Abstract Background The SAGE score was developed to detect individuals at risk for increased pulse wave velocity (PWV). So far, studies have been focused on hypertensive patients. Objective To assess the ability of the score to detect non-hypertensive and pre-hypertensive patients at risk for increased PWV. Methods Retrospective cross-sectional study of analysis of central blood pressure data and calculation of the SAGE score of non-hypertensive and pre-hypertensive patients. Each score point was analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, using the cut-off point for positive diagnosis a PVW ≥ 10m/s, ≥9.08 m/s (75thpercentile) and ≥7.30 m/s (50thpercentile). A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The sample was composed of 100 normotensive and pre-hypertensive individuals, with mean age of 52.64 ± 14.94 years and median PWV of 7.30 m/s (6.03 – 9.08). The SAGE score was correlated with age (r=0.938, p<0.001), glycemia (r=0.366, p<0.001) and glomerular filtration rate (r=-0.658, p<0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.968 (p<0.001) for PWV ≥ 10 m/s, 0.977 (p<0.001) for PWV ≥ 9.08 m/s and 0.967 (p<0.001) for PWV ≥ 7.30 m/s. The score 7 showed a specificity of 95.40% and sensitivity of 100% for PWV≥10 m/s. The cut-off point would be of five for a PWV≥9.08 m/s (sensitivity =96.00%, specificity = 94.70%), and two for a PWV ≥ 7.30 m/s. Conclusion The SAGE score could identify individuals at higher risk of arterial stiffness, using different PWV cutoff points. However, the development of a specific score for normotensive and pre-hypertensive subjects is needed.

Resumo Fundamento O SAGE foi desenvolvido para identificar hipertensos com chance de velocidade de onda de pulso (VOP) aumentada. Até o momento, as publicações do escore foram em hipertensos. Objetivo Verificar a capacidade do SAGE de identificar os normotensos ou pré-hipertensos com chance de aumento da VOP. Métodos Transversal retrospectivo, incluiu exames de normotensos e pré-hipertensos que realizaram a medida central da pressão arterial e apresentavam os parâmetros para o cálculo do escore. Para cada pontuação do escore, foi analisada a sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e negativo utilizando como ponto de corte para o diagnóstico positivo VOP ≥ 10m/s, ≥9,08 m/s (percentil 75) e ≥7,30 m/s (percentil 50). Um valor de p<0,05 foi adotado como estatisticamente significante. Resultados A amostra foi de 100 participantes normotensos ou pré-hipertensos, com média (DP) de 52,64 (14,94) anos e VOP mediana de 7,30 m/s (6,03 – 9,08). O SAGE apresentou correlação com idade (r=0,938, p<0,001), glicemia (r=0,366, p<0,001) e taxa de filtração de glomerular (r=-0,658, p<0,001). A área sob a curva ROC foi de 0,968 (p<0,001) para VOP≥10 m/s, 0,977 (p<0,001) para VOP≥9,08 m/s e 0,967 (p<0,001) para VOP≥7,30 m/s. O escore 7 apresentou especificidade de 95,40% e sensibilidade de 100% para VOP≥10 m/s. O ponto de corte seria cinco para VOP≥9,08 m/s (s=96,00%, e= 94,70%), e dois para VOP≥7,30 m/s. Conclusão O SAGE foi capaz de identificar indivíduos com maior chance de apresentar rigidez arterial, utilizando diferentes pontos de corte de VOP. Entretanto, o desenvolvimento de um escore específico para normontensos e pré-hipertensos faz-se necessário.

Resumo Fundamento: Hipertensos tratados avaliados apenas com a medida casual da pressão arterial (PA) podem estar sujeitos a decisões equivocadas. Objetivos: Avaliar o comportamento da PA pela medida casual e residencial (MRPA), o comportamento das classes de anti-hipertensivos e as prevalências de hipertensão do avental branco (HABNC) e mascarada não-controladas (HMNC). Métodos: Estudo transversal que avaliou pacientes pela plataforma TeleMRPA entre 2017 e 2019. Foram excluídos aqueles sem medicamentos, com 3 ou mais, em uso de espironolactona e alfa-2 agonistas. As variáveis analisadas foram: idade, sexo, índice de massa corporal (IMC), número de medidas válidas da PA, médias da PA sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD) pela medida casual e MRPA, e as classes de anti-hipertensivos. Utilizados os testes t pareado e não pareado e qui-quadrado. Adotado nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Selecionados 22.446 pacientes, dos quais 6.731 preencheram os critérios, sendo 61,3% do sexo feminino, com idade média de 57,8 (±12,6) anos e IMC médio de 29,0 (±5,1) kg/m2. Os valores médios de PAS e PAD foram 6,6 mmHg (p<0,001) e 4,4 mmHg (p<0,001) maiores na medida casual que na MRPA. As taxas de controle da PA foram de 57,0% pela medida casual e 61,3% pela MRPA (p<0,001), com prevalência de HABNC e HMNC de 15,4% e 11,1%, respectivamente. O bloqueio do sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona ocorreu em 74,6% das vezes e 54,8% estavam em monoterapia. Conclusões: O uso da MRPA deve ser considerado no acompanhamento de hipertensos tratados em virtude das elevadas prevalências de HABNC e HMNC. Os anti-hipertensivos tiveram comportamentos distintos nas medidas domiciliares. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Abstract Background: Hypertensive patients undergoing treatment and assessed only by casual blood pressure (BP) measurement may be subject to mistaken decisions. Objective: To assess BP behavior by measuring its levels at the office (casual) and at home (HBPM), the behavior of different classes of antihypertensive drugs, and the prevalence of uncontrolled white-coat hypertension (UCWCH) and uncontrolled masked hypertension (UCMH). Methods: Cross-sectional study assessing patients who underwent BP monitoring in the TeleMRPA platform between 2017 and 2019. The exclusion criteria were: use of no antihypertensive drug; combined use of 3 or more antihypertensive drugs; and use of spironolactone and alpha-2 agonist. The variables analyzed were: age, sex, body mass index (BMI), number of valid BP measurements, means of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively) obtained from HBPM and casual measurement, and the classes of antihypertensive drugs. Paired and unpaired t tests, as well as chi-square test, were used. The 5% significance level was adopted. Results: This study selected 22 446 patients, 6731 of whom met the inclusion criteria [61.3%, female sex; mean age, 57.8 (±12.6) years; mean BMI, 29.0 (±5.1) kg/m2]. Mean SBP and DBP were 6.6 mm Hg (p<0.001) and 4.4 mm Hg (p<0.001) higher in casual measurement than in HBPM. The rates of BP control were 57.0% in casual measurement and 61.3% in HBPM (p<0.001), and the prevalence of UCWCH and UCMH was 15.4% and 11.1%, respectively. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade was observed in 74.6% of the patients, and 54.8% were on single-drug therapy. Conclusions: HBPM should be considered for the follow-up of treated hypertensive patients because of the high prevalence of UCWCH and UCMH. Antihypertensive drugs behaved differently in HBPM. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Resumo Fundamento A relação entre velocidade de onda de pulso (VOP) e biomarcadores de mudanças estruturais do ventrículo esquerdo e artérias carótidas ainda é pouco elucidada. Objetivo Investigar a relação entre VOP e esses biomarcadores. Métodos Estudo transversal, retrospectivo e analítico. Revisamos prontuários médicos de pacientes com diabetes mellitus, dislipidemia, e pré-hipertensão ou hipertensão, que realizaram medida de pressão arterial central (PAC) utilizando o Mobil-O-Graph®, e doppler de carótida ou ecocardiografia três meses antes ou após a medida da PAC. Análise estatística realizada por correlação de Pearson ou de Spearman, análise de regressão múltipla e de regressão bivariada, e teste t (independente) ou de Mann-Whitney. Um p<0,05 indicou significância estatística. Resultados Prontuários de 355 pacientes foram avaliados, 56,1 ±14,8 anos, 51% homens. A VOP correlacionou-se com espessuras da íntima média (EIM) das carótidas (r=0,310) do septo do ventrículo esquerdo (r=0,191) e da parede posterior do ventrículo esquerdo (r=0.215), e com diâmetro do átrio esquerdo (r=0,181). A EIM associou-se com VOP ajustada por idade e pressão sistólica periférica (p=0,0004); uma EIM maior que 1mm aumentou em 3,94 vezes a chance de se apresentar VOP acima de 10m/s. A VOP foi significativamente maior em indivíduos com hipertrofia do ventrículo esquerdo (p=0,0001), EIM > 1 mm (p=0,006), placa de carótida (p=0,0001), estenose ≥ 50% (p=0,003), e lesões de órgãos-alvo (p=0,0001). Conclusões A VOP correlacionou-se com a EIM e com parâmetros ecocardiográficos, e se associou independentemente com EIM. Essa associação foi mais forte em pacientes com hipertrofia do ventrículo esquerdo, EIM aumentada, placa de carótida, estenose ≥ 50%, e lesões de órgãos-alvo. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1125-1132)

Abstract Background The relationship between pulse wave velocity (PWV) and biomarkers of structural changes of the left ventricle and carotid arteries remains poorly understood. Objective To investigate the relationship between PWV and these biomarkers. Methods This was an analytical, retrospective, cross-sectional study. Medical records of patients with diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and pre-hypertension or hypertension, who underwent central blood pressure (CBP) measurement using Mobil-O-Graph®, and carotid doppler or echocardiography three months before and after the CBPM were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson or Spearman correlation, linear bivariate and multiple regression analysis, and the t test (independent) or Mann-Whitney test. A p <0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results Medical records of 355 patients were analyzed, mean age 56.1 (±14.8) years, 51% male. PWV was correlated with intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotids (r=0.310) and left ventricular septal thickness (r=0.191), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (r=0.215), and left atrial diameter (r=0.181). IMT was associated with PWV adjusted by age and peripheral systolic pressure (p=0.0004); IMT greater than 1 mm increased the chance of having PWV above 10 m/s by 3.94 times. PWV was significantly higher in individuals with left ventricular hypertrophy (p=0.0001), IMT > 1 mm (p=0.006), carotid plaque (p=0.0001), stenosis ≥ 50% (p=0.003), and target-organ damage (p=0.0001). Conclusion PWV was correlated with IMT and echocardiographic parameters, and independently associated with IMT. This association was stronger in individuals with left ventricular hypertrophy, increased IMT, carotid plaque, stenosis ≥ 50%, and target organ damage. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1125-1132)

Abstract Background Changes in arterial compliance are among the first changes detectable in hypertensive syndrome. Methods with good reproducibility as compared with the gold standard for identifying such changes are desirable in clinical practice. Objectives To compare central pressure measurements and arterial stiffness obtained by two non-invasive methods (tonometry and oscillometry). Methods This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of patients with borderline hypertension or stage 1 hypertension. Peripheral and central blood pressure measurements were obtained by tonometry (SphygmoCor®), considered the gold standard, and oscillometry (Mobil O´graph®). Comparisons of results were made by unpaired t-test, and p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results No difference was found in central pressure measurements obtained by SphygmoCor® (117 x 80.1 mmHg) compared with Mobil O’graph (112 x 81.4 mmHg). Mean augmentation index (AIx) was 26.1% and 21.3%, and mean pulse pressure (PP) amplification 10.7 mmHg and 10.0 mmHg by Sphygmocor® and Mobil O´graph®, respectively (p > 0.05). Mean pressure wave velocity (PWV), 8.4 m/s vs. 7.4 m/s (p = 0.013) and mean central pulse pressure, 37.7 mmmHg and 30.9 mmHg (p = 0.013) were significantly higher by SphygmoCor® than Mobil O´graph®. Conclusion Values of central systolic blood pressure, AIx and pulse pressure amplification obtained by oscillometry were not statistically different compared with tonometry; values of PWV and cPP, however, were underestimated by oscillometry. (Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; 33(2):145-150)

Resumo Fundamento: O diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial baseado nas medidas do consultório tem baixa acurácia. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de hipertensão mascarada (HM) e do avental branco pela monitorização residencial da pressão arterial (MRPA) em pacientes pré-hipertensos e hipertensos estágio. Método: Estudo retrospectivo com amostra constituída de indivíduos com pressão arterial (PA) na clínica ≥ 120/80 mmHg e < 160/100 mmHg sem uso de medicação anti-hipertensiva e que realizaram exames na plataforma de MRPA por telemedicina (TeleMRPA) entre maio de 2017 e setembro de 2018. Foi utilizado o protocolo MRPA de quatro dias, com 24 medidas, com equipamentos automáticos, validados, calibrados e com memória. Resultados: A amostra foi constituída de 1.273 participantes, sendo 739 (58,1%) mulheres. A idade média foi 52,4 ± 14,9 anos, índice de massa corporal (IMC) médio 28,4 ± 5,1 kg/m2. A PA casual foi maior que a MRPA em 7,6 mmHg para pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e 5,2 mmHg para a pressão arterial diastólica (PAD), ambas com significância estatística (p < 0,001). Foram diagnosticados 558 (43,8%) normotensos; 291 (22,9%) hipertensos sustentados; 145 (11,4%) com HM e 279 (21,9%) com hipertensão do avental branco (HAB), com erro diagnóstico pela PA casual na amostra total em 424 (33,3%) pacientes. Em hipertensos estágio 1, a prevalência de HAB foi de 48,9%; nos pré-hipertensos a prevalência de HM foi de 20,6%. Conclusão: HM e HAB têm elevada prevalência na população adulta; entretanto, na população de pré-hipertensos ou hipertensos estágio 1 a prevalência é maior. Medidas da PA fora do consultório, nestes subgrupos, devem ser realizadas sempre que possível para evitar erro diagnóstico.

Abstract Background: The diagnosis of arterial hypertension based on measurements of blood pressure in the office has low accuracy. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of masked hypertension (MH) and white-coat hypertension through home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) in pre-hypertensive and stage 1 hypertensive patients. Method: Retrospective study, of which sample consisted of individuals with BP ≥ 120/80 mmHg and < 160/100 mmHg at the medical office without the use of antihypertensive medication and who underwent exams on the HBPM platform by telemedicine (TeleMRPA) between May 2017 and September 2018. The four-day MRPA protocol was used, with 24 measurements, using automated, validated, calibrated equipment with a memory function. Results: The sample consisted of 1,273 participants, of which 739 (58.1%) were women. The mean age was 52.4 ± 14.9 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 28.4 ± 5.1 kg/m2. The casual BP was higher than the HBPM in 7.6 mmHg for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 5.2 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure (DBP), both with statistical significance (p < 0.001). There were 558 (43.8%) normotensive individuals; 291 (22.9%) with sustained hypertension; 145 (11.4%) with MH and 279 (21.9%) with white-coat hypertension (WCH), with a diagnostic error by casual BP in the total sample in 424 (33.3%) patients. In stage 1 hypertensive individuals, the prevalence of WCH was 48.9%; in prehypertensive patients, the prevalence of MH was 20.6%. Conclusion: MH and WCH have a high prevalence rate in the adult population; however, in prehypertensive or stage 1 hypertensive patients, the prevalence is higher. Out-of-office BP measurements in these subgroups should be performed whenever possible to prevent misdiagnosis.