Ambulatory blood pressure in atrial fibrillation: an irregular conundrum of rate and rhythm

Por: Dipak Kotecha y Gregory YH Lip.  Hypertension Research (2013) 36, 854–855.

The variability of heart rate and stroke volume in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has engendered a scientific dilemma for blood pressure (BP) measurement. However from a clinical standpoint, ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) provides a perfect solution; an average of BP (and hence the variability) across the 24-h period. ABPM techniques avoid observer bias, can identify non-dippers and white-coat hypertension and also have proven prognostic implications in patients with sinus rhythm.  [Actualizado: 9 de octubre 2013].

Extracellular fluid adjusted for body size is contracted in hypertension

Por: Hong Seog Seo, Eung Ju Kim, Sun Won Kim, Sung Il Im, Jin Oh Na, Cheol Ung Choi, Hong Euy Lim, Jin Won Kim, Seung-Woon Rha y Chang Gyu Park.  Hypertension Research (2013) 36, 916–921.

Extracellular fluid (ECF) is associated with blood pressure, but reports on the status of the ECF volume in hypertension have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to assess the ECF volume status in hypertensives with regard to body size in a large cohort. We performed a single-center case–control observation study for patients who visited the outpatient hypertension clinic and health examination center. For all eligible participants, we examined the body composition, including fluid compartments, using a noninvasive bioimpedance analysis.  [Actualizado: 9 de octubre 2013].

Resistant hypertension: a practical clinical approach

Por: E S Muxfeldt, F de Souza y G F Salles.  Journal of Human Hypertension (2013) 27, 657–662.

Resistant hypertension (RH) is defined as an uncontrolled office blood pressure (BP) despite the use of at least three antihypertensive drugs. With an increasing prevalence, RH implies in a very high cardiovascular risk and needs a careful clinical approach, aiming to control BP and to reduce its morbidity and mortality. The initial diagnostic approach involves drug adherence checking and the evaluation of antihypertensive scheme, emphasizing the use of diuretics and adequate combination and dosages of the two other drugs, which preferentially reduces cardiovascular risk and promotes prevention/regression of target organ damages.  [Actualizado: 9 de octubre 2013].