This article aims to evaluate the adherence to antihypertensive treatment prevalence in the Brazilian population based on peer-reviewed studies which used instruments exclusively designed and/or adapted for this purpose. A systematic review with meta-analysis based on the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The search was carried out in the BDENF, SciELO, Cuiden, PsycINFOe, CINAHL, Embase, LILACS, and MEDLINE databases, as well as the AgeLine, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect academic search engines. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021292689). Random effects models were used for a meta-analysis of the prevalence obtained from individual studies. A total of 104 studies were included in the meta-analysis on antihypertensive treatment in the Brazilian population, totaling 38,299 patients. The most used instrument was the four-item Morisky-Green Test (49.5%). The adherence prevalence estimated by the meta-analysis was 44.4% (95%CI: 39.12%-49.94%, I2 = 91.17, p < 0.001), showing high heterogeneity. The adherence to antihypertensive treatment prevalence found in national studies was unsatisfactory, demonstrating that this problem continues to be a major challenge.
O objetivo do artigo é avaliar a prevalência de adesão ao tratamento anti-hipertensivo na população brasileira, com base nos estudos revisados por pares, que utilizaram instrumentos elaborados e/ou adaptados exclusivamente para este fim. Revisão sistemática com meta-análise, baseada nas recomendações do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A busca foi realizada nas bases BDENF, SciELO, Cuiden, PsycINFOe, CINAHL, Embase, LILACS, MEDLINE, e nos buscadores acadêmicos AgeLine, Google Scholar e ScienceDirect. O protocolo foi registrado no PROSPERO (CRD42021292689). Modelos de efeitos aleatórios foram usados para meta-análise das prevalências obtidas dos estudos individuais. Incluíram-se 104 estudos na meta-análise sobre tratamento anti-hipertensivo na população brasileira, totalizando 38.299 pacientes. O instrumento mais utilizado foi o teste de Morisky-Green de quatro itens (49,5%). A prevalência de adesão estimada pela foi de 44,4% (IC95%: 39,12%-49,94%, I2 = 91,17, p < 0,001), apresentando alta heterogeneidade. A prevalência de adesão ao tratamento anti-hipertensivo encontrada nos estudos nacionais foi insatisfatória, demonstrando que essa problemática continua sendo um grande desafio.

UNASSIGNED: The Extracorporeal Treatments in Poisoning (EXTRIP) workgroup suggests hemodialysis in severe lithium poisoning if specific criteria are met. One criterion is if the expected time to obtain a lithium concentration <1.0 mEq/L with optimal management is >36 h. There are a lack of data regarding which patient characteristics are associated with the rate at which patients achieve a lithium concentration <1.0 mEq/L.
UNASSIGNED: We conducted a retrospective chart review analyzing hospital electronic medical records. Inclusion criteria consisted of a lithium concentration >1.2 mEq/L during hospitalization. We excluded patients who received extracorporeal treatment before 36 h elapsed from time of initial lithium concentration >1.2 mEq/L. The primary analysis consisted of a Cox regression and a secondary analysis evaluated the nomogram method described by Buckley and colleagues for predicting prolonged supratherapeutic lithium concentration.
UNASSIGNED: One hundred and one patients were included in the study. The median time to reach a lithium concentration <1.0 mEq/L was 42.5 h (IQR: 33.8-51.1). Older patients, patients taking a thiazide, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker, patients with a higher initial lithium concentration, and patients with higher sodium concentrations achieved a lithium concentration <1 mEq/L at a slower rate. For the nomogram analysis, sensitivity (61.5%) and specificity (54.5%) were moderate, the positive predictive value (16.7%) was poor, and the negative predictive value (90.6%) was excellent.
UNASSIGNED: The results from our primary analysis suggest that identifying higher serum sodium concentration and use of certain antihypertensives that decrease glomerular filtration rate as predictors of an increased time to reach a therapeutic lithium concentration may help identify patients who meet the Extracorporeal Treatments in Poisoning criteria for hemodialysis. The nomogram method performed similarly to prior validation studies.
UNASSIGNED: In this retrospective chart review of patients with supratherapeutic lithium concentrations, we identified several risk factors for prolonged supratherapeutic lithium concentrations.

UNASSIGNED: In the in-clinic blood pressure (BP) recording setting, a sizable number of individuals with normal BP and approximately 30% of patients with chronic renal disease (CKD) exhibit elevated outpatient BP records. These individuals are known as masked hypertension (MHTN), and when they are on antihypertensive medications, but their BP is not controlled, they are called masked uncontrolled hypertension (MUHTN). The masked phenomenon (MP) (MHTN and MUHTN) increases susceptibility to end-organ damage (a two-fold greater risk for cardiovascular events and kidney dysfunction). The potential extension of the observed benefits of MP therapy, including a reduction in end-organ damage, remains questionable.
UNASSIGNED: This review aims to study the diagnostic methodology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and significance of MP management in end-organs, especially the kidneys, cardiovascular system, and outcomes. To achieve the purposes of this non-systematic comprehensive review, PubMed, Google, and Google Scholar were searched using keywords, texts, and phrases such as masked phenomenon, CKD and HTN, HTN types, HTN definition, CKD progression, masked HTN, MHTN, masked uncontrolled HTN, CKD onset, and cardiovascular system and MHTN. We restricted the search process to the last ten years to search for the latest updates.
UNASSIGNED: MHTN is a variant of HTN that can be missed if medical professionals are unaware of it. Early detection by ambulatory or home BP recording in susceptible individuals reduces end-organ damage and progresses to sustained HTN. Adherence to the available recommendations when dealing with masked phenomena is justifiable; however, further studies and recommendation updates are required.
Blood pressure tells us how much force the heart exerts on the blood vessels as it pumps blood. Normal blood pressure should be 120/80 mmHg, which generally decreases when a person is sleeping or sitting. High blood pressure or hypertension occurs when the blood pressure is too high. Hidden or masked hypertension (MH) is a type of high blood pressure. Masked hypertension was described as having high blood pressure readings even though the doctor’s office or in-clinic showed normal blood pressure readings.This review aimed to teach people about various kinds of high blood pressure, focusing on hidden (masked) hypertension and how to recognise it, as well as its consequences, treatment, and new information.

Several agents are emerging from five different novel classes of antihypertensive medications. We will focus on endothelin antagonists and non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. While several agents exist in this later class, only a couple have demonstrated superior efficacy in resistant hypertension management. Endothelin receptor antagonists are effective therapy for primary and resistant hypertension, but they are not widely used. This is due to side effects demonstrated in large clinical trials, specifically increased peripheral edema and worsening heart failure in some cases, as well as the availability of many alternative agents to manage blood pressure effectively. However, the relationship between endothelin and its close ties to hypertension is evolving. Recent pre-clinical work explores new applications of more selective endothelin receptor antagonists. They suggest that specific subtypes of hypertension may benefit more from endothelin receptor blockade than simply those with primary hypertension. We review this topic and other related data. Lastly, we also provide a brief overview of non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists as some in the class show promise as antihypertensive agents.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension, a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease, is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Digital health is now widely utilized for hypertension management, and numerous studies have assessed its effectiveness.
OBJECTIVE: The review aims to analyse the effectiveness of digital health (i.e., mobile health (mHealth), telehealth, and the combination of mHealth & telehealth) on hypertensive patients, concerning three key areas: clinical outcomes, medication adherence, and adherence to lifestyle changes, as compared to standard care.
METHODS: The review followed the PRISMA framework. Eight electronic databases were scanned for randomized control trials focusing on the effects of mHealth or telehealth on hypertensive patients, published between 2010 and 2023. All processes were conducted by the first two authors independently. A meta-analysis was conducted for quantitative data, while a narrative synthesis was conducted for qualitative data.
RESULTS: In total, 74 studies involving 92 686 participants were identified. The meta-analysis favoured the interventions, revealing a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure for mHealth, telehealth and mHealth & telehealth groups. Nevertheless, medication adherence showed improvement only in the mHealth group, while blood pressure control showed improvement in both mHealth and mHealth & telehealth groups, and BMI showed improvement only in the mHealth group. Evidence for adherence to physical activity and DASH diet/salt intake remained inconclusive.
CONCLUSIONS: In general, mHealth and telehealth have demonstrated their merits in improving the clinical outcomes of hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are life-threatening conditions that can progress to death without treatment. Although strong medication adherence (MA) is known to enhance outcomes in chronic illnesses, its association with PAH and CTEPH was sporadically explored. This study aims to examine the MA of patients with PAH or CTEPH, identify factors associated with low adherence and explore the resulting outcomes.
METHODS: A systematic review was conducted by searching multiple databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, ClinicalTrials.gov, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar) from 6 March 1998 to 6 July 2023. We included studies reporting MA as primary or secondary end-points. Study selection, data extraction and methodological quality assessment were performed in duplicate.
RESULTS: 20 studies involving 22 675 patients met the inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity was observed, particularly in the methods employed. MA means ranged from 0.62 to 0.96, with the proportion of patients exhibiting high MA varying from 40% (95% CI 35-45%) to 94% (95% CI 88-97%). Factors associated with low adherence included increased treatment frequency, time since diagnosis and co-payment. High MA seems to be associated with reduced hospitalisation rates, inpatient stays, outpatient visits and healthcare costs.
CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review underscores the heterogeneity of MA across studies. Nevertheless, the findings suggest that high MA could improve patients\' clinical outcomes and alleviate the economic burden. Identifying factors consistently associated with poor MA could strengthen educational efforts for these patients, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: Over the past few decades, hypertension (HTN) has affected both young and old people. The public health problem has an enormous economic impact on societies as well. The present review aimed to understand and compare the differences from the available literature on HTN treatment at the primary care level in various states and at the national level in India. We reviewed the latest international, national, and state guidelines/protocols available for the treatment of HTN. In addition, we also searched the PubMed database with relevant Medical Subject Headings terms and included the articles published in the last 5 years. A total of 204 articles were screened and finally, eligible 5 articles were included in the review. International guidelines preferred thiazide diuretics as a drug of choice. While the state protocols and national guidelines preferred calcium channel blockers, followed by angiotensin receptor blockers as the drug of choice. All these guidelines focused on low-dose monotherapy. These guidelines also summarized additional drugs required in case of comorbid conditions. However, the new Essential Medicine List published by the World Health Organization prefers low-dose fixed-drug combination (two-drug regimen) at the primary care level for treatment of HTN. There was not much cost difference between monotherapy and fixed-drug regimens based on the published studies. With due rise in HTN cases, the standardized protocol is ubiquitously needed for better application, comparison, and streamline of the program. Fixed-drug combination therapy can be considered for better control rates among hypertensives by improving adherence and efficacy.

Hypertension is a highly prevalent population-level disease that represents an important risk factor for several cardiovascular complications and occupies a leading position in mortality statistics. Antihypertensive therapy includes a wide variety of drugs. Additionally, the potential antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of several phytotherapy products have been evaluated, as these could also be a valuable therapeutic option for the prevention, improvement or treatment of hypertension and its complications. The present review includes an evaluation of the cardioprotective and antihypertensive effects of garlic, Aloe vera, green tea, Ginkgo biloba, berberine, ginseng, Nigella sativa, Apium graveolens, thyme, cinnamon and ginger, and their possible interactions with antihypertensive drugs. A literature search was undertaken via the PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase and Cochrane databases. Research articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2010 and 2023, in the English, Hungarian, and Romanian languages were selected.

BACKGROUND: Widespread use of smartphone applications has opened new perspectives for home Blood Pressure monitoring based on mobile health (mHealth) technologies. Patient engagement has been dubbed \'the silver bullet of the century\'.
OBJECTIVE: The aim was to identify the impact of engagement in patients with blood pressure using mHealth.
METHODS: This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Ark0sey and O\'Malley framework.
METHODS: Pubmed, CINAHL, Scopus and PsycInfo. This review considered both qualitative and quantitative primary searches. We excluded articles belonging to grey literature, secondary literature and paediatric setting. Between September and November 2023, the review was carried out.
RESULTS: A total of 569 documents were retrieved from the four databases. After the deduplication process, five articles were removed. The selection process based on titles and abstracts included 133 records. Ten studies were selected and analysed. The reviewers identified the following themes: device type and mobile applications, engagement, blood pressure control, health behaviours and hypertension knowledge. Self-management using digital technologies in the home is strongly linked to engagement, reduction and control of Blood Pressure, improved health practices and increased knowledge of hypertension. Healthcare interventions using IT platforms have had a significant impact on the health outcomes of patients diagnosed with hypertension.
CONCLUSIONS: The review findings suggest the value of these technologies in improving patient engagement and, consequently, adherence to antihypertensive treatment and achieving blood pressure control rates, potentially reducing cardiovascular risk.

BACKGROUND: In pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is recommended to base therapeutic decisions on risk stratification. This systematic review aims to report the prognostic value of serial risk stratification in adult and pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension and to explore the usability of serial risk stratification as treatment target.
RESULTS: Electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched up to January 30, 2023, using terms associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension, pediatric pulmonary hypertension, and risk stratification. Observational studies and clinical trials describing risk stratification at both baseline and follow-up were included. Sixty five studies were eligible for inclusion, including only 2 studies in a pediatric population. C-statistic range at baseline was 0.31 to 0.77 and improved to 0.30 to 0.91 at follow-up. In 53% of patients, risk status changed (42% improved, 12% worsened) over 168 days (interquartile range, 137-327 days; n=22 studies). The average proportion of low-risk patients increased from 18% at baseline to 36% at a median follow-up of 244 days (interquartile range, 140-365 days; n=40 studies). In placebo-controlled drug studies, risk statuses of the intervention groups improved more and worsened less compared with the placebo groups. Furthermore, a low-risk status, but also an improved risk status, at follow-up was associated with a better outcome. Similar results were found in the 2 pediatric studies.
CONCLUSIONS: Follow-up risk stratification has improved prognostic value compared with baseline risk stratification, and change in risk status between baseline and follow-up corresponded to a change in survival. These data support the use of serial risk stratification as treatment target in pulmonary arterial hypertension.