Susanne Ljungman

Usefulness of Microalbuminuria in Predicting Cardiovascular Mortality in Treated Hypertensive Men With and Without Diabetes Mellitus

In the present study we report on the predictive power of microalbuminuria for total and cardiovascular mortality in a prospective study (mean follow up 6.3 years) of treated hypertensive men, aged 50 to 72 years, with (n = 94) and without (n = 345) maturity onset diabetes mellitus. Thirty-three (35.1%) of the hypertensive patients with diabetes mellitus died during the follow-up period compared with 57 patients (16.5%) in the hypertensive group without diabetes mellitus (p <0.0002). In those with diabetes mellitus and hypertension, a log-rank test revealed a lower cardiovascular mortality in the normoalbuminuric group compared with both the microalbuminuric (p = 0.035) and the macroalbuminuric group (p = 0.002). The logarithm of urinary albumin excretion was a predictor of both total (p = 0.009) and cardiovascular (p = 0.001) mortality during the follow-up period using Cox regression analysis. This relation remained significant even after adjustment for other risk factors. HbA1c was also an independent predictor of total and cardiovascular mortality. In patients without diabetes mellitus, the small group of patients with macroalbuminuria had a markedly increased cardiovascular mortality compared with both the microalbuminuric (p <0.0001) and the normoalbuminuric groups (p <0.0001). No difference was observed between the normoalbuminuric and the microalbuminuric groups. Smoking at entry and concomitant cardiovascular disease at entry were independent predictors of cardiovascular mortality in these patients. We conclude that microalbuminuria was an independent predictor for cardiovascular mortality in treated hypertensive men with maturity onset diabetes mellitus. Macroalbuminuria, but not microalbuminuria, predicted cardiovascular mortality in nondiabetic treated hypertensive men.

Urinary Albumin Excretion — A Predictor of Risk of Cardiovascular Disease A Prospective 10-Year Follow-Up of Middle-Aged Nondiabetic Normal and Hypertensive men

To study how the risk of cardiovascular disease changes with increasing levels of urinary albumin excretion (UAE), we prospectively studied a random sample of 120 49-year-old men with a wide range of blood pressures. Based on diastolic blood pressure (DBP), the subjects were divided into normotensives (DBP < 90 mm Hg; n = 21), borderline hypertensives (DBP 90 to 94 mm Hg; n = 30), mild hypertensives (DBP 95 to 104 mm Hg; n = 45) and moderate to severe hypertensives (DBP > 105 mm Hg; n = 24). None had been previously treated for hypertension or had secondary hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or other cardiovascular diseases at baseline. Heart and kidney function and metabolic and hormonal variables were with beta-blockade, diuretics, or hydralazine. The cardiovascular morbidity during 10 years of follow-up was studied. The hypertensives were treated with beta-blockade, diuretics, or hydralazine. The cardiovascular morbidity during 10 years of follow-up was studied. The 19 subjects who developed cardiovascular disease had significantly higher baseline UAE than the group that did not (median value 16.6 mg/24 h; range 3.5 to 73, and 9.7 mg/24 h, range 0 to 308, respectively). UAE correlated to systolic blood pressure (P = .0115) and DBP (P = .031), but not to smoking behavior or serum cholesterol. The risk of cardiovascular disease was associated with UAE and smoking independently of blood pressure (P = .001 and P = .015, respectively), and the risk increased continuously with increasing UAE. The initial UAE thus emerged as an efficient and independent predictor of cardiovascular disease in middle-aged hypertensive and normotensive men. UAE appeared to be a stronger predictor than blood pressure and serum cholesterol.

The Impact of Birth Weight and Gestational Age on Blood Pressure in Adult Life A Population-Based Study of 49-Year-Old Men

The impact of birth weight and gestational age on blood pressure in adult life was studied in a population of 49-year-old men born in 1926-27 who took part in a screening investigation of blood pressure performed in 1975-76 in Göteborg, Sweden. Birth records were traced in 430 subjects and compared with screening records. The adult systolic blood pressure (SBP) was not correlated with birth weight but was inversely correlated with gestational age in the whole study group (r = -0.10, P = .04; n = 430). The correlation between adult blood pressure and gestational age was stronger in preterm subjects, ie, those with a gestational age less than 38 weeks (for SBP, r = -0.46, P = .001 and for diastolic blood pressure [DBP], r = -0.44, P = .01; n = 44), and these correlations were independent of birth weight. There was, however, no correlation between adult blood pressure and gestational age in subjects born at term (between 38 and 41 complete weeks of gestation) or postterm (more than 42 weeks of gestation). The inverse correlation between adult SBP and gestational age was stronger in low-birth-weight subjects (< or = 2500 g; r = -0.86, P < .001; n = 14). After adjustment for birth weight, in this group an increase by 1 week of gestation was associated with a decrease in adult SBP of 7.2 mm Hg (95% CI, 10.1-4.2). In the whole study group, a positive correlation was found between adult blood pressure and adult body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.30, P < .001 for SBP and r = 0.33, P < .001 for DBP). In preterm subjects, however, no such correlation was found, but in subjects born at term or postterm, adult blood pressure was significantly correlated with BMI (for SBP at term, r = 0.34, P < .001 and postterm, r = 0.47, P < .001 and for DBP at term, r = 0.36, P < .001 and postterm, r = 0.30, P < .05). This study indicates that adult blood pressure appears to be related to different variables in different ranges of gestation. In preterm subjects, gestational age appears to have a great impact on adult blood pressure. In subjects born at term or later, however, adult blood pressure was not associated with factors related to birth, but only to the adult BMI.

Baroreflex effectiveness index and baroreflex sensitivity predict all-cause mortality and sudden death in hypertensive patients with chronic renal failure.

Objectives Impaired arterial baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) has been associated with cardiac mortality and non-fatal cardiac arrests after a myocardial infarction. Patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) have a poor prognosis because of cardiovascular diseases, and sudden death is common. The aim of this study was to assess whether BRS or the baroreflex effectiveness index (BEI), a novel index reflecting the number of times the baroreflex is active in controlling the heart rate in response to blood pressure fluctuations, is associated with prognosis in CRF. Methods Hypertensive patients with CRF who were treated conservatively, by haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis were studied. Electrocardiogram and beat-to-beat blood pressures were recorded continuously and BRS and BEI were calculated. Patients were then followed prospectively for 41 ± 15 months (range 1–64). Results During follow-up 69 patients died. Cardiovascular diseases and uraemia accounted for the majority of deaths (60 and 20%, respectively), whereas sudden death occurred in 15 patients. In adjunct with established risk factors such as age, diabetes, congestive heart failure and diastolic blood pressure, reduced BEI was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality among CRF patients [relative risk (RR) 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33–0.71 for an increase of one standard deviation in BEI, P < 0.001]. Diabetes and reduced BRS were independent predictors of sudden death (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09–0.86 for an increase of one standard deviation in BRS, P = 0.022). Conclusions Both BEI and BRS convey prognostic information that may have clinical implications for patients with cardiovascular diseases in general.

MICROALBUMINURIA IN TREATED HYPERTENSIVE MEN AT HIGH RISK OF CORONARY DISEASE. THE RISK FACTOR INTERVENTION STUDY GROUP

Objective: To examine whether microalbuminuria is a marker of cardiovascular disease in treated hypertensive men without diabetes mellitus at high coronary risk and to examine the associations between microalbuminuria and recognized cardiovascular risk factors Design: Cross-sectional study Setting: Outpatient clinic in city hospital Patients: Three hundred and thirty-three treated hypertensive men, aged 50-72 years, either with a serum cholesterol of ≥6.5mmol/l or smokers, or both. The patients were recruited mainly from a population-based sample of hypertensive men. Patients with diabetes mellitus or overnight urinary albumin excretion of > 100mg/12h were excluded from the analyses Main outcome measures: Overnight urinary albumin excretion, prevalence of microalbuminuria (defined as 17-100 mg/12 h) and organ damage (cardiovascular events or major electrocardiogram changes, or both), various well-established risk factor levels, blood glucose and plasma insulin responses to an oral glucose tolerance test. Results: Microalbuminuria was found in 25% of the cohort. Among microalbuminuric patients, organ damage was significantly more common (47.6%) than in the normoalbuminuric group (30.9%). However, the sensitivity and specificity of microalbuminuria as a marker of organ damage were only 34 and 80%, respectively. Microalbuminuria was significantly related to body mass index and waist: hip ratio, age and plasma insulin during oral glucose tolerance testing. These relationships also persisted after adjustment for treatment with thiazides or β-blockers Conclusions: In treated hypertensive men without diabetes mellitus, microalbuminuria was associated with factors known to be related to insulin resistance. It had a low sensitivity as a marker of concomitant cardiovascular disease.

Urinary albumin excretion is associated with the intima-media thickness of the carotid artery in hypertensive males with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Objective To examine the relationship between urinary albumin excretion and ultra-sonographically assessed morphology of the common carotid artery in hypertensive men with and without non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting An outpatient clinic in a city hospital.Patients Hypertensive male patients (n = 25) with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and non-diabetic hypertensive male patients (n = 94) aged 50–72 years, randomly selected from a larger study group. Main outcome measures Overnight urinary albumin excretion and B-mode ultrasound examinations of the carotid artery. Results Among the diabetic patients the logarithm of the overnight urinary albumin excretion was independently and significantly associated with the common carotid artery intima-media thickness, which was also true after adjustment for concomitant cardiovascular disease. In the non-diabetic group there was no association between intima-media thickness and urinary albumin excretion. No relationship between the occurrence of plaque and urinary albumin excretion was observed in any of the study groups. The results were reproducible at a re-examination after 3 years using the same methods. Conclusion Among the hypertensive men with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, an independent and significant relationship, reproducible after 3 years, was found between urinary albumin excretion and the intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery. No such relationship was found in the group of non-diabetic hypertensive males.

Rising from a chair: A simple screening test for physical function in predialysis patients

Objectives. Patients with chronic end-stage renal diseases have decreased physical fitness. This physical deconditioning is relative but the consequences in daily life are related to functional thresholds. The main purpose of this study was to gather information about physical performance, physical fitness and activity in predialysis patients. A second aim was to investigate the possibility of identifying patients at risk of physical deconditioning using clinical tests. Material and methods. Fifty-five predialysis patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of ≤20 ml/min/1.73 m2 were investigated. They filled out questionnaires about their physical activity. Muscle performance was measured by using an electronic force transducer for grip strength and knee extension. Clinical tests, such as ‘Timed up and go’, walking, standing heel-rise and ‘Climbing up a 45-cm high step’, were performed. Results. There were no associations between GFR and the assessments of the above-mentioned tests. However, odds ratios calculated for ‘Rising from a 45-cm chair without using the arms’ and GFR and diabetes showed that, for every 1 ml/min/1.73 m2 drop in GFR, the odds were 1.5 times higher that the patient would not be able to rise from a chair and, when the diagnosis was diabetes, the odds ranged from 1.7 to 21 times higher. Conclusions. Patients, especially diabetics, with chronic renal failure with a GFR of ≤20 ml/min/1.73 m2 have decreased physical fitness. ‘Rising from a 45-cm chair without using the arms’ is an uncomplicated test to use in the clinical setting for identifying patients who need help with muscle training and functional exercise in order to improve their everyday functioning.

Does microalbuminuria predict cardiovascular events in nondiabetic men with treated hypertension

The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of microalbuminuria (overnight urinary albumin excretion rate 17 to 100 mg/12 h) as a risk factor for future major cardiovascular events in nondiabetic patients with treated hypertension in a prospective study with follow-up time of 3.3 years. Overnight urinary albumin excretion was measured in 345 nondiabetic treated hypertensive men, aged 50 to 72 years, either with a serum cholesterol of > or = 6.5 mmol/L or smokers, or both. Cardiovascular morbidity was closely recorded during the follow-up period. At entry, microalbuminuria was found in 84 patients (24.3%) and 12 patients had macroalbuminuria (3.5%). During the follow-up period there were no differences in new cardiovascular events between patients with microalbuminuria and those with normoalbuminuria. However, an increase in the risk of future major cardiovascular events occurred in patients with urinary albumin excretion above 100 mg/12 h (macroalbuminuria). In a Cox regression analysis urinary albumin excretion was not associated with the incidence of future major cardiovascular events unless a more detailed approach was used, showing that this was the case for urinary albumin excretion above 100 mg/12 h (macroalbuminuria). Calculations with an alternative definition of microalbuminuria and mortality as end-point did not change the principal result. In conclusion, microalbuminuria does not seem to be a predictor of future mortality and cardiovascular morbidity in nondiabetic men with treated hypertension and at high risk of coronary heart disease. However, macroalbuminuria was associated with future major cardiovascular events in this group of patients.

Physical Activity, Muscle Performance and Quality of Life in Patients Treated with Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis

OBJECTIVE Todays medical treatment of patients with end-stage renal failure has increased their opportunities for an active lifestyle. The aim of this study was to describe the muscle performance, level of physical activity, independence in activities of daily living and quality of life in patients treated with chronic peritoneal dialysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study investigated 33 patients (30-81 years old) treated with chronic peritoneal dialysis. The results were compared with an age-matched healthy reference group. Muscle mass was determined by measuring total body potassium, while maximal grip strength was measured with an electric force transducer. The ability to perform heel-lifts, walking speed and level of physical activity were also assessed, along with the extent to which patients were independent in activities of daily living (ADL) and satisfied with their health. RESULTS Total body potassium was 97 +/- 11.6% of normal and correlated positively with the maximal grip strength (r = 0.658, p < 0.0002) and the maximal walking speed (r = 0.558, p < 0.0027). Maximal grip strength was 70% of the reference, the ability to perform heel-lifts was 49% of the reference, the walking speed was 85% the reference and the level of physical activity was 56% of expected. The patients were independent in ADL to a great extent and 52% of the patients were satisfied with their health. CONCLUSION The peritoneal dialysis patients had a relatively good quality of life and were largely independent in ADL Further studies are needed to investigate whether it is possible to improve muscle performance and the level of physical activity with exercise and muscle training in these patients.Objective: Todays medical treatment of patients with end-stage renal failure has increased their opportunities for an active lifestyle. The aim of this study was to describe the muscle performance, level of physical activity, independence in activities of daily living and quality of life in patients treated with chronic peritoneal dialysis. Material and Methods: The study investigated 33 patients (30-81 years old) treated with chronic peritoneal dialysis. The results were compared with an age-matched healthy reference group. Muscle mass was determined by measuring total body potassium, while maximal grip strength was measured with an electric force transducer. The ability to perform heel-lifts, walking speed and level of physical activity were also assessed, along with the extent to which patients were independent in activities of daily living (ADL) and satisfied with their health. Results:

Withdrawal of antihypertensive drug treatment : time-course for redevelopment of hypertension and effects upon left ventricular mass

Objectives: To examine: (1) in how many treated hypertensive patients it was possible to discontinue drug treatment; (2) the time-course for redevelopment of hypertension after discontinuation of therapy; and (3) whether drug withdrawal was associated with an increase in left ventricular mass (LVM). Design: Fifty-four men with primary hypertension treated for a mean period of 6 years (primarily β1-selective β-blockade) were evaluated for withdrawal of treatment. Exclusion criteria were signs of organ damage, severe hypertension, other serious disease and unwillingness. Treatment was reinstituted if blood pressure increased above a safety level or if symptoms occurred. Echocardiographic estimations of LVM were obtained before withdrawal and 1, 4 and 8 weeks after withdrawal or before return to treatment. Setting: Outpatient clinic in a city hospital. Patients: A random sample of 56-year-old hypertensive men. Intervention: Gradual discontinuation of treatment with close follow-up of blood pressure. Main outcome measures: Number of patients who could withdraw from treatment and who had to return to pharmacological therapy; time-courses for development of hypertension; absolute changes in LVM. Results: Thirty-two patients withdrew from treatment for 1-1000 days. Therapy was reinstituted in all owing to hypertension or symptoms. Serial echocardiograms were obtained in 22 patients. During the drug-free period, relative wall thickness increased, but LVM did not. Patients with rapid redevelopment of hypertension had larger prewithdrawal LVM than patients whose blood pressure increased more slowly. Conclusion: It was possible to withdraw treatment and obtain readable echocardiograms in a minority of the patients. After drug-withdrawal, relative wall thickness increased, but not LVM. We suggest that previously treated patients should be avoided in studies examining reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy.