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Arterial hypertension is a global burden leading to over 10.8 million deaths per year worldwide. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global project initiated by the International Society of Hypertension to raise the awareness of high blood pressure (BP) in the population. Following the MMM protocol 2508 participants ≥18 years had their BP measured in Austria in MMM18 and MMM19. Of those screened, 54.6% were found to be hypertensive, defined as a BP ≥140/90 mmHg and/or being on treatment for hypertension. Among those individuals with hypertension, 56.1% were on medication but only 42.0% of those treated had controlled BP (

In the treatment of de-novo coronary small vessel disease, drug-coated balloons (DCBs) are non-inferior to drug-eluting stents (DESs) regarding clinical outcome up to 12 months, but data beyond 1 year is sparse. We aimed to test the long-term efficacy and safety of DCBs regarding clinical endpoints in an all-comer population undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.In this prespecified long-term follow-up of a multicentre, randomised, open-label, non-inferiority trial, patients from 14 clinical sites in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria with de-novo lesions in coronary vessels3 mm and an indication for percutaneous coronary intervention were randomly assigned 1:1 to DCB or second-generation DES and followed over 3 years for major adverse cardiac events (ie, cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and target-vessel revascularisation [TVR]), all-cause death, probable or definite stent thrombosis, and major bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium bleeding type 3-5). Analyses were performed on the full analysis set according to the modified intention-to-treat principle. Dual antiplatelet therapy was recommended for 1 month after DCB and 6 months after DES with stable symptoms, but 12 months with acute coronary syndromes. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01574534 and is ongoing.Between April 10, 2012, and Feb 1, 2017, of 883 patients assessed, 758 (86%) patients were randomly assigned to the DCB group (n=382) or the DES group (n=376). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of the rate of major adverse cardiac events was 15% in both the DCB and DES groups (hazard ratio [HR] 0·99, 95% CI 0·68-1·45; p=0·95). The two groups were also very similar concerning the single components of adverse cardiac events: cardiac death (Kaplan-Meier estimate 5% vs 4%, HR 1·29, 95% CI 0·63-2·66; p=0·49), non-fatal myocardial infarction (both Kaplan-Meier estimate 6%, HR 0·82, 95% CI 0·45-1·51; p=0·52), and TVR (both Kaplan-Meier estimate 9%, HR 0·95, 95% CI 0·58-1·56; p=0·83). Rates of all-cause death were very similar in DCB versus DES patients (both Kaplan-Meier estimate 8%, HR 1·05, 95% CI 0·62-1·77; p=0·87). Rates of probable or definite stent thrombosis (Kaplan-Meier estimate 1% vs 2%; HR 0·33, 95% CI 0·07-1·64; p=0·18) and major bleeding (Kaplan-Meier estimate 2% vs 4%, HR 0·43, 95% CI 0·17-1·13; p=0·088) were numerically lower in DCB versus DES, however without reaching significance.There is maintained efficacy and safety of DCB versus DES in the treatment of de-novo coronary small vessel disease up to 3 years.Swiss National Science Foundation, Basel Cardiovascular Research Foundation, and B Braun Medical.

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a growing burden worldwide, leading to over 10 million deaths each year. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness of high BP and to act as a temporary solution to the lack of screening programs worldwide. An opportunistic cross-sectional survey of volunteers aged ≥18 was carried out in May 2017. Blood pressure measurement, the definition of hypertension (HTN), and statistical analysis followed the standard MMM protocol. In total, 2711 individuals (58.6% female) were screened during MMM17 in 56 centres. After multiple imputation, 1704 (62.9%) had HTN (≥140/90 mmHg). Of individuals not receiving antihypertensive medication, 764 (43.2%) were hypertensive. Of individuals receiving antihypertensive medication, 597 (63.5%) had uncontrolled BP. MMM17 was one of the largest BP screening campaigns undertaken in Austria. A large number of undiagnosed hypertensives was found and connected to a therapeutic strategy. An alarming number of uncontrolled but treated hypertensives should attract the attention of doctors and health care system in Austria.

Elevated blood pressure remains the single biggest risk factor contributing to the global burden of disease and mortality. May Measurement Month is an annual global screening campaign aiming to improve awareness of blood pressure at the individual and population level. Adults ({greater than or equal to}18 years) recruited through opportunistic sampling were screened at sites in 92 countries during May 2019. Ideally three blood pressure readings were measured for each participant, and data on lifestyle factors and co-morbidities were collected. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP {greater than or equal to} 140 mmHg, and/or a diastolic BP {greater than or equal to} 90 mmHg (mean of the second and third readings) or taking antihypertensive medication. When necessary, multiple imputation was used to estimate participants' mean blood pressure. Mixed-effects models were used to evaluate associations between blood pressure and participant characteristics. Of 1,508,130 screenees 482,273 (32.0%) had never had a blood pressure measurement before and 513,337 (34.0%) had hypertension, of whom 58.7% were aware and 54.7% were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on medication, 57.8% were controlled to

Drug-coated balloons (DCB) are a novel therapeutic strategy for small native coronary artery disease. However, their safety and efficacy is poorly defined in comparison with drug-eluting stents (DES).; BASKET-SMALL 2 was a multicentre, open-label, randomised non-inferiority trial. 758 patients with de-novo lesions (

Elevated blood pressure remains a major cause of cardiovascular disease, disability, and premature death in Austria, with suboptimal rates of detection, treatment and control also in recent years. Management of hypertension is a common challenge for physicians with different spezializations. In an attempt to standardize diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and, ultimately, to increase the rate of patients with controlled blood pressure and to decrease the burden of cardiovascular disease, 13 Austrian medical societies reviewed the evidence regarding prevention, detection, workup, treatment and consequences of high blood pressure in general and in various clinical scenarios. The result is presented as the first national consensus on blood pressure. The authors and societies involved are convinced that a joint national effort is needed to decrease hypertension-related morbidity and mortality in our country.

Hypertension has a major impact on cardiovascular and overall morbidity and mortality of patients. In most cases, the condition is caused by polygenetic predisposition and environmental lifestyle factors. General practitioners and other health-care providers should seek to screen for high blood pressure (BP) in all adults. Public knowledge about the disease can also help to detect previously unknown hypertension. First-degree family members of hypertensive patients deserve special attention because of the hereditary nature of the disease. Most measurements are made as in-office BP readings (>140/>90mmHg), which should be confirmed by out-of-office BP measurements in order to uncover white-coat effects. The basis for treatment decisions is ideally a calculation of the overall cardiovascular risk. Treatment of hypertension consists of both non-pharmacological lifestyle changes and pharmacological therapy. Several classes of antihypertensive drugs are available. The choice of medication is mainly dependent on compelling indications, as their main effect is BP lowering per se. From a hypertensiologist’s view, renin–angiotensin system inhibition seems an appropriate first choice of treatment for younger patients, whereas the elderly benefit more from calcium channel blockers and diuretics. Nevertheless, therapy based on the combination of 2–3 drugs is preferable in most cases.

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

Introduction Coronary vasospasm and sudden cardiac death are a frequently reported complication of cocaine abuse. We present a case with uniquely severe clinical and angiographic presentation. Case presentation A 39-year-old patient was presented to the cath lab after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Coronary angiography revealed focal coronary vasospasm in the proximal LCx, well responsive for intracoronary nitrates. Accordingly, no coronary intervention was performed and the patient was transferred to the cardiac intensive care unit. There, after systematically cooling sudden haemodynamic deterioration and massive ST-elevation was observed. Repeated coronary angiography revealed subocclusive LAD and LCx vasospasm, which again recovered after intracoronary injection of nitric oxide. Discussion Coronary-spastic effect of cocaine and its potentially dreadful clinical consequences are well-described phenomena. As novelty this case emphasizes that standard of care, including systematic hypothermia and vasopressor administration after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest can potentiate cocaine-induced coronary spasm with dramatic outcomes.

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism are at increased risk for high blood pressure, vascular stiffening, and left ventricular hypertrophy, but previous studies have failed to demonstrate the direct associations with circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. The authors investigated cross-sectional relationships between PTH and 24-hour pulse wave velocity, nocturnal systolic blood pressure, and left ventricular mass index in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who were treatment-naive with cinacalcet, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system inhibitors, and thiazide or loop diuretics. In 76 patients, mean±SD of pulse wave velocity, nocturnal systolic blood pressure, and left ventricular mass index values were 9.3±1.8 m/s, 116.6±17.0 mm Hg, and 92.8±23.0 g/m². In multivariate linear regression analyses with adjustment for potentially confounding parameters, PTH was independently associated with nocturnal systolic blood pressure (adjusted s coefficient=.284, P=.040), mean 24-hour pulse wave velocity (s=.199, P=.001), and left ventricular mass index (s=.252, P=.025). PTH may promote vascular and cardiac remodeling in primary hyperparathyroidism. Interventional trials are needed to test the antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of PTH-inhibitory treatment strategies.

OBJECTIVES: The high prevalence of arterial hypertension in primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is largely unexplained. Apart from parathyroid hormone (PTH), the mineral hormones fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 and aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) are upregulated in pHPT. We aimed to determine whether nocturnal blood pressure (BP) is related with PTH, FGF-23 or ARR in a relatively large sample of pHPT patients.METHODS: Cross-sectional data of the single-center "Eplerenone in Primary Hyperparathyroidism" trial were used. All patients with a biochemical diagnosis of pHPT who had both available 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and valid laboratory data were included.RESULTS: Full data were available in 136 patients (mean age 67 ± 10 years, 78% women). Median PTH was 99 (interquartile range: 82-124) pg/ml and mean calcium was 2.63 ± 0.15 mmol/l. ARR, but not PTH or FGF-23, was significantly and directly related with nocturnal SBP (Pearson's r = 0.241, P CONCLUSION: ARR, but not FGF-23 or PTH, was independently and directly related with nocturnal BP parameters in patients with pHPT, and this relationship was dependent on pHPT disease severity. Inappropriately, elevated aldosterone may partially explain the high prevalence of arterial hypertension in pHPT.

BACKGROUND Adherence to medication and lifestyle interventions are essential keys for the management of hypertension. In this respect, a structured educational program for hypertensive patients has got remarkable merits (herz.leben). In order to determine the isolated effect of participation in the educational program, neglecting the possible impact of more intense care, this prospective multicenter randomized controlled study was designed (NCT00453037). METHODS A total of 256 patients in 13 centers were enrolled and randomly assigned to 2 groups (G). G-I (n = 137) underwent the educational program immediately (T-0), G-II (n = 119) after 6 months (T-6). Follow-up visits were done after 6 (T-6) and 12 (T-12) months. Primary endpoint was a difference in office blood pressure (BP) at T-6, when only G-I had undergone the educational program. RESULTS Patients' baseline characteristics were comparable. At T-6, systolic office and home BP were significantly lower in G-I compared to G-II: office BP systolic 139 (134-150) mm Hg vs. 150 (135-165) mm Hg (P < 0.01); diastolic 80 (76-85) mm Hg vs. 84 (75-90) mm Hg (ns); home BP systolic 133 (130-140) mm Hg vs. 142 (132-150) mm Hg (P < 0.01); diastolic 80 (75-85) mm Hg vs. 80 (76-89) mm Hg (ns)). At T-12, when all patients had undergone the educational program differences in BP disappeared. CONCLUSION The results of this multicenter randomized controlled study provide significant evidence for benefit by participation in a structured educational program. Positive effects seem to be mediated by better adherence and life style changes due to higher levels of information and patient empowerment. Therefore, educational strategies should be considered as standard of care for hypertensive patients.

Das Gehirn ist wieder in den Mittelpunkt des allgemeinen und des wissenschaftlichen Interesses geruckt. Besonders die nichtinvasiven, bildgebenden Verfahren und die Neurogenetik werden unser Wissen uber Gehirnfunktionen weiterbringen. Diese Erkenntnisse sind primar wichtig fur die kausale Behandlung von Alzheimer, Parkinson und Schlaganfall. Bisher ist die energetische Versorgung des Gehirns besonders mit Glucose und Sauerstoff nicht genugend beachtet worden. Sauerstoff bringt die maximale Effizienz, seine Radikale aber verursachen Funktionsdefizite, mentale Storungen und Tod. Eine hirngangige Ernahrung ist einer der Wege, um solche negativen Effekte zu verzogern oder gar zu vermeiden.

In the SAVE-trial we evaluated the safety, reliability and improvements of patient management using the BIOTRONIK Home Monitoring®-System (HM) in pacemaker (PM) and implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients.115 PM (Module A) and 36 ICD-patients (Module B) were recruited 3 months after implantation.65 patients in Module A were randomised to HM-OFF and had one scheduled outpatient clinic follow-up(FU) per year, whereas patients randomised to HM-ON were equipped with the mobile transmitter and discharged without any further scheduled in-office FU. In Module B 18 patients were randomised to HM-OFF and followed by standard outpatient clinic controls every 6 months; 18 patients were randomised to HM-ON receiving remote monitoring plus one outpatient clinic visit per year; unscheduled follow-ups were performed when necessary.The average follow-up period was 17.1 ± 9.2 months in Module A and 26.3 ± 8.6 months in Module B. In both modules, the number of FUs per year was significantly reduced (Module A HM-ON 0.29 ± 0.6 FUs/year vs HM-OFF 0.53 ± 0.5 FUs/year; p b 0.001; Module B HM-ON 0.87 ± 0.25 vs HM-OFF 1.73 ± 0.53 FU/year,p b 0.001). Cost analysis was significantly lower in the HM-ON group compared to the HM-OFF group (18.0 ± 41.3 and 22.4 ± 26.9 € respectively; p b 0.003). 93% of the unscheduled visits in Module B were clinically indicated,whereas 55% of the routine FUs were classified as clinically unnecessary.Remote home monitoring of pacemaker and ICD devices was safe, reduced overall hospital visits, and detected events that mandated unscheduled visits.

We assessed a two-stage follow-up procedure for cardiac pacemakers, where in-clinic follow-ups were partly replaced by telemedical follow-ups. This was compared with the standard follow-up regime (in-clinic follow-up only). The new procedure required an electronic patient record, a telemedical follow-up unit for recording ECGs while the pacemaker was temporarily set to magnet mode, an ECG processing unit, and a reviewing and reporting unit. A total of 177 (86 female) patients were randomized to the control group and 182 (98 female) patients to the telemedicine group. In the telemedicine group, 234 telemedical follow-ups were performed. Out of these, 68 required an additional in-clinic follow-up, while 166 were sufficient for assessing the pacemakers' working status. During the study, there were 19 deaths in the telemedicine group and 20 in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups( P = 0.40). The probability that an individual patient’s pacemaker would not to be replaced over time was analysed in a similar way to the Kaplan-Meier survival function. Fewer pacemakers were replaced in the telemedicine group (14) than in the control group (18), but the difference was not significant ( P = 0.26). We conclude that alternating telemedical and in-clinic follow-ups brings no additional risks for patients. The follow-up procedure is feasible and interpretation of the pacemakers’ magnet effect provides an easy-to-use, manufacturer-independent method of assessing the pacemakers’ working status. This should reduce the patient load on pacemaker centres and decrease the overall costs of pacemaker therapy.

OBJECTIVE Although hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality, the level of blood pressure control remains poor. To amplify quality of care in hypertensive patients, a multifaceted program consisting of structured educational programs for both patients and staff, structured documentation and feedback reports with peer comparison, was implemented on a multicentre basis. Main targets were improvement of blood pressure control and reduction of cardiovascular risk. A provisional reimbursement was provided. METHODS Patients were eligible for inclusion in the program if office blood pressure was uncontrolled (>160/95 or >140/90 mmHg) in addition to elevated cardiovascular risk [>15% according to the New Zealand Risk Score (NZRS)]. Blood pressure and lipid panels were measured at entry in the program and after 12 months. Patients attended four educational units held by hypertension nurses and physicians. All data were collected in structured documentation sheets and benchmarking reports were provided every 6 months. RESULTS Two thousand and forty-one patients were enrolled in the program within 5 years and 3 months; 54% female, age 62.8 ± 11.1years, BMI 29.50 ± 7.88 kg/m (mean ± SD). To date, 744 patients have been seen at 1-year follow-up. Entry blood pressure was 156.1 ± 20.8/88.9 ± 11.1 mmHg. Total cholesterol showed mean levels of 207.0 ± 46.0 mg/dl, low-density lipoprotein 122.3 ± 41.6 mg/dl, high-density lipoprotein 57.2 ± 22.4 mg/dl and calculated cardiovascular risk level (NZRS) was 17.28 ± 8.29%. One year following the educational program, blood pressure was reduced to 139.2 ± 15.6 (P

The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of the enhanced Model Predictive Control (eMPC) algorithm for glycemic control in medical critically ill patients for the whole length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay.The trial was designed as a single-center, open, noncontrolled clinical investigation in a nine-bed medical ICU in a tertiary teaching hospital. In 20 patients, blood glucose (BG) was controlled with a laptop-based bedside version of the eMPC. Efficacy was assessed by percentage of time within the target range (4.4-6.1 mM; primary end point), mean BG, and BG sampling interval. Safety was assessed by the number of severe hypoglycemic episodes (2.2 mM).Twenty patients (69 +/- 11 years old; body mass index, 27.4 +/- 4.5 kg/m(2); APACHE II, 25.5 +/- 5.2) were included for a period of 7.3 days (median; interquartile range, 4.4-10.2 days) in the study. Time within target range was 58.12 +/- 10.05% (mean +/- SD). For all patients with at least 7 days in the ICU, there was no statistically significant difference between the daily mean percentage of times in target range in respect of the averages. Mean arterial BG was 5.8 +/- 0.5 mM, insulin requirement was 101.3 +/- 50.7 IU/day, and mean carbohydrate intake (enteral and parenteral nutrition) was 176.4 +/- 61.9 g/day. Three hypoglycemic episodes occurred in three subjects, corresponding to a rate of 0.02 per treatment day.In our single-center, noncontrolled study the eMPC algorithm was a safe and reliable method to control BG in critically medical ICU patients for the whole length of ICU stay.

Hypertensive patients with IGT have increased risk for cardiovascular disease and progression to diabetes mellitus. Clinical trials suggest that the ARB telmisartan uniquely possesses PPARγ agonistic properties and improves insulin resistance as well as vascular endothelial dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to compare vascular effects of telmisartan and losartan in relation to their metabolic and antihypertensive effects in hypertensive patients with IGT.24 patients were randomised in a double-blind, prospective, cross-over trial. At baseline and after 12 weeks of either treatment an oGTT, and endothelial function testing was performed.Endothelial function improved significantly by telmisartan treatment but not by losartan treatment (FMD; T: 7.9 ± 0.7%, vs B: 6.4 ± 0.8, p0.01; vs L: 6.4 ± 0.6, p0.001) at almost identical antihypertensive effect of both agents. Insulin resistance assessed by HOMA (T: 2.20 ± 0.47 vs B: 3.04 ± 0.60, p0.01; vs L: 3.38 ± 0.84, T vs L p0.05) and ISI120 (T: 0.114 ± 0.003 vs B: 0.092 ± 0.002, p0.001; vs L: 0.090 ± 0.006, T vs L p0.01) improved significantly after telmisartan only, as did glucose tolerance (p0.01). The improvement of the endothelial function observed, significantly depended on pretreatment insulin resistance but was independent of improvements of insulin resistance, blood pressure or glucose tolerance.In hypertensive patients with IGT telmisartan compared to losartan improved endothelial function and insulin resistance independently, supporting the hypothesis that glucometabolic and vascular insulin resistance are differentially regulated.

Lassen Sie uns die Einfuhrung zur Gentechnik in der Medizin mit einer verbalen Punktmutation beginnen, die da lautet: von der Wertegesellschaft zur Werbegesellschaft. Wer heute als Wissenschaftler nicht ein Trompeter seiner eigenen Vortrefflichkeit ist, der muss im Rennen um Forschungsgelder, ehrenvolle Vortragseinlagungen oder Stiftungsprofessuren unterliegen. Schon in antragen an offentliche geldgeber gilt es zu betonen, dass die projektierten Vorhaben den Charakter des Einzigartigen haben, dass sie voller gesellschaftspolitischer Relevanz stecken, die Losung des bisher Unlosbaren ermoglichen, global wettbewerbsfahig sind und ohne Risiken fur die Allgemeinheit durchgefuhrt werden. Auserdem ist zu versichern, dass man im Sinne des pradiktiven Handelns bereits ab initio zur Stimulierung der ethischen Debatte beitragt.

Subtractive cloning procedures led to the identification of a variety of transcripts expressed in mammalian brain. However, little is known about the encoded proteins and the regulation of gene expression. Here, we describe the isolation and characterisation of a single-copy gene (83.5) of 21.7 kb which is specifically expressed in porcine brain. In situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry experiments showed a distinct pattern of gene expression in neuronal cell types in different parts of the brain. The gene contains two mini exons, confirming neural-specific expression. cDNA cloning experiments revealed two species of mRNA differing in their 5'-regions. These transcripts are generated by two distinct transcription start sites that are under the control of different potential promoter regions as shown by primer-extension experiments. The amino acid sequences of the deduced proteins predict that one mRNA species encodes a novel type-I transmembrane protein, whereas the other transcript encodes only a part of its cytoplasmic domain. In Western-blot experiments, we detected two proteins of the predicted size and cellular localisation in porcine brain. The precise function of these proteins remains to be determined. However, our findings suggest that they may be generated by alternative promoter usage, leading to the expression of a membrane protein and its truncated cytoplasmic isoform.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of a newly developed prototype decision support system for the establishment of tight glycaemic control in patients in the medical ICU for a period of 72 hours.