This study suggests that while THI enhances imaging of difficult to visualize valves, it may overestimate mitral and aortic valve thickness. This could lead to overdiagnosis and unnecessary follow-up studies. Cardiologists interpreting THI echocardiograms should become familiar with the modality's shortcomings.
Abstract-Concern exists regarding adverse metabolic effects of antihypertensive agents. In the United States, diuretics are recommended first-line but additional agents, usually angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, are often required to meet blood pressure targets. We have previously shown that the combination of low-dose diuretic with an ACE inhibitor has detrimental effects on insulin action compared with ACE inhibitor alone in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients. Our aim was to establish whether similar effects occur in nondiabetic hypertensive patients using this combination. A randomized doubleblind placebo-controlled crossover design was used. After a 6-week run-in, when regular antihypertensive medications were withdrawn and placebo substituted, patients received captopril 50 mg twice daily with either bendroflumethiazide 1.25 mg (CB) or placebo (CP) for 12 weeks with a 6-week wash-out between treatments. Insulin action was assessed by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp after the 6-week run-in and at the end of each treatment period. There were no differences between treatments in fasting glucose or insulin concentrations. Glucose infusion rates required to maintain euglycemia were the same with each treatment (CP 22.1±2.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.