Aamir Hameed Khan

Good knowledge about hypertension is linked to better control of hypertension; A multicentre cross sectional study in Karachi, Pakistan

BackgroundAccording to the National Health survey only 3% of the population has controlled hypertension. This study was designed to elucidate the knowledge about hypertension in hypertensive patients at three tertiary care centers in Karachi. Secondly we sought to compare the knowledge of those with uncontrolled hypertension and controlled hypertension.MethodsIt was a cross-sectional study conducted at The Aga Khan University hospital (AKUH), Ziauddin Hospital (ZH) and Civil hospital, Karachi (CHK. All diagnosed Hypertensive patients (both inpatients and outpatients) coming to a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan aged > 18 years were included. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: controlled and uncontrolled hypertension based on their initial BP readings on presentation Uncontrolled Hypertension was defined as average BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg in patients on treatment. Controlled Hypertension (HTN) was defined as average BP <140/90 mm Hg in patients on treatment. Standardized methods were used to record BP in the sitting position. Knowledge was recorded as a15 item question. Primary outcome was knowledge about hypertension.ResultsA total of 650 participants were approached and consented 447 were found eligible. 284(63.5%) were from Aga Khan University, 101(22.6) from Dow University of health sciences and 62(13.9) were from Ziauddin University. Mean (SD) age of participants was 57.7(12) years, 50.1(224) were men. Controlled hypertension was present in 323(72.3) and uncontrolled hypertension was present in 124(27.4). The total mean (SD) Knowledge score was 20.97(4.93) out of a maximum score of 38. On comparison of questions related to knowledge between uncontrolled and controlled hypertension, there was statistically significant different in; meaning of hypertension (p <0.001), target SBP(p0.001), target DBP(p 0.001), importance of SBP versus DBP, improvement of health with lowering of blood pressure (p 0.002), high blood pressure being asymptomatic (p <0.001), changing lifestyle improves blood pressure(p 0.003),hypertension being a lifelong disease (<0.001), lifelong treatment with antihypertensives(<0.001) and high blood pressure being part of aging(<0.001). On comparison of knowledge as a composite score between uncontrolled and controlled hypertensive; Mean (SD) score was 21.85(4.74) v18.67 (4.70) (p value: < 0.001). On multivariate analysis; gender β (95% CI) 1.67(0.75, 2.59) p <0.001, uncontrolled blood pressure; -2.70(−3.76,-1.67) p <0.001, Sindhi ethnicity; -1.79(−3.25,-3.27) p 0.01 and pukhtoon ethnicity; -2.72(−4.13,-1.32) p <0.001 were significantly associated with knowledge score.ConclusionKnowledge about hypertension in hypertensive patients is not adequate and is alarmingly poor in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. More emphasis needs to be made on target blood pressure and need for taking antihypertensives for life to patients by physicians.

Spectrum of antihypertensive therapy in South Asians at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan

BackgroundDespite available guidelines on hypertension (HTN), use of antihypertensives is variable. This study was designed to ascertain frequency of patients on monotherapy and > 1 antihypertensive therapy and also to ascertain proportion of patients on diuretic therapy.MethodsIt was a crossectional study conducted on 1191 adults(age > 18 yrs)hypertensive patients selected by computerized International Classification of Diseases -9-coordination and maintenance (ICD-9-CM) presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Data on demographics, comorbids, type of antihypertensive drug, number of antihypertensive drug and mean duration of antihypertensive drug was recorded over 1.5 year period (2008-09). Blood pressure was recorded on admission. Primary outcome was use of combination therapy and secondary outcome was use of diuretic therapy.ResultsA total of 1191 participants were included. Mean age(SD) was 62.55(12.47) years, 45.3%(540) were males. Diabetes was the most common comorbid; 46.3%(551). Approximately 85% of patients had controlled hypertension. On categorization of anti hypertensive use into 3 categories;41.2%(491) were on monotherapy,32.2%(384) were on 2 drug therapy,26.5%(316) were on ≥3 drug therapy. Among those who were on monotherapy for HTN;34%(167) were on calcium channel blockers,30.10%(148) were on beta blockers, 22.80%(112) were on Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors,12%(59) were on diuretics and 2.20%(11) were on Angiotensin receptor blockers(ARB). Use of combination antihypertensive therapy was significantly high in patients with ischemic heart disease(IHD)(p < 0.001). Use of diuretics was in 31% (369) patients. Use of diuretics was significantly less in patients with comorbids of diabetes (p 0.02), Chronic kidney disease(CKD)(p 0.003), IHD (p 0.001) respectivelyConclusionMost patients presenting to our tertiary care center were on combination therapy. Calcium channel blocker is the most common anti hypertensive drug used as monotherapy and betablockers are used as the most common antihypertensive in combination. Only a third of patients were on diuretic as an antihypertensive therapy.

Control of Blood Pressure and Risk Attenuation: Post Trial Follow-Up of Randomized Groups

Background Evidence on long term effectiveness of public health strategies for lowering blood pressure (BP) is scarce. In the Control of Blood Pressure and Risk Attenuation (COBRA) Trial, a 2 x 2 factorial, cluster randomized controlled trial, the combined home health education (HHE) and trained general practitioner (GP) intervention delivered over 2 years was more effective than no intervention (usual care) in lowering systolic BP among adults with hypertension in urban Pakistan. However, it was not clear whether the effect would be sustained after the cessation of intervention. We conducted 7 years follow-up inclusive of 5 years of post intervention period of COBRA trial participants to assess the effectiveness of the interventions on BP during extended follow-up. Methods A total of 1341 individuals 40 years or older with hypertension (systolic BP 140 mm Hg or greater, diastolic BP 90 mm Hg or greater, or already receiving treatment) were followed by trained research staff masked to randomization status. BP was measured thrice with a calibrated automated device (Omron HEM-737 IntelliSense) in the sitting position after 5 minutes of rest. BP measurements were repeated after two weeks. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyze the primary outcome of change in systolic BP from baseline to 7- year follow-up. The multivariable model was adjusted for clustering, age at baseline, sex, baseline systolic and diastolic BP, and presence of diabetes. Findings After 7 years of follow-up, systolic BP levels among those randomised to combined HHE plus trained GP intervention were significantly lower (2.1 [4.1–0.1] mm Hg) compared to those randomised to usual care, (P = 0.04). Participants receiving the combined intervention compared to usual care had a greater reduction in LDL-cholesterol (2.7 [4.8 to 0.6] mg/dl. Conclusions The benefit in systolic BP reduction observed in the original cohort assigned to the combined intervention was attenuated but still evident at 7- year follow-up. These findings highlight the potential for scaling-up simple strategies for cardiovascular risk reduction in low- and middle- income countries. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00327574

Control of blood pressure and risk attenuation: a public health intervention in rural Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka: feasibility trial results.

Background: High blood pressure (BP) is the leading attributable risk for cardiovascular disease globally. There is little information on effective and sustainable public health system strategies for managing hypertension in South Asian countries. We conducted a feasibility study to gather preliminary data to optimize BP-lowering strategies for a public health intervention in rural communities in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Methods: A mixed method feasibility study comprised a 3-month pre and postevaluation of a multicomponent intervention (MCI), including BP screening and home health education by trained government community health worker (CHW); providers trained in hypertension management, and compensation of CHW for additional services. Checklists were used to document care. Stakeholder interviews were also conducted. Individuals aged 40 years and above with high BP (systolic ≥140u200ammHg or diastolic ≥90u200ammHg based on two readings from 2 separate days, or receiving antihypertensive medications) were enrolled from rural communities in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. BP was measured at baseline and 3 months postintervention. Results: A total of 412 (90%) of the 454 eligible individuals were recruited. Of those recruited, 90% received home health education session by trained CHWs, 80% were referred to trained providers, of whom 83% completed the management checklist. A follow-up rate of 95.6% was achieved. The mean SBP declined significantly by 4.5u200ammHg 95% confidence interval (2.3, 6.7) mmHg (Pu200a<u200a0.001) in the overall pooled analysis in three countries; however, it varied among countries. BP decline was 10.5u200ammHg (8.1, 13.0u200ammHg) (Pu200a<u200a0.001) in the pooled analysis of individuals with uncontrolled hypertension at baseline, and was also significant each of the three countries. All 98 stakeholders strongly supported upscaling the proposed MCI strategies. Conclusion: The proposed MCI is feasible for implementation and requires long-term, large-scale evaluation in the rural public health infrastructure in South Asian countries to determine sustainability of health system changes and BP control. If these long-term effects are confirmed, MCI may be a long-term strategy for tackling rising rates of cardiovascular disease in low-resourced countries. Clintrial.gov NCT02341651

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome

We present a case of a 71-year-old man, with a history of hypertension and dyslipidaemia, who presented with typical cardiac chest pain and palpitations of 2u2005h duration. The examination revealed irregular pulse of 138u2005bpm, blood pressure 115/75u2005mmu2005Hg, variable first and normal second heart sounds. The lungs were clear to auscultation. The ECG showed atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular rate. His heart rate was controlled with β blockers and the acute coronary syndrome treatment protocol was initiated. His baseline blood reports were within normal limits and two serial troponin I tests were negative. Coronary angiogram showed dissection in the left coronary system extending into the branch vessels and 30–40% stenosis in the right coronary artery. The patient underwent coronary artery bypass graft as an emergent case. He suffered a mild stroke postsurgery with complete functional recovery. He is being followed up in the clinic and has performed well.

Antidromic Atrioventricular Reentrant Tachycardia Dependent on a Unidirectional Left Anterior Accessory Pathway Mimicking Peri-mitral Ventricular Tachycardia: Successful Ablation via a Transseptal Approach

Antidromic atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (aAVRT) is rare compared to orthodromic atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (oAVRT). An aAVRT that is dependent on a unidirectional, decremental accessory pathway (AP) is even rarer. Idiopathic ventricular tachycardias (iVT) that have benign prognoses and respond well to medical therapy can be confused with aAVRTs dependent on APs having ventricular insertion sites close to the iVT focus and have a real risk of sudden death. The preferred approach of ablation for such tachycardias with anterograde conduction only is a retrograde aortic approach, which facilitates the mapping of the earliest ventricular activation during atrial pacing or tachycardia from the ventricular side. This, however, necessitates access to the arterial system with accompanying complications. We describe herein the case of a wide complex tachycardia, which was treated initially as VT with intravenous lidocaine. The baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) did not show preexcitation. An electrophysiology study (EPS) revealed a left anterior AP that conducted anterograde only. AVRT was easily inducible at a cycle length of 290 ms. Successful ablation was undertaken via the transseptal approach without recurrence.

Infection of a Ventricular Septal Defect Patch with Acremonium Species

A ventricular septal defect (VSD) patch infection with Acremonium species isolated from vegetation and blood culture is described. Antifungal treatment was discontinued after 3 months and patient developed relapse. Surgery with prolonged oral voriconazole was instituted with recovery. We emphasize importance of surgery and prolonged therapy to treat such infections.

Albuminuria and kidney function as prognostic marker of left ventricular mass among South Asians with hypertension

We aimed to evaluate the association of albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at baseline and changes in these parameters with left ventricular mass index (LVMI) at 7 years in adults with hypertension from communities in Pakistan. A nested cohort of 539 hypertensives aged 40 years and older from a community-living population in Karachi, Pakistan, followed up for 7 years in the Control of Blood Pressure and Risk Attenuation trial. Urine spot albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and serum creatinine-based eGFR were assessed at baseline and 7 years, and echocardiography at 7 years. Mean age of participants was 50.9 ± 9.1 (standard deviation) years; 63% were female. Mean eGFR was 91.0 ± 15.9 (standard deviation) mL/min/1.73 m2 and median (interquartile range) UACR 6.2 (3.9, 11.3) mg/g. In multivariate analysis, although baseline eGFR was marginally associated with LVMI, a strong association was found between higher LVMI with greater rate of decline in eGFR (β = −1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [−1.94, −0.17]). Higher baseline UACR was significantly associated with higher follow-up LVMI (β = 2.26; 95% CI: [0.87, 3.65]), as was rate of UACR increase of ≥1.07 mg/g/y versus of <0.14 mg/g/y. (β = 4.19; 95% CI: [0.75, 7.63]). Associations with developing left ventricular hypertrophy were found for reduced baseline eGFR, higher baseline UACR, and greater rate of UACR increase, but not for rate of eGFR decline. Comparable results were observed for the outcomes of posterior wall thickness and septal wall thickness. Higher baseline albuminuria, lower baseline eGFR, and their longitudinal worsening were significantly associated with higher LVMI or the development of left ventricular hypertrophy among individuals with hypertension in Pakistan.

Level of knowledge among cardiac nurses regarding sexual counseling of post-MI patients in three tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan

Purpose: The aim of this study is to measure the level of knowledge among cardiac nurses about sexual counseling of post‐myocardial infarction (MI) patients. Method: This descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted among 153 nurses at three tertiary care hospitals of a large metropolitan city of Pakistan. Results: The findings revealed that the majority nurses have moderate knowledge regarding post‐MI sexual counseling. Additionally, nurses have lack of knowledge regarding effects of cardiac drugs on sexual life of post‐MI patients. Conclusion: There is a need to improve nurses knowledge in regard to sexual counseling among post‐MI patients. Nurses should have knowledge to deal with such a sensitive issue as sexuality, in order to improve patients quality of life. With respect to Pakistan, this was a baseline study and may provide insights for designing interventional or qualitative studies in the future.

Interrupted aortic arch complicated with takotsubo cardiomyopathy mimicking aortic dissection

A 50-year-old man presented to the emergency department with interscapular pain, diaphoresis and restlessness. Initial examination raised the possibility of aortic dissection; however, the CT scan did not concur with the diagnosis. An ECG showed ST segment elevation in leads V1–V6 and echocardiography showed severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Coronary angiography through the right femoral artery was attempted but the diagnostic catheter could not be advanced to the ascending aorta. Radiocontrast injection showed complete obstruction of the descending aorta. Coronary angiography through right radial approach showed mild left anterior descending disease. The aortogram showed complete interruption of the ascending aorta with extensive collateral network. Left ventricle gram was consistent with stress-induced cardiomyopathy. We noticed intermittent confusion and agitation. MRI of the brain showed areas of deep white matter ischaemia as well as microhaemorrhages, suggesting posterior reversible leucoencephalopathy syndrome. He unfortunately went into cardiac arrest and could not be revived.