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Hyperdynamic beta-adrenergic syndrome among Croatian soldiers engaged in battle
V N Heitzler1, M Bergovec, H Prpić
1Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Sestre milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia.
Insights
This study found that treating elevated blood pressure in soldiers with Atenolol or adjusted antihypertensive medication significantly reduced blood pressure in both previously undiagnosed and diagnosed hypertension groups.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Military Medicine
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Elevated blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant concern in military personnel.
- A study examined Croatian soldiers during wartime to assess hypertension prevalence and treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of Atenolol and modified antihypertensive regimens in reducing blood pressure in soldiers.
- To compare treatment outcomes in soldiers with newly diagnosed hypertension versus those with pre-existing hypertension.
Main Methods:
- 1592 male soldiers were screened; 80 with elevated blood pressure were identified.
- Group A (61 soldiers) had no prior hypertension diagnosis; Group B (19 soldiers) had a prior diagnosis.
- Group A received Atenolol (100 mg daily); Group B had existing medication adjusted.
- Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored before and after treatment.
Main Results:
- Initial elevated blood pressure readings were high in both groups (e.g., systolic BP 182 mmHg in Group A).
- Treatment led to significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both groups (p < 0.0001).
- Post-treatment systolic BP was 139 mmHg in Group A and 156 mmHg in Group B.
Conclusions:
- Cardioselective beta-blocker Atenolol is effective for newly diagnosed hypertension in soldiers.
- Adjusting existing antihypertensive medication is also effective for soldiers with diagnosed hypertension.
- Prompt and effective blood pressure management is crucial for military operational readiness.
Abstract:
A group of 1592 male Croatian soldiers (average age 32 +/- 9, ranging from 19 to 54) were examined by an internist at the war hospital. Elevated blood pressure was found in 80 men (5%); 61 of them had no history of hypertension (Group A), while in 19 patients hypertensive disease had been diagnosed before (Group B). In group A, systolic blood pressure (BPS in mm Hg), diastolic blood pressure (BPD in mm Hg) and heart rate (HR) were 182 +/- 13, 111 +/- 10, and 115 +/- 9; in group B, the values were 184 +/- 12, 108 +/- 8, 85 +/- 11. Electrocardiograms (ECG) and thorax roentgenograms of group A did not reveal any hypertension-caused signs, neither did the examination of the fundus, nor the serum creatinine values yield any abnormal results. The ECG test showed sinus tachycardia (heart rate > 100/min) but an otherwise normal function in group A. In group B, at least one of the laboratory examinations confirmed the previously diagnosed hypertension. Group A was treated with the cardioselective beta-blocker Atenolol (100 mg daily), while in group B, the previous antihypertensive medication was modified and/or increased. All patients were sent back to the front-line. Three days later, blood pressure and heart rate in group A were: BPS 139 +/- 9, BPD 87 +/- 6 and HR 77 +/- 8; and in group B: 156 +/- 11, 95 +/- 8, 75 +/- 7. A significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.0001) was found in both groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)