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BACKGROUND Available data indicate that patients with primary aldosteronism have an increased risk of cardiovascular events and cardiovascular risk seems to be, at least in part, independent of blood pressure (BP) values. Patients with primary aldosteronism have a greater prevalence of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and subtle alterations of ventricular function, which might contribute to the increase in cardiovascular risk. Recently, a noninvasive approach for the estimation of LV mechanical efficiency, obtained by echocardiography has been proposed. AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the determinants of myocardial mechanoenergetic efficiency index (MEEi), in a large group of patients with primary aldosteronism (n = 99) and in a control group of essential hypertensive patients (n = 99) matched for age, sex and BP values. RESULTS No differences between groups for age, sex, BMI, BP values, glucose, lipid profile and renal function were observed. LV mass index was greater in primary aldosteronism vs. essential hypertensive patients (46.0 ± 16.7 vs. 36.9 ± 8.6 g/m2, P

It has been suggested that measurement of unattended or automated oscillatory blood pressure (BP) values may provide advantages over conventional BP measurement. Some international guidelines now suggest automated oscillatory BP as the preferred approach for measuring BP. Data on the relationship between automated oscillatory BP and cardiovascular events are much less solid as compared to those obtained with the standard approach; preliminary data suggested that automated oscillatory BP might be more strictly correlated with organ damage. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between attended or unattended BP and organ damage in 564 subjects undergoing an echocardiogram and carotid ultrasound at an European Society of Hypertension Excellence Center.Both unattended BP (patient alone in the room, an oscillometric device programmed to perform 3 BP measurements, at 1-minute intervals, after 5 minutes) and attended BP were measured with the same device, on the same day of the ultrasonographic examination, in random order. In 564 patients (age 61±15 years, 41% female 78% hypertensives) systolic unattended BP was lower as compared with attended BP (128.0±15.5 versus 134.5±19.9 mm Hg). Left ventricular mass index was similarly correlated with attended and unattended systolic BP ( r =0.205 and r =0.194, respectively). Carotid intima-media thickness was also significantly correlated with both attended and unattended systolic BP (mean max intima-media thickness: r =0.206 and r =0.194, respectively, P

The management of an acute hemolytic event in a patient suffering from favism is based on transfusion support to ensure adequate tissue oxygenation. If this measure could not be pursued, in case of severe anemia the risk of death from multiorgan failure would be relevant. Most of Jehovah’s Witness decline transfusion of whole blood and its main components, even in life-threatening situations. In this context, the treatment of severe anemia in these patients still represents a challenge from both medical and legal stand points. Authors report a case of a Jehovah’s Witness suffering from favism who refused blood transfusion, surviving a severe event of critical anemia associated with acute renal failure, thanks to the application of alternative therapies. It is essential that clinicians know the medico-legal aspects in such situations and are able to act promptly to support the patient’s vital functions, by complying with his/her wishes.

BACKGROUND AND METHOD Measurement of 'unattended' blood pressure (BP) may reduce or eliminate the 'white-coat effect'. Despite the possible advantages of this approach for BP measurement, only few studies analysed the relationship between unattended BP and cardiovascular events or with hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD). The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between 'attended' or 'unattended' BP values and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) in 285 individuals undergoing a visit and assessment of arterial stiffness at an ESH Excellence Centre. Unattended BP (measured with the patient alone in the room, with an oscillometric device programmed to perform three BP measurements, at 1-min intervals, after 5 min) and attended BP were measured with the same device, on the same day of the measurement of PWV, in a random order. RESULTS Mean age was 63 ± 13 years, mean BMI 26 ± 4, 47% were women, 76% had hypertension (55% treated). Systolic unattended BP was lower than attended SBP (124.4 ± 14.3 vs. 130.9 ± 16.1 mmHg). PWV was similarly correlated with attended and unattended SBP values (r = 0.428 and r = 0.404, P

Background Left atrial (LA) enlargement (LAE) is associated to an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, and in particular of atrial fibrillation. The 2018 ESH/ESC Hypertension guidelines suggested the use of LA volume instead of linear dimensions, and for the first time proposed the indexation to height2 (h2) The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of left atrial dilatation in a large sample of patients undergoing an echocardiogram for cardiovascular risk stratification at an ESH excellence centre in Italy. Design and methods 3872 subjects undergoing a diagnostic work-up for arterial hypertension (known or suspect) were analysed. The mean age was 56±15 years, BMI 26±5 kg/m, 44% normal weight, 39% overweight, 17% obese, 53% males. Left atrial volume was measured by the area-length method using the apical 4-chamber and 2-chamber views. Results The prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was 11% when indexing for BSA and 12% when indexing for height2.7. LAE was observed in 30% of subjects when indexing for h2 and in 9% when indexing for BSA. In obese or overweight subjects the prevalence of LAE was 38% of subjects when indexing for h2 and in 11% when indexing for BSA. The different prevalence of LAE was particularly evident in extremely obese patients. LAE was very common in patients with LVH: 62% and 26% when indexing for h2 and for BSA, respectively. Interestingly, it was frequent also in patients without LVH, in particular when the indexation for h2 was used (25% as compared to 7% when indexing for BSA). Conclusions In a large sample of subjects undergoing a diagnostic work-up for arterial hypertension LAE was frequently observed, particularly when the new indexation proposed by the 2018 ESH/ESC hypertension guidelines was used. Even in the absence of clear-cut LVH, LAE was observed in one quarter of subjects. The indexation to BSA leads to an under-recognition of LAE, in particular in patients with overweight and/or obesity

It has been suggested that measurement of unattended or automated oscillatory blood pressure (BP) values may provide advantages over conventional BP measurement. Some international guidelines now suggest automated oscillatory BP as the preferred approach for measuring BP. Data on the relationship between automated oscillatory BP and cardiovascular events are much less solid as compared to those obtained with the standard approach; preliminary data suggested that automated oscillatory BP might be more strictly correlated with organ damage. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between attended or unattended BP and organ damage in 564 subjects undergoing an echocardiogram and carotid ultrasound at an European Society of Hypertension Excellence Center.Both unattended BP (patient alone in the room, an oscillometric device programmed to perform 3 BP measurements, at 1-minute intervals, after 5 minutes) and attended BP were measured with the same device, on the same day of the ultrasonographic examination, in random order. In 564 patients (age 61±15 years, 41% female 78% hypertensives) systolic unattended BP was lower as compared with attended BP (128.0±15.5 versus 134.5±19.9 mm Hg). Left ventricular mass index was similarly correlated with attended and unattended systolic BP ( r=0.205 and r=0.194, respectively). Carotid intima-media thickness was also significantly correlated with both attended and unattended systolic BP (mean max intima-media thickness: r=0.206 and r=0.194, respectively, P0.0001). The differences between correlations were not statistically significant. Our results suggest that attended and unattended BP values are similarly related with hypertensive organ damage.

Objective:Left atrial (LA) enlargement (LAE) is associated to an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, and in particular of atrial fibrillation. The 2018 ESH/ESC Hypertension guidelines suggested the use of LA volume instead of linear dimensions, and for the first time proposed the indexat

Objective:It has been suggested that measurement of “unattended” or “automated oscillatory(AOBP)” blood pressure values may provide advantages over conventional BP measurement and some hypertension guidelines now suggest this approach as the preferred one for measuring office BP. Data on the strengt

interpatient variability in anthracycline(ANT)metabolism may contribute to the development of cardiotoxicity(CTX). Aim of the study:to verify the role of genetic variants of enzymes involved in drug metabolism to predict ANT-induced CTX risk in patients(pts)with non metastatic breast Cancer(BC).