Abstract Background Hypertension (HTN) is a global public health issue, with high prevalence and a significant impact on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Cardioselective beta-blockers, such as atenolol, are widely used in the treatment of HTN, although their indication as first-line therapy remains controversial. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of atenolol in the treatment of primary HTN, compared with other first-line classes of antihypertensive drugs. Methods A systematic review was conducted based on a research question structured using the […]

Abstract Background Menopause is a natural physiological process that can impact various systems and organs, often leading to increased blood pressure. The combination of Panax ginseng and Angelica keiskei (Pg + Ak) is a formulation known to improve vascular function. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo effects of these combined plants on cardiovascular parameters in female rats experiencing menopause induced by ovariectomy. Methods Twenty-four 70-day-old female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups: sham-operated (Sham), ovariectomized […]

Abstract Background Although blood pressure (BP) thresholds are well established, there is a lack of data on potential hypertension phenotypes across sexes. Objectives To identify hypertension phenotypes in men and women undergoing antihypertensive treatment. Methods Adults aged 18 to 80 years with diagnosed hypertension and undergoing pharmacological treatment were opportunistically recruited from various regions of Brazil. Assessments included office BP measurements and home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM). Four hypertension phenotypes were defined: (i) controlled hypertension: office BP < 140/90 mmHg [...]

Abstract Background Passive smoking, which affects a large number of people, may create a predisposition to cardiovascular disease in a manner similar to active smoking. However, this relationship is poorly explored in the scientific literature. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the association between passive smoking and hypertension in an adult population in Brazil. Methods This panel study utilized data on the Brazilian population collected through a VIGITEL survey conducted between 2009 and 2021. The data were analyzed using Poisson […]

Abstract Background High blood pressure (BP) values have traditionally been associated with the risk of ischemic heart disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and early mortality. The brachial artery FMD after cuff deflation has become the standard parameter for quantifying endothelial function, being a useful surrogate outcome due to its non-invasiveness, close correlation with coronary endothelial function, and association with the incidence of long-term coronary events. Objectives To test hypotheses of correlation between the FMD and several blood parameters and to […]

Abstract Changes in ventricular repolarization are associated with ventricular arrhythmias and higher mortality. The association between a non-dipper blood pressure pattern and changes in ventricular repolarization remains controversial. This study sought to compare ventricular repolarization measurements (QT interval, QTc, Tp-Te, Tp-Te/QT, and QTd) in hypertensive dippers and non-dippers. Secondary objectives are to compare measurements between controlled and uncontrolled hypertensive patients, as well as resistant and non-resistant hypertensive patients. This observational, cross-sectional study involved patients monitored in a Hypertension Service. The […]