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Jackson T Wright

Publications and source records attributed to Jackson T Wright.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.

The National High Blood Pressure Education Program presents the complete Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. Like its predecessors, the purpose is to provide an evidence-based approach to the prevention and management of hypertension. The key messages of this report are these: in those older than age 50, systolic blood pressure (BP) of greater than 140 mm Hg is a more important cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor than diastolic BP; beginning at 115/75 mm Hg, CVD risk doubles for each increment of 20/10 mm Hg; those who are normotensive at 55 years of age will have a 90% lifetime risk of developing hypertension; prehypertensive individuals (systolic BP 120-139 mm Hg or diastolic BP 80-89 mm Hg) require health-promoting lifestyle modifications to prevent the progressive rise in blood pressure and CVD; for uncomplicated hypertension, thiazide diuretic should be used in drug treatment for most, either alone or combined with drugs from other classes; this report delineates specific high-risk conditions that are compelling indications for the use of other antihypertensive drug classes (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers); two or more antihypertensive medications will be required to achieve goal BP (<140/90 mm Hg, or <130/80 mm Hg) for patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease; for patients whose BP is more than 20 mm Hg above the systolic BP goal or more than 10 mm Hg above the diastolic BP goal, initiation of therapy using two agents, one of which usually will be a thiazide diuretic, should be considered; regardless of therapy or care, hypertension will be controlled only if patients are motivated to stay on their treatment plan. Positive experiences, trust in the clinician, and empathy improve patient motivation and satisfaction. This report serves as a guide, and the committee continues to recognize that the responsible physician's judgment remains paramount.

Adult↗

Determinants of salt sensitivity in black and white normotensive and hypertensive women.

Salt sensitivity (SS) has been linked to human hypertension. We examined ethnic differences in the relation between SS; erythrocyte sodium (Na+i), calcium (Ca2+i), potassium (K+i), and magnesium (Mg2+i); and sodium pump activity in African-American (AA) and white women. In a crossover protocol, similar numbers of normotensive, hypertensive, AA, and white women were randomized to 7 days of a 20 meq/d and a >200 meq/d salt diet (n=199). After an overnight inpatient stay, group differences in supine blood pressure (BP), heart rate, erythrocyte cations, and sodium pump activity were measured. The prevalence of SS (53.5% vs 51%) and salt resistance (26.3% vs 30.0%) was similar in both races. Greater mean BP increase with salt loading was seen in AA vs white hypertensives but not between the normotensive women. In hypertensives, increase in mean arterial pressure was 12.6 vs 8.2 mm Hg in AAs vs whites, respectively (P<0.01), and for systolic BP, it was 23 vs 14.8 mm Hg (P<0.01). Higher Na+i and Ca2+i were noted in SS and salt-intermediate AA than in the corresponding white subjects. Na+i, Ca2+i, and the ratios of Na+i to K+i and of Ca2+i to Mg2+i were positively correlated with salt responsiveness in AA but not in white women. Sodium pump activity was similar between groups, although the change in maximal activity trended to vary inversely with SS in AA. In closely matched AA and white women, the prevalence of SS is similarly high in both races, although the magnitude of BP increase is greater in AA hypertensives. In AA but not in whites, SS is positively associated with Na+i, Ca2+i, and the ratios of Na+i to K+i and of Ca2+i to Mg2+i.

Black People↗

The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure: the JNC 7 report.

"The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure" provides a new guideline for hypertension prevention and management. The following are the key messages(1) In persons older than 50 years, systolic blood pressure (BP) of more than 140 mm Hg is a much more important cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor than diastolic BP; (2) The risk of CVD, beginning at 115/75 mm Hg, doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg; individuals who are normotensive at 55 years of age have a 90% lifetime risk for developing hypertension; (3) Individuals with a systolic BP of 120 to 139 mm Hg or a diastolic BP of 80 to 89 mm Hg should be considered as prehypertensive and require health-promoting lifestyle modifications to prevent CVD; (4) Thiazide-type diuretics should be used in drug treatment for most patients with uncomplicated hypertension, either alone or combined with drugs from other classes. Certain high-risk conditions are compelling indications for the initial use of other antihypertensive drug classes (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers); (5) Most patients with hypertension will require 2 or more antihypertensive medications to achieve goal BP (<140/90 mm Hg, or <130/80 mm Hg for patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease); (6) If BP is more than 20/10 mm Hg above goal BP, consideration should be given to initiating therapy with 2 agents, 1 of which usually should be a thiazide-type diuretic; and (7) The most effective therapy prescribed by the most careful clinician will control hypertension only if patients are motivated. Motivation improves when patients have positive experiences with and trust in the clinician. Empathy builds trust and is a potent motivator. Finally, in presenting these guidelines, the committee recognizes that the responsible physician's judgment remains paramount.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

Antihypertensive use and adherence and blood pressure stress response among black caregivers and non-caregivers.

For this secondary analysis, a sample of 69 caregivers and 86 non-caregivers was selected from a primary study. Study purposes were to compare antihypertensive use, ambulatory blood pressures, and the association of caregiver status with adherence with antihypertensives of hypertensive black female caregivers and noncaregivers. Caregivers and noncaregivers were comparable in their antihypertensive use, blood pressures, and nonadherence reasons. Prescribed antihypertensives followed the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation VI guidelines. "Forgetting to take medications" and "careless about taking medications" were the most common reasons for non-adherence. These findings contradict previous findings among white caregivers and non-caregivers and suggest different practice implications.

Aged↗

Design and statistical aspects of the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK).

The African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) is a multicenter randomized clinical trial designed to test the effectiveness of three anti-hypertensive drug regimens and two levels of BP control on the progression of hypertensive kidney disease. Participants include African-American men and women aged 18 to 70 yr who have hypertensive kidney disease and GFR between 20 and 65 ml/min per 1.73 m(2). The three anti-hypertensive drug regimens include an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ramipril), a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) or a beta-blocker (metoprolol) as initial therapy. The BP control levels are a lower goal (mean arterial pressure, </=92 mmHg) and a usual goal (mean arterial pressure, 102 to 107 mmHg inclusive). The primary outcome is rate of change in renal function as measured by GFR, assessed by (125) I-iothalamate clearance. The main secondary patient outcome is a composite including the following events: (1) reduction in GFR by 50%, (2) end-stage renal disease, or (3) death.

Adolescent↗

The rationale and design of the AASK cohort study.

Hypertensive kidney disease commonly progresses. The primary objective of the AASK (African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension) Cohort Study is to determine prospectively the course of kidney function and risk factors for kidney disease progression in African Americans with hypertensive kidney disease who receive recommended anti-hypertensive therapy. The AASK Cohort Study is a prospective, observational study that is an extension of the AASK trial. The AASK trial tested the effects of three medications used as initial anti-hypertensive therapy (ramipril, metoprolol, and amlodipine) and two levels of BP control. Of the 1094 trial participants, approximately 650 to 700 individuals who have not reached ESRD will likely enroll in the Cohort Study. Risk factors to be studied include environmental, genetic, physiologic, and socioeconomic variables. The primary renal outcome is a composite clinical outcome defined by doubling of serum creatinine, ESRD, or death. Medication treatment for hypertension, beginning with the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor ramipril, is offered to all participants. In this fashion, the study directly controls two of the major determinants of kidney disease progression: treatment of hypertension and use of renoprotective, anti-hypertensive medication. The minimum duration of follow-up in the Cohort Study is 5 yr (total of 9 to 12 yr, including the period of the AASK trial). Ultimately, data from the AASK Cohort Study should enhance our understanding of the risk factors and processes that determine the progression of kidney disease. Such results might eventually lead to new strategies that delay or prevent ESRD.

Adolescent↗

The Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study: Design and Methods.

Insights into end-stage renal disease have emerged from many investigations but less is known about the epidemiology of chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) and its relationship to cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study was established to examine risk factors for progression of CRI and CVD among CRI patients and develop models to identify high-risk subgroups, informing future treatment trials, and increasing application of preventive therapies. CRIC will enroll approximately 3000 individuals at seven sites and follow participants for up to 5 yr. CRIC will include a racially and ethnically diverse group of adults aged 21 to 74 yr with a broad spectrum of renal disease severity, half of whom have diagnosed diabetes mellitus. CRIC will exclude subjects with polycystic kidney disease and those on active immunosuppression for glomerulonephritis. Subjects will undergo extensive clinical evaluation at baseline and at annual clinic visits and via telephone at 6 mo intervals. Data on quality of life, dietary assessment, physical activity, health behaviors, depression, cognitive function, health care resource utilization, as well as blood and urine specimens will be collected annually. (125)I-iothalamate clearances and CVD evaluations including a 12-lead surface electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram, and coronary electron beam or spiral CT will be performed serially. Analyses planned in CRIC will provide important information on potential risk factors for progressive CRI and CVD. Insights from CRIC should lead to the formulation of hypotheses regarding therapy that will serve as the basis for targeted interventional trials focused on reducing the burden of CRI and CVD.

Adult↗

The Metabolic Syndrome in African Americans: a review.

The Metabolic Syndrome represents a specific clustering of cardiovascular risk factors. One of several recently proposed definitions encompasses 3 or more of the following 5 abnormalities: waist circumference > 102 cm in men or > 88 cm in women, serum triglyceride level > or = 150 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level < 40 mg/dL in men or < 50 mg/dL in women, blood pressure (BP) > or = 130/> or = 85 mm Hg and serum glucose > or = 110 mg/dL. The diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome allows early recognition of an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. African Americans have the highest coronary heart disease mortality of any ethnic group in the United States. African-American women and Hispanic men and women have the highest prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome. This phenomenon is attributable mainly to the disproportionate occurrence of elevated BP, obesity, and diabetes in African Americans, and the high prevalence of obesity and diabetes in Hispanics. Management of the Metabolic Syndrome consists primarily of modification or reversal of the root causes and direct therapy of the risk factors. The first strategy involves weight reduction and increased physical activity, both of which can improve all components of the syndrome. The second strategy often involves drug treatment of the individual risk factors to further improve BP, lipids, and glucose thereby decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. This comprehensive review is provided as part of the educational activities of the African-American Lipid and Cardiovascular Council (AALCC).

Adult↗

Effect of blood pressure lowering and antihypertensive drug class on progression of hypertensive kidney disease: results from the AASK trial.

CONTEXT: Hypertension is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the United States, with no known treatment to prevent progressive declines leading to ESRD. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of 2 levels of blood pressure (BP) control and 3 antihypertensive drug classes on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decline in hypertension. DESIGN: Randomized 3 x 2 factorial trial with enrollment from February 1995 to September 1998. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1094 African Americans aged 18 to 70 years with hypertensive renal disease (GFR, 20-65 mL/min per 1.73 m(2)) were recruited from 21 clinical centers throughout the United States and followed up for 3 to 6.4 years. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 mean arterial pressure goals, 102 to 107 mm Hg (usual; n = 554) or 92 mm Hg or less (lower; n = 540), and to initial treatment with either a beta-blocker (metoprolol 50-200 mg/d; n = 441), an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ramipril 2.5-10 mg/d; n = 436) or a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, (amlodipine 5-10 mg/d; n = 217). Open-label agents were added to achieve the assigned BP goals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rate of change in GFR (GFR slope); clinical composite outcome of reduction in GFR by 50% or more (or > or =25 mL/min per 1.73 m2) from baseline, ESRD, or death. Three primary treatment comparisons were specified: lower vs usual BP goal; ramipril vs metoprolol; and amlodipine vs metoprolol. RESULTS: Achieved BP averaged (SD) 128/78 (12/8) mm Hg in the lower BP group and 141/85 (12/7) mm Hg in the usual BP group. The mean (SE) GFR slope from baseline through 4 years did not differ significantly between the lower BP group (-2.21 [0.17] mL/min per 1.73 m2 per year) and the usual BP group (-1.95 [0.17] mL/min per 1.73 m2 per year; P =.24), and the lower BP goal did not significantly reduce the rate of the clinical composite outcome (risk reduction for lower BP group = 2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -22% to 21%; P =.85). None of the drug group comparisons showed consistent significant differences in the GFR slope. However, compared with the metoprolol and amlodipine groups, the ramipril group manifested risk reductions in the clinical composite outcome of 22% (95% CI, 1%-38%; P =.04) and 38% (95% CI, 14%-56%; P =.004), respectively. There was no significant difference in the clinical composite outcome between the amlodipine and metoprolol groups. CONCLUSIONS: No additional benefit of slowing progression of hypertensive nephrosclerosis was observed with the lower BP goal. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors appear to be more effective than beta-blockers or dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers in slowing GFR decline.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Validation of Heart Failure Events in the Antihypertensive and Lipid Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) Participants Assigned to Doxazosin and Chlorthalidone.

BACKGROUND: The Antihypertensive and Lipid Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) is a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial designed to compare the rate of coronary heart disease events in high-risk hypertensive participants initially randomized to a diuretic (chlorthalidone) versus each of three alternative antihypertensive drugs: alpha-adrenergic blocker (doxazosin), ACE-inhibitor (lisinopril), and calcium-channel blocker (amlodipine). Combined cardiovascular disease risk was significantly increased in the doxazosin arm compared to the chlorthalidone arm (RR 1.25; 95% CI, 1.17-1.33; P <.001), with a doubling of heart failure (fatal, hospitalized, or non-hospitalized but treated) (RR 2.04; 95% CI, 1.79-2.32; P <.001). Questions about heart failure diagnostic criteria led to steps to validate these events further. METHODS AND RESULTS: Baseline characteristics (age, race, sex, blood pressure) did not differ significantly between treatment groups (P <.05) for participants with heart failure events. Post-event pharmacologic management was similar in both groups and generally conformed to accepted heart failure therapy. Central review of a small sample of cases showed high adherence to ALLHAT heart failure criteria. Of 105 participants with quantitative ejection fraction measurements provided, (67% by echocardiogram, 31% by catheterization), 29/46 (63%) from the chlorthalidone group and 41/59 (70%) from the doxazosin group were at or below 40%. Two-year heart failure case-fatalities (22% and 19% in the doxazosin and chlorthalidone groups, respectively) were as expected and did not differ significantly (RR 0.96; 95% CI, 0.67-1.38; P = 0.83). CONCLUSION: Results of the validation process supported findings of increased heart failure in the ALLHAT doxazosin treatment arm compared to the chlorthalidone treatment arm.

Journal Article↗

Relationship of antihypertensive treatment regimens and change in blood pressure to risk for heart failure in hypertensive patients randomly assigned to doxazosin or chlorthalidone: further analyses from the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering treatment to prevent Heart Attack Trial.

BACKGROUND: The Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering treatment to prevent Heart Attack Trial reported that treatment initiated with doxazosin compared with chlorthalidone doubled the risk for heart failure in high-risk hypertensive patients (relative risk, 2.04 [95% CI, 1.79 to 2.32]). Patients assigned to doxazosin therapy had a mean in-trial systolic/diastolic blood pressure 3/0 mm Hg higher than that in patients assigned to chlorthalidone. Sixty-eight percent (6167 of 9061) of the former patients and 59% (9081 of 15 256) of the latter patients were given additional medications to achieve a target blood pressure of less than 140/90 mm Hg. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the influence of open-label antihypertensive drugs and subsequent blood pressure on relative risk for heart failure. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, active-controlled clinical trial. SETTING: 623 sites in the United States and Canada. PATIENTS: Hypertensive patients 55 years of age or older with at least one additional risk factor for cardiovascular disease. INTERVENTION: Chlorthalidone (12.5 to 25 mg/d) or doxazosin (2 to 8 mg/d) for a planned follow-up of 4 to 8 years. MEASUREMENTS: Data on blood pressure, medication, and incident heart failure (treated outside hospital, hospitalized, or fatal) from February 1994 through December 1999. RESULTS: After the treatment groups were categorized as having no exposure to open-label medications (monotherapy) or exposure to open-label therapy, the relative risk for heart failure with doxazosin versus chlorthalidone was 3.10 (CI, 2.51 to 3.82) and 1.42 (CI, 1.20 to 1.69), respectively. After adjustment for follow-up systolic/diastolic blood pressure, the overall relative risk was 2.00 (CI, 1.72 to 2.32). CONCLUSION: In high-risk patients with hypertension, the higher risk for heart failure while taking doxazosin compared with chlorthalidone is attenuated but not eliminated by adding other antihypertensive drugs. The small observed difference in systolic blood pressure does not explain this increased risk.

Antihypertensive Agents↗

Successful blood pressure control in the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: The African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) is an ongoing trial to evaluate the effect of blood pressure and choice of antihypertensive drug on the rate of decline of renal function. OBJECTIVE: To present the success of the AASK in achieving the trial's rigorous blood pressure goals in an extremely challenging patient population. METHODS: The AASK participants included African American patients with hypertension (n = 1094), aged 18 to 70 years, with glomerular filtration rates between 20 and 65 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) and no other identified causes of renal insufficiency. Participants were randomized to a goal mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) of either 102 to 107 mm Hg (usual MAP goal) or 92 mm Hg or less (low MAP goal). Participants in each of these groups were also randomized (double-blind) to a regimen containing metoprolol succinate, ramipril, or amlodipine besylate. Additional agents were added, if required, in the following recommended order: furosemide, doxazosin mesylate, clonidine hydrochloride, or hydralazine hydrochloride (or minoxidil, if needed). RESULTS: In participants randomized to the low MAP goal, the percentage of participants who achieved a blood pressure of less than 140/90 mm Hg increased from a baseline of 20.0% to 78.9% by 14 months after randomization. For usual MAP goal participants, the corresponding percentages increased from 21.5% to 41.8%. The difference in median levels of MAP between the 2 MAP goal groups increased and remained at approximately 12 mm Hg. Blood pressure reduction was similar regardless of age, sex, body mass index, education, insurance or employment status, income, or marital status. CONCLUSION: The blood pressure goals set and achieved in AASK participants clearly demonstrate that adequate blood pressure control can be achieved even in hypertensive populations whose blood pressure is the most difficult to control.

Adolescent↗

Ethnic differences in electrocardiographic criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy: the LIFE study. Losartan Intervention For Endpoint.

BACKGROUND: African Americans have greater precordial QRS voltages than whites, with concomitant higher prevalences of electrocardiographic (ECG) left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and lower specificity of ECG LVH criteria for the identification of anatomic hypertrophy. However, the high mortality associated with LVH in African American patients makes more accurate ECG detection of LVH in these patients a clinical priority. METHODS: Electrocardiograms and echocardiograms were obtained at study baseline in 120 African American and 751 white hypertensive patients enrolled in the Losartan Intervention For Endpoint (LIFE) echocardiographic substudy. The ECG LVH was determined using Sokolow-Lyon, 12-lead sum, and Cornell voltage criteria. Echocardiographic LVH was defined by LV mass indexed to height(2.7) >46.7 g/m(2.7) in women and >49.1 g/m(2.7) in men. RESULTS: After adjusting for ethnic differences in LV mass, body mass index, sex, and prevalence of diabetes, mean Sokolow-Lyon and 12-lead sum of voltage were significantly higher, but Cornell voltage was lower, in African Americans than in whites. As a consequence of these differences, when identical partition values were used in both ethnic groups, Sokolow-Lyon and 12-lead voltage criteria had lower specificity in African Americans than whites (44% v 69%, P = .007 and 44% v 59%, P = .10) but had greater sensitivity in African Americans (51% v 27%, P < .001 and 62% v 45%, P = .003). In contrast, Cornell voltage specificity was higher (78% v 62%, P = .09) but sensitivity was slightly lower (49% v 57%, P = 0.16) in African Americans. However, when overall test performance was compared using receiver operating curve analyses that were independent of partition value selection, ethnic differences in test performance disappeared, with no differences in accuracy of any of the ECG voltage criteria for the identification of LVH between African American and white hypertensive individuals. CONCLUSIONS: When standard, non-ethnicity-specific thresholds for the identification of LVH are used, Sokolow-Lyon and 12-lead voltage overestimate and Cornell voltage underestimates the presence and severity of LVH in African American relative to white individuals. However, these apparent ethnic differences in test performance disappear when ethnic differences in the distribution of ECG LVH criteria are taken into account. These findings demonstrate that ethnicity-specific ECG criteria can equalize detection of anatomic LVH in African American and white patients.

Aged↗

A comparison of standardized versus "usual" blood pressure measurements in hemodialysis patients.

Hypertension is very common and contributes to the high cardiovascular morbidity in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis therapy. However, the accuracy of blood pressure measurement in this population has not been well studied. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 270 patients at seven outpatient hemodialysis units. Predialysis and postdialysis seated blood pressure readings obtained by the dialysis unit using automated blood pressure monitors were significantly higher than readings obtained by a research nurse following standard procedures for blood pressure measurement (14.3/7 mm Hg higher predialysis; P < 0.01; 13.6/4.4 mm Hg higher postdialysis; P < 0.05). In 55% of patients, the postdialysis systolic blood pressure measured in the dialysis unit was at least 10 mm Hg higher than the standard reading. Bland-Altman analyses indicated poor agreement between the two readings. This study shows a marked discrepancy between routine dialysis unit and standardized blood pressure measurements. Blood pressure is frequently overestimated by routine dialysis unit readings. In light of these findings, efforts should be made to standardize blood pressure readings in hemodialysis units based on American Heart Association recommendations for blood pressure measurement.

Blood Pressure Determination↗

Urine albumin/creatinine ratio and echocardiographic left ventricular structure and function in hypertensive patients with electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy: the LIFE study. Losartan Intervention for Endpoint Reduction.

BACKGROUND: Albuminuria, reflecting systemic microvascular damage, and left ventricular (LV) geometric abnormalities have both been shown to predict increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the relationship between these markers of cardiovascular damage has not been evaluated in a large hypertensive population. METHODS: The urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) and echocardiographic measures of LV structure and function were obtained in 833 patients with stage I to III hypertension and LV hypertrophy determined by electrocardiogram (ECG) (Cornell voltage-duration or Sokolow-Lyon voltage criteria) after 14 days of placebo treatment. RESULTS: Patients' mean ages were 66 years, 42% were women, 23% had microalbuminuria, and 5% had macroalbuminuria. Patients with eccentric or concentric LV hypertrophy had higher prevalences of microalbuminuria (average 26%-30% vs 9%, P <.001) and macroalbuminuria (6%-7% vs <1%, P <.001). Furthermore, patients with microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria had a significantly higher LV mass and lower endocardial and midwall fractional shortening. Patients with abnormal diastolic LV filling parameters had a significantly increased prevalence of microalbuminuria. In univariate analyses, UACR correlated positively to LV mass, systolic blood pressure, age (all P <.001) and pulse pressure/stroke volume and negatively to relative wall thickness (both P <.01) and endocardial (P <.05) and midwall shortening (P <.001) but not to diastolic filling parameters. In multiple regression analysis higher UACR was associated with higher LV mass (beta=.169, P <.001) independently of older age (beta =.095, P <.01), higher systolic pressure (beta=.163), black race (beta=.186), and diabetes (beta=.241, all P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: In hypertensive patients with ECG LV hypertrophy, abnormal LV geometry and high LV mass are associated with high UACR independent of age, systolic blood pressure, diabetes, and race, suggesting parallel cardiac and microvascular damage.

Aged↗

Engaging black older adults and caregivers in urban communities in health research.

The under-representation of the Black population in research may lead to poor health outcomes for them and a decreased capacity to generalize results to Black populations. This article describes ways in which sensitivity to cultural distinctions of Black older adults and their current or future caregivers can enhance their recruitment and retention in research. Cultural mores play an important role in the shaping of one's perceptions, definitions, responses to disease, and participation in health regimens. Similarly, one's cultural orientation plays a role in how a person is effectively recruited and retained in resear Wenger's translation process model uses cultural meaning to inform research decisions. This model was used in a recent study of Black older adults and their caregivers and will be described in this article. Effectively engaging Black individuals in health research is essential for improving their health.

Black or African American↗