American journal of hypertension
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a risk factor for resistant hypertension. Overnight polysomnography and portable sleep monitors are not generally available and questionnaires may be useful for screening OSAS. In a case-control study, we investigate the association between resistant hypertension and sleep disorders evaluated by the Berlin Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). ⋯ High risk for OSAS assessed by the Berlin Questionnaire is highly prevalent and associated with resistant hypertension. This questionnaire may be used as screening for OSAS in patients with this clinical condition.
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National guidelines recommend the same approach for treating hypertensive men and women. It is not known, however, whether current US antihypertensive medication utilization patterns and the resulting degrees of blood pressure (BP) control are similar or different among hypertensive women and men. ⋯ Hypertensive women are significantly more likely to be treated than men, but less likely to have achieved BP control. Additional efforts may be needed to achieve therapeutic goals for the US hypertensive population, especially for hypertensive women.
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Little data exist on stroke burden in Mexican-American (MA) women. The objective of this study was to characterize the burden of stroke in MA and non-Hispanic white (NHW) women and to compare this burden across ethnic groups. ⋯ MA women have increased risk of stroke at younger ages compared with NHW women. Reasons for this ethnic disparity, including an increased prevalence of hypertension and diabetes, should be explored.
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The natriuretic peptide system includes three known peptides: atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). They contribute to the regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis through diuretic, natriuretic, and vasodilatory properties. Among them, ANP has received particular attention because of its effects on blood pressure regulation and cardiac function. ⋯ Abnormalities in either peptide levels or peptide structure are thought to underlie its implied role in mediating cardiovascular diseases. Meanwhile, BNP has emerged as a relevant marker of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and as a useful predictor of future outcome in patients with heart failure. This review deals with the major relevant findings related to the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of natriuretic peptides, to their potential therapeutic use, and to their role in mediating cardiovascular diseases.