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Query: UMLS:C0020538 (hypertension)
 170,190 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Endothelial dysfunction is a prevalent phenomenon in non-insulin dependent diabetic (NIDDM) patients with hypertension and albuminuria, and may contribute to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease, which is the main cause of the high morbidity and mortality observed in these patients. Therefore the aim of our study was to evaluate whether inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (with lisinopril 10-20 mg day-1) could ameliorate endothelial dysfunction more than reducing blood pressure with conventional antihypertensive treatment (atenolol 50-100 mg day-1), usually in combination with a diuretic. We performed a 12-month prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel study in 43 hypertensive NIDDM patients with diabetic nephropathy (21 treated with lisinopril and 22 with atenolol). The following variables were measured: 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP); transcapillary escape rate of albumin (TERalb; i.e. initial disappearance of intravenously injected 125I-labelled human serum albumin); serum concentrations of von Willebrand factor (vWF), using ELISA, and urinary albumin excretion rate (UAE). Data are presented for 32 patients (16 lisinopril and 16 atenolol; age 60 years, SD 8; 25 males) out of 35 who completed the study and had valid measurements of TERalb. At baseline the two groups were comparable; TERalb (8.5 (SEM 0.6) vs. 7.2 (0.4)%); vWF (2.09 (range 0.82-4.34) vs. 1.97 (0.95-3.86) IU ml-1; UAE 916 (x/divided by antilog SEM 1.3) vs. 1444 (1.2), and mean ABP 110 (SEM 3) vs. 113 (2) mmHg, in the lisinopril and atenolol group, respectively. During follow up, the mean ABP was equally reduced in the lisinopril and atenolol group, by 12 (SEM 2) vs. 10 (2) mmHg, respectively, TERalb decreased in the lisinopril group by 0.6 (SEM 0.7)%, whereas it increased in the atenolol group 1.5 (0.5)%; the mean difference was 2.2% (95% CI, 0.5 to 3.9; p = 0.015). UAE was reduced by 45% (95% CI, 25 to 60) in the lisinopril group vs. 10% (-15 to 30) in the atenolol group (p = 0.014). Serum vWF was not changed during follow up in either group. Our study suggests that lisinopril has both reno- and vasculoprotective properties in hypertensive NIDDM patients with diabetic nephropathy.
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PMID:Lisinopril improves endothelial dysfunction in hypertensive NIDDM subjects with diabetic nephropathy. 927 69

Recently, the HPA-1b (PlA2) polymorphism of the platelet glycoprotein IIIa has been suggested as a genetic risk factor for coronary artery disease. We conducted two case-control studies of 103 patients with ischaemic cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and 101 patients with ischaemic heart disease (IHD). The groups were matched for age, race and sex. No significant differences regarding selected risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia and smoking) were found between case patients and controls. Moreover, we investigated 286 normal individuals from the Mediterranean area. Genotyping of HPA-1 was performed by PCR-allelic specific restriction and single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis. The prevalence of HPA-1b was similar among case patients and controls (29.2% vs. 25.3% and 26.7% vs. 34.6% for CVD and IHD case-control studies, respectively). The HPA-1b allele was found in 36.4% of the normal population. Finally, the analysis of platelet function in nine controls with the three possible HPA-1 genotypes (three a/a, three a/b and three b/b) indicates that HPA-1b genotype does not modify either the in vitro platelet aggregation and activation profile, nor the GP IIb/IIIa interaction with fibrinogen or von Willebrand factor. Our results do not support the role of HPA-1b polymorphism as an inherited risk factor for arterial thrombotic disease.
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PMID:HPA-1 genotype in arterial thrombosis--role of HPA-1b polymorphism in platelet function. 928 92

We report a 57-year-old woman with optic-spinal form of active multiple sclerosis, who developed a large lobar type hemorrhage of the brain. She initially suffered from left visual loss, and three month later, she was hospitalized with paraplegia and total sensory loss up to the fourth thoracic level accompanied by sphincteric disturbance. Diagnosis of clinically probable multiple sclerosis was based on the relapsing-remitting clinical course and laboratory findings. Five months after admission, she developed sudden consciousness loss. Brain CT scan showed a massive hemorrhage in the right frontal to parietal lobe. The patient had no risk factors for cerebral hemorrhage including hypertension. Histopathological study of brain tissues obtained at surgical evacuation of hematoma did not reveal any malignancy, and congo-red staining of this specimen was negative. We analyzed coagulation, fibrinolytic, and endothelial parameters during the follow-up period. von Willebrand factor (vWF) as a marker for endothelial damages was elevated persistently. Moreover, thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT) as a marker for activation of coagulation was also elevated constantly throughout the clinical course. The findings suggest that fragility of the vascular walls and permeability changes associated with immunological mechanisms might have resulted in the cerebral hemorrhage. Although there are few reports of cerebral hemorrhage in patients with multiple sclerosis, it has been reported that vascular wall damage is an important aspect of the pathology of multiple sclerosis and acute cerebral vascular damage may sometimes occur in multiple sclerosis. We propose that coagulation studies including the endothelial marker such as vWF would provide a useful information regarding the risk of cerebrovascular complication in multiple sclerosis.
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PMID:[A case of optic-spinal form of multiple sclerosis with lobar type large cerebral hemorrhage]. 939 61

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is a protein expressed on the surface of activated endothelial cells and expressed in early atherosclerosis. Because part of the protein is shed in the circulation and can be detected in peripheral plasma [soluble (s) VCAM-1], we hypothesized that sVCAM-1 may be a circulating marker of the presence and severity of atherosclerosis in humans. We selected 11 patients with essential hypertension plus peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and matched them for age, gender, body mass index, and smoking habits with 11 patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension (UH) and 11 healthy controls. We evaluated plasma concentrations of sVCAM-1 along with those of the soluble form of two other endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecules [sE-selectin and s-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1)] and other markers of endothelial dysfunction/ damage [s-thrombomodulin, plasminogen activator inhibitor type I, and von Willebrand factor (vWF)]. We also measured insulin, glucose, fibrinogen, total and HDL cholesterol, and the urinary albumin excretion (UAE), which may also be related to atherosclerosis. Results of these assays were related to the echographic assessment of the maximum intima-media thickness (IMTmax) at the carotid bifurcation, as an index of atherosclerosis in the carotids. PVD patients had a clearly elevated IMTmax [2.7 (1.1-3.1) mm, median (range)] compared with both UH patients [1.2 (0.8-2.4) mm] and controls [1 (0.6-2) mm]. sVCAM-1 was clearly higher in PVD patients [990 (273-1808) ng/mL, median (range)] versus 340 (236-975) ng/mL in UH and 386 (204-835) ng/mL in controls, and it separated clinical categories better than sICAM-1, vWF, glucose, insulin, UAE, triglycerides, or total, LDL or HDL cholesterol, sVCAM-1 was also the best biohumoral correlate of IMTmax (R = .59; P < .001) in univariate analysis. Because many of the biohumoral variables assessed were mutually intercorrelated, they were entered in a multivariate analysis to assess their contribution in explaining IMTmax variability. sVCAM-1 remained the only independent predictor of IMTmax and totally abolished the contribution of other variables to IMTmax variability. Thus, sVCAM-1 is a good biohumoral correlate of overt atherosclerosis, independent of underlying hypertension, and may be an in vivo marker of endothelial activation. Its potential value as a surrogate for global risk assessment and its behavior in intervention studies remain to be determined.
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PMID:Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 as a biohumoral correlate of atherosclerosis. 940 38

Although the arterial tree is exposed to increased pressure in hypertensive patients, paradoxically, the complications of hypertension (heart attacks, stroke) are mainly thrombotic rather than hemorrhagic. Patients with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy are at high risk of the complications of hypertension. We performed a cross-sectional study of 178 patients attending a hypertension clinic in a city center teaching hospital, and measured plasma levels of the soluble adhesion molecule P-selectin (associated with platelet activity/function and atherosclerosis), the von Willebrand factor (vWf; a marker of endothelial dysfunction), fibrin D-dimer (an index of thrombogenesis), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI, an index of fibrinolysis), lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a), associated with thrombogenesis and atherogenesis) and hemorheological indexes (fibrinogen, hematocrit, plasma viscosity, hemoglobin) in patients with essential hypertension, in whom the LV mass and LV mass index were determined using echocardiography. The 178 patients (86 men, mean age 54 +/- 15 years) were compared with 47 normotensive healthy controls (aged 56 +/- 20 years). Hypertensive patients had higher P-selectin, PAI, vWf, fibrin D-dimer, Lp(a), plasma fibrinogen, and plasma viscosity when compared with controls. Black hypertensive patients had higher Lp(a) levels and LV septal and posterior wall thickness on echocardiography, but lower plasma PAI levels. Patients with LV hypertrophy (defined as a LV mass index > 134 g/m2 in men or > 110 g/m2 in women) had higher plasma fibrinogen compared with those without LV hypertrophy. Systolic blood pressures were significantly correlated to age, plasma viscosity, plasma fibrinogen, and vWf. Diastolic blood pressures were significantly correlated with age and plasma fibrinogen. Fibrinogen levels were correlated with LV mass, LV mass index, left atrial size, plasma viscosity, and vWf. Fibrin D-dimer levels were significantly correlated with vWf and fibrinogen levels. Thus, hypertensive patients have high plasma fibrinogen levels, thrombogenesis, and impaired fibrinolysis (as indicated by high D-dimer and PAI levels, respectively), platelet activation (raised soluble P-selectin), and endothelial dysfunction (high vWF). The high plasma fibrinogen levels were related to blood pressures, LV mass index (and LV hypertrophy), and left atrial size. These abnormalities in hemorheologic factors and markers of thrombogenesis and endothelial function may act synergistically to increase the risk of thrombogenesis and atherosclerosis in hypertensive patients.
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PMID:Relation of endothelium, thrombogenesis, and hemorheology in systemic hypertension to ethnicity and left ventricular hypertrophy. 941 37

Several studies have implied an association between Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) and cardiovascular disease. Our study was designed to determine whether this organism is associated with severe essential hypertension in a multiracial British population. Antibodies to C. pneumoniae were measured by microimmunofluorescence in 123 patients with chronic severe hypertension and 123 control subjects, matched for ethnic origin, age, sex, and smoking habit, admitted to the same hospital with various noncardiovascular, nonpulmonary disorders. Previous infection was defined by IgG 64 to 256, provided that there was no detectable IgM. Multiple regression analyses of matched and unmatched data were used to investigate the influences of antibody levels and potential confounding factors (ethnic origin, age, sex, smoking habit, diabetes mellitus, and social deprivation) on hypertension. A portion of the hypertensive patients underwent echocardiography, estimation of left ventricular mass index, and measurements of fibrinogen, D-dimer, and von Willebrand factor concentrations. Thirty-five percent of hypertensive patients and 17.9% of matched control subjects had antibody titers consistent with previous C. pneumoniae infection. The hypertensive patients differed significantly from their matched control subjects in their level of previous infection, with an odds ratio of 2.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 4.7). There were no significant differences in antibody levels between patients with left ventricular hypertrophy and those without it. Fibrinogen, D-dimer, and von Willebrand factor concentrations were not significantly associated with antibody levels. These data support an association of C. pneumoniae with severe essential hypertension. They provide no evidence of a predisposition to develop left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients with C. pneumoniae infection or of associations with hypercoagulability or endothelial dysfunction.
Hypertension 1998 Feb
PMID:Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies in severe essential hypertension. 946 Dec 26

The prevention of coronary artery disease is based on the control of several factors associated with a disease or clinical condition and suspected to play a pathogenetic role, defined as 'risk factors'. Smoking is a powerful risk factor for coronary artery disease, with risk of events increasing in relation to the number of cigarettes smoked daily. Smoking cessation is associated within 3-4 years, with a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk. Hyperlipidaemia is a powerful predictor of coronary disease with a strong, independent, continuous and graded positive association between cholesterol levels and risk of coronary events. Several large studies have shown the benefit of cholesterol reduction, and there is clear evidence of the efficacy of statins in the reduction of events in primary and secondary prevention. Hypertension is a significant, strong and independent risk factor for coronary artery disease morbidity and mortality and the reduction of events and mortality by antihypertensive treatment is well documented. Obesity is associated with an increase in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality, with a particularly high risk for subjects with central obesity. Central obesity is also part of the so-called 'metabolic X syndrome' including insulin resistance, which appears to be associated with a particularly high risk of coronary artery disease. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in women. Several studies have shown that good metabolic control and multifactorial risk factor reduction significantly lower the coronary risk in these patients. Recent evidence is accumulating that some clotting factors (fibrinogen, factor VII, von Willebrand factor) and fibrinolytic factors (t-PA and PAI-1) are associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. The European Concerted Action on Thrombosis (ECAT) showed that the levels of fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor antigen, and t-PA antigen are independent predictors of subsequent coronary syndromes in patients with angina pectoris, and that low fibrinogen is associated with a low risk of events despite high cholesterol levels. Post-menopausal status is associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease, particularly when menopause is premature (before the age of 45) or abrupt (surgical). There is strong, thought not yet completely definite evidence that post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy may significantly reduce the risk of events and improve survival. Hyperhomocysteinaemia is an emerging risk factor independently associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, cerebral vascular disease, and peripheral vascular disease. The administration of vitamin B6, B12 or folate seems to be useful and is currently under further evaluation. Recently, attention has been focused on the correlation between coronary artery disease and genetic factors, such as ACE gene polymorphism or the gene polymorphism for the IIIa-moiety of the platelet fibrinogen receptor IIb-IIIa. In primary prevention, control of the major risk factors mainly in patients with clustered factors will substantially reduce the risk of ischaemic events. Secondary prevention of CHD is based on: aggressive behavioural advice, blood pressure reduction in hypertensives, good metabolic control of diabetes, and cholesterol reduction. Aspirin, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and oral anticoagulants, may be useful in selected patients.
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PMID:Classical risk factors and emerging elements in the risk profile for coronary artery disease. 951 44

In health, the vascular endothelium forms a multifunctional interface between the circulating blood and various tissues and organs of the body. It constitutes a selectively permeable barrier for macromolecules, as well as a nonthrombogenic and nonadhesive container that actively maintains the fluidity of blood. It is a metabolically active endocrine organ, serving as the source of multiple factors and mediators that are critical for normal homeostasis. These include vasodilators (nitric oxide, prostacyclin, endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor), vasoconstrictors (endothelin-1, thromboxane A2, prostaglandin H2 and components of the renin angiotensin system), various pro- and antithrombotic factors (e.g. tissue factor, platelet activating factor--PAF, von Willebrand factor), fibrinolytic activators and inhibitors (e.g. tissue plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1), potent arachidonate metabolites (prostanoids), leukocyte adhesion molecules (e.g. E-selectin, P-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1--ICAM-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1--VCAM-1), and multiple cytokines with activities of growth stimulators and inhibitors, transforming growth factors, proinflammatory and antiinflammatory mediators, tumour necrosis factors and chemotactic factors (chemokines). Besides these essential activities controlling the cardiovascular system, the endothelial cells represent an important part of the immune system as well. They have a pivotal role in the initiation and development of defensive and damaging inflammatory responses. Therefore endothelium can be considered as being the central equipment for the mutual exchange of life important information between the cardiovascular and immune systems. This in turn is leading to rapid advances in understanding the pathogenesis of some of the most serious and most common diseases, including inflammation, atherosclerosis and hypertension. (Tab. 7, Ref. 89.)
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PMID:[Vascular endothelium as a factor in information transfer between the cardiovascular and immune systems]. 958 73

Catastrophic stress induced by Hanshin-Awaji earthquake seems to promote rheological deterioration associated with high blood pressure, increased blood viscosity due to hemoconcentration and increased fibrinogen level. These changes lead to prolonged endothelial cell dysfunction demonstrating high levels of von Willebrand factor, tissue type plasminogen activator and plasmin.alpha 2 plasmin inhibitor complex, and accelerate fibrin turnover as the result of a high D-dimer level from the post earthquake period until 4-6 months later. There were remarkable changes in biochemical parameters except for uric acid, BUN, triglyceride level. An increase in these acute changes caused by mental and physical stress might trigger obstructive thrombus in coronary arteries in the elderly after an earthquake. In conclusion, earthquake induced stress could be considered a transient cardiovascular risk factor.
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PMID:[Role of biochemical and fibrinolytic parameters on cardiac events associated with Hanshin-Awaji earthquake-induced stress]. 969 69

The term 'microalbuminuria' has been introduced to describe a measurable increase in urine albumin excretion, which is still within normal total urine protein excretion levels. Many data suggest that microalbuminuria is of value as an index of vascular damage, especially in hypertension and diabetes, and there is increasing information on its associations with traditional cardiovascular risk factors and its prognostic value. The association between microalbuminuria and peripheral markers of endothelial damage or dysfunction, such as von Willebrand factor, suggests the possibility that microalbuminuria may be a simple, cheap and easy index of endothelial abnormalities in cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, further information on the value of microalbuminuria in other atherosclerotic vascular complications, such as ischaemic heart disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease is still needed.
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PMID:Microalbuminuria and cardiovascular risk. 970 56


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