Constantinos Tsioufis

Azilsartan as a Potent Antihypertensive Drug with Possible Pleiotropic Cardiometabolic Effects: A Review Study

Background: Hypertension related cardiovascular (CV) complications could be amplified by the presence of metabolic co-morbidities. Azilsartan medoxomil (AZL-M) is the eighth approved member of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), a drug class of high priority in the management of hypertensive subjects with diabetes mellitus type II (DMII). Methods: Under this prism, we performed a systematic review of the literature for all relevant articles in order to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and possible clinical role of AZL-M in hypertensive diabetic patients. Results: AZL-M was found to be more effective in terms of reducing indices of blood pressure over alternative ARBs or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors with minimal side effects. Preclinical studies have established pleiotropic effects for AZL-M beyond its primary antihypertensive role through differential gene expression, up-regulation of membrane receptors and favorable effect on selective intracellular biochemical and pro-atherosclerotic pathways. Conclusion: Indirect but accumulating evidence from recent literature supports the efficacy and safety of AZL-M among diabetic patients. However, no clinical data exist to date that evince a beneficial role of AZL-M in patients with metabolic disorders on top of its antihypertensive effect. Further clinical studies are warranted to assess the pleiotropic cardiometabolic benefits of AZL-M that are derived from preclinical research.

Electrocardiographic criteria for detecting coronary artery disease in hypertensive patients with ST-segment changes during exercise testing.

PURPOSE It is well known that patients with arterial hypertension frequently present with ischemic electrocardiographic changes during exercise testing without actually having coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of this study was to establish additional electrocardiographic criteria during exercise testing for detecting CAD in hypertensive patients with ischemic ST-segment response. METHODS Three hundred eighty-two consecutive hypertensive patients (224 males, 58 +/- 8 years) who presented with ischemic electrocardiographic changes during exercise testing and agreed to undergo coronary arteriography were included in the study. RESULTS From 382 hypertensive patients undergoing coronary angiography, only 76 (20%) had significant coronary stenosis, whereas 306 (80%) had normal coronary arteries. From 382 patients, 287 (75%) (group A) presented with ST-segment depression during exercise in leads II-III-aVF-V(6), 271 (94%) of which had normal arteries at the angiography. The remaining 95 patients (25%) (group B) of the studied patients presented with ST-segment depression in II-III-aVF and/or V(4) through V(6), 60 (63%) of which had CAD. Furthermore, 251 patients of group A presented with ST-segment depression during the fourth to sixth minute of the recovery period in V(4) through V(6), 247 (98%) of which had normal arteries. Another 28 patients from group B presented with ST-segment depression during the fourth to eighth minute of the recovery period in V(4) through V(6), 22 (79%) of which had significant coronary artery stenosis. CONCLUSIONS Hypertensive patients who present with ST-segment depression during exercise in leads II-III-aVF and/or V(4) through V(6) and with a prolonged duration of this depression at the recovery phase (fourth to eighth minute) are more likely to have CAD. Absence of ST-segment depression in V(4) and V(5) at the end of exercise or during the seventh and eighth minute of recovery favors a false-positive result.

Predictive role of stress echocardiography before carotid endarterectomy in patients with coronary artery disease.

Our aim was to examine the predictive value of preoperative stress echocardiography regarding early myocardial ischemia and late cardiac events after carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

Arterial hypertension and aortic valve stenosis: Shedding light on a common “liaison”

Arterial hypertension and aortic valve stenosis are common disorders and frequently present as concomitant diseases, especially in elderly patients. The impact of hypertension on heart haemodynamics is substantial, thus affecting the clinical presentation of any coexisting valvulopathy, especially of aortic stenosis. However, the interaction between these 2 entities is not thoroughly discussed in the European or/and American guidelines on the management of hypertension or/and valvular heart disease. The present review summarizes all available evidence on the potential interplay between hypertension and aortic valve stenosis, aiming to help physicians understand the pathophysiology and select the best diagnostic and therapeutic strategies (medical or/and interventional) for better management of these high-risk patients, taking into account the impact on outcome as well as the risk-benefit-ratio.

Biomarkers Associated with Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of cardioembolic stroke. The risk of cardioembolism is not adequately reduced with the administration of oral anticoagulants, since a number of patients continue to experience thromboembolic events despite receiving treatment. Therefore, identification of a circulating biomarker to identify these high-risk patients would be clinically beneficial. OBJECTIVE In the present article, we aim to review the available data regarding use of biomarkers to predict cardioembolic stroke in patients with AF. METHODS We performed a thorough search of the literature in order to analyze the biomarkers identified thus far and critically evaluate their clinical significance. RESULTS A number of biomarkers have been proposed to predict cardioembolic stroke in patients with AF. Some of them are already used in the clinical practice, such as d-dimers, troponins and brain natriuretic peptide. Novel biomarkers, such as the inflammatory growth differentiation factor-15, appear to be promising, while the role of micro-RNAs and genetics appear to be useful as well. Even though these biomarkers are associated with an increased risk for thromboembolism, they cannot accurately predict future events. In light of this, the use of a scoring system, that would incorporate both circulating biomarkers and clinical factors, might be more useful. CONCLUSIONS Recent research has disclosed several biomarkers as potential predictors of cardioembolic stroke in patients with AF. However, further research is required to establish a multifactorial scoring system that will identify patients at high-risk of thromboembolism, who would benefit from more intensive treatment and monitoring.

Biomarkers determining prognosis of atrial fibrillation ablation

Catheter ablation for rhythm control is recommended in specific patient populations with paroxysmal, persistent, or long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. Pulmonary vein isolation is the cornerstone of the ablative therapy for atrial fibrillation. However, relapse is still common since the single procedure efficacy of atrial fibrillation ablation was estimated to be 60-80% in paroxysmal and 50-70% in persistent atrial fibrillation. It is important to identify predictors of successful atrial fibrillation patients ablation. In the present review, we will assess the role of available biomarkers to predict responders of an initial atrial fibrillation catheter ablation. Emphasis has been given on the role of myocardial injury biomarkers, natriuretic peptides and traditional inflammatory markers. Novel inflammatory markers, oxidative stress biomarkers and microRNAs have also been examined as predictors of a successful atrial fibrillation procedure. Notably, the impact of procedural and short-term administration of steroids, as well as the role of colchicine on preventing atrial fibrillation recurrence after ablation is thoroughly presented.

A 31 year old woman with essential hypertension grade III and branch retinal vein occlusion with homozygous C677T MTHFR hyperhomocysteinemia and high Lp(a) levels

We report a 31-year old woman with essential hypertension grade III and history of branch retinal vein occlusion in the setting of hyperhomocysteinemia due to homozygous MTHFR gene mutation and elevated Lp(a). The patient was treated successfully with antihypertensive treatment, acetylsalicylic acid and multivitamin complex supplementation.