
Comparison of Ultrafast Echo With Echotracking
Essential Untreated HypertensionHealthy VolunteersThe aim is to compare a new technique for assessing mechanical properties of large arteries: the Ultrafast echo with the reference technique, the echotracking. This will be done by studying in parallel hypertensive patients and controls with both techniques and this will revisit old concepts of increased stiffness in hypertensive arteries.

Prevalence of Pulmonary Hypertension (PAH) in Patients With Thalassemia
Thalassemia MajorThalassemia Intermedia1 moreThis is a multicenter observational case-control analysis lasting 12 months aimed at determining the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PAH) in patients with Thalassemia Major and Intermedia. The patients will be followed, treated and examined according to the best standard clinical practice dictated by the Italian Society for the study of Hemoglobinopathies (SITE), Thalassemia International Federation (TIF)and the Task Force for Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension of European Society of Cardiology (ESC); European Respiratory Society (ERS); International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) guidelines.

Clinical Value of Noninvasive Intracranial Pressure Measurement
Intracranial HypertensionThe aim of the study is to evaluate accuracy and precision of non-invasive intracranial pressure measurement device (Vittamed 205) for selected patients compared with cerebrospinal fluid pressure measured during lumbar puncture

Perioperative Blood Pressures and Chronic Hypertension
HypertensionThis study aims to assess the performance of presurgical clinic blood pressure measurements in predicting home blood pressure readings among surgical patients. It also aims to measure the association between home blood pressures and patient perspectives on blood pressure control.

Relationship of Urine Sodium Excretion to Central Blood Pressure and Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity...
HypertensionOne interesting area is the relationship of high salt intake and central aortic blood pressure. High salt intake is associated development of hypertension and cardiovascular mortality. Central aortic pressure is better correlated with cardiovascular events and mortality. With recent advances in technology, it is possible to measure central aortic pressure noninvasively and easily. Until now there is no study to evaluate the relationship of high salt intake and aortic blood pressure. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the relationship of high salt intake and aortic blood pressure and aortic stiffness. Subjects with or without hypertension will be enrolled for investigation. Subjects with hypertension should be never treated with antihypertensive medications. Subjects with secondary hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, high grade kidney disease, ischemic heart disease, and major arrhythmia will be excluded. Sodium intake is measured by 24 hour urinary sodium excretion, with the measurement of peripheral and central aortic blood pressure, and aortic pulse wave velocity. Salt sensitive hypertension related single nucleotide polymorphism will be analyzed to define the relationship with high salt intake and aortic pressure and pulse wave velocity.

Noninvasive Measurement of Cardiac Output in Pulmonary Hypertension Using Inert Gas Rebreathing...
Pulmonary HypertensionThe study hypothesis is that accuracy of CO measurement by IGR does not differ from classical CO measurement methods such as thermodilution or direct Fick method. This is why the study aims to determine whether non invasive cardiac output (CO) measurement using inert gas rebreathing (IGR)is a suitable method in patients with pulmonary hypertension. In order to examine this, the IGR method will be used in patients undergoing diagnostic or follow-up right heart catheterization.

COMPLIANCE An Observational Study of Treatment Compliance and Quality of Life in Patients on Antihypertensive...
High Blood PressureThe aim of this multi-centre survey is to assess treatment adherence and quality of life in a Jordanian and Lebanese population newly diagnosed with hypertension or with uncontrolled essential hypertension being on antihypertensive treatment for at least 6 months.

Central Blood Pressure Over 24 Hours (ABPM) and Left Ventricular Mass
Suspected Arterial HypertensionThe investigators aim to investigate whether central systolic blood pressure, as measured during regular 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), is a better predictor of left ventricular mass than peripheral systolic blood pressure during ABPM.

Pulmonary Hypertension, Hypoxia and Sickle Cell Disease
Chuvash PolycythemiaCerebrovascular Disease2 moreThe study will look at the risk factors for pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) in children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia (SCA) and examine the role of hypoxia (oxygen shortage) in the disease. In patients with SCA, red blood cells become sickle-shaped and tend to form clumps that get stuck in blood vessels, blocking blood flow to the limbs and organs. Blocked blood vessels can cause pain, serious infections, and organ damage. Many patients with SCA also develop pulmonary hypertension. Children and adolescents with SCA or Chuvash polycythemia (another blood disorder that carries an increased risk for pulmonary hypertension) may be eligible for this study. Participants undergo the following procedures at the beginning (baseline) and end of the study: History, physical examination and blood tests . Echocardiography (ultrasound study of heart function). Transcranial doppler (brain ultrasound study to measure brain blood flow). Lung function tests. 6-minute walk (measure of the distance covered in 6 minutes of walking). In addition, patients are followed by telephone or by clinic visits every 6 months for a review of their medical history and medications. A physical examination is also done at 12 months.

Using Multimedia Technology for Hypertension Control for Low-Income African Americans
HypertensionThe purpose of this study is to test an interactive DVD intervention to encourage patients to stick to their blood pressure medication in order to achieve blood pressure control for African American patients. The intervention will convey health messages through personal patient stories who have dealt with or continue to struggle with high blood pressure. Hypothesis 1: At the end of 9 months a higher proportion of patients randomized to the intervention group will achieve appropriate blood pressure control. Hypothesis 2: At the end of 9 months a higher proportion of patients who randomized to the intervention group will report high adherence to their hypertension medications.