Effects of Antihypertensive Therapy on Blood Pressure Variability

Kazuo Eguchi1

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan. ke112@jichi.ac.jp.

Insights

Antihypertensive therapy impacts blood pressure variability (BPV). Long-acting calcium channel blockers may reduce BPV, while adherence is key for better outcomes in hypertension management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Blood pressure variability (BPV) is linked to target organ damage and cardiovascular prognosis.
  • Visit-to-visit BP variability predicts cardiovascular events in treated hypertensive patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the effects of antihypertensive therapy on different types of blood pressure variability in hypertensive individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review summarizing existing studies on antihypertensive therapy and BPV.
  • Analysis of BPV markers including visit-to-visit, day-by-day, and ambulatory BPV.

Main Results:

  • Long-acting calcium channel blockers (CCBs) show potential in reducing BPV.
  • Medication non-adherence significantly contributes to increased BPV.
  • BPV reduction may be a crucial strategy for high-risk patients.

Conclusions:

  • While BPV is not a direct target for antihypertensive treatment due to limited evidence, its reduction is clinically significant for high-risk patients.
  • Improving adherence to antihypertensive medication is vital for favorable prognosis.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications01:28

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...
807
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
4.7K
Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Diuretics01:16

Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Diuretics

Diuretics are antihypertensive drugs used to treat hypertension resulting from sodium and water retention. Sodium, vital for fluid balance and nerve or muscle function, is regulated by the kidneys through millions of nephrons. Blood enters nephrons via afferent arterioles, which branch into capillaries called glomeruli. These filter blood plasma, allowing water and solutes, like sodium ions, to pass through capillary walls into Bowman's capsule. The filtrate then flows through various...
2.6K
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers01:30

Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

In the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormone called angiotensin II plays a crucial role. It binds to the AT1 receptors in vascular smooth muscles coupled with Gq proteins. The activation of these receptors activates an enzyme called phospholipase C, which releases two molecules: inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. These molecules cause a chain reaction that leads to the phosphorylation of myosin light chains and promotes interaction between actin and myosin, leading to smooth...
2.9K
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors01:30

Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a vital component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, is abundant in lung endothelial cells. ACE converts the inactive decapeptide, angiotensin I, into the active octapeptide, angiotensin II. This potent vasoconstrictor narrows blood vessels, increasing resistance to blood flow and elevating blood pressure. Angiotensin II also stimulates aldosterone production, encouraging kidney cells to reabsorb more sodium and water from urine, thereby increasing...
2.7K
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
696