These data are strikingly similar to those from our previous study of RH, in which a suboptimal medication regimen was the most common reason for resistance. Goal BP was most commonly achieved after optimizing the diuretic regimen and increasing the number of medications, suggesting that physicians should use these measures to attain the recommended lower BP goals If goal BP is not reached, referral to a clinical hypertension specialist may be appropriate.

Cyclo-oxygenase (COX) inhibitors attenuate the antihypertensive effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and reduce kidney function. The study tests the hypothesis that these two classes of drugs have similar effects on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and 24-hour blood pressure. The primary endpoint was change in 24-hour systolic blood pressure. Using a randomized crossover design, 25 black and Hispanic hypertensive participants (mean age 58+/-3 years) with osteoarthritis were studied. All participants received an ACE inhibitor at baseline. Once systolic blood pressure was <140 mm Hg, either celecoxib 200 mg/d or diclofenac 75 mg twice daily for 4 weeks was started. After measurements were obtained, all participants underwent a 2-week washout period and crossed over to the other drug for 4 weeks. A significant difference in mean 24-hour systolic blood pressure was noted between groups at 4 weeks (+4.1+/-1.1 mm Hg diclofenac versus +0.6+/-0.6 mm Hg celecoxib; P=0.01). However, because celecoxib has duration of action shorter than 24 hours, we compared ambulatory values at celecoxib trough and peak activities. At peak, no difference in systolic blood pressure was noted between agents (+3.6+/-0.04 mm Hg diclofenac versus +4.2+/-1.9 mm Hg celecoxib; P=0.67). GFR was also differentially affected at 24 hours (-9.9+/-2.4 mL/min diclofenac versus -0.4+/-1.2 mL/min celecoxib; P=0.01). We conclude that diclofenac and celecoxib increase systolic blood pressure at peak levels; however, these agents differ in their 24-hour effects. Differences observed in blood pressure response between COX inhibitors may not be related in their sensitivity but rather their dosing frequency.

Abstract-Guideline committees recommend targets of treatment based on trial data on efficacy and effectiveness.Quality-assurance initiatives apply these parameters in the general practice setting. Therefore, targets must be feasible and achievable by the practicing physicians who are judged by these targets as goals for care. We evaluated 437 patients in the Rush University Hypertension Clinic using the Health Employer Data Information Set (HEDIS) measures for 2000 to assess goal achievement in a practice-based setting. We compared guideline achievement of uncomplicated hypertensive and diabetic subjects to standards dictated by HEDIS, the 6th Joint National Committee on the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC VI), and the American Diabetic Association (ADA)/National Kidney Foundation (NKF). Overall, 276 (63%) patients achieved SBP goal, with 376 (86%) achieving DBP goal and 358 (59%) achieving both goals. However, in the 20% of patients who were diabetic, only 52% had a BP of Ͻ140 mm Hg and Ͻ90 mm Hg, whereas only 22% achieved the more stringent goals of JNC VI of Ͻ130 mm Hg systolic and Ͻ85 mm Hg diastolic and only 15% achieved the ADA/NKF goals of Ͻ130 mm Hg systolic and Ͻ80 mm Hg diastolic. Although goal was achievable in most uncomplicated hypertension, hypertension in diabetes was more difficult to control, despite being more likely to receive enhanced benefit from effective management. Goal-oriented strategy, especially in diabetic subjects, should be aggressively sought rather than relaxing goals to promote achievement.

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