Central Hemodynamics

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Guidelines recommend measuring end organ damage and in particular arterial stiffness in patients with hypertension. However, until now it was not possible to measure arterial stiffness with the use of simple methods. Recently, novel and innovative devices offering determination of arterial stiffness and central hemodynamics from simple and non-invasive arm cuff measurements have now become available. This study therefore evaluates the value of non-invasively measured arterial stiffness and central hemodynamics for guiding antihypertensive treatment in selected patient populations (i.e. elderly patients, patients with diabetes mellitus, patients with heart failure, and patients with resistant hypertension).

Official Title
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Value of Non-invasively Measured Arterial Stiffness and Central Hemodynamics for Guiding Antihypertensive Treatment in Selected Patient Populations

Conditions
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Hypertension

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Optimization of blood pressure according to guidelines


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Patients >70 years (elderly cohort) Patients with diabetes mellitus (diabetes cohort) Patients with heart failure (heart failure cohort) Patients with resistant hypertension (resistant hypertension cohort) Exclusion Criteria: Patient refuses study participation Severe renal failure Reduced life expectancy

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Elderly patients<br> | Other: Optimization of blood pressure according to guidelines<br>* There is no specific recommendation for the intervention. The goal of the intervention is an optimization of blood pressure control. The intervention is at the discretion of the physician, but should adhere to guidelines. The intervention may therefore embrace measures such as drug prescriptions or lifestyle interventions.<br>|
| Patients with diabetes mellitus<br> | Other: Optimization of blood pressure according to guidelines<br>* There is no specific recommendation for the intervention. The goal of the intervention is an optimization of blood pressure control. The intervention is at the discretion of the physician, but should adhere to guidelines. The intervention may therefore embrace measures such as drug prescriptions or lifestyle interventions.<br>|
| Patients with heart failure<br> | Other: Optimization of blood pressure according to guidelines<br>* There is no specific recommendation for the intervention. The goal of the intervention is an optimization of blood pressure control. The intervention is at the discretion of the physician, but should adhere to guidelines. The intervention may therefore embrace measures such as drug prescriptions or lifestyle interventions.<br>|
| Patients with resistant hypertension<br> | Other: Optimization of blood pressure according to guidelines<br>* There is no specific recommendation for the intervention. The goal of the intervention is an optimization of blood pressure control. The intervention is at the discretion of the physician, but should adhere to guidelines. The intervention may therefore embrace measures such as drug prescriptions or lifestyle interventions.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Arterial stiffness and central hemodynamics | Non-invasive measurement of arterial stiffness and central hemodynamics with the Tensiomed Arteriograph device | 3 months | 
| Cognitive function | Measurement with Mini Mental State Exam and Verbal Recall Test | 3 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Physical function | Measurement with gait speed, hand grip test and physical activity questionnaire | 3 months | 
| Orthostatic hypotension and falls | Measurement with blood pressure recordings and structured questionnaire | 3 months | 
| Renal failure | Creatinine measurement | 3 months |