{"title":"Longitudinal assessment of maternal echocardiographic changes in singleton versus twin pregnancies and their association with preeclampsia risk","authors":"Qianqian Xiang, Yuan Wei, Zhaoping Li, Yangyu Zhao","doi":"10.1038/s41440-025-02342-5","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41440-025-02342-5","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed to longitudinally assess maternal echocardiographic adaptations in singleton versus twin pregnancies and to evaluate their association with the development of preeclampsia (PE). We performed a prospective longitudinal cohort study involving 140 twin and 140 singleton pregnancies. Serial transthoracic echocardiography(TTE) examinations were conducted at four predefined gestational intervals: (1) 6–13+6 weeks, (2) 20–27+6 weeks, (3) 28–36+6 weeks, and (4) 6 weeks postpartum. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) were employed to analyze longitudinal trends in cardiac function parameters. The cohort was categorized into four groups: normal singleton pregnancies (N = 112), PE singleton pregnancies (N = 15), normal twin pregnancies (N = 85), and PE twin pregnancies (N = 24). The study revealed that right heart morphology and systolic function showed similar trajectories across groups. However, twin pregnancies complicated by PE displayed an adaptive decline in hemodynamic adaptation starting from the second trimester, characterized by elevated total vascular resistance (TVR) and attenuated increases in cardiac output (CO) and stroke volume (SV) as pregnancy progressed. Additionally, twin pregnancies with PE showed significantly greater increases in interventricular septal thickness (IVST), left atrial anteroposterior diameter (LAAP), left atrial area (LAA), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) compared to normal twin pregnancies. Moreover, left ventricular diastolic function was more impaired in twin pregnancies, with further deterioration in PE cases. Finally, we draw the conclusion that normal twin pregnancies exhibit more pronounced left heart morphological, diastolic, and hemodynamic changes compared to singletons, which are further exacerbated in PE cases. These findings underscore the heightened cardiovascular burden of twin gestation and its interaction with PE pathogenesis.","PeriodicalId":13029,"journal":{"name":"Hypertension Research","volume":"48 10","pages":"2701-2713"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144872993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Association of home blood pressure with asymptomatic Stage B heart failure determined by cardiac biomarkers","authors":"Sumika Wachi, Keisuke Narita, Takeshi Fujiwara, Takahiro Komori, Satoshi Hoshide, Kazuomi Kario","doi":"10.1038/s41440-025-02305-w","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41440-025-02305-w","url":null,"abstract":"Heart failure (HF) guidelines recommend screening for non-symptomatic Stage B HF. Evidence on the utility of home blood pressure (BP) for risk stratification of Stage B HF is limited. We aimed to examine the association of home BP with the prevalence of Stage B HF and the risk of symptomatic HF. This study used cohort data with 14 days of morning and evening home BP measurements, biomarker sampling, and cardiovascular event follow-up among Japanese outpatients. Stage B HF was defined as N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide ≥125 pg/mL, and/or high-sensitivity cardiac troponin >22 ng/L in men and >14 ng/L in women. Among 3077 participants without prior cardiovascular disease including coronary artery disease, symptomatic HF, stroke, and others (mean age 64.5 years, 43.1% male), 548 participants had Stage B HF. In the multivariable logistic model, home systolic BP (SBP) was associated with Stage B HF (OR [95% CI] per 10 mmHg, 1.22 [1.13–1.33]). The area under the curve (AUC) was significantly improved by adding home SBP to the model including office SBP (AUC 0.757–0.763). During the median 5.0-year follow-up, Stage B HF was associated with a higher risk of HF hospitalization (adjusted HR [95% CI], 3.94 [1.45–10.70]). Home SBP tended to be associated with an increased risk of HF hospitalization (unadjusted HR [95% CI] per 10 mmHg, 1.29 [0.97–1.71], p = 0.081), but this association was not significant after adjustment. In conclusion, appropriate BP management using home BP monitoring before the progression of HF could help prevent symptomatic HF.","PeriodicalId":13029,"journal":{"name":"Hypertension Research","volume":"48 10","pages":"2654-2663"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144859129","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Kiosk blood pressure measurement in Japan: clinical and population application","authors":"Kei Asayama, Takayoshi Ohkubo, Shigeru Shibata, Akira Nishiyama, Kazuomi Kario","doi":"10.1038/s41440-025-02332-7","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41440-025-02332-7","url":null,"abstract":"Kiosk blood pressure measurement refers to the self-measurement of blood pressure unattended by medical staff using an automated device in workplaces or public spaces, e.g., gymnasiums, shopping malls, or governmental facilities. Kiosk blood pressure devices consist mainly of automated rolling-type sphygmomanometers that are widely used in health check-ups, hospital waiting rooms, pharmacies, and even at home. The distinguished advantage of kiosk blood pressure measurement is that there can be a casual opportunity to self-measure blood pressure, making them suitable for the identification of high blood pressure. We propose to apply the term “kiosk blood pressure measurement” to all kinds of blood pressure self-measurement out-of-home, and to perform kiosk blood pressure measurements as closely as possible, similar to the self-measured home blood pressure condition, since it is a self-measurement and an unattended setting. Although kiosk blood pressure has various challenges, such as device validation, measurement environments, conditions, and long-term maintenance, we should recognize its benefits and encourage people to know their own blood pressure through the kiosk measurement, leading to self-care for their high blood pressure.","PeriodicalId":13029,"journal":{"name":"Hypertension Research","volume":"48 10","pages":"2515-2520"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41440-025-02332-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144859130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chanelle Volschenk, Esmé Jansen van Vuren, Annemarie Wentzel, Ruan Kruger
{"title":"A prospective analysis to assess the multifactorial risk of childhood-onset hypertension: the ExAMIN Youth SA study","authors":"Chanelle Volschenk, Esmé Jansen van Vuren, Annemarie Wentzel, Ruan Kruger","doi":"10.1038/s41440-025-02309-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41440-025-02309-6","url":null,"abstract":"Childhood-onset hypertension tracks into adulthood and is on the rise globally. Identifying risk factors in early childhood remains of epidemiological importance for developing early intervention and prevention strategies to mitigate premature hypertension onset. This study explored the changes in blood pressure and the predictive value of individual and composite baseline risk factors for elevated blood pressure over a 4-year period in South African children. We included 767 healthy children (aged 5–9 years at baseline) with a mean follow-up time of four years. Office blood pressure, anthropometry, cardiorespiratory fitness, health-related quality of life, food intake and urinary biomarkers were measured. Children were stratified by blood pressure status according to the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. Individual baseline risk factors as well as composite risk factors were assessed to predict follow-up blood pressure status. The prevalence of elevated blood pressure declined by 6% over four years. Longitudinally, age (HR:1.78; p = 0.005), ethnicity (HR:0.048; p = 0.001), socioeconomic status (HR:0.42; p = 0.004) and sugar-sweetened beverages intake (HR:1.67; p = 0.026) predicted elevated blood pressure over four years. No significant results were observed with composite risk factors cross-sectionally, however factor pattern 1 (socioeconomic status, family history, meat and milk product intake) indicated a lower risk of elevated blood pressure at follow-up (HR:0.74; p = 0.042). Multiple risk factors, including diet and socioeconomic status, contribute to elevated blood pressure in South African children. Early multifaceted interventions targeting these factors are essential to prevent long-term cardiovascular disease.","PeriodicalId":13029,"journal":{"name":"Hypertension Research","volume":"48 10","pages":"2618-2630"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41440-025-02309-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144859128","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Primary aldosteronism and long-term outcomes using PAMO definition.","authors":"Wen-Kai Chu, Chun-Fu Lai, Sufeng Chiang, Yen-Hung Lin, Ya-Li Chen, Vin-Cent Wu","doi":"10.1038/s41440-025-02324-7","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41440-025-02324-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Primary aldosteronism is the most common form of endocrine hypertension, traditionally managed with unilateral adrenalectomy for unilateral disease and medical therapy for bilateral forms. However, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are often poorly tolerated and less effective in preventing cardiovascular outcomes. In this international retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the clinical and biochemical outcomes of adrenal surgery in 56 patients with bilateral primary aldosteronism from six referral centers across five countries. Patients underwent either unilateral (n = 43) or bilateral (n = 13) adrenal surgery based on adrenal venous sampling and CT findings. At 6-12 months follow-up, a clinical benefit was observed in 81% of patients after unilateral surgery and 92% after bilateral surgery. Biochemical success was achieved in 65% and 85% of these groups, respectively. Similar benefits persisted beyond 12 months. Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 31% of patients after bilateral surgery but was transient in most cases. Histopathological analysis revealed bilaterally symmetric aldosterone-producing lesions in the majority of patients undergoing bilateral adrenalectomy, including adenomas, micronodules, and diffuse hyperplasia. Our findings suggest that adrenal surgery, including in selected bilateral disease, can result in favorable clinical and biochemical outcomes with an acceptable safety profile, challenging the prevailing paradigm of exclusive medical management for bilateral primary aldosteronism.</p>","PeriodicalId":13029,"journal":{"name":"Hypertension Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144845818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jianzhong Xu, Gianni Sesa-Ashton, Nina Eikelis, Antony Walton, Elisabeth A. Lambert, Murray D. Esler, Marcio G. Kiuchi, Revathy Carnagarin, Gavin W. Lambert, Markus P. Schlaich
{"title":"Increased plasma levels of erythropoietin after renal denervation in patients with resistant hypertension","authors":"Jianzhong Xu, Gianni Sesa-Ashton, Nina Eikelis, Antony Walton, Elisabeth A. Lambert, Murray D. Esler, Marcio G. Kiuchi, Revathy Carnagarin, Gavin W. Lambert, Markus P. Schlaich","doi":"10.1038/s41440-025-02317-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41440-025-02317-6","url":null,"abstract":"Erythropoietin (Epo) plays a crucial role in the formation and maturation of erythrocytes and is produced primarily by peritubular cells in the renal cortex. Previous studies suggest that renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) may influence Epo regulation. Catheter-based renal denervation (RDN) has been shown to reduce renal noradrenaline spillover and blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. We therefore aimed to investigate whether RDN influences Epo levels. 33 patients with resistant hypertension (age 61 ± 12 y; baseline office blood pressure (BP) 165 ± 16/85 ± 18 mmHg despite treatment with an average of 4.9 ± 1.7 antihypertensive medications) underwent bilateral RDN. Plasma levels of Epo, office blood pressure, 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), renal function and haemoglobin were measured before the procedure and at 3 months follow-up. Antihypertensive medication was not changed during the first 3 months after RDN. Office blood pressure was reduced by 15 ± 19/5 ± 12 mmHg at 3 months after denervation (p < 0.001 for systolic BP; p = 0.033 for diastolic BP). 24h-mean systolic and diastolic BP were also reduced (from 145 ± 16 to 140 ± 18 mmHg; p = 0.036, and from 80 ± 11 to 77 ± 12 mmHg; p = 0.024), respectively. While haemoglobin levels remained unchanged, a significant increase in plasma Epo levels was observed at 3 months after RDN (7.81 ± 3.68 versus 9.88 ± 5.06 mIU/mL; p = 0.025). Changes in Epo levels correlated with baseline MSNA (r = 0.580, p = 0.004 for burst frequency; r = 0.471, p = 0.023 for burst incidence), such that the increase in Epo was most pronounced in patients with high baseline MSNA. The RDN-induced changes in MSNA tended to correlate inversely with changes in Epo levels (r = −0.402; p = 0.064). Our findings suggest that RDN is associated with increased plasma levels of Epo in the absence of changes in haemoglobin, and that these effects are possibly mediated via a reduction in sympathetic nerve activity.","PeriodicalId":13029,"journal":{"name":"Hypertension Research","volume":"48 10","pages":"2631-2640"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41440-025-02317-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144855098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kaylee Slater, Hollie Speer, Niamh Chapman, Dean S. Picone
{"title":"Lack of validated blood pressure devices for use in pregnancy available from Australian pharmacies","authors":"Kaylee Slater, Hollie Speer, Niamh Chapman, Dean S. Picone","doi":"10.1038/s41440-025-02304-x","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41440-025-02304-x","url":null,"abstract":"Blood pressure monitoring is a critical aspect of prenatal care, as hypertension during pregnancy can lead to serious complications such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, and other hypertensive disorders. Automatic blood pressure devices are widely used for home monitoring due to their convenience and ease of use. The use of validated automated blood pressure monitors is recommended by the International Society of Hypertension for home blood pressure measurements, and automatic devices require accuracy validation among people who are pregnant before they are recommended for use in pregnancy. This study evaluated availability of such devices from 18 Australian pharmacies. Only four devices (4/54, 7%) were validated for pregnancy and were more expensive than devices validated for the general population (14/54, 26%) and non-validated devices (40/54, 74%). Additionally, limited labelling and information was available to assist consumers to make informed purchasing decisions about home blood pressure devices for use in pregnancy. Increased availability, clear labelling and consumer education could help ensure use of appropriate blood pressure devices in pregnancy. Automatic blood pressure devices require additional accuracy validation for use in pregnancy. We found only four devices (4/54, 7%) were validated for pregnancy, which were more expensive than non-validated devices. Increased education could help ensure use of appropriate blood pressure devices in pregnancy.","PeriodicalId":13029,"journal":{"name":"Hypertension Research","volume":"48 10","pages":"2714-2718"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41440-025-02304-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144845817","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Malliora, A. Lazaridis, A.-M. Natsi, V. Papadopoulos, C. Antoniadou, E. Gavriilidis, D. Tsilingiris, V. Kotsis, P. Skendros, E. Gkaliagkousi
{"title":"Increasing blood pressure predicts levels of circulating neutrophil extracellular traps in untreated hypertensive patients","authors":"A. Malliora, A. Lazaridis, A.-M. Natsi, V. Papadopoulos, C. Antoniadou, E. Gavriilidis, D. Tsilingiris, V. Kotsis, P. Skendros, E. Gkaliagkousi","doi":"10.1038/s41440-025-02306-9","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41440-025-02306-9","url":null,"abstract":"Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are increasingly implicated in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease; however, data regarding their clinical significance in hypertension-mediated vascular damage is scarce. We recruited untreated, newly diagnosed patients with essential hypertension (UHTs) and age- and sex- matched healthy, normotensive controls (NTs). Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring was performed with the Mobil-O-Graph-NG device. NET-specific myeloperoxidase (MPO)-DNA complexes were measured in plasma with ELISA. Carotid pulse wave velocity (PWV) was calculated by using a high-definition echo-tracking system. Skin microcirculation was assessed using laser speckle contrast imaging coupled with post-occlusive reactive hyperemia. A total of 139 participants of whom 99 UHTs (mean age 48.9 ± 8.34 years) and 40 NTs (mean age 47.4 ± 7.38 years) were included in the study. Using categorical regression with optimal scaling, various peripheral and central BP parameters were significantly associated with MPO-DNA complexes levels; 24 h peripheral systolic BP (p < 0.001) was the strongest predictor of hypertension-related NETosis, after adjusting for potential confounders. MPO-DNA complexes levels were positively associated with mean carotid PWV (p = 0.033) and baseline flux (p = 0.017) and negatively associated with baseline to peak flux (p = 0.020) and cutaneous vascular conductance increase (p = 0.034). In multivariate analysis, carotid PWV showed an independent association with MPO-DNA complexes. Circulating NETs levels are tightly associated with BP. Of note, the 24 h peripheral SBP load is the strongest predictor of NETs burden. Moreover, NETs are strongly related to surrogate measures of micro- and macrovascular damage, suggesting their potential role as a diagnostic and/or therapeutic target in hypertension. These authors contributed equally.","PeriodicalId":13029,"journal":{"name":"Hypertension Research","volume":"48 10","pages":"2688-2700"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144845816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Associations of family history of hypertension, genetic, and lifestyle risks with incident hypertension","authors":"Masato Takase, Takumi Hirata, Naoki Nakaya, Mana Kogure, Rieko Hatanaka, Kumi Nakaya, Ippei Chiba, Sayuri Tokioka, Kotaro Nochioka, Tomohiro Nakamura, Naho Tsuchiya, Hirohito Metoki, Michihiro Satoh, Akira Narita, Taku Obara, Mami Ishikuro, Hisashi Ohseto, Ippei Takahashi, Tomoko Kobayashi, Eiichi N. Kodama, Yohei Hamanaka, Masatsugu Orui, Soichi Ogishima, Satoshi Nagaie, Nobuo Fuse, Junichi Sugawara, Shinichi Kuriyama, Gen Tamiya, Atsushi Hozawa, Masayuki Yamamoto, the ToMMo investigators","doi":"10.1038/s41440-025-02314-9","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41440-025-02314-9","url":null,"abstract":"Family history of hypertension may reflect genetic and lifestyle factors. Genetic risk can be assessed using polygenic risk score (PRS); however, whether PRS can stratify hypertension risk when combined with family history and lifestyle information is unclear. This prospective cohort study included 9,001 hypertension-free individuals aged ≥20 years from the Tohoku Medical Megabank Community-Based Cohort Study. Participants were scored on lifestyle factors, including body mass index, urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking at recruitment. During the mean follow-up of 4.3 years, 2822 (31.4%) cases of hypertension occurred. High genetic risk and poor lifestyle were associated with increased hypertension risk. Compared with participants with low genetic risk, ideal lifestyle, and no family history, high genetic risk significantly increased hypertension risk, even among those with ideal lifestyle and no family history (relative risk [RR] 1.28 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.46]). Participants with low PRS, ideal lifestyle, but with family history had increased hypertension risk (RR 1.32 [95%CI 1.11–1.57]). Poor lifestyle increased hypertension risk across most genetic risk groups, regardless of family history. Integrating PRS into models with family history and lifestyle risk significantly improved predictive accuracy (area under the curve: 0.671 for family history and lifestyle risk and 0.674 for PRS integrated; P for difference <0.05). Integrating PRS with lifestyle and family history enhances the stratification of individuals at high risk for hypertension.","PeriodicalId":13029,"journal":{"name":"Hypertension Research","volume":"48 10","pages":"2606-2617"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41440-025-02314-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144845815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}