bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CARDIAC OUTPUT ESTIMATION: PULSE WAVE ANALYSIS (ANTARES) HIGHLY CORRELATES TO ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY ASSESSMENT
Authors: Baulmann Johannes , Hoppe Matthias Wilhelm , Lapp Harald , Richter Stefan , Ohlow Marc -Alexander , Dörr Marcus , Pieper Cornelia , Köster Marco , Eckert Siegfried , Barroso Michael Thomas Coll , Abanador-kamper Nadine , Stäuber Alexander 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Evaluation of cardiac output (CO) is crucial for understanding cardiac function and diagnosis of heart failure. While invasive thermodilution procedures serve as the gold standard for CO assessment, routine clinical practice has widely adopted transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTE) as the established non-invasive method. Nevertheless, there is a persistent demand for alternative non-invasive approaches, aiming to improve the efficiency of CO estimation, mitigate complications associated with invasive methods, and extend its application to non-intensive care settings, all of which potentially can be offered by oscillometric pulse wave analysis (PWA). This study aims to compare the non-invasive estimation of CO using TTE and the oscillometric PWA algorithm Antares.

Design and method:
We compared non-invasive cardiac output data obtained through two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography with data obtained from an oscillometric blood pressure device (custo med GmbH, Ottobrunn, Germany) utilizing the integrated Antares algorithm (Redwave Medical GmbH, Jena, Germany). A total of 59 patients, undergoing elective cardiac catheterization for clinical reasons, were included in the study (mean age 71±10 years, 24% females), but only echocardiography-data with CO were used for analysis. Agreement between the two CO measurement methods (TTE versus Antares) was evaluated through Bland-Altman analysis, Student's t-test, and Pearson correlations.

Results:
The mean difference in CO was 0.04 ± 1.03 l/min. No statistically significant difference in means was observed between the two CO measurement methods. Significant correlations between transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and Antares CO were evident in the overall population (r=0.71), as well as in both, female (r=0.80) and male patients (r=0.67; all p<0.001).

Conclusions:
The oscillometric PWA algorithm Antares and the established TTE exhibit strong correlations for non-invasive CO estimation in both male and female patients, with no statistically significant differences between the two approaches. This study opens the door to a valid and simple detection of heart failure that is seamlessly integrated into a quick and easy-to-perform upper arm blood pressure measurement.
NEW HOME BLOOD PRESSURE TELEMONITORING SYSTEM IN AN AGED COMMUNITY: PROTOCOL OF THE DIGITAL CARDIOVASCULAR PREVENTION FEASIBILITY STUDY
Authors: Nishizawa Masafumi , Hoshide Satoshi , Kario Kazuomi 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
We sought to (i) determine the precise feasibility of a new telemonitoring-based healthcare system in a community of aged individuals and (ii) clarify the clinical implications of blood pressure variabilities in a time series until the end of life for the management of hypertension in elderly patients.

Design and method:
We have devised a simple, easy-to-use blood-pressure monitoring system and automated telemonitoring system, i.e., the DICAP (DIgital Cardiovascular Prevention) system, that obtains all of the different blood pressure values measured in a time series in different settings in community-dwelling elderly individuals in their homes and other facilities.

Results:
The feasibility of the DICAP system was confirmed by the successful serial transmission of the home blood pressure data of the community-dwelling hypertensive patients including those who were not familiar with digital technology and those who resided at different community locations. Among the first-recruited 221 subjects, 92.3% have been monitoring their blood pressure with the DICAP >12 times/week.

Conclusions:
The newly developed DICAP system using a cellular blood-pressure monitoring device suggests the possibility of being feasible and acceptable for the management of hypertension among elderly community-living individuals.
WEBSITES IN VASCULAR HEALTH: A TOOL FOR WHOM? USER CHARACTERISTICS AND MOTIVATIONS
Authors: Michaud André , Blanchette Virginie , Boudreau François , Lafontaine Sarah , Lemelin Martine , Leroux Denis , Miquelon Paule , Rousseau-bédard Joany , Roussin André , Vallée Michel , Cloutier Lyne 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Limited data is available to describe the characteristics and motivations of users of health websites. Self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000) proposed three categories of motivation: 1) autonomous motivation: engaging in a behavior because it is perceived to be consistent with intrinsic and meaningful goals, 2) controlled motivation: engaging in a behavior for reward, or trying to avoid feelings of guilt, and 3) amotivation: lack of autonomous and controlled motivation. The aim of this study is to profile users and described the motivations behind using a health website.

Design and method:
In this multicenter study, participants had to be 18 years and older, concerned by a vascular health condition, and skilled to use digital tools. They were approached by collaborating physicians (n=30) during routine consultations or through social networks. An anonymous, validated electronic questionnaire assessed socio-demographic variables, digital competence, and motivations for using a health website.

Results:
137 participants, mean age of 65.25 (± 11.78 years, 52.5% female) were recruited. The most prevalent diagnoses among participants were hypertension (48.70%) and diabetes (31.40%). The group aged 64 and below self-evaluated with better digital competence (8.97 ± 2.76) compared to the 65-74 age group (7.5 ± 2.70) and the 75 years and older group (6.41 ± 3.25) (p < 0.01). The difference between the women's and men's group did not reach statistical significance. Regarding motivation to consult a health website, the group aged 64 and below shows higher autonomous motivation (5.53± 0.16) than the 65-74 age group (5.33 ± 0.11) and the 75 years and older group (5.40 ± 0.38) (p < 0.01). Autonomous motivation was higher in the women's group (5.48 ± 0.13) than in the men's group (5.39 ± 0.32) (p < 0.05). Inversely, controlled motivation (2.94 ± 0.58) and amotivation (3.61 ± 0.33), was higher in men's group than in women's group (2.54 ± 0.55 and 3.30 ± 0.40) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:
Motivations to use a health website vary according to gender and age. This study may contribute to a more tailored to users and guide the development and dissemination of health websites.
SCREENING FOR KIDNEY DISEASE IN HIGH-RISK POPULATION OF DALMATIA - DIFFERENCES REGARDING THE PRESENCE OF ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Vuckovic Marijana , Dogas Hana , Radic Mislav , Kolak Ela , Nenadic Dora Bucan , Topic Ante , Tandara Leida , Sarolic Antonela , Radic Josipa 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Chronic kidney disease is an emerging health burden which often goes unrecognized. Therefore, screening for kidney disease in high-risk hypertensive, obese or diabetic patients was made in University Hospital Split, Croatia. The aim of this study was to assess differences in measured parameters in this high-risk population regarding the presence of arterial hypertension (AH).

Design and method:
Total of 165 participants (33% male) aged 64 (IQR 55-72) years diagnosed with arterial hypertension, diabetes or obesity were screened in March 2023 in Split, Croatia. 57 (34.5%) participants were diagnosed with arterial hypertension. Data about medical history, physical activity and anthropometric and laboratory (serum creatinine, eGFR and albumin creatinine data) were collected. Central and peripheral blood pressure was measured using the Agedio B900 device.

Results:
We found no statistically significant difference in parameters of age, waist circumference, hip circumference and body mass index. Regarding comorbidities, hyperlipidemia was more prevalent in participants with AH (11% vs. 28%, p=0.02). Statistically significant higher values of eGFR were found in participants without AH than in participants with AH (85.5 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 76.6 ml/min/1.73 m2, p= 0.01). We found no difference between the levels of albumin to creatinine ratio and albuminuria between the groups.

Conclusions:
Both hypertensive and non-hypertensive participants showed rather high rates of eGFR. Although having lower levels of eGFR and higher prevalence of hyperlipidemia than non-hypertensive high risk population Dalmatian hypertensives did not differ in albuminuria and albumin to creatinine ratio.
CARDIOVASCULAR IMPACT OF DISCONTINUATION OF RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM INHIBITORS IN ADVANCED CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Authors: Valentin Maisons , Margaux Costes -ALBRESPI , Sophie Liabeuf , Solene Laville M. , Ziad Massy , Benedicte Sautenet , De Pinho Natalia Alencar 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Hypertension is a major problem in chronic kidney disease (CKD) with a prevalence approaching 100%, contributing to the risk of CKD progression, cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) are the first-line therapy for antihypertensive treatment in patients with CKD, due to its protective effects. However, it is common practice stopping RASi in advanced CKD to attempt to delay kidney replacement therapy (KRT) initiation and/or to prevent drug-related acute kidney injury.

Design and method:
From the CKD-Rein prospective cohort, which included 3033 outpatients from nephrology clinics in France, we selected participants with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73m2 and who were treated with RASi for at least 3 months. We used the G-formula to deal with time-fixed (age, sex, diabetes, heart failure, lung diseases) and time-varying confounding (eGFR, systolic blood pressure, serum sodium and potassium, diuretic prescription) to compare two treatment strategies: to discontinue or to continue RASi. The outcome, MACE, was the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke or hospitalization for heart failure. Competing risks were initiation of KRT and non-cardiovascular death.

Results:
From the 1,472 patients included (median age 69 years, median eGFR 25mL/min/1.73m2, 34% women), 27% discontinued RASi over a median follow-up of 35 [17-51] months. The crude rate of RASi discontinuation was higher in the presence of cardiovascular comorbidities and more severe CKD. The number of reported serious adverse reactions over the follow-up (such as acute kidney injury or hyperkalemia) was low, but higher in the discontinuation than in the continuation group (47 versus 23 per 1,000 person-years). After taking the afore-mentioned potential confounders into account, the 36-month risk of MACE was twice as high in the discontinuation group as that in the continuation group (RR 2.13, 95%CI 1.60-2.85).

Conclusions:
RASi discontinuation was significantly associated with MACE risk, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in advanced CKD. Our results, along with other published data, suggest that the risk-benefit balance favors continued use of RASi in this population.
RACIAL DISPARITY IN DEVELOPING HYPERTENSION
Authors: Tantisattamo Ekamol , Phoonakh Thutpharritchn , Sinkajarern Varissara , Kookanok Chutawat , Rodsom Kamonluk , Noree Wanprapit , Chuenchaem Urairat , Wanichwecharungruang Nisha , Naunsilp Piengpitch , Vutthikraivit Possawat , Thiravetyan Ben , Kulthamrongsri Narathorn , Srikulmontri Thitiphan , Rochanaroon Voramol , Puchongmart Chanokporn , Tribuddharat Narisara , Suenghataiphorn Thanathip , Jariyayothin Irin , Wattanachayaku Phuuwadith 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
The magnitude of the association of race with the onset of hypertension (HTN) in nationally representative populations in the United States is unclear. We aim to examine the association between race and risk for HTN.

Design and method:
A retrospective cohort study using the 2017-2020 NHANES included self-reported diagnoses for HTN. The association between race and age of HTN diagnosis was examined by multiple Cox regression.

Results:
Of 9,693 participants >/=18 years old, mean±SD age was 50±19 years and 51% were female. The majority was non-Hispanic White (NHW; 35%) followed by non-Hispanic Black (NHB; 26%), non-Hispanic Asian (NHA; 12%), Mexican American (MA; 12%), Hispanic (10%), and multi-racial (5%). The incidence rate of HTN was 0.013 person-years with a median age of HTN diagnosis of 49 years old (IQR 37, 58). NHB had the youngest age of diagnosis of HTN (median (IQR) 45 (35, 55)) followed by MA (50 (38, 58)), NHW (50 (38, 61)), NHA (50 (40, 59)), Hispanic 49 (40, 58), and multi-racial 42 (30, 52). Compared to the NHW, all other races had a significantly greater risk of developing HTN with the highest and lowest risk in multi-racial and Hispanic groups, respectively (HRMulti-racial 1.47, 95%CI 1.25, 1.73 and HRHispanic 1.13, 95%CI 1.00, 1.28). After adjusting for age, gender, and the interaction term between race and gender, MA and Hispanics became lower risk for developing HTN compared to NHW, while other races had no significant difference (HRMA 0.63, 95%CI 0.52, 0.75 and HRHispanic 0.79, 95%CI 0.66, 0.95). In addition, gender was identified as an effect modifier with an increased risk of developing HTN observed in MA, Hispanic, and NHB females (Pinteraction <0.001, 0.033, and <0.011, respectively).

Conclusions:
While accounting as minority groups, MA and Hispanic populations have a lower risk of developing HTN compared to NHW except for female MA and female Hispanics having a greater risk. Female NHB have a higher risk for HTN compared to NHW. Further studies that assess risk factors for HTN related to race by mixed method may explore mechanisms of racial disparity in developing HTN.
IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE PREVALENCE, AWARENESS AND CONTROL OF HYPERTENSION IN GREECE: MAY MEASUREMENT MONTH SURVEY 2019 VS 2022
Authors: Menti Ariadni , Kollias Anastasios , Gkaliagkousi Eugenia , Goumenos Dimitrios , Grassos Charalampos , Kalaitzidis Rigas G. , Kallistratos Manolis , Katsi Vasiliki , Konstantinidis Dimitrios , Kotsis Vasileios , Krokidis Xenophon , Kyriakoulis Konstantinos , Lanaras Leonidas , Makaris Emmanouil , Makris Thomas , Manios Efstathios , Maragkoudakis Spyridon , Manolis Athanasios , Marketou Maria , Milionis Charalampos , Nikitas George , Papachristou Evangelos , Papadakis John , Papadopoulos Dimitrios , Protogerou Athanasios , Pikilidou Maria , Sarafidis Pantelis , Saraki Vasilios , Tsoufis Konstantinos , Zebekakis Pantelis , Doumas Michael , Stergiou George 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
The COVID-19 pandemic appeared to have an adverse impact on the management of cardiovascular risk factors. This study investigated the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the adult population in Greece before and after the COVID-19 pandemic (2019 and 2022) in the context of the May Measurement Month (MMM) global survey initiated by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH).

Design and method:
Adult volunteers were recruited through opportunistic screening in public areas in several cities of Greece in 2019 and 2022. Information on medical history and triplicate sitting blood pressure (BP) measurements were obtained using validated automated upper-arm cuff devices with appropriate cuff size. Data were uploaded to an international online platform. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP >=140 mmHg and/or diastolic >=90 mmHg, and/or self-reported use of drugs for hypertension. The same threshold was used for the definition of uncontrolled hypertension in treated individuals.

Results:
The MMM survey collected data from 5,727 adults in 2019 and 6,353 in 2022. The characteristics of the participants in 2019/2022 were: men 46/49%, p<0.01; mean age 52.7±16.6/54.8±16.2, p<0.001; smokers, 24.7/30.5, p<0.001; diabetic 12/11.5%, p=NS; history of cardiovascular disease 5/5.8%, p=NS). The prevalence of hypertension was 41.6/42.6% (2019/2022, p=NS). Among patients with hypertension, 21.3/27.5% (2019/2022, p<0.001) were unaware of their condition, 5.6/2.4% were aware but untreated (p<0.001), 24.8/22.1% were treated but uncontrolled (p<0.05), and 48.3/47.8% were treated controlled (p=NS).

Conclusions:
The COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly affect the prevalence and the control of hypertension in the general population in Greece. However, the rate of undiagnosed hypertension was increased after the pandemic.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ESTIMATED PULSE WAVE VELOCITY AND INCIDENT NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE IN KOREAN ADULTS
Authors: Shin Jeong -HUN , Kim Byung Sik , Kim Hyun -Jin , Lim Young -Hyo 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with vascular dysfunction, one of the signs of which is arterial stiffness. Carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), which is considered the gold standard measure of arterial stiffness, can be estimated using two commonly assessed clinical variables: age and blood pressure. This study aimed to evaluate the association between estimated PWV (ePWV) and the prevalence and incidence of NAFLD among Korean adults.

Design and method:
This study used data from the Ansan–Ansung Cohort Study, a subset of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, and included 8,336 adult participants with and without NAFLD at baseline. The participants were subdivided into three tertile groups according to ePWV.

Results:
At baseline, the prevalence of NAFLD was 10.5, 27.5, and 35.0% in the first (lowest), second, and third (highest) tertiles of ePWV, respectively. During the 18-year follow-up period, 2,467 (42.9%) incident cases of NAFLD were identified among 5,755 participants who did not have NAFLD at baseline. After adjustment for clinically relevant variables, participants in the second (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–1.40) and third (adjusted HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.24–1.64) tertiles of ePWV had a significantly higher risk of incident NAFLD than those in the first tertile.

Conclusions:
Higher ePWV independently associated with an elevated risk of NAFLD in the general population.
INCIDENCE AND MORTALITY RISK OF AKD AND AKI IN THE PRIMARY CARE
Authors: Redon Josep , Lidon Laura , Diaz Javier , Martinez Fernando , Sauri Inma , Fernandez Antonio , Grau Maria , Forner Maria J , Redon Josep 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of hypertension in the incidence of Acute Kidney Damage and Acute Kidney Injury episodes in the community, defined by changes in serum creatinine and temporal window.

Design and method:
The study analyzed the EHR of a community of 1,863,731 adult subjects >23 years of age with serum creatinine before, during and after the AKD episode for a variable period of time. eGFR was calculated using the CKD-EPI formula. AKD and AKI were defined according to the harmonized KDIGO criteria (Lameire 2021). The acute event was defined as having occurred when the blood creatinine was at least 150% of the mean of the previous creatinine measurement. AKD is considered to have ended when the creatinine falls to at least the threshold created by the pre-event mean plus half the increment produced during the episode within three months. AKI was defined as a sudden drop in creatinine within seven days. The RIFLE scale was used to classify episodes. HTN was considered when it was recorded in the EHR (CIE9 and 10).

Results:
During a mean follow-up of 4.8 years, 56,850 episodes of AKD were identified in 47,670 patients. The incidence was 4.49 and 19.0/1000 patients/year in non-CKD and CKD subjects, respectively. Overall, HTN was present in 62.8% of patients, 49,9% among those without CKD before the event and in 92.6% in CKD patients. In patients without CKD, HTN increases the risk of more severe RIFLE class of AKD (Risk 47.4%, Injury 64.1% and Failure 66.0%). The prevalence of HTN in patients with AKI was 76.6% without differences in the RIFLE class (Risk 76.3%, Injury 77.2% and Failure 76.9%). A higher mortality was recorded among the AKI patients.

Conclusions:
The data from this study reinforce the concept that acute elevations in serum creatinine occurring and managed in the community may pose a health risk and HTN is an important risk factor. Future work should consider how best eAlerts can be utilized, targeted and implemented.
BLOOD PRESSURE AND CHOLESTEROL CONTROL IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS WITH DYSLIPIDEMIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY IN SERBIA (SNAPSHOT STUDY)
Authors: Ivanovic Branislava , Bayle Sabine 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
This study aimed to assess the control rates of blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), along with the associated cardiovascular (CV) risk, in hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia in Serbia, based on both recommendations from 2021 European Society of Cardiology CV disease prevention guidelines (SCORE2-OP), and physicians’ assessment.

Design and method:
SNAPSHOT, a cross-sectional observational multicenter epidemiological study, involved 97 investigators (56.7%, 19.6%, 21.6% and 2.1% were general practitioners, internist, cardiologists, and endocrinologists, respectively) in Serbia and included 1187 hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia.

Results:
The analysis set included 1168 patients, with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 61.9 (11.3) years. Most patients were female (59.4%), overweight or obese (73.9%), and non-smokers (58.7%). Most (85.5%) patients had at least one additional risk factor and 33.9% had at least one additional CV comorbidity, mainly angina (13.4%), peripheral arterial disease (9.3%), and myocardial infarction (8.0%). Mean (SD) systolic and diastolic BP were 134.4 (15.3) and 82.3 (9.5) mmHg, respectively. Mean (SD) total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides were 229.1 (49.8), 54.3 (18.4), 137.7 (44.5), and 176.4 (90.5) mg/dl, respectively.
Hypertension was treated in 98.7% of patients. BP was considered controlled according to investigators in 74.8% of patients, and to guidelines in 20.9% of patients. Dyslipidemia was treated in 93.2% of patients. LDL-C was considered controlled according to investigators in 48.2% and to guidelines in 2.9% of patients. 0.70% of patients were controlled on both BP and LDL-C according to guidelines. Single-pill combination was used to treat hypertension, dyslipidemia, and both conditions in respectively 58.8%, 9.2%, and 11.9% of patients.
CV risk was estimated by investigators as moderate (41.9%), high (37.9%), or very high (11.0%) for most patients. However, calculated CV risk according to guidelines was either high or very high for all patients (12.3% and 87.7%, respectively). The investigator underestimated the CV risk in 84.9% of patients.

Conclusions:
This study showed low control rates for BP and LDL-C. CV risk was frequently overestimated by physicians. Enhancing physician education on guideline recommendations and treatment intensification could improve risk factor control.