Knowledge of stroke risk factors and prevention among hypertensive patients on follow-up at Addis Ababa University Tertiary Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Objective
This study was conducted to assess knowledge of stroke risk factors and prevention among hypertensive patients on follow-up at Addis Ababa University Tertiary Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Design
Cross-sectional study design.

Setting
This study was conducted at Addis Ababa University Tertiary Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Participants
The sample size was determined using the single population proportion calculation. A list of all patients with hypertension on follow-up was framed from the appointment book of the cardiovascular clinic. Then, 316 participants were recruited by simple random sampling procedure from 18 April 2022 to 19 May 2022. The study included all patients with hypertension >18 years of age who were on follow-up during the data-collecting period. In contrast, patients with memory loss or cognitive impairment and who are unable to communicate were excluded from the study.

Result
With a response rate of 96.8%, 306 respondents in total were questioned. The average age of the participants was 53.6 years (SD±13.4). More than half of participants (52.9%) were female. The average score for understanding stroke risk factors and prevention is 44.1% and 49.7%, respectively. Knowledge of stroke risk factors was substantially correlated with residency and educational level, while knowledge of stroke prevention was significantly associated with sex, income and educational level.

Conclusion
This study indicates that patients with hypertension who participated in the study had poor knowledge of stroke risk factors and prevention. The mean score of knowledge on risk factors and prevention strategies of stroke is 44.1% and 49.7%, respectively, and needs improvement.

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Novembre 2024

NSAID Allergy Labels Associated With Mortality and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Stroke

Stroke, Ahead of Print. BACKGROUND:Mislabeled drug allergy can restrict future prescriptions and medication use, but its prevalence and impact among patients with stroke remain unknown. This study investigated the prevalence of the most commonly labeled drug allergies, their accuracy, and their impact among patients with stroke.METHODS:In this combined longitudinal and cross-sectional study, we compared the prevalence of allergy labels among the general population and patients with ischemic stroke between 2008 and 2014 from electronic health care records in Hong Kong. Outcomes between patients with stroke with or without the most prevalent labels (ie, NSAID) were compared. Rate of mislabeled NSAID allergy was confirmed by provocation testing.RESULTS:Compared with the general population (n=702 966), patients with stroke had more labels (n=235) to cardiovascular and hematopoietic system (prevalence, 19.5% versus 9.2%; odds ratio [OR], 2.4 [95% CI, 1.74–3.32];P

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Novembre 2024

EXCELLENT Registry: A Prospective, Multicenter, Global Registry of Endovascular Stroke Treatment With the EMBOTRAP Device

Stroke, Ahead of Print. BACKGROUND:The EXCELLENT registry aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the EMBOTRAP Revascularization Device in an all-comer population in a real-world setting, with a focus on the composition of retrieved clots.METHODS:EXCELLENT is a prospective, global registry of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with EMBOTRAP as the first-line mechanical thrombectomy device conducted at 34 sites (25 sites contributing clot) from September 2018 to March 2021, utilizing core imaging and central histology laboratories blinded to clinical data, independent 90-day modified Rankin Scale assessment and Clinical Events Committee.RESULTS:After screening 3799 patients, a total of 997 subjects (mean age, 70.0±14.2 years; 51.8% women; 19.7% non-White) were included. The first-pass modified Treatment in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥2b rate was 64.5% (623/966), first-pass mTICI ≥2c was 39.1% (378/966), and final mTICI ≥2b was 94.5% (931/985). A total of 427/912 (46.8%) patients achieved a 90-day modified Rankin Scale of 0 to 2 or ≤baseline. Embolization to a new territory occurred in 0.2% (2/984), and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage at 24 hours in 1.6% (16/997). The 90-day mortality was 19.1% (175/918). Device- and/or procedure-related serious adverse events occurred in 5.9% (54/912) through 90 days. The mean RBC percentage of retrieved clots was 45.62±21.372. Among patients who achieved mTICI ≥2b with the first pass, 15.7% (52/331) and 9.7% (32/331), respectively, had RBC-poor (75%) clots. Patients with no clot retrieved in any procedural pass had a lower percentage of hyperdense or susceptibility vessel sign on baseline imaging (58.9% versus 74.7%;P

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4141454: Atrial Fibrillation in American Indians: Comparative Analysis of Characteristics and Anticoagulation Use for Stroke Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4141454-A4141454, November 12, 2024. Background:Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in the United States, affecting individuals of all races. Anticoagulation (AC) therapy is recommended by the guidelines to reduce the risk of stroke in AF patients. Previous reports indicate that American Indians (AI) have a higher risk of AF and an increased risk of stroke from AF.Aim:To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of the AI population with AF and compare their AC status with other racial groups.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed AF patients age >18 years hospitalized between January 2022 and October 2023 in two hospitals serving a large Navajo Nation AI population in rural Northern Arizona. We compared baseline characteristics, AC status and direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) use between AI and other races. Between group statistical analysis was completed using a chi-square for categorical variables and a Mann-whiney U test for continuous variables, with statistical significance defined as a p-value ≤ 0.05.Results:In total, 9255 patients were admitted with AF: 871 (9.4%) were AI, with 696 (79.9%) being Navajo Nation AI and 8284 (89.5%) from other non-AI races. AI patients with AF were younger (average age 65±15.9 vs 75±11.2; p

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4124966: Trends and Gender Differences in Stroke Mortality Rates Among Patients with Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter from 1999 to 2020

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4124966-A4124966, November 12, 2024. Background:Atrial fibrillation (AFib) and atrial flutter (AFL) are common arrhythmias associated with increased stroke risk. This study examines stroke mortality trends and gender differences among AFib/AFL patients in the United States over a 22-year period.Research Question:Do stroke mortality rates among patients with AFib/AFL show significant trends and gender differences from 1999 to 2020?Aims:The primary aim is to analyze trends in crude and age-adjusted stroke mortality rates and determine gender-specific differences over the 22-year period.Methods:We conducted a retrospective analysis using CDC multiple causes of death files from 1999 to 2020. Stroke deaths (ICD-10 codes I60-I69) with AFib/AFL (ICD-10 code I48) as contributory factors were identified. Crude and age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated annually. Joinpoint regression calculated annual percentage change (APC) and assessed trend significance (p < 0.05). Poisson regression was used for rate comparisons. Gender-specific trends highlighted differences between males and females.Results:The analysis included 204,127 stroke deaths with AFib/AFL. Both crude and age-adjusted mortality rates increased. The crude mortality rate rose from 3.3 per 100,000 in 1999 to 4.9 per 100,000 in 2020, APC 1.8% (p < 0.01). The age-adjusted rate increased from 3.4 to 4.0 per 100,000, APC 1.2% (p < 0.01). Females had higher crude mortality rates, increasing from 4.3 to 5.5 per 100,000, APC 1.3% (p < 0.01), while males rose from 2.3 to 4.2 per 100,000, APC 2.2% (p < 0.01). Age-adjusted rates: females increased from 3.4 to 3.9 per 100,000, APC 0.8% (p < 0.01), and males from 3.3 to 4.2 per 100,000, APC 1.6% (p < 0.01). Poisson regression indicated these differences were significant (p < 0.05). Age adjustment narrowed gender disparity.Conclusion:Increasing stroke mortality rates among AFib/AFL patients highlight a growing public health concern in the United States. Females have higher crude stroke mortality rates than males, but age adjustment reveals a more balanced trend. More work is needed to understand influencing factors, including anticoagulation rates, healthcare access, and AFib/AFL management strategies.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4147634: Important Role of Prediabetes in Stroke Patients including ESUS

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4147634-A4147634, November 12, 2024. Stroke including ESUS is one of the common causes of disability and death worldwide. Furthermore, diabetes mellitus and prediabetes are among the main risk factors for cerebrovascular events. If the criteria for apparent diabetes mellitus is not met, a glucose metabolism disorder may still exist. Prediabetes can be present as impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance or an increased, but not yet diabetic, HbA1c.To determine the frequency of diabetes mellitus (DM) and prediabetes mellitus (PDM) in patients with cardiovascular events, we analyzed the aspects of prediabetes in a stroke population of one of the largest stroke centers in Germany and collected the data in a prospective manner over 6 months.Among 714 included patients, 163 (30.8%) suffered a cryptogenic Stroke, including 98 (19%) ESUS. 185 (26%) TIA, 209 (39%) cardioembolic, 110 (21%) atherosclerotic, 40 (8%) lacunar and 7 (1%) other specific strokes were registered. >50% had a diabetic or prediabetic metabolic state, among which, the highest proportion was seen in lacunar strokes, followed by atherosclerotic infarctions. >80% of lacunar, >70% of atherosclerotic infarctions, 60% of ESUS, 50% of cardioembolic infarctions indicate DM or PDM. Both PDM and DM show a positive correlation with age. PDM is most common in 75-84y old patients. In the male population, PDM is most prevalent in the oldest patients (50%, and least prevalent in the youngest patients (40%. In the oldest patient group, relatively speaking, more than twice as many men are affected by glucose metabolism disorders as women (52% vs. 24%).In summary the largest relative proportion of prediabetics and diabetics is seen at 80% among the lacunar infarction group and the second largest proportion at 70% among those with atherosclerotic infarctions. Among ESUS and cryptogenic stroke patients show a proportion of over 60% with impaired glucose tolerance. PD presents a positive correlation with increasing age, just like other risk factors. 40% of the 75-84-year-olds have DM or PDM. Therefore, diabetogenic micro- and macroangiopathies could be a major contributing factor to the causes of stroke.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4143227: Incidence of Hemorrhagic Stroke in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4143227-A4143227, November 12, 2024. Background:Individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have an elevated risk of ischemic stroke, primarily driven by the increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) development in this patient population. This risk remains elevated regardless of CHADS2VASC score; thus, anticoagulation is recommended for all HCM patients with AF. Given the known association between anticoagulant medications and hemorrhagic events, there is likely an assumed risk of hemorrhagic stroke in these individuals. Currently, the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke in HCM and its relationship to AF and anticoagulation has not been well-established in the literature. The goal of this study was to establish the presence of and risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke in individuals with HCM.Methods:A retrospective review of all HCM patients ages 18 and older in our institution’s health system was performed from 2019-2023. ICD 10 codes were used to identify individuals with hemorrhagic stroke. Patient charts were reviewed for additional data including demographics, comorbid conditions, anticoagulant prescription, and other inciting factors prior to the hemorrhagic event.Results:The study cohort comprised 343 HCM patients, of which 47.1% were female and 72.7% were Caucasian. Concurrently, 30% (n=103) had a diagnosis of AF. The overall incidence of hemorrhagic stroke was 2.9% (5.8%, n=6 in those with AF vs 1.7%, n=4 in those without AF); furthermore, AF was associated with a non-statistically significant increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (RR = 3.36, 95% CI 0.97-11.7). Anticoagulant use at the time of hemorrhagic event was observed in 4 individuals (67%) with AF and 1 individual (25%) without AF. Head trauma and falls were frequently observed as precipitating events prior to hospital admission for hemorrhagic stroke, occurring in 83% (n = 5) of patients with AF and 50% (n = 2) of those without AF.Conclusions:While ischemic stroke and anticoagulant use are commonly studied in those with HCM, the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke in this population is not negligible. Risk of hemorrhagic events in HCM appears largely influenced by anticoagulant use, particularly in those with concurrent AF, and by head trauma. Given the known benefits of anticoagulation on ischemic stroke risk in the HCM population, appropriate counseling and careful attention to individual patient factors may be warranted in the administration of anticoagulants.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4113405: The Role of Cardiac Power Output and Stroke Work Index in Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty Therapy for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4113405-A4113405, November 12, 2024. Background:Right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) measures of cardiac power output (CPO) and stroke work index (SWI) are existing markers of cardiac function and clinical outcomes. These metrics have not been used to evaluate the effects of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) therapy in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).Methods:CTEPH patients who underwent at least six BPA sessions and were included in the UC San Diego BPA registry were included for analysis. Left and right ventricular CPO and SWI during each session were recorded. Cardiac output was measured using the thermodilution technique. Differences in continuous variable measurements before versus after BPA therapy were evaluated using the Student T-test. P-value

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4145873: Optimal Timing for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in NSTEMI Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis of In-Hospital Mortality and Stroke Prevalence Over 2017 to 2021

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4145873-A4145873, November 12, 2024. Background:Recent studies have suggested performing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) within 24 hours of acute myocardial infarction increases mortality risk. However, the ideal timing after the first day remains unclear. This study aims to suggest an optimal timing of CABG in NSTEMI patients using the large National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database over a 5-year period.Methods:This retrospective cohort study analyzed survey-weighted NIS data over 2017-2021, including adult-age admissions with NSTEMI as the principal diagnosis who underwent CABG without prior transfer from another hospital. Patients were categorized into eight groups based on days from admission to CABG (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and ≥7 days). Baseline characteristics were compared across groups. Multivariate regression analysis adjusted for multiple confounders to assess the association between Time-to-CABG and in-hospital mortality and stroke prevalence.Results:Table 1 presents the baseline characteristics across the eight groups, encompassing 142,200 included admissions (mean age 65.24 years; 26.78% female).In-Hospital Mortality:The adjusted odds ratios (OR) were less than one for groups 1 through 7 compared to group 0, indicating that immediate CABG (day 0) is associated with higher mortality risk. While the reduced odds in the day 1 group were not statistically significant, substantial and statistically significant reductions in mortality were observed between days 2 and 5 (OR: 0.624 – 0.609; p

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4147614: Prevalence and Impact of Stroke In Young (18-44 Years) ACHD-Related Admissions by Median Household Income Quartiles: A 2019 National Inpatient Sample Analysis

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4147614-A4147614, November 12, 2024. Background:The risk of stroke in Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) is well established. However, the prevalence and impact of stroke in young ACHD-related admissions stratified by median household income remain underexplored.Methods:The National Inpatient Sample (2019) was utilized to identify the rate of stroke admissions among young (18-44 years) ACHD patients. We also evaluated comorbidities and outcomes (all-cause mortality [ACM], length of stay [LOS], disposition,&charges) based on the median household income quartiles and compared two cohorts of lowest (0-25th percentile) and highest (75-100thpercentile) median household income (LMHI vs HMHI).Results:Of 41950 young (18-44 years) ACHD patients, 5360 patients had stroke (12.8%). Patients in the LMHI group were relatively older (median age 36 years vs 35 years) and had a greater proportion of males (53.8% vs 46.0%) when compared to patients in the HMHI group. Patients admitted with stroke were of greater proportion in the LMHI group (13.2% vs 12.1%) compared to the HMHI group. Comorbidities like alcohol abuse (4.7% vs. 2.3%), depression (9.8% vs. 7.0%), hypertension (13.0% vs. 5.6%), obesity (21.2% vs. 18%), drug abuse (12.3% vs 4.2%), and tobacco use disorder (30.4% vs 11.2%) were higher for LMHI when compared to HMHI. Regarding in-hospital outcomes, ACM (3.7 vs. 1.9%) and discharge to home (71.6 vs. 66.5) were higher with HMHI, whereas the LMHI cohort demonstrated fewer routine discharges, higher transfers to other facilities, and prolonged LOS (5 vs. 3 days, p

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4139135: Trends in Stroke Related Mortality in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Aged 25 and Older in the United States: Insights from the CDC WONDER Database

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4139135-A4139135, November 12, 2024. Background:Stroke associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant cause of mortality. This CDC analysis delves into mortality trends due to stroke in AF patients aged ≥ 25 years, from 1999 to 2020. By analyzing extensive datasets we scrutinized how factors such as gender, race, region of residence, and level of urbanization intersect with mortality rates.Methods:Death data from 1999 to 2020 was analyzed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention database, employing ICD codes I48 for AF and I64 for stroke. Age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) per 100,000 people with 95% confidence intervals was calculated for the total population, stratified by gender, race, urban/rural status, and census region. The Joinpoint regression software was used to calculate annual percentage change (APC) trend for each stratification.Results:In the U.S. between 1999 and 2020, total of 331,106 deaths occurred among adults due to AF associated with stroke. Deaths occurred predominantly in medical facilities (43.2%). The overall AAMR for AF associated stroke decreased from 26.8 per 100,000 in 1999 to 18.4 in 2020, with an AAPC of -2.05 (p value < 0.000001). Additionally, AAMR declined significantly from 1999 to 2018 (APC: -2.65, p value = 0.012398), followed by an increase from 2018 to 2020 (APC: 3.90, p value = 0.220356). Women had slightly higher AAMRs compared to men (men: 6.6; women: 7.1). The AAMR for women reduced substantially from 1999 to 2020 than for men. AAMRs varied among racial/ethnic groups, with White patients having the highest AAMR (7.4), followed by Blacks (5.4), American Indian or Alaska Natives (4.6), Asian or Pacific Islanders (4.5), and Hispanic population (4.1). AAMRs decreased for all races except for Black population. Geographically, AAMRs ranged from 4.3 in Nevada to 11.9 in Vermont, with the Western region showing the highest mortality (AAMR: 7.9). Nonmetropolitan areas had slightly higher AAMRs than metropolitan areas, with both experiencing a decrease over the study period.Conclusion:This analysis depicts significant disparities in mortality rates attributed to stroke associated with AF and underscores the need for larger population-based studies to further understand the primary factors influencing the observed geographical, racial, and gender differences. Targeted interventions and equitable healthcare access are crucial to mitigate these disparities and improve outcomes for this population.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4146756: Temporal Trends in Stroke-related Mortality in the United States for the Past 3 Decades

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4146756-A4146756, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States resulting in significant health and socioeconomic burden. Accordingly, examining the temporal trends of stroke is essential for the development of effective stroke management strategies and prevention.Research Question:Is there a change in stroke mortality trends in the United States over the past 3 decades?Aim:To investigate trends in stroke mortality in the United States over the past three decades, focusing on gender and age-specific variations.Methods:We analyzed the Global Burden of Diseases 2019 database for stroke mortality trends stratified by age and gender. Trends were expressed using annual percentage change (APC) and average APC (AAPC) calculated via Joinpoint Trend Analysis Software (v5.2.0, NCI).Results:A total of 4,968,927 stroke-related mortality were reported during the time period of 1990-2019. An overall decline in the stroke-related death has been identified, with females displaying a declining mortality from 1990 to 2019 with AAPC of -0.238 (95%CI: -0.291 to -0.183; p

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4148181: Neutrophil and Leucocyte Ratio and LDL to HDL ratios as predictors of Hemorrhagic transformation in ischemic stroke patients : A systematic review

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4148181-A4148181, November 12, 2024. Background:Following an ischemic stroke, a serious complication known as hemorrhagic transformation (HT) might jeopardize patient outcomes. Inflammatory indicators, such as the neutrophil-to-leukocyte ratio (NRR), and lipid markers, such as the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio, have been investigated as HT predictors. Recent research has delved further into the predictive significance of these biomarkers for ischemic stroke outcomes.Objectives:To systematically review the literature on the predictive value of NLR and LDL to HDL ratios for HT in ischemic stroke patients, incorporating recent findings that enhance our understanding of these biomarkers.Methods:A detailed search of electronic databases was conducted to gather studies focusing on NLR and LDL to HDL ratios as predictors for HT in ischemic stroke. The selection process followed strict inclusion criteria, and the quality of studies was rigorously assessed.Results:The paper discusses new findings that emphasize the impact LDL and NLR play in influencing HDL ratios and, hence, HT prediction. Following an ischemic stroke, an increased incidence of HT, especially parenchymal hematoma (PH), has been associated with greater NLR. A high neutrophil-to-HDL ratio (NHR) has also been identified as a possible predictor of poor prognosis in ischemic stroke, underscoring its significance in predicting HT. Furthermore, the LDL-to-HDL ratio has been connected to long-term clinical outcomes like death and recurrent myocardial infarction, which may be associated with HT risk.Conclusions:In individuals with ischemic stroke, NLR and LDL-to-HDL ratios are potential HT indicators. The addition of current data underscores the potential of these ratios not just as HT indicators but also as markers for broader stroke-related effects. More studies are needed to validate these results and provide consistent recommendations for their use in clinical practice.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4138663: Peak nocturnal home blood pressure as an early and strong novel risk factor for stroke: the practitioner-based nationwide J-HOP Nocturnal BP study

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4138663-A4138663, November 12, 2024. Background:Clinical implications of high peak nighttime home blood pressure (BP) are currently unknown. This analysis investigated the association between peak nighttime home systolic BP (SBP) and cardiovascular events in individuals with ≥1 cardiovascular risk factor.Methods:In the Japan Morning Surge-Home Blood Pressure (J-HOP) study, nighttime home BP was automatically measured three times every night for 14 days at baseline using a nighttime home BP monitoring device (HEM-5001, Omron Healthcare). Peak nighttime home SBP was defined as average of the highest three values over the 14-night measurement period. Occurrence of cardiovascular events (stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, aortic dissection) was determined over a mean 7.1 years’ follow-up.Results:This analysis included 2545 individuals (mean age 63.3±10.3 years, 49% male). After adjustment for covariates (including age, sex, and average office, morning, evening, and nighttime home SBP), stroke risk was significantly higher in individuals with peak nighttime home SBP in the highest (Q5, ≥149.0 mmHg) versus lowest quintile (Q1,

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Novembre 2024