Article

In-hospital day-by-day systolic blood pressure variability during rehabilitation: a marker of adverse outcome in secondary prevention after myocardial revascularization

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Abstract

Objective: Although it is known that increased visit-to-visit or home day-by-day variability of blood pressure (BP), independently of its average value, results in an increased risk of cardiovascular events, the prognostic value of in-hospital day-by-day BP variability in secondary cardiovascular prevention has not yet been established. Methods: We studied 1440 consecutive cardiac patients during a cardiovascular rehabilitation program of about 12 days after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and/or valve surgery. We measured auscultatory BP at the patient bed in each rehabilitation day twice, in the morning and the afternoon. We correlated SBP variability assessed as standard deviation (SBP-SD) and coefficient of variation (SBP-CoV) of the daily measures with overall mortality, cardiovascular mortality and major adverse cardiocerebrovascular events (MACCEs) after a mean follow-up of 49 months by Cox hazard analysis. Results: In our patients (age 68 ± 11years, 61% hypertensive patients) the ranges of SBP-SD tertiles were: 4.1-9.1, 9.2-11.5 and 11.6-24.5 mmHg. Fifty-five percent of the patients underwent CABG, 33% underwent valve surgery, 12% both CABG and valve surgery. In CABG patients, the highest SBP-SD tertile showed the highest overall mortality, cardiovascular mortality and MACCEs (P < 0.01). Results remained significant after multivariate analysis adjusting for age, sex, mean SBP, BMI, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and diabetes. No association between SBP-SD and mortality or MACCEs was found in valve surgery patients. Conclusion: In-hospital day-by-day SBP variability predicts mortality and MACCEs in CABG patients, possibly representing a target during rehabilitation and treatment in secondary cardiovascular prevention.

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... Other studies have found a correlation between arterial stiffness and mortality in old patients (usually older than 65 years) [12,13] or in those with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (mean age 75) [14]. The prognostic impact of BP variability is also controversial in such populations [15][16][17][18][19]. ...
... BP variability can be evaluated in the long term (between visits), mid term (day by day or week by week), and short term (repeated measurements over 24 h). In the elderly population, most studies have evaluated visit-to-visit variability (in community-living elders) [16,17] or day-by-day variability in hospitalized patients older than 75 years [15] or with acute coronary syndromes [19]. High long-term or mid-term BP variabilities have both been associated with mortality. ...
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There is scarce evidence for the prognostic importance of hemodynamic measures, such as blood pressure (BP), BP variability, and arterial stiffness, in the very elderly population with advanced chronic conditions. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic importance of 24 h BP, BP variability, and arterial stiffness in a cohort of very elderly patients admitted to the hospital due to a decompensated chronic disease. We studied 249 patients older than 80 (66% women; 60% congestive heart failure). Noninvasive 24 h monitoring was used to determine 24 h brachial and central BP, BP and heart rate variabilities, aortic pulse wave velocity, and BP variability ratios during admission. The primary outcome was 1-year mortality. Aortic pulse wave velocity (3.3 times for each SD increase) and BP variability ratio (31% for each SD increase) were associated with 1-year mortality, after adjustments for clinical confounders. Increased systolic BP variability (38% increase for each SD change) and reduced heart rate variability (32% increase for each SD change) also predicted 1-year mortality. In conclusion, increased aortic stiffness and BP and heart rate variabilities predict 1-year mortality in very elderly patients with decompensated chronic conditions. Measurements of such estimates could be useful in the prognostic evaluation of this specific population.
... A retrospective, observational, cohort study [46], of those undergoing cardiac surgery requiring CPB, showed that CV-SBP/MAP were not predictive of mortality and kidney failure. A retrospective study [47] assessed the patients referred for elective coronary artery bypass graft with the use of ECC, the main conclusions of which were that DBP is more labile than SBP, and BPV is the greatest during CPB. A retrospective, single-center study [16], indicated increasing SBP-CV was associated with 30-day mortality and development of kidney failure in cardiac surgery. ...
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Background Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a notably common complication in pediatrics, with an incidence rate ranging from 15 to 64%. This rate is significantly higher than that observed in adults. Currently, there is a lack of substantial evidence regarding the association between intraoperative blood pressure variability (BPV) during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and the development of AKI in pediatric patients. Methods This retrospective observational study encompassed children aged 0–7 years undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. Intraoperative BPV was calculated using coefficients of variation (CVs) and the area under the curve (AUC). Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to identify risk factors associated with CSA-AKI. Results Among 570 patients (median age 1 year) reviewed, 36.1% developed CSA-AKI (68.9% risk stage, 22.8% injury stage, and 8.3% failure stage). After adjusting for other variables, male gender ( OR = 2.044, 95% CI 1.297–3.222, P = 0.002), congenital heart surgery risk assessment grade (RACHS-1) classification ≥ 3 ( OR = 0.510, 95% CI 0.307–0.846, P = 0.009), longer CPB time ( OR = 1.022, 95% CI 1.007–1.037, P = 0.004) and higher peak value of intraoperative vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) ( OR = 1.072, 95% CI 1.026–1.119, P = 0.002) were identified as independent risk factors for CSA-AKI. ± 30% AUCm was different in univariate analysis ( P = 0.014), however, not statistically different in multifactor analysis ( P = 0.610). Conclusion Greater BPV, specifically MAP variations exceeding 30% AUC during CPB, may be a potential risk factor for CSA-AKI in pediatric patients. Further large sample clinical studies are warranted to analyze the correlation between BPV and CSA-AKI. Graphical abstract
... A retrospective, observational, cohort study [46], which undergoing cardiac surgery requiring CPB, showed that CV-SBP/MAP were not predictive of mortality and renal failure in cardiac surgical patients. A retrospective study [47] assessed the patients referred for elective CABG with the use of ECC, which main conclusion was DBP is more labile than SBP. And BPV is the greatest during CPB. ...
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Background Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a notably common complication in pediatrics, with an incidence rate ranging from 15% to 64%. This rate is significantly higher than that observed in adults. Currently, there is a lack of substantial evidence regarding the association between intraoperative blood pressure variability (BPV) during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and the development of AKI in pediatric patients. Methods This retrospective observational study encompassed children aged of 0 – 7 years undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. Intraoperative BPV was calculated using coefficients of variation (CVs) and the area under the curve (AUC). Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to identify risk factors associated with CSA-AKI. Results Among 570 patients (median age 1 year) reviewed. 36.1% developed CSA-AKI (68.9% risk stage, 22.8% injury stage, 8.3% failure stage). After adjusting for other variables, male gender (OR=2.044, 95%CI: 1.297-3.222, P=0.002), congenital heart surgery risk assessment grade (RACHS-1) classification ≥3 (OR=0.510, 95%CI: 0.307-0.846, P=0.009), longer CPB time (OR=1.022, 95%CI: 1.007-1.037, P=0.004) and higher peak value of intraoperative vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) (OR=1.072, 95%CI: 1.026-1.119, P=0.002) were identified as independent risk factors for CSA-AKI. ±30%AUCm was different in univariate analysis (P=0.014), however, not statistically different in multifactor analysis (P=0.610). Conclusion Greater BPV, specifically MAP variations exceeding 30%AUC during CPB, may be a potential risk factor for CSA-AKI in pediatric. Further large sample clinical studies are warranted to analyze the correlation between BPV and CSA-AKI.
... In contrast, inhospital BPV is associated with the prognosis of arteriosclerotic diseases, such as coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease [14,15]. This result was also the case after coronary artery bypass grafting for coronary artery disease [35]. In this study, in-hospital BPV was associated with the prognosis of HF in the elevated CAVI group. ...
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The evaluation of arteriosclerosis (vascular function) is important when treating heart failure (HF). Vascular dysfunction is associated with anemia through renal function and endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and many patients with HF have anemia. Additionally, blood pressure variability (BPV) caused by vascular dysfunction is also associated with HF prognosis. However, how anemia and BPV may affect HF prognosis is unclear. Between January 2012 and July 2018, 214 patients with HF were hospitalized, the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) as an index of arteriosclerosis of whom was measured. According to the CAVI, the patients were divided into the elevated and preserved CAVI groups. Furthermore, we investigated the factors related to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). MACE was defined as cardiovascular death or rehospitalization within 1 year after discharge. In the elevated CAVI group, significant differences in body mass index (BMI), BPV, left ventricular dimension, and hemoglobin levels were observed between patients with MACE and those without MACE. Meanwhile, in the preserved CAVI group, significant differences in BMI, diastolic/mean blood pressure values, and hemoglobin levels were observed. The multivariate analysis showed an independent association between hemoglobin level and MACE occurrence in both the elevated and preserved CAVI groups (elevated CAVI group: hazard ratio [HR] = 0.800, P = 0.045; preserved CAVI group: HR = 0.783, P = 0.049 {model 1}, and HR = 0.752, P = 0.023 {model 2}). Anemia was independently associated with HF prognosis with or without arteriosclerosis. In HF with arteriosclerosis, BPV may also be useful for evaluating the prognosis.
... There is some evidence on the negative health consequences of the day-by-day blood pressure variability (BPV) during hospitalization on critical disease conditions. 6 In the present study, we investigated the day-by-day clinic BPV and its association with clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. ...
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In a retrospective analysis, the authors investigated day‐by‐day blood pressure variability (BPV) and its association with clinical outcomes (critical vs. severe and discharged) in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19. The study participants were hospitalized in Tongji Hospital, Guanggu Branch, Wuhan, China, between February 1 and April 1, 2020. BPV was assessed as standard derivation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), and variability independent of mean (VIM). The 79 participants included 60 (75.9%) severe patients discharged from the hospital after up to 47 days of hospitalization, and 19 (24.1%) critically ill patients transferred to other hospitals for further treatment (n = 13), admitted to ICU (n = 3) or died (n=3). Despite similar use of antihypertensive medication (47.4% vs. 41.7%) and mean levels of systolic/diastolic blood pressure (131.3/75.2 vs. 125.4/77.3 mmHg), critically ill patients, compared with severe and discharged patients, had a significantly (p ≤ .04) greater variability of systolic (SD 14.92 vs. 10.84 mmHg, CV 11.39% vs. 8.56%, and VIM 15.15 vs. 10.75 units) and diastolic blood pressure (SD 9.38 vs. 7.50 mmHg, CV 12.66% vs. 9.80%, and VIM 9.33 vs. 7.50 units). After adjustment for confounding factors, the odds ratios for critical versus severe and discharged patients for systolic BPV were 3.41 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20‐9.66, p = .02), 4.09 (95% CI 1.14‐14.67, p = .03), and 2.81 (95% CI 1.12‐7.05, p = .03) for each 5‐mmHg increment in SD, 5% increment in CV, and 5‐unit increment in VIM, respectively. Similar trends were observed for diastolic BPV indices (p ≤ .08). In conclusion, in patients with COVID‐19, BPV was greater and associated with worse clinical outcomes.
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Background: The evaluation of arteriosclerosis (vascular function) is important when treating heart failure (HF). Vascular dysfunction is associated with anemia through renal function and endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Additionally, blood pressure (BP) variability (BPV) caused by vascular dysfunction is also associated with HF prognosis. However, how anemia and BPV may affect HF prognosis is unclear. Methods: Between January 2012 and July 2018, 214 patients with HF were hospitalized. The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) as an index of arteriosclerosis of these patients was measured. The patients were divided into the elevated and preserved CAVI groups. We investigated the factors related to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) as cardiovascular death or rehospitalization within 1 year after discharge. Results: In the elevated CAVI group, significant differences in body mass index (BMI), BPV, left ventricular dimension, and hemoglobin levels were observed between patients with and without MACEs. In the preserved CAVI group, significant differences in BMI, diastolic/mean BP, and hemoglobin levels were observed between those with and without MACEs. The multivariate analysis showed an independent association between hemoglobin levels and MACE occurrence in both the elevated and preserved CAVI groups (elevated CAVI group: hazard ratio [HR] = 0.800, p = .045 [model 1], HR = 0.802, p = .035 [model 2]; preserved CAVI group: HR = 0.783, p = .049 [model 1], HR = 0.752, p = .023 [model 2], and HR = 0.754, p = .024 [model 3]). Conclusions: Anemia was independently associated with HF prognosis with or without arteriosclerosis.
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Objective To quantify in-hospital systolic blood pressure variability among patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, determine the association between high systolic blood pressure variability (HSBPV) and 90-day severe disability or death, and examine the association between pre-hospital factors and HSBPV. Methods Adult, radiologically confirmed, intracerebral hemorrhage patients enrolled in a multi-site cohort were included. Using a semi-automated algorithm, systolic blood pressure values recorded from routine non-invasive systolic blood pressure monitoring in critical and acute care settings were extracted for the duration of hospitalization. Inter and intra-patient systolic blood pressure variability was quantified using generalized estimating equation methods. Modified Poisson and logistic regression models were fit to determine the association between HSBPV and 90-day severe disability or death and between pre-hospital characteristics and HSBPV, respectively. Results A total of 566 patients managed at four certified stroke centers were included. Over 120,000 systolic blood pressure readings were analyzed, and a standard deviation (SD) of 13.0 was parameterized as a cut-off point to categorize HSBPV. Patients with HSBPV had a greater risk of 90-day severe disability or death (relative risk: 1.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.04–1.39), after controlling for age, pre-morbid functional status, and other disease severity measures. Greater likelihood of in-hospital HSBPV was independently observed in elderly, female patients, and in patients with high admission systolic blood pressure. Conclusion Quantification of HSBPV is feasible utilizing routinely collected systolic blood pressure readings, and a singular cut-off parameter for systolic blood pressure variability demonstrated association with 90-day severe disability or death. Elderly, female, and patients with high admission systolic blood pressure may be more likely to demonstrate HSBPV during hospitalization.
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Although hypertension increases surgical risk, the contribution of chronic outpatient blood pressure variability (BPV) to surgical risk is unclear. Blood pressure variability correlates with altered arterial wall stiffness and atherosclerotic plaque volume and has been associated with subsequent hospitalization, stroke, renal failure, and death.¹⁻³ Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures exhibit abnormalities in vascular compliance and endothelial function that predispose them to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.⁴,5 We hypothesized that long-term, visit-to-visit BPV before surgery is a previously unrecognized risk factor for adverse outcomes after CABG surgery.
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Blood pressure variability is an entity that characterizes the continuous and dynamic fluctuations that occur in blood pressure levels throughout a lifetime. This phenomenon has a complex and yet not fully understood physiological background and can be evaluated over time spans ranging from seconds to years. The present paper provides a short overview of methodological aspects, clinical relevance, and potential therapeutic interventions related to the management of blood pressure variability.
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Background and purpose: Increased blood pressure (BP) variability, in addition to high BP, may contribute to adverse outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage. However, degree and association with outcome of BP variability (BPV) in the hyperacute period, 15 minutes to 5 hours after onset, have not been delineated. Methods: Among consecutive patients with intracerebral hemorrhage enrolled in the FAST-MAG trial (Field Administration of Stroke Therapy-Magnesium), BPs were recorded by paramedics in the field and during the first 24 hours of hospital course. BP was analyzed in the hyperacute period, from 0 to 4-6 hours, and in the acute period, from 0 to 24-26 hours after onset. BPV was analyzed by SD, coefficient of variation, and successive variation. Results: Among 386 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, first systolic BP at median 23 minutes (interquartile range, 14-38.5) after onset was median 176 mm Hg, second systolic BP on emergency department arrival at 57 minutes (interquartile range, 45-75) after onset was 178 mm Hg, and systolic BP 24 hours after arrival was 138 mm Hg. Unfavorable outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale, 3-6) occurred in 270 (69.9%). Neither mean nor maximum systolic BP was associated with outcome in multivariable analysis. However, all 3 parameters of BPV, in both the hyperacute and the acute stages, were associated with poor outcome. In the hyperacute phase, BPV was associated with poor outcome with adjusted odds ratios of 3.73 for the highest quintile of SD, 4.78 for the highest quintile of coefficient of variation, and 3.39 for the highest quintile of successive variation. Conclusions: BPV during the hyperacute first minutes and hours after onset in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage was independently associated with poor functional outcome. Stabilization of BPV during this vulnerable period, in the pre-hospital and early emergency department course, is a potential therapeutic target for future clinical trials. Clinical trial registration: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00059332.
Article
To evaluate the impact of blood pressure variability (BPV) on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome, short-term BPV was estimated by using weighted standard deviation of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring readings. The primary outcome was in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Overall, 200 patients (mean age, 58.6 years; 27.5% women; 38% with diabetes mellitus; and 47% smokers) were divided into low and high BPV groups based on the median value (9.45). Patients in the high BPV group were more likely to have in-hospital MACE compared with patients with low BPV (47% vs 27%, P = .003). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis of incidence of MACE showed that BPV (odds ratio, 2.4; confidence interval, 1.2-4.5 [P = .008]) and presence of type II diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 2.6; confidence interval, 1.2-5.3 [P = .008]) were the only independent predictors of in-hospital MACE derived mainly by hypertensive emergencies. BPV could be an important risk factor for in-hospital MACE in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
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Background: Blood pressure variability (BPV) has been postulated as a potential predictor of cardiovascular outcomes. No agreement exists as to which measurement method is best for BPV estimation. We attempt to assess the correlation between BPV obtained at the doctor's office, self-measurement at home (SMBP) and ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Methods: Eight weekly clinic BP measurements, two SMBP series and one 24-hour ABPM recording were carried out in a sample of treated hypertensive patients. BPV was calculated using the standard deviation (SD), the coefficient of variation and the average real variability. Determinants of short-, mid- and long-term BPV (within each measurement method) were also calculated. The different BPV determinants were correlated intra-method and inter-method by linear regression test. Results: For the 104 patients (66.5±7.7 years, 58.7% males), the ABPM BPV (SD, systolic/diastolic: 14.5±3.1/9.8±2.5 mmHg) was higher than the SMBP (12.2±9.8/7.4±5.8 mmHg) (p<0.001) and clinic BPV (10±8.9/5.9±4.9 mmHg) (p=0.001). The main BPV correlation between methods was weak, with a maximum R 2=0.17 (p<0.001) between clinic and SMBP systolic BPV. The intra-method correlation of BPV yielded a maximum R 2=0.21 (p<0.001) between morning diastolic SMBP inter-shift/inter-means variability. The inter-method correlation of short-, mid- and long-term BPV determinants was weak (maximum R 2=0.22, p<0.001, between clinic intra-day variability/SMBP morning inter-shift variability). Conclusions: The intra and inter-method correlation between BPV determinants was weak or non-existent, even when comparing determinants reflecting the same type of temporal BPV. Our data suggest that BPV reflects a heterogeneous phenomenon that strongly depends on the estimation method and the time period evaluated.
Article
Aims: To study the relation between visit-to-visit variability of blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular risk in patients with stable coronary heart disease. Methods and results: In 15 828 patients from the STABILITY trial (darapladib vs. placebo in patients with established coronary heart disease), BP variability was assessed by the standard deviation (SD) of systolic BP, the SD of diastolic BP, maximum BP, and minimum BP, from 5 measurements (baseline and months 1, 3, 6, and 12) during the first year after randomisation. Mean (SD) average BP during the first year of study was 131.0 (13.7) mmHg over 78.3 (8.3) mmHg. Mean (SD) of the visit-to-visit SD was 9.8 (4.8) mmHg for systolic and 6.3 (3.0) mmHg for diastolic BP. During the subsequent median follow-up of 2.6 years, 1010 patients met the primary endpoint, a composite of time to cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. In Cox regression models adjusted for average BP during first year of study, baseline vascular disease, treatment, renal function and cardiovascular risk factors, the primary endpoint was associated with SD of systolic BP (hazard ratio for highest vs. lowest tertile, 1.30, 95% CI 1.10-1.53, P = 0.007), and with SD of diastolic BP (hazard ratio for highest vs. lowest tertile, 1.38, 95% CI 1.18-1.62, P < 0.001). Peaks and troughs in BP were also independently associated with adverse events. Conclusion: In patients with stable coronary heart disease, higher visit-to-visit variabilities of both systolic and diastolic BP are strong predictors of increased risk of cardiovascular events, independently of mean BP.
Article
Objective: Clinical cohort studies have reported that visit-to-visit variability (VVV) of blood pressure (BP) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or mortality. However, the results were not consistent in all studies. The current study is, therefore, aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the association between VVV of BP and CVD and all-cause mortality. Method: PubMed and EMBASE were searched through 18 May 2014, using the following terms: VVV, BP, CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD), myocardial ischemia, stroke, and mortality. Overall, 84 records were identified, and 23 publications were enrolled into the current study. Data were extracted from selected publications, and meta-analysis was performed using a random effect model. Result: VVV of SBP was significantly associated with outcomes of all-cause mortality with the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14 (1.09, 1.18), CVD incidence (RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.09), CVD mortality (RR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.28), CHD incidence (RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.19), and stroke incidence (RR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.61). Conclusion: In summary, among the wide heterogenetic population, modest associations between VVV of SBP and all-cause mortality, CVD incidence, CVD mortality, CHD incidence, and stroke incidence were found. Findings of the current study suggested that standardized approaches of monitoring VVV in the high-risk population, including patients with cardiac infarction, diabetes, stroke, and patients with chronic kidney disease or in dialysis, are necessary in designing a prospective clinical study on the association of VVV and patients' prognosis.
Article
Low adherence to antihypertensive medication has been hypothesized to increase visit-to-visit variability (VVV) of blood pressure (BP). We assessed the association between antihypertensive medication adherence and VVV of BP in the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT). VVV of BP was calculated using SD independent of mean, SD, and average real variability across study visits conducted 6 to 28 months after randomization. Participants who reported taking <80% of their antihypertensive medication at ≥1 study visits were categorized as nonadherent. Participants were followed up for cardiovascular events and mortality after the assessment of adherence and VVV of BP. SD independent of mean of BP was higher for nonadherent (n=2912) versus adherent (n=16 878) participants; 11.4±4.9 versus 10.5±4.5 for systolic BP; 6.8±2.8 versus 6.2±2.6 for diastolic BP (each P<0.001). SD independent of mean of BP remained higher among nonadherent than among adherent participants after multivariable adjustment (0.8 [95% confidence interval, 0.7-1.0] higher for systolic BP and 0.4 [95% confidence interval, 0.3-0.5] higher for diastolic BP]. SD and average real variability of systolic BP and diastolic BP were also higher among nonadherent than among adherent participants. Adjustment for nonadherence did not explain the association of VVV of BP with higher fatal coronary heart disease or nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, or mortality risk. In conclusion, improving medication adherence may lower VVV of BP. However, VVV of BP is associated with cardiovascular outcomes independent of medication adherence.
Article
The relationship between blood pressure (BP) variability and functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate whether in-hospital day-by-day BP variability is associated with functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke. Using the Fukuoka Stroke Registry, we included 2566 patients with a first-ever ischemic stroke who had been functionally independent before the onset and were hospitalized within 24 hours. BP was measured daily, and its variability was assessed by SD, coefficients of variance, and variations independent of mean. Poor functional outcome was assessed by modified Rankin Scale scores ≥3 at 3 months. After adjustment for multiple confounding factors including age, sex, risk factors, stroke features, baseline severity, thrombolytic therapy, antihypertensive agents, and mean BP, day-by-day BP variability during the subacute stage (4-10 days after onset) was independently associated with a poor functional outcome (multivariable-adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence interval] in the top versus bottom quartile of systolic BP variability, 1.51 [1.09-2.08] for SD; 1.63 [1.20-2.22] for coefficients of variance; 1.64 [1.21-2.24] for variations independent of mean). Similar trends were also observed for diastolic BP variability. These trends were unchanged in patients who were not treated with antihypertensive drugs. In contrast, no association was found between indices of BP variability during the acute stage and functional outcome after adjusting for potential confounders. These data suggest that intraindividual day-by-day BP variability during the subacute stage is associated with the 3-month functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.
Article
Casual blood pressure (BP) can predict the development of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but the correlations between its values and the subsequent occurrence of such complications are low. This may depend on different individual resistance to the damage produced by hypertension. However, it may also depend on the recognized inability of causal BP to reflect accurately the 24-h mean and profile BP. In order to test the latter hypothesis, 24-h BP was recorded intra-arterially (Oxford method) in 108 hospitalized subjects with essential hypertension ranging from mild to severe. The 24-h means and standard deviations (i.e. variabilities) for systolic, mean and diastolic BP obtained by computer analysis of the BP tracing were related to the rate and severity of target-organ damage (TOD) assessed by clinical examination and quantified according to a predetermined score. The results confirmed that 24-h BP may be variably different from cuff BP among subjects. For nearly any value of cuff BP, subjects in whom the 24-h mean BP was low had a lower prevalence and severity of TOD than those in whom the 24-h mean BP was high (P less than 0.01). Furthermore, for nearly any level of 24-h mean BP, subjects in whom the 24-h BP variability was low had a lower prevalence and severity of TOD than those in whom the 24-h BP variability was high (P less than 0.05). These findings demonstrate that the severity of hypertension is more closely related to 24-h mean BP than to cuff BP values.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Article
It has been hypothesized that high visit-to-visit variability (VVV) of systolic blood pressure (SBP) may be the result of poor antihypertensive medication adherence. The authors studied this association using data from 1391 individuals taking antihypertensive medication selected from a large managed care organization. The 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, administered during 3 annual surveys, captured self-report adherence, with scores <6, 6 to <8, and 8 representing low, medium. and high adherence, respectively. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) for SD of SBP across study visits was 12.9 (4.4), 13.5 (4.8), and 14.1 (4.5) mm Hg in participants with high, medium, and low self-reported adherence, respectively. After multivariable adjustment and compared with those with high self-report adherence, SD of SBP was 0.60 (95% confidence interval, 0.13-1.07) and 1.08 (95% confidence interval, 0.29-1.87) mm Hg higher among participants with medium and low self-report adherence, respectively. Results were consistent when pharmacy fill was used to define adherence. These data suggest that low antihypertensive medication adherence explains only a small proportion of VVV of SBP. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012; 00:00-00. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Article
Short-term blood pressure (BP) variability predicts cardiovascular complications in hypertension, but its association with large-artery stiffness is poorly understood and confounded by methodologic issues related to the assessment of BP variations over 24 hours. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and 24-hour ambulatory BP were measured in 911 untreated, nondiabetic patients with uncomplicated hypertension (learning population) and in 2089 mostly treated hypertensive patients (83% treated, 25% diabetics; test population). Short-term systolic BP (SBP) variability was calculated as the following: (1) SD of 24-hour, daytime, or nighttime SBP; (2) weighted SD of 24-hour SBP; and (3) average real variability (ARV), that is, the average of the absolute differences between consecutive SBP measurements over 24 hours. In the learning population, all of the measures of SBP variability showed a direct correlation with cfPWV (SD of 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime SBP, r=0.17/0.19/0.13; weighted SD of 24-hour SBP, r=0.21; ARV, r=0.26; all P<0.001). The relationship between cfPWV and ARV was stronger than that with 24-hour, daytime, or nighttime SBP (all P<0.05) and similar to that with weighted SD of 24-hour SBP. In the test population, ARV and weighted SD of 24-hour SBP had stronger relationships with cfPWV than SD of 24-hour, daytime, or nighttime SBP. In both populations, SBP variability indices independently predicted cfPWV along with age, 24-hour SBP, and other factors. We conclude that short-term variability of 24-hour SBP shows an independent, although moderate, relation to aortic stiffness in hypertension. This relationship is stronger with measures of BP variability focusing on short-term changes, such as ARV and weighted 24-hour SD.
Article
The objective of the study was to assess the prognostic value of variability in home-measured blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in a general population. We studied a representative sample of the Finnish adult population with 1866 study subjects aged 45-74 years. BP and HR self-measurements were performed on 7 consecutive days. The variabilities of BP and HR were defined as the SDs of morning minus evening, day-by-day, and first minus second measurements. The primary end point was incidence of a cardiovascular event. The secondary end point was total mortality. During a follow-up of 7.8 years, 179 subjects had experienced a cardiovascular event, and 130 subjects had died. In Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for age, sex, BP/HR, and other cardiovascular risk factors, morning-evening home BP variability (systolic/diastolic relative hazard: 1.04/1.10 [95% CI: 1.01-1.07/1.05-1.15] per 1-mm Hg increase in BP variability) and morning day-by-day home BP variability (relative hazard: 1.04/1.10 [95% CI: 1.00-1.07/1.04-1.16] per 1-mm Hg increase in BP variability) were predictive of cardiovascular events. Morning-evening home HR variability (relative hazard: 1.07 [95% CI: 1.02-1.12] per 1-bpm increase in HR variability) and morning day-by-day home HR variability (relative hazard: 1.11 [95% CI: 1.05-1.17] per 1-bpm increase in HR variability) were also independent predictors of cardiovascular events. Greater variabilities of morning home BP and HR are independent predictors of cardiovascular events. Because the variabilities of home BP and HR are easily acquired in conjunction with home BP and HR level, they should be used as the additive information in the assessment of cardiovascular risk.
Article
Recent data suggest that visit-to-visit variability of blood pressure is associated with stroke incidence. Correlates of increased visit-to-visit variability in blood pressure and the relationship between variability and all-cause mortality were examined using data on US adults ≥ 20 years of age from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 956). Three consecutive blood pressure readings were taken during 3 separate study visits from 1988 to 1994. Based on the mean of the second and third measurements from each visit, visit-to-visit blood pressure variability for each participant was defined using the standard deviation and coefficient of variation across visits. Mortality was assessed through December 31, 2006 (median follow-up = 14 years; n = 240 deaths). The mean of the standard deviation for systolic blood pressure across visits was 7.7 mm Hg. After multivariable adjustment, older age, female gender, history of myocardial infarction, higher mean systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure, and use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors were associated with higher standard deviation in systolic blood pressure. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality associated with a standard deviation of systolic blood pressure of 4.80 to 8.34 mm Hg and ≥ 8.35 mm Hg, versus <4.80 mm Hg, were 1.57 (95% CI, 1.07 to 2.18) and 1.50 (95% CI, 1.03 to 2.18), respectively. Results were similar when coefficient of variation for systolic blood pressure was evaluated. Visit-to-visit variability for diastolic blood pressure was not associated with mortality. In this population-based study of US adults, higher levels of short-term visit-to-visit variability in systolic blood pressure were associated with increased all-cause mortality.
Article
The mechanisms by which hypertension causes vascular events are unclear. Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment focus only on underlying mean blood pressure. We aimed to reliably establish the prognostic significance of visit-to-visit variability in blood pressure, maximum blood pressure reached, untreated episodic hypertension, and residual variability in treated patients. We determined the risk of stroke in relation to visit-to-visit variability in blood pressure (expressed as standard deviation [SD] and parameters independent of mean blood pressure) and maximum blood pressure in patients with previous transient ischaemic attack (TIA; UK-TIA trial and three validation cohorts) and in patients with treated hypertension (Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial Blood Pressure Lowering Arm [ASCOT-BPLA]). In ASCOT-BPLA, 24-h ambulatory blood-pressure monitoring (ABPM) was also studied. In each TIA cohort, visit-to-visit variability in systolic blood pressure (SBP) was a strong predictor of subsequent stroke (eg, top-decile hazard ratio [HR] for SD SBP over seven visits in UK-TIA trial: 6.22, 95% CI 4.16-9.29, p<0.0001), independent of mean SBP, but dependent on precision of measurement (top-decile HR over ten visits: 12.08, 7.40-19.72, p<0.0001). Maximum SBP reached was also a strong predictor of stroke (HR for top-decile over seven visits: 15.01, 6.56-34.38, p<0.0001, after adjustment for mean SBP). In ASCOT-BPLA, residual visit-to-visit variability in SBP on treatment was also a strong predictor of stroke and coronary events (eg, top-decile HR for stroke: 3.25, 2.32-4.54, p<0.0001), independent of mean SBP in clinic or on ABPM. Variability on ABPM was a weaker predictor, but all measures of variability were most predictive in younger patients and at lower (<median) values of mean SBP in every cohort. Visit-to-visit variability in SBP and maximum SBP are strong predictors of stroke, independent of mean SBP. Increased residual variability in SBP in patients with treated hypertension is associated with a high risk of vascular events. None.
Article
Day-by-day blood pressure and heart rate variability defined as within-subject SDs of home measurements can be calculated from long-term self-measurement. We investigated the prognostic value of day-by-day variability in 2455 Ohasama, Japan, residents (baseline age: 35 to 96 years; 60.4% women). Home blood pressure and heart rate were measured once every morning for 26 days (median). A total of 462 deaths occurred over a median of 11.9 years, composing 168 cardiovascular deaths (stroke: n=83; cardiac: n=85) and 294 noncardiovascular deaths. Using Cox regression, we computed hazard ratios while adjusting for baseline characteristics, including blood pressure and heart rate level, sex, age, obesity, current smoking and drinking habits, history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and treatment with antihypertensive drugs. An increase in systolic blood pressure variability of +1 between-subject SD was associated with increased hazard ratios for cardiovascular (1.27; P=0.002) and stroke mortality (1.41; P=0.0009) but not for cardiac mortality (1.13; P=0.26). Conversely, heart rate variability was associated with cardiovascular (1.24; P=0.002) and cardiac mortality (1.30; P=0.003) but not stroke mortality (1.17; P=0.12). Similar findings were observed for diastolic blood pressure variability. Additional adjustment of heart rate variability for systolic blood pressure variability and vice versa produced confirmatory results. Coefficient of variation, defined as within-subject SD divided by level of blood pressure or heart rate, displayed similar prognostic value. In conclusion, day-by-day blood pressure variability and heart rate variability by self-measurement at home make up a simple method of providing useful clinical information for assessing cardiovascular risk.
Article
To investigate the association between cardiovascular mortality and short-term variabilities in blood pressure and heart rate, we performed a long-term prospective study of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in Ohasama, Japan, starting in 1987. We obtained ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate in 1542 subjects >/=40 years of age. Blood pressure and heart rate variabilities were estimated as a standard deviation measured every 30 minutes by ambulatory monitoring. There were 67 cardiovascular deaths during the follow-up period (mean=8.5 years). The Cox proportional hazards model, adjusted for possible confounding factors, demonstrated a significant increase in cardiovascular mortality, with an increase in daytime systolic ambulatory blood pressure variability. A similar trend was observed in daytime diastolic and nighttime ambulatory blood pressures. Cardiovascular mortality rate increased linearly, with a decrease in daytime heart rate variability. Subjects in whom the daytime systolic ambulatory blood pressure variability was larger than third quintile and the daytime heart rate variability was lower than the mean-SD were at extremely high risk of cardiovascular mortality. The blood pressure and heart rate variabilities obtained every 30 minutes by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were independent predictors for cardiovascular mortality in the general population.
Impact of inhospital blood pressure variability on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome
  • Akm Hassan
  • Abd-El Rahman
  • H Mohsen
  • K Dimitry
Hassan AKM, Abd-El Rahman H, Mohsen K, Dimitry SR. Impact of inhospital blood pressure variability on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2017; 19:1252-1259.