Japanese database, but not in the European subjects. Our results for the first time show the occurrence of substantial ethnic differences in the degree of MS. These findings may help in understanding the role of ethnic factors in cardiovascular risk assessment and in identifying possible ethnicity-related differences in the most effective measures to be implemented for prevention of BPrelated cardiovascular events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) is an independent predictor of atherothrombotic cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients. There is evidence from studies supporting the validity of mean platelet volume (MPV) as a marker of vascular risk and predictor of thrombotic complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between MPV and MBPS in hypertensive patients. Methods: Measurements were obtained from 298 patients with newly diagnosed essential hypertension (Mean age: 51.9±11.7 years). The patients were divided into two groups (MPVlow group; <10.8 fL, MPVhigh group; ≥10.8 fL). The MBPS was calculated as mean systolic BP during the 2 hours after awaking minus the mean systolic BP during the 1 hour that included the lowest sleep BP. Results: MPV was independently associated with MBPS (β=0.554, p<0.001) and hs-CRP level (β=0.286, p<0.001). Conclusion: Finally, higher MPV values related to enhanced MBPS which are associated with atherothrombotic cardiovascular events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]