Motivation: Recently, with urbanisation becoming an increasing trend, the African population have been introduced to the westernised lifestyle. This contributed to severe health implications and a rapid increase in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the African population. In South Africa and other sub–Saharan African countries, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease is increasing rapidly. The African population is thus regarded as a high risk group, and we deem it necessary and important to investigate additional possible cardiovascular risk markers in the attempt to improve the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and the treatment thereof. We investigate double product as a possible cardiovascular risk marker in African and Caucasian men from South Africa. Recent studies have suggested that increased double product values might be an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, investigations on double product and endorgan damage are limited in this population group. The strength of associations between double product and various measurements of end–organ damage, including intima–media thickness, left ventricular hypertrophy and albumin–to–creatinine ratio, are compared with the associations between the more traditional risk factor, systolic blood pressure, and the measurements of end–organ damage. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the usability of double product as a possible cardiovascular risk marker in African and Caucasian men from South Africa. Methodology: The manuscript presented in Chapter 3 made use of the cross–sectional SABPA (Sympathetic Activity and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Africans) study, where 101 urbanised African and 101 Caucasian male school teachers from the North West Province of South Africa were recruited. Anthropometric measurements were taken in triplicate using standard methods. The cardiovascular measurements included 24–hour ambulatory blood pressure and electrocardiogram measurements. Double products were calculated as the product of 24–hour, daytime and night–time mean systolic blood pressure and mean heart rate values. The carotid intima–media thickness was also obtained following the prescribed protocols. A registered nurse collected blood samples and the biochemical measurements were performed by independent laboratories, blinded to the subject’s cardiovascular profile. Means and proportions were compared by standard t–tests and the x2 –tests, respectively. The association between markers of end–organ damage and double product were investigated using single, partial and multiple regression analyses. All p–values <= 0.05 were deemed significant. Results and conclusions: Results from this study showed that Africans displayed significantly higher systolic blood pressure values, heart rate values and subsequent double product values compared to the Caucasians. Despite these significant differences, double product only showed borderline significant correlations with the markers of end–organ damage in African men, while no correlations were evident in Caucasian men. In African men, systolic blood pressure displayed stronger and significant correlations with intimamedia thickness, left ventricular hypertrophy, and albumin–to–creatinine ratio than double product. These findings suggest that double product may not be a good marker of increased risk for end–organ damage and subsequent cardiovascular–related mortality. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Physiology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 80-94). / Microfiche. / vii, 94 leaves, bound 29 cm

Objectius: a) avaluar la utilitat de la mesura de la pressió arterial a la consulta pel diplomat d'infermeria; b) establir quin és el punt de tall pel valor normal de l'automesura de la pressió arterial al domicili del propi malalt; c) determinar si l'exploració del fons d'ull als malalts hipertensos permet una millor estratificació del risc cardiovascular. Resultats: a) primer objectiu: els valors de la PAC de la infermera són molt similars a l'AMPA i les decisions s'han de prendre en funció d'aquesta mesura. b) segon objectiu: el risc de presentar alguna AOD en els hipertensos recent diagnosticats amb hipertensió clínica aïllada passa de forma progressiva d'una OR de 2.5 per un punt de tall de <125/80 mmHg a una OR de 4.0 pel punt de tall <135/85 mmHg. c) tercer objectiu: un nombre significatiu de pacients canvien de grup de risc quan es consideren els resultats de l'exploració del fons d'ull. / Goals: a) to evaluate the utility of BP measurement in the nurse office; b) to determine the normal 'cut-off' of HBPM at the moment of diagnosis; c) to determine if fundus eye examination permit a better cardiovascular risk stratification in hypertensive. Results: a) first goal: the values of the nurse measured blood pressure are very similar to AMPA and decisions should be based on this measure. b) second goal: the risk of target organ damage in some hypertensive patients newly diagnosed with isolated clinical hypertension occurs progressively from an OR of 2.5 for a cutoff of <125/80 mmHg OR of 4.0 for a cutoff <135/85 mmHg. The normal 'cut-off' is <130/80-85 mmHg. c) third goal: a significant number of patients change risk group when considering the results of the exploration of the fundus

Background: International research has shown that socioeconomically disadvantaged groups experience significantly higher mortality and morbidity rates than other groups. Both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes are major contributors to Australia's burden of disease, and individuals from lower socioeconomic groups are more likely to be affected by both, and to have worse prognoses and outcomes. There is substantial research evidence that a range of preventive activities can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these conditions. Research in countries with good access to primary health care services has demonstrated that socioeconomically disadvantaged groups tend to have higher levels of medical consultations, but make less use of preventive care and screening services. This fact contributes to their poorer health outcomes, as diagnosis will typically occur later than for more advantaged individuals, thus leading to a poorer prognosis. However, to date, there has been little research on the differential utilisation of preventive health services for CVD and diabetes by different socioeconomic groups in Australia. To understand socioeconomic influences on the use of preventive health services, a comprehensive review of the literature of determinants of health service utilisation was conducted and a number of explanations for this relationship considered. It was proposed that the following factors are likely to be important in this relationship: differences in the perception of the availability of, and accessibility to health care, attitudes and beliefs toward preventive health care, having a regular source of care, perception of interpersonal care from general practitioners, and social support. A number of theoretical models were also reviewed; in particular, the Andersen Behavioural Model of Health Service Research Utilisation. Aims: This doctoral research program has described the relationship between socioeconomic position (SEP) and utilisation of preventive health services in relation to CVD and diabetes. It aims to improve the understanding of the determinants of uptake and utilisation of preventive health services in general practice by different socioeconomic groups in Australia. Methods: The study was conducted in Brisbane Australia, in 2004, using a cross-sectional design and a self-administered mailed survey for data collection. A sample of adults aged 25-64 years was selected randomly from the Brisbane Electoral Roll. A conceptual model incorporating a range of relevant socio-demographic, risk-factor and behavioural variables in the relationship between SEP and GP-based use of preventive health services was used to develop a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was pilot-tested and then reviewed by a panel of international experts. A new self-administered questionnaire, the Health Service Utilisation Questionnaire (HSUQ), was developed. It included 79 items: 12 socio-demographic items; 10 items assessing health status, disease conditions and smoking status; 20 items assessing use of health services; and 37 items assessing the factors that might affect use of health services utilisation. The HSUQ was then mailed to 800 randomly selected survey participants. The survey response rate was 65.6 per cent. After exclusion of those patients with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, the final sample size was 381, consisting of 155 males and 226 females. Socioeconomic indicators were individual education level and family income. Blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood glucose check-ups by general practitioners (GPs) were used as the major outcome variables. Nine scales and two dichotomous variables that measure those potential factors were derived following Principal Component Analysis and reliability testing. The data were analysed separately by gender, and adjusted for age and each of the socioeconomic indicators. Statistical description, bivariate analysis and multivariable modelling in SPSS were applied for the data analysis. Results: The survey results were suggestive of socioeconomically disadvantaged people being less likely than more advantaged people to utilise preventive health services for CVD and diabetes. For males, the low socioeconomic groups recorded the least use of preventive health services among the three education and income groups, including blood cholesterol and blood glucose check-ups, while the high socioeconomic group recorded the greatest use of preventive health services. There was no apparent relationship between education level and blood pressure check-up, while individuals from low-income families were less likely to go for a blood pressure check-up. For females, most of the results suggested that the low socioeconomic groups were less likely than the high socioeconomic groups to have blood cholesterol and blood glucose check-ups. However, this was not the case for blood pressure check-ups. The results showed that the low and middle socioeconomic groups were more likely than the high socioeconomic groups to have BP check-ups. However, the low socioeconomic groups were still less likely than the middle socioeconomic groups to have a blood pressure check-up. Overall, there was a similar pattern between education and income and the use of GP-based preventive health services among both males and females. The findings from the examination of the mediating factors between SEP and the GP-based use of preventive health services suggested that socioeconomically disadvantaged adults (both low level of education and low income) are more concerned about transport and travel time to health care, and accessibility to health care in terms of finding a GP who bulk bills, the cost of seeing a GP and having a choice of GP. They are also less likely to have a regular place of care and social support. These potential factors are likely to result in a lesser use of preventive health services than their high-SEP counterparts. In addition, the findings also suggested that respondents with a low level of education have less-positive attitudes towards health care, and that those from low-income families do not have a regular care provider and are less likely to visit their GP for a preventive check-up in relation to CVD and diabetes in Australia. Conclusions: Strategies for reducing socioeconomic health inequalities are partly associated with changing social and economic policies, empowering individuals, strengthening social and family networks, and improving the equity of the health care system. Strategies have been recommended for implementation in general practice that are directed at targeting the needs of disadvantaged groups; for example, providing longer consultation time and actively offering information on preventive care. Implementation of health promotion programs is needed in disadvantaged areas to keep the community informed about the availability of health services and to make health services more accessible. The health care system needs to be geographically accessible through improvements to the transport system. In addition, improving access to a regular source of primary health care is likely to be an important step in encouraging low-SEP individuals to use preventive health services.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Umeå : Univ., 2008. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karolinska institutet, 2007. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

A doença de Parkinson (DP) caracteriza-se por alterações deletérias no controle motor e, comumente, também produz prejuízos na regulação autonômica e função cardiovascular. O treinamento resistido traz benefícios motores para estes indivíduos, mas seus efeitos autonômicos e cardiovasculares ainda são desconhecidos. Assim, esta tese avaliou os efeitos do treinamento resistido sobre a regulação autonômica e a função cardiovascular de indivíduos com DP, comparando-os a indivíduos sem DP. Para tanto, 17 indivíduos sem DP (SDP, 67±10 anos) e 27 com DP (65±8 anos, estágios II-III da escala de Hoehn e Yahr modificado, estado \"on\" da medicação) foram estudados. Os indivíduos sem DP foram avaliados uma única vez e os com DP foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos, grupo controle (DPCO: n=12) e treinamento resistido (DPTR: n=15 - 2 sessões/semana, 5 exercícios, 2-4 séries, 12-6 RM), e foram avaliados no início e no final das 12 semanas do estudo. No início do estudo, os indivíduos com DP apresentaram menor modulação parassimpática e maior modulação simpática e balanço simpatovagal cardíacos em repouso, além de pior resposta cardiovascular ao teste de se levantar e à manobra de Valsalva que os indivíduos sem DP. Ademais, apresentaram maior pressão arterial na posição deitada, maior débito cardíaco e menor resistência vascular periférica na posição sentada, menor descenso noturno da pressão arterial sistólica, maior frequência cardíaca de 24 horas e sono, e respostas cardiovasculares atenuadas ao exercício máximo. O treinamento resistido, no grupo DPTR, aumentou a força dinâmica máxima (88±23 vs. 108±27 kg, P &lt; 0,05) e diminuiu a modulação simpática cardíaca (banda de baixa frequência da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca - deitado: 61±17 vs. 47±20 un; sentado: 60±11 vs. 46±15 un, P &lt; 0,05) e a queda da pressão arterial sistólica ao teste de se levantar (-14±11 vs. -6±10 mmHg, P &lt; 0,05), enquanto que nenhuma alteração foi observada no grupo DPCO. Nos demais parâmetros avaliados, não houve nenhum efeito do treinamento nos indivíduos com DP. Após as 12 semanas de estudo, o grupo DPTR apresentou modulação simpática cardíaca de repouso e resposta da pressão arterial sistólica ao teste de se levantar semelhantes aos indivíduos SDP e menores que o grupo DPCO (banda de baixa frequência da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca - deitado: 47±20 e 45±9 vs. 63±10 un e sentado: 46±15 e 49±10 vs. 61±13 un; redução da pressão arterial sistólica - 6±10 e -1±10 vs. -11±9 mmHg, respectivamente, P &lt; 0,05). Em conclusão, em indivíduos com DP, o treinamento resistido diminuiu a modulação autonômica simpática cardíaca em repouso e a redução da pressão arterial sistólica ao teste de se levantar, igualando estas respostas às de indivíduos sem DP / Parkinson\'s disease (PD) is characterized by deleterious alterations in motor control, and it usually also presents with impairments on cardiovascular autonomic regulation and function. Resistance training promotes motor benefits in individuals with PD, but its autonomic and cardiovascular effects are still unknown. Thus, this thesis evaluated the effects of resistance training on cardiovascular autonomic regulation and function in subjects with PD, comparing them with subjects without PD. Seventeen subjects without PD (WPD, 67±10 years) and 27 with PD (65±8 years, stages II-III of modified Hoehn & Yahr scale, \"on\" state of medication) were studied. The subjects without PD were evaluated only once, while the subjects with PD were randomly divided into two groups, control (PDCO: n=12) and resistance training (PDRT: n=15 - 2 sessions/week, 5 exercises, 12-6 RM), and were evaluated at the beginning and after 12 weeks of study. At the beginning of the study, the subjects with PD presented, at rest, lower cardiac parasympathetic modulation and higher cardiac sympathetic modulation and sympathovagal balance as well as worse cardiovascular response to standing test and Valsalva Manoeuvre than individuals without PD. In addition, they had higher supine blood pressure, higher seated cardiac output, lower seated peripheral vascular resistance, lower nocturnal systolic blood pressure fall, higher 24 hours and nighttime heart rate and blunted cardiovascular responses to maximal exercise. Resistance training in the PDRT group increased maximal dynamic strength (88±23 vs. 108±27 kg, P &lt; 0.05), decreased cardiac sympathetic modulation (low component of heart rate variability - supine: 61 ± 17 vs. 47 ± 20 nu and seated: 60 ± 11 vs. 46 ± 15 nu, P &lt; 0.05) and systolic blood pressure decrease to standing test (-14±11 vs. -6±10 mmHg, P &lt; 0.05), while no changes were observed in PDCO group. In the other parameters, there was no effect of training in the subjects with PD. After 12 weeks of the study, the PDRT group presented rest cardiac sympathetic modulation and systolic blood pressure response to standing test similar to WPD and lower than PDCO (low component of heart rate variability - supine: 47±20 and 45±9 vs. 63±10 nu and seated: 46±15 and 49±10 vs. 61±13 nu; systolic blood pressure reduction - -6±10 and -1±10 vs. -11±9 mmHg, respectively, P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, in individuals with PD, resistance training decreased rest cardiac sympathetic autonomic modulation and systolic blood pressure decrease to standing test, matching these responses to the ones observed in subjects without PD

Self-monitoring, lowered arousal training (i.e., biofeedback and relaxation training) and maintenance follow-up appeared to contribute to effective treatment of hypertension. Cognitive therapy, while effective in treatment of some stress-related disorders, has not been studied as a specific treatment component for hypertension. The present study explored the use of cognitive therapy as a treatment variable to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive persons. The effectiveness of a multi-element treatment including cognitive therapy, blood-pressure biofeedback, and relaxation training was also assessed. Self-monitoring and maintenance training were included as a part of each treatment process.

O objetivo desta tese foi avaliar os limiares de sensibilidade gustativa ao sal (LSGS) em adolescentes e a sua relação com a pressão arterial (PA), o estado nutricional e o sexo. Realizou-se um estudo transversal com adolescentes de uma escola pública do sul do Brasil. A PA foi aferida por meio de um aparelho digital e o estado nutricional por meio de antropometria e bioimpedância elétrica. Para a determinação do LSGS foram usadas 9 soluções de diferentes concentrações de cloreto de sódio, aplicadas por conta-gotas na ponta da língua. As soluções (4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 120, 250, 500 e 1000 mmol/L) foram oferecidas em concentrações crescentes até a identificação correta do gosto. Os sujeitos foram classificados em LSGS normal (LSGS-n: ≤ 30 mmol/L) e aumentado (LSGS-a: > 30 mmol/L). Foram avaliados 421 adolescentes (55,6% do sexo feminino) com média de 15,8±0,91 anos. A mediana (P25-P75) do LSGS foi de 30 (30-60) mmol/L e 36,1% (IC 95%: 31,51 a 40,93) apresentaram LSGS-a. A prevalência de PA elevada foi de 12,6% (IC 95%: 9,6 a 16,1), 25,5% (IC 95%: 21,38 a 29,93) de excesso de peso (sobrepeso e obesidade), 17,4% (IC 95%: 13,88 a 21,35) de adiposidade abdominal e 27,2% (IC 95%: 22,47 a 32,33) de percentual de gordura corporal excessiva. Os grupos de LSGS-n e LSGS-a foram comparados entre os adolescentes com PA elevada e não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos (P=0,676). Quando comparadas as médias de Pressão Arterial Sistólica (PAS) e Pressão Arterial Diastólica (PAD) entre os mesmos grupos, após ajuste para sexo, idade, sedentarismo e Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC), apenas a PAD apresentou efeito estatisticamente significativo (P<0,0001) com uma diferença de 2,1 mmHg (IC95%: 0,1 a 4,1) entre os grupos. O efeito do LSGS-a no IMC após ajuste para sexo, idade e sedentarismo não se mostrou significativo (P=0,177). Ao comparar meninos e meninas quanto ao LSGS (mmol/L), observa-se que as meninas possuem maior sensibilidade gustativa ao sal, pois possuem média±DP (54,63±83,48 mmol/L) e mediana (30, P25-P75: 30-60) estatisticamente menores que os meninos (P=0,041 e P=0,033, respectivamente). Quando comparados quanto à proporção de LSGS-a e LSGS-n, os meninos apresentarem maiores valores de LSGS-a (40%) quando comparados às meninas (33%), porém, esta diferença não foi estatisticamente significativa (P=0,152). Concluindo, não foi observada relação entre LSGS-a com PAS e IMC, apenas com a PAD dos adolescentes avaliados. Embora as meninas sejam mais sensíveis aos valores de LSGS, não foi observada diferença estatística quando comparados à proporção de LSGS-a. / The aim of this thesis was to evaluate the sensitivity thresholds salt taste (STST) in adolescents and its relation to blood pressure, nutritional status and sex. We conducted a cross-sectional study with adolescents from a public school in southern Brazil. Blood pressure was measured by a digital device and nutritional status by anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance. To determine the STST, were used 9 solutions of different concentrations of sodium chloride, per dropper tip of the tongue. The solutions (4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 120, 250, 500 and 1000 mmol/L) were fed increasing concentrations until the correct identification of taste. Subjects were classified into normal STST (n-STST: ≤ 30 mmol/L) and increased (i-STST: >30 mmol/L). We evaluated 421 adolescents (55.6% female) with a mean of 15.8±0.91 years. The median (P25-P75) of STST was 30 (30-60) mmol/L and 36.1% (95% CI: 31.51 to 40.93) had i-STST. The prevalence of high blood pressure was 12.6% (95% CI: 9.6 to 16.1), 25.5% (95% CI: 21.38 to 29.93) of excess weight (overweight and obesity), 17.4% (95% CI: 13.88 to 21.35) of abdominal adiposity and 27.2% (95% CI: 22.47 to 32.33) of excess body fat percentage. Groups of i-STST and n-STST were compared between adolescents with high blood pressure and there was no statistically significant difference between groups (P=0.676). When comparing the mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between the same groups, after adjustment for sex, age, physical inactivity and body mass index (BMI), only DBP showed a statistically significant effect (P <0.0001) with a difference of 2.1 mmHg (95% CI: 0.1 to 4.1) between the groups. The effect of i-STST on BMI after adjustment for sex, age and physical inactivity was not significant (P=0.177). When comparing boys and girls regarding STST (mmol/L), it is observed that girls have a higher taste sensitivity to salt, because they have mean±SD (54.63±83.48 mmol/L) and median (30, P25-P75: 30-60) statistically lower than boys (P=0.041 and P=0.033, respectively). When comparing the proportion of n-STST and i-STST, boys have higher rates of i-STST (40%) compared to females (33%), but this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.152). In conclusion, no relationship was observed between i-STST and BMI and SBP, DBP only with adolescents evaluated. Although girls are more sensitive to the values of STST, no difference was observed when compared to the proportion of i-STST.

Fundamento: Recomendações para controle da hipertensão contemplam controle de peso, restrição de sódio e consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, além de adesão à dieta DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre consumo de dieta tipo DASH e pressão arterial, na população adulta de Porto Alegre. População e Métodos: Estudo transversal (Síndrome de Obesidade e Fatores de Risco para Obesidade -SOFT), desenvolvido em uma amostra populacional, incluiu 1629 indivíduos com 18 a 90 anos de idade. Entrevistas domiciliares foram feitas por entrevistadores treinados, utilizando-se instrumentos padronizados que incluíam questionário de freqüência alimentar validado na mesma população. Foram aferidos peso e altura, além de pressão arterial (quatro medidas), utilizando-se equipamento automático (OMRON CP705). Estimouse a ingestão diária e foram calculados os grupos alimentares de frutas, vegetais, laticínios dietéticos e grãos integrais, que constituíram o Escore DASH. Análise de variância, regressão linear múltipla e regressão logística foram utilizadas para as análises. Resultados: Cerca de 21% da população ingeriu dieta tipo DASH. Indivíduos no quintil inferior de consumo de frutas apresentaram médias de pressão sistólica (129,4 ±1,1 mmHg) e diastólica (78,2 ±0,7 mmHg) superiores às do quintil mais elevado (125,3 ±1.1 and 76,9 ±0,7 mmHg, respectivamente), o mesmo aplicando-se a laticínios totais e dietéticos e grãos integrais (apenas para pressão sistólica). Escore DASH associou-se inversamente com hipertensão; comparativamente ao quintil superior, participantes situados no primeiro quintil apresentaram risco independente cerca de quatorze vezes maior (OR= 14,4; 95%CI: 1,8- 117,9). Conclusões: População adulta de Porto Alegre consome componentes da dieta DASH, mas apenas um quinto apresentou padrão tipo DASH, confirmando-se os benefícios sobre a pressão arterial em contexto populacional. / Background: Recommendations for the control of hypertension include weight control, the restriction of sodium intake and the consumption of alcoholic beverages, as well as adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH). Objective: To evaluate the association between consumption of a DASH-type diet and blood pressure within the adult population of Porto Alegre, Brazil. Population and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a population-based sampling of 1629 adults between 18 and 90 years old. Interviews were conducted at participants’ homes by certified interviewers, using standardized protocols, including a food frequency questionnaire validated for this population. Weight and height were measured, in addition to blood pressure (four measurements), using a automated validate device (OMRON CP-705). Daily dietary intakes were estimated and categorized into the alimentary groups of fruits, vegetables, dairy products and whole grains that make up the DASH score. Analyses of variance, multiple linear regression, and multivariate logistic regression were undertaken for this study. Results: Approximately 21% of the population consumed a DASH-type diet. Individuals in the lower quintile of fruit consumption had higher systolic (129.4 ±1.1 mmHg) and diastolic means (78.2 ±0.7 mmHg) than those in the higher quintile (125.3 ±1.1 and 76.9 ±0.7 mmHg, respectively), as well as those participants who consumed regular and low-fat dairy products and of whole grains (for systolic pressure only). The DASH score was inversely and independently associated with hypertension; participants situated in the lower category had nearly fourteen times greater risk than those in the higher category (OR= 14.4; 95%CI: 1.8- 117.9). Conclusions: The adult population of Porto Alegre consumed groups of the DASH diet, but only one fifth presented a DASH-type diet. The present findings confirm the benefits of the DASH diet on blood pressure in a non-intervention setting.