Clinical Hypertension最新文献

{"title":"Intensive blood pressure control to prevent major cardiovascular events in individuals with high-normal blood pressure (prehypertension): PRINT-TAHA9 randomized clinical trial.","authors":"Seyed Alireza Mirhosseini, Ashkan Abdollahi, Mehrab Sayadi, Parham Eskandarzadeh, Mohammad Javad Zibaeenezhad, Armin Attar","doi":"10.5646/ch.2026.32.e4","DOIUrl":"10.5646/ch.2026.32.e4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The optimal treatment for individuals with high-normal blood pressure (BP, systolic BP 130-139 mmHg and diastolic BP < 90 mmHg) is debated. This study evaluates whether pharmacologically reducing systolic BP to below 130 mmHg could prevent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in high-normal BP cases with no comorbidities and 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk ≥ 7.5%.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this randomized, controlled, parallel, unicentric trial, participants were assigned to either an intervention group (pharmacotherapy plus diet control) or a control group (diet control only). The study aimed for 1,600 participants but was terminated after the first phase due to limited resources and recruitment challenges. Fixed-dose combinations of valsartan and amlodipine were administered as BP-lowering agents. Follow-up visits every 3 months adjusted pharmacotherapy to maintain systolic BP < 130 mmHg in the intervention group and < 140 mmHg in the control group. MACE was the primary endpoint, with its components (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure) as secondary endpoints. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was utilized to compare the group endpoints.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 14,562 screened individuals, 231 in the intervention and 235 in the control group were included in the final intention-to-treat analysis. At baseline, the control group had a slightly higher mean age than the intervention group (67.7 vs. 66.1 years; <i>P</i> = 0.013). Females comprised a minority in both groups (19.5% in intervention vs. 16.2% in control; <i>P</i> = 0.397). The mean 10-year ASCVD risk was slightly higher in the control group (17.4% vs. 15.9%; <i>P</i> = 0.013). The MACE occurred in 9 participants (1.57 per 100 person-year) in the intensive treatment group vs. 24 (4.16 per 100 person-year) in the control group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11-0.62; <i>P</i> = 0.003). The incidence of serious adverse events (hypotension, syncope, injurious falls, electrolyte imbalances, or acute kidney injury) was similar between the groups (aHR, 1.47; 95% CI, 0.82-2.62; <i>P</i> = 0.195).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PRINT-TAHA9 findings suggest that pharmacological BP reduction may benefit healthy asymptomatic individuals with high-normal BP and ASCVD risk ≥ 7.5%.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Identifier: IRCT20191002044961N1.</p>","PeriodicalId":10480,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Hypertension","volume":"32 ","pages":"e4"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12790965/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145965479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mortality trends in isolated systolic, diastolic, and combined hypertension: insights from NHANES database.","authors":"Abdelrahman Sherif Abdalla, Muhammad Sohaib Asghar, Deepti Bhandare, Thomas Shimshak","doi":"10.5646/ch.2026.32.e1","DOIUrl":"10.5646/ch.2026.32.e1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. It is often treated as a uniform entity despite evidence highlighting distinct outcomes associated with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH), and combined systolic-diastolic hypertension (SDH). ISH predominates in older adults and is linked to adverse outcomes through arterial stiffness and increased pulse pressure, whereas IDH is more common in younger populations, with unclear long-term mortality implications. In this study we aim to explore differences in mortality between ISH, IDH and SDH in the general population and in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a longitudinal analysis using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (1999-2020), examining 47,582 adults aged 20 to 84. Participants were categorized by hypertension subtypes: ISH, IDH, SDH, or normotensive. Mortality data (1999-2018) were obtained via the National Death Index. Primary outcomes included demographic and clinical differences across groups; secondary outcomes assessed all-cause mortality using weighted logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Analyses were stratified by CAD status and adjusted for key sociodemographics and comorbidities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ISH patients were older (mean age 65.9) with higher Medicare coverage and lower education levels; IDH patients were younger, predominantly male, and more likely to be uninsured. Age-adjusted mortality was highest in ISH (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-1.41), followed by SDH (aOR, 1.60, 95% CI, 1.39-1.84). IDH showed no significant mortality risk at blood pressure (BP) ≥ 130/80 but demonstrated increased risk at diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg (aOR, 1.45, 95% CI, 1.12-1.89). ISH remained a significant mortality predictor after adjusting for age. IDH showed a shift from apparent protection in unadjusted models to risk after adjustment, suggesting heterogeneity based on age and severity.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study sheds focus on systolic and diastolic components of hypertension. ISH is associated with increased mortality, independent of age, and should prompt prioritizing systolic control. IDH-more prevalent in younger adults-warrants age-specific management strategies. Findings support differential treatment thresholds for hypertension subtypes and underscore the need for longitudinal studies to better define IDH's long-term risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":10480,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Hypertension","volume":"32 ","pages":"e1"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12790967/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145964665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Resistance exercise training and blueberry extract protect against cardiac and skeletal muscle remodeling and metabolism disruptions in experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension.","authors":"Leôncio Lopes Soares, Luciano Bernardes Leite, Bruno Rocha Avila Pelozin, Sebastião Felipe Ferreira Costa, Thainá Iasbik-Lima, Patrick Turck, Alex Sander da Rosa Araujo, Flavio Gilberto Herter, Tiago Fernandes, Mariana Machado-Neves, Emily Correna Carlo Reis, Edilamar Menezes Oliveira, Antônio José Natali","doi":"10.5646/ch.2025.31.e39","DOIUrl":"10.5646/ch.2025.31.e39","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) leads to heart failure, with limited treatment options to prevent adverse remodeling and metabolic dysfunctions. Exercise and bioactive compounds like blueberry extract show potential, but their combined effects are unclear. We tested if combining resistance exercise training (RT) and blueberry extract could protect against cardiac and skeletal muscle remodeling and metabolic disruptions in monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Male rats received MCT (60 mg/kg), blueberry extract (100 mg/kg/day), and RT (ladder climbing; 15 climbs at 55-65% max load, 5 times/week). Exercise tolerance, blood lactate levels, and echocardiography were assessed. After euthanasia, heart and biceps brachii were analyzed. RT and blueberry attenuated mortality, weight loss, and exercise intolerance in hypertensive rats.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both interventions reduced pulmonary artery resistance and partially prevented right ventricular (RV) pressure overload and dysfunction, while their combination fully preserved left ventricular function. Hypertension-induced cardiac myocyte remodeling was mitigated by both interventions, with RT improving contractile function, whereas blueberry had no effect. Both treatments reduced oxidative stress and improved metabolic biomarkers in the RV. Blueberry preserved hypertrophy signaling pathways, while RT increased phospho (p)-Akt expression. Both interventions partially prevented reductions in p-mTOR, p-4E-BP1, and eIF4E, with their combination fully preserving these markers.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>RT program and blueberry extract employed, either alone or in combination, demonstrated protective effects against the progression of cardiac and skeletal muscle remodeling and metabolism disruptions in the MCT-induced PAH model.</p>","PeriodicalId":10480,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Hypertension","volume":"31 ","pages":"e39"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12682402/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145707556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acute effects of isometric plank exercise on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure in young adults with prehypertension: a randomized cross-over trial.","authors":"Seung Won Jung, Joon Youp Seong, Sunjung Kim, Ho Jeong Min, Tae Gu Choi, Hyun Jeong Kim, Kevin S Heffernan, Sae Young Jae","doi":"10.5646/ch.2025.31.e40","DOIUrl":"10.5646/ch.2025.31.e40","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Isometric resistance exercise has been shown to reduce blood pressure (BP), particularly when involving large muscle groups. Isometric plank exercise (IPE), which elicits extensive muscle activation, may offer similar benefits; however, its acute effects on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and variability remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the acute effects of IPE on ABPM, blood pressure variability (BPV) and ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) in young adults with prehypertension.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twelve young adults (mean age, 26.4 ± 5.4 years) with prehypertension (systolic BP [SBP] 120-139 mmHg or diastolic BP [DBP] 80-89 mmHg) participated in a randomized cross-over trial. Each participant completed 2 sessions in random order: 1) 4 × 2-minute IPE session with 1-minute rest, and 2) a non-exercise control session. Office BP was measured at baseline, 30 minutes, and 90 minutes post-trial. ABPM, BPV and AASI were recorded over the following 24 hours.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A significant interaction effect was observed for systolic office BP (<i>P</i> = 0.009), with post-hoc analysis revealing a significant reduction at 90 minutes post-IPE session (<i>P</i> = 0.048). Twenty-four-hour average systolic and DBP were significantly lower in the IPE session compared to control session (<i>P</i> = 0.004, <i>P</i> = 0.031, respectively). In addition, both daytime SBP (<i>P</i> = 0.020) and nighttime DBP (<i>P</i> = 0.014) significantly decreased after the IPE session. Nighttime systolic BPV was also significantly decreased after the IPE session (<i>P</i> = 0.040). No significant changes were observed in other BPV index and AASI.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>IPE significantly reduced 24-hour SBP and DBP and improved nighttime BP variability in young adults with prehypertension. These findings provide preliminary evidence that IPE may serve as a potential nonpharmacologic strategy for early BP management. Large-scale interventional studies are warranted to confirm and extend on these effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":10480,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Hypertension","volume":"31 ","pages":"e40"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12682401/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145707753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Indirect 24-hour blood pressure arterial stiffness indexes and pulse wave velocity: insights from an individual patient data analysis.","authors":"Nikolaos Kakaletsis, Gil F Salles, Claudia R L Cardoso, Vasilios Kotsis, Athanase D Protogerou, Christina Antza, Elpida Athanasopoulou, Jinho Shin, James E Sharman, Anastasios Kollias, George S Stergiou, Christos Savopoulos","doi":"10.5646/ch.2025.31.e38","DOIUrl":"10.5646/ch.2025.31.e38","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Indirect estimates of pulse wave velocity (PWV) have been proposed as a feasible alternative for PWV assessment in clinical practice; however, their validity and clinical applicability remain uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between indirect measures of arterial stiffness and directly measured PWV to determine their potential utility in clinical settings.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this multicentre, international study, data from 4,206 individuals from Brazil, Greece, Korea, and Australia were analysed. The relationships between estimated PWV (ePWV), 24-hour (24h)-pulse pressure (PP), Early Vascular Aging Ambulatory Score (EVAAS), and carotid-femoral (cf-PWV) and/or brachial-ankle (ba-PWV) PWV were assessed through correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses. Subgroup-specific associations were also examined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study population had a mean age of 57.6 ± 14.3 years, with 42.5% being male and 82.1% having pre-existing hypertension. After adjusting for multiple factors related to arterial stiffness, ePWV demonstrated a strong association with cf-PWV (β = 0.599, <i>P</i> < 0.001) and ba-PWV (β = 1.342, <i>P</i> < 0.001). 24h-PP and EVAAS showed moderate associations with both cf-PWV and ba-PWV. Subgroup analyses indicated that ePWV correlated more strongly with both cf-PWV and ba-PWV in individuals without traditional cardiovascular risk factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>ePWV may be used as a surrogate marker for arterial stiffness, particularly in individuals without major cardiometabolic comorbidities. Although 24h-PP and EVAAS are also associated with PWV, their clinical utility varies across subgroups. Future research should explore their role in improving cardiovascular risk prediction and guiding personalized treatment strategies for vascular aging.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>PROSPERO Identifier: CRD420250618863.</p>","PeriodicalId":10480,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Hypertension","volume":"31 ","pages":"e38"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12682403/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145707357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Amiloride: revisiting an old drug for resistant hypertension.","authors":"Chan Joo Lee, Sungha Park","doi":"10.5646/ch.2025.31.e42","DOIUrl":"10.5646/ch.2025.31.e42","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Resistant hypertension (RH) remains a major clinical challenge, defined as uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) despite the use of 3 antihypertensive agents, including a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor, a calcium channel blocker, and a diuretic, or the need for 4 or more agents. Spironolactone has been considered the most effective fourth-line therapy, supported by the PATHWAY-2 trial, but its real-world use is limited by adverse effects such as gynecomastia, menstrual irregularities, and hyperkalemia. Therefore, there was a clinical need for alternative agents, and thus the use of amiloride, an epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) inhibitor and potassium-sparing diuretic, has been proposed. Data from PATHWAY-2 suggested amiloride's comparable BP-lowering efficacy, though based only on an open-label extension. Recently, the SPironolactone versus Amiloride for REsistant hypertension (SPARE) trial provided the first randomized evidence directly comparing the 2 agents. In 118 patients with RH inadequately controlled on fixed-dose triple therapy, participants were randomized to spironolactone 12-25 mg or amiloride 5-10 mg for 12 weeks. Mean reductions in home systolic blood pressure (SBP) were -14.7 mmHg with spironolactone and -13.6 mmHg with amiloride, meeting the prespecified non-inferiority margin. Safety profiles were favorable, with only one discontinuation due to hyperkalemia in the amiloride group and no reports of gynecomastia. Subgroup analyses suggested greater efficacy of amiloride in patients with higher body mass index and lower aldosterone-renin ratios, highlighting a potentially distinct mechanism of action. Unlike spironolactone, whose efficacy correlated with aldosterone activity, amiloride showed consistent SBP reduction across renin and aldosterone levels. Beyond its renal ENaC inhibition, amiloride may also modulate vascular biology. In addition to its inhibition of renal ENaCs, amiloride may also have an impact on vascular biology. Experimental studies indicate that ENaC is present in endothelial cells, where its activation can lead to reduced nitric oxide release, increased oxidative stress, endothelial stiffness, and vascular fibrosis. Amiloride may consistently lower BP across a wide range of renin-aldosterone activity by improving endothelial function through the inhibition of ENaC, as well as by decreasing intravascular volume. The findings from the SPARE trial suggest that amiloride may be a viable alternative to spironolactone for RH, particularly in patients who are intolerant to mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. While spironolactone remains the preferred option due to its established role in blocking systemic aldosterone activation and proven cardiovascular benefits, amiloride can provide a practical and well-tolerated alternative.</p>","PeriodicalId":10480,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Hypertension","volume":"31 ","pages":"e42"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12682400/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145707121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy and safety of selective aldosterone synthase inhibitors in uncontrolled hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.","authors":"Abdelaziz Louat, Mohammad Dwikat, Mohamedhen Vall Nounou, Salaheddin M Abdulhamid, Ali M Abdelaziz, Amr Ibrahim, Pierre Sabouret, Muhammed Elhadi","doi":"10.5646/ch.2025.31.e41","DOIUrl":"10.5646/ch.2025.31.e41","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Earlier Aldosterone synthase inhibitors (ASIs) were non-selective, with a risk of cortisol insufficiency. A new generation of ASIs has emerged with improved selectivity and pharmacological properties, although their efficacy and safety remain debated. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of selective ASIs in adults with uncontrolled primary hypertension. We selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 6 databases/registries, comparing selective ASIs with placebo in adults aged ≥ 18 years with primary uncontrolled hypertension. Quality was assessed using the risk of bias 2 tool. Random-effects models were used to pool mean differences for continuous variables and calculate odds ratios (ORs) for binary outcomes. Certainty of evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Five RCTs, involving 2,456 patients, were included. Least-squares mean (LSM) systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly lower with ASIs than placebo in both standard-dose (difference in LSM [LSMD], -9.05 mmHg; 95% confidence interval [CI], -10.98 to -7.12; <i>P</i> < 0.001) and high-dose regimens (LSMD, -9.04 mmHg; 95% CI, -10.99 to -7.08; <i>P</i> < 0.001). LSM diastolic blood pressure was also significantly lower with ASIs using standard dose (LSMD, -3.54 mmHg; 95% CI, -4.99 to -2.09; <i>P</i> < 0.001) and high dose (LSMD, -4.17 mmHg; 95% CI, -5.72 to -2.62; <i>P</i> < 0.001) compared with placebo. For safety endpoints, mild hyperkalemia (5.5-6 mmol/L) was more frequent with ASIs at both standard dose (OR, 7.50; 95% CI, 2.46 to 22.85; <i>P</i> < 0.001) and high dose (OR, 11.63; 95% CI, 3.82 to 35.39; <i>P</i> < 0.001). The rate of moderate-to-severe hyperkalemia (greater than 6 mmol/L) was comparable between the ASI and placebo groups for standard doses. In contrast, high doses were associated with an increased rate in the ASI group (OR, 4.43; 95% CI, 1.10 to 17.82; <i>P</i> = 0.036). The certainty of evidence was high for both SBP and mild hyperkalemia, and moderate for moderate to severe hyperkalemia. Selective ASIs appear to be a promising treatment in terms of efficacy and safety for uncontrolled hypertensive patients. Larger RCTs with extended follow-up periods are warranted to establish long-term evidence.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>PROSPERO Identifier: CRD420251108664.</p>","PeriodicalId":10480,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Hypertension","volume":"31 ","pages":"e41"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12682404/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145707332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of home and clinical blood pressure variability on arteriosclerosis and metabolic indicators: a prospective multicenter registry study.","authors":"Ha Young Yu, Jung-Joon Cha, Dong-Hyuk Cho, Mi-Na Kim, Se Won Oh, Jae Hyoung Park, Kyung-Hee Cho, Seung Yong Shin, Eung Ju Kim, Hyung Joon Joo","doi":"10.5646/ch.2025.31.e37","DOIUrl":"10.5646/ch.2025.31.e37","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Blood pressure variability (BPV) represents an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease, distinct from mean blood pressure (BP). While home BP monitoring is widely recommended, the associations between home BPV and vascular, metabolic, and inflammatory markers remain unclear. We aimed to clarify these associations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We analyzed 519 hypertensive patients from a prospective multicenter registry. Home BPV was assessed using standard deviation, coefficient of variation (CV), average real variability, variability independent of the mean, and range. Patients were stratified by the median CV of home systolic BP (SBP). We used Pearson correlation coefficients to evaluate the relationships between home BPV and office BPV, metabolic parameters, and arterial stiffness indices.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Based on stratification by the CV of home SBP, the high-BPV group was characterized by older age, a greater proportion of women, and a lower body mass index compared with the low-BPV group. Correlations between home and office BP were stronger for mean values than for variability indices. Home systolic BPV indices correlated positively with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (<i>r</i> = 0.11-0.12, <i>P</i> < 0.05) and with arterial stiffness parameters, particularly the second systolic peak (<i>r</i> = 0.23-0.35, <i>P</i> ≤ 0.01), but not with lipid or glucose profiles. Home diastolic BPV indices exhibited weaker and inconsistent associations.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Home systolic BPV showed consistent associations with vascular inflammation and arterial stiffness, but not with metabolic parameters. These findings support home BPV as a distinct cardiovascular risk marker with potential relevance for risk stratification and preventive management.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06394934.</p>","PeriodicalId":10480,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Hypertension","volume":"31 ","pages":"e37"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12591862/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145480940","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dual modulation of atherosclerosis by exercise and metformin: convergent pathways, divergent outcomes, and therapeutic potential.","authors":"Hongpeng Li, Ziyi Zhang, Manqi Sun, Shousheng Xu","doi":"10.5646/ch.2025.31.e34","DOIUrl":"10.5646/ch.2025.31.e34","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Atherosclerosis remains a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, characterized by endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation. Both exercise and metformin have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits through overlapping molecular mechanisms, notably involving AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, mitochondrial biogenesis, anti-inflammatory pathways, and autophagy regulation. This review synthesizes current evidence on how these 2 interventions individually and jointly modulate vascular remodeling and atherogenesis. We critically examine their synergistic effects and potential conflicts, particularly regarding AMPK signaling intensity, tissue-specific responsiveness, and the influence of intervention timing, dose, and host metabolic state. We also explore how exercise and metformin interact dynamically across key molecular networks, including the M3-calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase beta-AMPK axis and downstream effectors such as sirtuin 1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha. While emerging data suggest potential benefits from the combined intervention in attenuating vascular aging and plaque formation, evidence remains mixed, and context-dependent responses are increasingly recognized. This review highlights the need for individualized intervention strategies and proposes mechanistic models to guide future research. Overall, a deeper understanding of the dynamic crosstalk between exercise and metformin may enhance the development of personalized therapies for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":10480,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Hypertension","volume":"31 ","pages":"e34"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12591866/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145480929","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global, regional, and national burden of hypertensive heart disease in 1990-2021, with forecasts to 2050: a Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.","authors":"Chaemin Lee, Seung Ha Hwang, Jaehyeong Cho, Sooji Lee, Seohyun Hong, Tae Hyeon Kim, Hayeon Lee, Jinseok Lee, Damiano Pizzol, Lee Smith, Jiyoung Hwang, So Young Yang, Dong Keon Yon","doi":"10.5646/ch.2025.31.e36","DOIUrl":"10.5646/ch.2025.31.e36","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite its substantial burden, hypertensive heart disease (HHD) remains underrecognized. We aimed to investigate the global burden of HHD projected up to 2050.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021 to estimate the global HHD burden. The burden was assessed using prevalence, death, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), stratified by region, age, sex, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with all estimates accompanied by 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). We ranked age-standardized DALY rates attributable to six risk factors. Forecasting analysis was conducted using the GBD 2021 forecast framework, supplemented by Das Gupta decomposition analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 1990 to 2021, the global age-standardized prevalence rate increased from 125.44 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 98.97-157.96) to 148.32 (117.32-186.28). In contrast, age-standardized mortality and DALY rates declined to 16.31 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 13.76-18.01) and 301.58 (255.06-332.06), respectively. HHD burden increased with age and was more pronounced in women, particularly among older populations. High systolic blood pressure ranked first among six identified risk factors. Forecasting up to 2050 projected increases in age-standardized mortality (19.11 [95% UI, 13.24-27.45]) and DALY rates (367.80 [255.27-524.52]), despite declining trends over the past three decades. Population growth was the main driver of the projected increase, as shown by Das Gupta decomposition.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The rising burden of HHD calls for a shift away from traditional, fragmented approaches focused solely on blood pressure control. Integrated clinical and policy responses are urgently needed to address the complex and multifactorial nature of the disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":10480,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Hypertension","volume":"31 ","pages":"e36"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12591864/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145480909","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}