Impact of Prehypertension on Common Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness and Left Ventricular Mass

Nutraceuticals and blood pressure control: a European Society of Hypertension position document

: High-normal blood pressure (BP) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, however the cost-benefit ratio of the use of antihypertensive treatment in these patients is not yet clear. Some dietary components and natural products seems to be able to significantly lower BP without significant side effects. The aim of this position document is to highlight which of these products have the most clinically significant antihypertensive action and wheter they could be suggested to patients with high-normal BP. Among foods, beetroot juice has the most covincing evidence of antihypertensive effect. Antioxidant-rich beverages (teas, coffee) could be considered. Among nutrients, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C supplements could improve BP. Among nonnutrient-nutraceuticals, soy isoflavones could be suggested in perimenopausal women, resveratrol in insulin-resistant patients, melatonin in study participants with night hypertension. In any case, the nutracutical approach has never to substitute the drug treatment, when needed.

Correlation of Pre-Hypertension with Carotid Artery Damage in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

The intima–media thickness (IMT), luminal diameters (LDs), flow velocities (FVs), compliance, and β-stiffness of the carotid artery (CA) are considered as independent risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Pre-hypertension (PHT) is also an independent CVD risk factor. This study investigated the association between CA damage (CAD) and PHT. A total of 544 adults participated; their blood pressures (BPs) and CA characteristics were measured using a mercury-free sphygmomanometer and ultrasound. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed to assess the differences in the CA characteristics according to the BPs, multinomial logistic regression to evaluate the risk of CAD associated with PHT. In ANCOVA, the CA characteristics of PHT were significantly different from normotensive. The odds ratios (ORs) of IMTmax, LDmax, LDmin, peak-systolic FV (PFV), end-diastolic FV (EFV), PFV/LDmin, EFV/LDmax, compliance, and β-stiffness of PHT were 4.20, 2.70, 3.52, 2.41, 3.06, 3.55, 3.29, 2.02, and 1.84 times higher than those of the normotensive, respectively, in Model 2. In Model 3 adjusted for age, the ORs of LDmax, LDmin, EFV, PFV/LDmin, and EFV/LDmax of PHT were 2.10, 2.55, 1.96, 2.20, and 2.04 times higher than those of the normotensive, respectively. Therefore, the present study revealed that CAD is closely correlated with pre-hypertensive status in adults.

High-normal blood pressure and related cardiovascular risk factors prevalence in the Romanian adult population: insights from the SEPHAR III study

High normal blood pressure (HNBP) is associated with an increased risk of incident high blood pressure (HBP) and of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). To estimate the prevalence of HNBP and related cardiovascular risk factors, a representative sample of 1970 Romanian adults was enrolled in SEPHAR III survey (Study for the Evaluation of Prevalence of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk in Romania). All were evaluated for blood pressure values and by a 71-item questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, together with extensive evaluation for target organ damage, blood, and urine sample collection. Prevalence of HNBP was 11% [45.1% had HBP, 43.9% normal BP (NBP)]. HNBP individuals were older (51.14 ± 17.13 years) than subjects with NBP (40.5 ± 15.96 years) but younger than those with HBP (55.79 ± 15.68 years), p < 0.0001 (95% CI 18-85, respectively 18-91). Values of weight, waist circumference, body mass index, total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), uric acid, serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate estimate by CKD-EPI equation, urinary albumin to creatinine ratio, intimae-media thickness, arterial stiffness measurements and diastolic dysfunction, indexed left ventricular mass, interventricular septum and posterior left ventricle wall thickness, left atrial volume, and LA dilatation were significantly higher in HNBP subjects than in NBP. Our study showed that individuals with HNBP represent ~11% and most of them had an elevated total cardiovascular risk. It is essential to educate the public and health care providers to be aware of these individuals and of steps that should be taken to treat modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.

Hemodynamic Patterns and Target Organ Damage in Adolescents With Ambulatory Prehypertension

Although the importance of office prehypertension/high normal blood pressure (BP) has been well documented, the significance of ambulatory prehypertension (AmbPreHT) has not been determined. We analyzed markers of target organ damage and hemodynamics in adolescents with AmbPreHT in comparison with hypertensive and normotensive subjects. Out of 304 white patients aged 15.0±2.5 years with office hypertension, 30 children had AmbPreHT and were compared with 66 normotensive healthy children and 92 children with true hypertension (elevated office, ambulatory, and central BP), 22 had ambulatory hypertension (AmbHT), and 70 had severe AmbHT (SevAmbHT). Stroke volume and cardiac output were greater in AmbPreHT compared with patients with normotension but did not differ between AmbPreHT, AmbHT, and SevAmbHT. Similarly, AmbPreHT, AmbHT, and SevAmbHT had similar total peripheral resistance, lower than patients with normotension (P<0.05). Central systolic BP was higher in patients with AmbPreHT, AmbHT, and SevAmbHT compared with normotensives (P<0.01). In all 3 groups, the carotid intima-media thickness Z scores were significantly higher than in normotensive (P<0.001). AmbPreHT and AmbHT patients had higher left ventricular mass index and prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy compared with normotensive but lower compared with SevAmbHT (P<0.001). Pulse wave velocity Z scores were increased in patients with AmbPreHT, AmbHT, and SevAmbHT compared with patients with normotension (P<0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that body mass index Z score, central systolic BP, and uric acid levels were significant independent predictors of left ventricular mass index. In conclusion, patients with AmbPreHT presented similar cardiovascular adaptations to those observed in patients with hypertensive and may be at risk of developing cardiovascular events.

Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Black Africans

INTRODUCTION

African-Americans present higher prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) when compared with white populations. However, there is a lack of information about the prevalence and determinants of LVH in black individuals living in Africa.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed with a non-probabilistic sample comprised of 609 University workers from Angola/Africa, describing the prevalence of LVH and the determinants of left ventricular mass. Echocardiographic measurements were performed and left ventricular mass was indexed to body surface area. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured, along with anthropometric and clinical variables.

RESULTS

Chamber diameter and wall thickness were higher in men compared to women. Additionally, LVM was higher in men (114.2 ± 36 vs 98.4 ± 31.9, P < 0.001), and the overall prevalence of LVH in black Angolans was 41.1%, which tended to be higher in women (44.5 vs 37.4%, P = 0.096). In men, systolic blood pressure and BMI were independently associated with LVM, while age, systolic blood pressure and waist circumference were associated with LVM in women.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, blood pressure levels were the main determinants of LVH in black Africans, although different anthropometric variables showed mild influence in LVM. Our data suggests that LVH prevalence and determinants in black Africans are similar to that reported for African-Americans.

Serum Apelin: A New Marker of Early Atherosclerosis in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

INTRODUCTION:

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases in children that may be complicated by micro or macrovascular complications. Measurement of the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) allows the early detection of atherosclerotic alterations of blood vessels that may complicate T1DM.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

This study is a case-control study. Participants were classified into two groups. The first group included 40 children with T1DM and the second group included 30 matched healthy controls. The studied cases were recruited from Endocrinology and Diabetology Unit, Pediatric Hospital, Ain Shams University. Serum apelin, cholesterol, TG, LDL were measured for every case. Also, albumin level was analyzed in urine. Measurement of the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was done for all cases.

RESULTS:

Comparison between T1DM patients and controls revealed that serum apelin, cholesterol, TG, LDL and albuminuria were significantly increased in cases compared to controls. Significant positive correlations were detected between HbA1C, albuminuria and lipid profile with apelin in the diabetic group (p < 0.05). CIMT has significant positive correlation with serum apelin levels (r = 0.36, p = 0.05). Also, this study found positive correlations between CIMT and some variables as LDL, SBP z-score and duration of the illness.

CONCLUSION:

Increased levels of serum apelin in T1DM patients may be considered as predicting factor for the ongoing development of vascular sequels. This study highlighted the possible validity of apelin assay as an early predictor of atherosclerosis in T1DM children. Evaluating CIMT in these patients is of at most important for early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Association of prehypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia with subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic Chinese: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Comorbid hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia is an important risk factor for carotid atherosclerotic plaque formation. We put forward the hypothesis that the subjects with comorbid prehypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia also had an increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis, using carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) as the marker of the atherosclerotic process.

METHODS

A total of 4102 asymptomatic Chinese subjects aged 18-60 years were divided into four groups according to blood pressure (BP) and homocysteine (HCY) level: the control group without prehypertension or hyperhomocysteinemia, isolated prehypertension group, simple hyperhomocysteinemia group and prehypertension with hyperhomocysteinemia group. Serum lipids, fasting blood glucose (FBG), HCY and CIMT were measured.

RESULTS

There was significant difference in the positive rates of increased CIMT among four groups. Compared with the controls, the subjects in the other three groups had a higher risk of increased CIMT (isolated prehypertension group, OR 2.049, 95% CI 1.525 to 2.754; simple hyperhomocysteinemia group, OR 2.145, 95% CI 1.472 to 3.125; prehypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia group, OR 3.199, 95% CI 2.362 to 4.332). However, by multiple logistic regression analysis, only comorbid prehypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia was independently associated with increased CIMT (OR 1.485, 95% CI 1.047 to 2.108, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Comorbid prehypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia was an independent risk factor of subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic Chinese, but isolated prehypertension or hyperhomocysteinemia was not. Therefore, combined intervention for prehypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia may contribute to decrease the incident of cardiovascular disease.

No Association of Genetic Markers with Carotid Intimal Medial Thickness in β-Thalassemia Major Patients

Regular transfusion leads to cardiac siderosis resulting in cardiac complications that account for more than 71% of the total mortality in thalassemia patients. We aimed to study the variants of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), matrix Gla protein (MGP), and estrogen receptor α(ERα), which might be contributing to atherosclerosis, leading to heart failure in thalassemia major. One hundred and five thalassemia patients on regular transfusion and iron chelation therapy were enrolled for the study. Carotid artery intimal medial thickness (CIMT) measurement was done to check for atherosclerosis. MMP 9 (C1562T), MGP (T138C), and ER α gene ( Pvu II (rs2234693T > C) and Xba I (rs9340799A > G) polymorphism were analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. CIMT values were within the normal range (<0.90 mm) in all patients. There was no difference in mean CIMT values between males and females (0.56 ± 0.11 versus 0.56 ± 0.12, p  = 0.928). There was no correlation of CIMT with age, body surface area, and body mass index as well as with serum ferritin levels. No statistically significant difference in frequency of MMP9, MGP, and ERα genotypes was seen in two dichotomized groups of CIMT (CIMT < 0.56 and CIMT ≥ 0.56). Variants of MMP9 , MGP , and ERα have a reserved influence on cardiac disease pathogenesis, and the disease phenotype in thalassemia patients may be more strongly impacted by other factors.

Risk factors of carotid plaque and carotid common artery intima-media thickening in a high-stroke-risk population

INTRODUCTION

To analyze the risk factors of carotid plaque (CP) and carotid common artery intima-media thickening (CCAIMT) and the association between the risk factors and CP numbers and the side of the CCAIMT in a high-stroke-risk population.

METHODS

Carotid ultrasonography was conducted in 2025 participants with high stroke risk. Participants were divided into different groups according to the results of the ultrasound. The risk factors and blood biochemical indices were recorded.

RESULTS

The presence of CP and CCAIMT were 38.9% and 24.8% respectively. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that the risk factors of CP were age, high LDL-C and FBG levels, male gender, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and tobacco use. Compared with participants without CPs, the participants who were male, and older in age, with risk factors of tobacco use, diabetes, high LDL-C levels, and a family history of hypertension were likely to have a single CP, whereas the participants with risk factors of tobacco use, diabetes, hypertension, male gender, older age, high LDL-C levels, stroke and AF or valvulopathy were prone to have multiple CPs. The risk factors of CCAIMT were male gender, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, AF or valvulopathy, tobacco use and age. Compared with the N-CCAIMT subgroup, the risk factors of left CCAIMT were tobacco use, diabetes, male gender, and age. The risk factors of right CCAIMT were male gender, high FBG levels, age, AF or valvulopathy. The risk factors of dual CCAIMT were high frequency of drinking milk, tobacco use, male gender, age, stroke, and hypertension.

CONCLUSION

These findings revealed the risk factors of CP and CCAIMT, and an association between the risk factors and the CP numbers and the side of the CCAIMT.

Associations of urinary sodium and sodium to potassium ratio with hypertension prevalence and the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with prehypertension

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of urinary sodium and sodium to potassium ratio on inflammatory cytokines, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease in patients with prehypertension. The authors observed 627 patients with prehypertension in the General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region. Rank correlation analysis revealed that interleukin 6 expression exhibited significant positive correlations with urinary sodium (R = .13) and sodium to potassium ratio (R = .13). The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio of 24-hour urinary sodium was 1.01 (95% confidence interval, 1.00 - 1.01) for hypertension and 1.01 (95% confidence interval, 1.00 - 1.02) for cardiovascular disease, whereas the hazard ratio for 24-hour urinary sodium to potassium ratio was 1.13 (95% confidence interval, 1.08 - 1.19) for hypertension and 1.10 (95% confidence interval, 1.04 - 1.17) for cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that a high-salt diet may lead to increased interleukin 6 levels and may contribute to hypertension. In addition, a high sodium to potassium ratio and high sodium levels are associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and hypertension in patients with prehypertension.

Premature atherosclerosis in children with beta-thalassemia major: New diagnostic marker

Background

Early vascular alteration, atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease have emerged as important cardiovascular complications among beta-thalassemia major (B-TM) patients. The aims of the current study were to assess the prevalence of premature atherosclerosis among our B-TM patients, and to investigate the diagnostic value of serum Osteoprotegerin assay as an early biomarker for atherosclerosis.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Hematology unit - Pediatric Department, Zagazig University Children Hospital- Egypt in the period from March 2014 to March 2015. A total of 115 children were enrolled in the current study; as sixty-five (65) children with beta thalassemia major aged 5–18 years, on regular blood transfusion regimen represented the patient group. While fifty (50) healthy children, with comparable age and gender, were assigned as control group. All participants were subjected to history taking, thorough clinical examination and laboratory investigations including; complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests, C- reactive protein, lipid profile, serum ferritin and serum Osteoprotegerin (OPG) assay. Also, carotid artery intima media thickness (CAIMT) was performed by duplex ultrasound for patients and controls.

Results

Our B-TM patients were transfusion-dependent for as long as 8.5 ± 3.8 years with significantly higher serum ferritin levels (2490 ± 1579 ng/dl vs 83 ± 32 ng/dl, p = 0.001), C-reactive protein (5.7 ± 5.7 vs 0.9 ± 0.9), liver enzymes and bilirubin when compared to controls. Significantly higher serum triglyceride (128 ± 20 vs 101 ± 7 mg/dL, p = 0.009) and atherogenic index of plasma (0.45 ± 0.12 vs 0.22 ± 0.04, p = 0.001) were recorded in patients than comparisons. On the contrary, total serum cholesterol (116 ± 16 vs 143 ± 5, p < 0.001), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (44 ± 9 vs 73 ± 6, p < 0.001) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (39 ± 2 vs 61 ± 5, p < 0.001), were significantly lowered in patients versus normal peers. Carotid arteries intima media thickness (CAIMT) of both side were significantly increased for patients (Rt 0.62 ± 0.2 vs. 0.29 ± 0.07 mm, p = 0.001 & Lt 0.66 ± 0.17 vs 0.29 ± 0.05 mm, p = 0.001) when compared with healthy controls, and showed positive correlation with, serum triglyceride, atherogenic index of plasma, and serum Osteoprotegerin levels. ELISA assay of serum Osteoprotegerin (OPG) revealed significantly higher levels for thalassemia patients than matched healthy controls (427 ± 102 vs. 324 ± 126 pg/ml, p = 0.02). Of particular interest is the obvious positive correlation between OPG levels and CAIMT of both sides (Rt r 0.54, p = 0.001 &Lt r 0.479, p = 0.001) and also with serum triglycerides (r 0.374, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Subclinical atherosclerosis started prematurely in children with beta- thalassemia. Carotid artery intima media thickness represented a simple, accurate and non-invasivemodality for early detection ofatherosclerosis. It was correlated well with serum Osteoprotegerin; this finding highlighted the possible validity of OPG assay as an early predictor of atherosclerosis in thalassemia children.

Early treatment with losartan effectively ameliorates hypertension and improves vascular remodeling and function in a prehypertensive rat model

AIMS

Pharmacological treatment of prehypertension may ameliorate hypertension and improve vascular structure and function. This study investigated 1) whether early treatment with either losartan or amlodipine at the onset of prehypertension can prevent hypertension and 2) whether losartan and amlodipine equally improve vascular remodeling and function in a rat model of hypertension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive (SHRSP) rats were administered losartan, amlodipine or saline for 6 or 16weeks at the onset of prehypertension. Wistar-Kyoto rats were used as a control. All groups were observed for 40weeks. Systolic blood pressure was measured using the tail-cuff method. Vascular structure and function were determined by microscopy and vascular ring contractility assays, respectively. Angiotensin II (Ang II) and aldosterone (Aldo) were measured by radioimmunoassays. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) expression was measured by western blot.

KEY FINDINGS

Losartan effectively reduced progression from prehypertension to hypertension as well as vascular remodeling and improved vascular contractility in SHRSP rats. Long-term losartan (16weeks) had greater benefits than short-term (6weeks) treatment. Losartan increased Ang II and decreased Aldo levels in the serum and vessel walls of resistance vessels in a time-dependent manner. Losartan significantly decreased AT1R and increased AT2R vascular expression. Amlodipine had no effect on vascular AT1R and AT2R expression.

SIGNIFICANCE

Losartan administered at the onset of prehypertension is more effective than amlodipine in ameliorating hypertension and improving vascular remodeling and function, which is likely mediated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Carotid Intima-media Thickness and its Association with Conventional Risk Factors in Low-income Adults: A Population-based Cross-Sectional Study in China

Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is an established predictor of cardiovascular disease and stroke. However, risk factors associated with CIMT remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to identify factors associated with CIMT in a low-income Chinese population. Stroke-free and cardiovascular disease-free residents aged ≥45 years were recruited. B-mode ultrasonography was performed to measure CIMT. The mean age of participants (n = 3789) was 59.92 years overall, 61.13 years in men, and 59.07 years in women (P < 0.001). Male sex, older age, low education level, smoking, hypertension, and high systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were independent determinants of mean CIMT. Mean CIMT was higher by 18.07 × 10⁻³ mm in hypertensive compared to normotensive participants (P < 0.001), by 19.03 × 10⁻³ mm in men compared to women (P < 0.001), and by 9.82 × 10⁻³ mm in smokers compared to never smokers (P < 0.001). However, mean CIMT decreased by 1.07, 0.37, and 2.36 × 10⁻³ mm per 1-unit increase in education level, diastolic blood pressure, and triglycerides, respectively. It is important to manage conventional risk factors in low-income populations to decrease stroke incidence.

Prehypertension is Associated With Abnormalities of Cardiac Structure and Function in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

BACKGROUND

Prehypertension (blood pressure (BP) of 120-139 mm Hg systolic and/or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic) is highly prevalent and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Our goal was to investigate the extent to which prehypertension is associated with end-organ alterations in cardiac structure and function in a large biracial cohort of older men and women.

METHODS

We studied 4,871 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study who attended visit 5 (2011-2013) and underwent two-dimensional echocardiography while free of prevalent coronary heart disease or heart failure. We categorized participants into 3 groups: optimal BP (BP <120 mm Hg and <80 mm Hg) (n = 402), prehypertension (n = 537), and hypertension (n = 3,932).

RESULTS

Individuals with prehypertension (75±5 years) had higher left ventricular (LV) mass index and wall thickness, and higher prevalence of abnormal LV geometry than those with optimal BP (74±5 years), but lower than those with frank hypertension (76±5 years). In addition, participants with prehypertension had impairment of diastolic parameters (E/A, E' and E/E'), and had higher prevalence of mild and moderate-severe diastolic dysfunction compared to those with optimal BP, but no differences in systolic parameters. These differences in cardiac structure and function remained significant after adjusting for important clinical covariates.

CONCLUSION

In the ARIC cohort at visit 5, prehypertension was associated with increased LV remodeling and impaired diastolic function, but not systolic function, suggesting that even mildly elevated BP within the normal range is associated with cardiac end-organ damage.

Prehypertension in Pregnancy and Risks of Small for Gestational Age Infant and Stillbirth

It is not fully known whether maternal prehypertension is associated with increased risk of adverse fetal outcomes, and it is debated whether increases in blood pressure during pregnancy influence adverse fetal outcomes. We performed a population-based cohort study in nonhypertensive women with term (≥37 weeks) singleton births (n=157 446). Using normotensive (diastolic blood pressure [DBP] <80 mm Hg) women as reference, we calculated adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals between prehypertension (DBP 80–89 mm Hg) at 36 gestational weeks (late pregnancy) and risks of a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth or stillbirth. We further estimated whether an increase in DBP from early to late pregnancy affected these risks. We found that 11% of the study population had prehypertension in late pregnancy. Prehypertension was associated with increased risks of both SGA birth and stillbirth; adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.69 (1.51–1.90) and 1.70 (1.16–2.49), respectively. Risks of SGA birth in term pregnancy increased by 2.0% (95% confidence intervals 1.5–2.8) per each mm Hg rise in DBP from early to late pregnancy, whereas risk of stillbirth was not affected by rise in DBP during pregnancy. We conclude that prehypertension in late pregnancy is associated with increased risks of SGA birth and stillbirth. Risk of SGA birth was also affected by rise in DBT during pregnancy. Our findings provide new insight to the relationship between maternal blood pressure and fetal well-being and suggest that impaired maternal perfusion of the placenta contribute to SGA birth and stillbirth.

Correlation of Prehypertension with Left Ventricular Mass Assessed by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Introduction. The purpose of this observational cross-sectional study was to assess left ventricular mass (LVM) in prehypertensive individuals in comparison to normotensives and to determine if central blood pressure (BP) correlates better with LVM index (LVMI) than brachial BP. Methods and Result. Brachial and central BP measurements were completed at first visit and at 4 weeks in 65 healthy volunteers who were at least 40 years old and not on medication. Subjects were divided into two groups of normotensives and prehypertensives based on JNC-7 criteria and LVM was obtained using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Prehypertensives had significantly higher LVMI compared to normotensives (P < 0.01). Brachial and central BP also both positively correlate with LVMI (r = 0.460, P < 0.01; r = 0.318, P = 0.012, resp.) in both groups and neither method was superior to the other. After multivariate regression analysis and adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, prehypertension remained an independent determinant of LVM. Conclusion. Prehypertension is associated with cardiovascular target organ damage, and central BP was not superior to brachial BP or vice versa for association with LVMI.

Impact of prehypertension on left ventricular mass and QT dispersion in adult black Nigerians

Background

Prehypertension has been associated with target-organ damage. This study sought to determine the impact of prehypertension (PHT) on QT dispersion and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in adult black Nigerians.

Methods

One hundred and one subjects with office blood pressure (BP) < 140/90 mmHg were categorised according to their office BP into normotensive (BP < 120/80 mmHg, n = 57) and prehypertensive (BP 120–139/80–89 mmHg, n = 44) groups. Echocardiography and electrocardiography (ECG) were performed on the subjects.

Results

Thirty-four males aged 53.65 ± 16.33 years and 67 females aged 52.42 ± 12.00 years were studied. The mean QT interval dispersion (QTd) of the normotensive (38.96 ± 11.06 ms) and prehypertensive (38.41 ± 11.81 ms) groups were similar (p = 0.81). Prehypertensive subjects had higher left ventricular mass (LVM) (165.75 ± 33.21 vs 144.54 ± 35.55 g, p = 0.024), left ventricular mass index 1 (LVMI-1) (91.65 ± 16.84 vs 80.45 ± 18.65 g/m², p = 0.021) and left ventricular mass index 2 (LVMI-2) (54.96 ± 10.84 vs 47.51 ± 12.00 g/m^2.7, p = 0.017). QTd was independent of echocardiographic and electrocardiographic LVH (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with normotension, prehypertension is associated with higher LVM but similar QTd. This suggests that structural remodelling precedes electrical remodelling in prehypertension.

Prehypertension is associated with increased carotid atherosclerotic plaque in the community population of Southern China

Background

The proceeding of blood pressure (BP) from normal level to the hypertension has been found to be associated with increased cardiovascular events and multiple vascular risk factors. However, whether the process is associated with increased carotid atherosclerotic plaque per se or not is still unclear.

Methods

Nine hundred and forty-two participants aged from 46 to 75 were enrolled from community population in Southern China. Their metabolic risk factors, carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and atherosclerotic plaque formation were analyzed and stratified by different blood pressure levels according to JNC-7 or ESH/ESC-2007 classification.

Results

From low BP level to higher BP level, multiple metabolic risk factors increased linearly. Prehypertension in JNC-7 classification (or normal BP and high normal BP in ESH/ESC-2007 classification) was correlated with thicker cIMT and more plaque formation than normotension (or optimal BP) (p < 0.001). After adjusting multiple metabolic factors, the differences were still significant (p < 0.05). Furthermore, prehypertensive participants had a trend to be thicker carotid IMT (OR and its 95% CI: 1.65, 0.97-2.82, p = 0.067) and significantly higher carotid plaque occurrence (OR and its 95% CI: 2.36, 1.43-3.88, p = 0.001) than normotensive ones. However, there was no significant difference of cIMT and plaque formation between normal BP and high normal BP (p > 0.05). Plaque formation in prehypertension was as significant as that in hypertension.

Conclusion

Prehypertension is associated with significantly increased carotid atherosclerotic plaque and is a primary stratify risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis which could cause ischemic stroke in middle-aged and elderly population in Southern China.

Vascular inflammation and aortic stiffness relate to early left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in prehypertension

Prehypertension is characterized by an increased cardiovascular risk and by an increased prevalence of target organ damage compared with the pure normotensive state. The present study was designed to assess in prehypertensive subjects the possible relationships between early left ventricular dysfunction, vascular inflammation and aortic stiffness. The study population consisted of 31 untreated prehypertensive subjects (age: 34 ± 6 years, mean ± SD) and 31 age-matched pure normotensive controls. Left ventricular function was assessed by echocardiography, aortic distensibility parameters were derived from aortic diameters measured by ultrasonography, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was assessed by latex-enhanced reagent. Prehypertensive subjects displayed a significantly lower E/A ratio and a significantly greater deceleration time and isovolumetric relaxation time compared with normotensive controls. They also displayed aortic systolic diameter, diastolic diameter and mean aortic stiffness index beta significantly increased while systo-diastolic diameter change, mean aortic distensibility and aortic strain were significantly reduced compared with controls. Values of inflammatory markers were increased. At multiple regression analysis, E/A ratio was significantly related to high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and aortic stiffness index beta, after correction for age, left ventricular mass index and mean blood pressure (β coefficient = -0.49, overall r(2) = 0.24, p = 0.01 and β coefficient =-0.46, overall r(2) = 0.21, p = 0.02, respectively). Thus, in prehypertension, left ventricular dysfunction is significantly related to vascular inflammation and aortic stiffness, suggesting that early cardiac and vascular alterations may have an increased inflammatory process as a common pathophysiological link.

Association of epicardial fat thickness with the severity of obstructive sleep apnea in obese patients

BACKGROUND

The correlation between obesity and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is controversial. Although fat excess is a predisposing factor for the development of OSA, it has not been determined whether fat distribution rather than obesity per se is associated with OSA severity. Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) is an independent index of visceral adiposity and cardiometabolic risk. We investigated the relation between fat distribution and cardiometabolic risk factors, including EFT and common carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), with the severity of OSA in obese patients.

METHODS

One hundred and fifteen obese patients (56 males, 59 females) with polysomnographic evidence of OSA (≥ 5 apnea/hypopnea events per hour) of various degrees, without significant differences in grade of obesity as defined by body mass index (BMI), were evaluated. The following parameters were measured: BMI, body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, EFT, right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (RVEDD) and cIMT by ultrasound, and parameters of metabolic syndrome (waist circumference, arterial blood pressure, fasting glucose, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides).

RESULTS

EFT, RVEDD, cIMT and trunk/leg fat mass ratio showed a positive correlation with OSA severity in univariate analysis (r=0.536, p<0.001; r=0.480, p<0.001; r=0.345, p<0.001; r=0.330, p<0.001, respectively). However, multiple linear regression analysis showed that EFT was the most significant independent correlate of the severity of OSA (R(2)=0.376, p=0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that, in obese patients, EFT may be included among the clinical parameters associating with OSA severity. The association of EFT with OSA, both cardiovascular risk factors, is independent of obesity as defined by classical measures.

Prehypertension in dyslipidemic individuals; relationship to metabolic parameters and intima-media thickness

INTRODUCTION

Like hypertension, prehypertension is associated with cardiovascular disease.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate: a) the prevalence of prehypertension/hypertension in individuals with various dyslipidemic phenotypes; b) the relation between blood pressure (BP) and other risk factors for atherosclerosis; c) atherogenic potential of prehypertension by the assessment of intima-media thickness of the arteria carotis communis (IMT).

METHODS

667 clinically asymptomatic subjects were divided into four dyslipidemic phenotypes (DLP) according to apolipoprotein B (apoB) and triglycerides (TG): DLP1 (n=198, normo-apoB/normo-TG), DLP2 (n=179, normo-apoB/hyper-TG), DLP3 (n=87, hyper-apoB/normo-TG), DLP4 (n=203, hyper-apoB/hyper-TG). DLP1 served as a control group.

RESULTS

There was significantly higher prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension in subjects with dyslipidemia (DLP2 43.0%, 41.3%; DLP3 42.5%, 29.9%; DLP4 42.4%, 47.8%) than in normolipidemic individuals (DLP1 32.8%, 20.2%). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP + DBP) correlated with age, total cholesterol, TG, non-HDL-cholesterol, body mass index and waist circumference; SBP additionally with C-peptide, fasting glycemia; DBP additionally with apoB, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. The IMT of hypertensive and of prehypertensive subjects was higher than that of subjects with normal BP in all DLPs.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of prehypertension was higher in all dyslipidemic patients. The common prevalence of prehypertension/hypertension was highest in the hypertriglyceridemic subjects. Prehypertensive and hypertensive patients had higher IMT than normotensive individuals in all DLPs.

Elevated endothelin-1 vasoconstrictor tone in prehypertensive adults

BACKGROUND

Prehypertension (blood pressure [BP] 120-139/80-89 mm Hg) is an independent risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Currently, it is unknown whether endothelin (ET)-1-mediated vasoconstrictor tone is elevated with BP in the prehypertensive range. The aims of this study were to determine whether ET-1 vasoconstrictor tone is elevated in prehypertensive adults and, if so, whether ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction contributes to endothelial vasodilator dysfunction in this population.

METHODS

Forearm blood flow responses to selective ET(A) receptor blockade (BQ-123; 100 nmol/min) were determined in 26 normotensive adults (age 55 ± 1 years; BP 112 ± 1/72 ± 1 mm Hg) and 30 prehypertensive adults (57 ± 1 years; BP 130 ± 1/80 ± 1 mm Hg). In a subset of participants, forearm blood flow responses to nonselective ET-1 receptor blockade (BQ-123 + BQ-788) were determined. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation to acetylcholine (8.0-32.0 μg/100 mL tissue/min) was measured in the absence and presence of selective ET(A) receptor blockade.

RESULTS

BQ-123 elicited a significantly greater increase in forearm blood flow in prehypertensive (approximately 20%) than in normotensive (approximately 5%) adults. Addition of BQ-788 resulted in a further increase (P < 0.05) in forearm blood flow in prehypertensive but not in normotensive adults. Forearm blood flow responses to acetylcholine were lower (P < 0.05) in prehypertensive (4.6 ± 0.3 to 12.6 ± 0.5 mL/100 mL tissue/min) than in normotensive (4.9 ± 0.3 to 14.7 ± 0.8 mL/100 mL tissue/min) adults. Co-infusion of BQ-123 did not affect acetylcholine-induced vasodilation in normotensive adults but resulted in an approximately 20% increase (P < 0.05) in prehypertensive adults.

CONCLUSIONS

ET-1-mediated vasoconstrictor tone is elevated with prehypertension, contributing to impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation. ET-1 vasoconstriction may underlie the increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in prehypertensive adults.

Impaired endothelial responses in apparently healthy young people associated with subclinical variation in blood pressure and cardiovascular phenotype

BACKGROUND

A phenomenon of endothelial impairment, independent of classical cardiovascular risk factors, has been observed in young people. We identified subjects with persistently reduced, or declining, endothelial function during adolescence and early adulthood, without apparent cardiovascular risk, and investigated the clinical relevance of this finding.

METHODS

Endothelial vasomotor responses were assessed by brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) at age 15 years in 47 subjects (22 males) who returned for a repeated measurement at age 25. Subjects underwent quantification of left ventricular mass (LVM) and function by cardiovascular magnetic resonance, central arterial stiffness by applanation tonometry, and common carotid artery intima-media thickness using ultrasound on their visit at age 25.

RESULTS

Individuals with low average FMD over 10-year period, although normotensive, had 5 mm Hg higher systolic blood pressure and, significantly greater LVM (73.48 ± 7.73 vs. 56.25 ± 9.54 g/m(2), P = 0.0001), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) (0.53 ± 0.06 vs. 0.47 ± 0.04 mm, P = 0.03), and pulse wave velocity (5.97 ± 0.63 vs. 5.29 ± 0.59 m/s, P = 0.02) than those with higher endothelial responses. Subjects with the greatest decline in FMD over 10 years had a significant increase in mean arterial pressure but similar cardiovascular phenotype.

CONCLUSION

Persistently reduced, or declining, endothelial function during adolescence, in the absence of overt cardiovascular disease, is a sensitive early marker associated with subclinical changes in blood pressure (BP) and an adverse cardiovascular phenotype. The findings highlight the potential importance of endothelial responses during adolescence in primary prevention strategies for hypertension.

Subclinical coronary atherosclerosis predicts cardiovascular risk in different stages of hypertension: result of the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study

Prehypertension is a frequent condition and has been demonstrated to increase cardiovascular risk. However, the association with coronary atherosclerosis as part of target organ damage is not well understood. We investigated the cross-sectional relationship and longitudinal outcome between blood pressure categories and coronary artery calcification (CAC), quantified by electron beam computed tomography, in 4181 participants from the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study cohort. At baseline, we observed a continuous increase in calcium scores with increasing blood pressure categories. During a median follow-up period of 7.18 years, 115 primary end points (2.8%; fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction) and 152 secondary end points (3.6%; stroke and coronary revascularization) occurred. We observed a continuous increase in age- and risk factor-adjusted secondary endpoints (hazard ratios [95% CI]) with increasing blood pressure categories (referent: normotension) in men: prehypertension, 1.80 (0.53-6.13); stage 1 hypertension, 2.27 (0.66-7.81); and stage 2 hypertension, 4.10 (1.27-13.24) and in women: prehypertension, 1.13 (0.34-3.74); stage 1 hypertension, 2.14 (0.67-6.85); and stage 2 hypertension, 3.33 (1.24-8.90), respectively, but not in primary endpoints. Cumulative event rates were determined by blood pressure categories and the CAC. In prehypertension, the adjusted hazard ratios for all of the events were, for CAC 1 to 99, 2.05 (0.80-5.23; P=0.13); 100 to 399, 3.12 (1.10-8.85; P=0.03); and ≥400, 7.72 (2.67-22.27; P=0.0002). Risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in hypertension but also in prehypertension depends on the degree of CAC. This marker of target-organ damage might be included, when lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapeutic effects in prehypertensive individuals are tested to avoid exposure to risk and increase benefit.

Correlation between coronary artery disease severity, left ventricular mass index and carotid intima media thickness, assessed by radio-frequency

Background

Intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (CCA-IMT) is a validated marker of systemic atherosclerosis process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between coronary artery disease (CAD), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and CCA-IMT, assessed by Radio Frequency-Quality Intima Media Thickness (^RFQIMT) method, the next generation of IMT real-time measurement, based on the direct analysis of the radiofrequency signal and endowed with high accuracy and reproducibility in early detection of arterial wall thickness.

Methods

115 patients (76 men, mean age: 65.1 ± 12 years) referred to our department and shown significant (≥ 70% luminal obstruction) stenosis at least in one major epicardial coronary artery were studied. Coronary angiograms were divided for severity and extent of the disease: 79 patients (69%) had one, 24 patients (21%) two, 12 patients (10%) three major epicardial coronary arteries with ≥ 70% stenosis. All patients underwent echocardiography and carotid ultrasound examination, assessed by RF.

Results

Dividing ^RFQIMT data in tertiles, dyslipidaemia (31 patients with IMT ≥ 1.20 mm vs 16 with IMT = 0.91-1.19 vs 25 with IMT ≤ 0.9, p = 0.004), LVMI (153.5 ± 20.6 g/m² in IMT ≥ 1.20 mm vs 131.2 ± 8.4 g/m² in IMT = 0.91-1.19 mm vs 114.3 ± 11.1 g/m² in IMT ≤ 0.9 mm, P < 0.001) and number of high stenosed coronary arteries (IMT ≥ 1.20 mm population more often showed three vessel diseases than IMT ≤ 0.90 mm one, P < 0.001) seemed to be significantly related to CCA-IMT increases. Furthermore, LVMI is positively related to IMT (r = 0.91; P < 0.001). In a multivariate regression model (R² = 0.88), ^RFQIMT remained significantly associated with the dyslipidemia (regression coefficient ± standard error [SE]: 0.057 ± 0.023; p = 0.017), LVMI (regression coefficient ± SE: 0.01 ± 0.001; P < 0.0001) and number of damaged coronaries (regression coefficient ± SE: 0.0174 ± 0.028; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

^RFQIMT is a sophisticated method for carotid ultrasound evaluation. Its evaluation in patients with at least one important major epicardial coronary vessel stenosis would help the accuracy in the general assessment of the number of coronary lesions in these patients.

Prehypertension is associated with impaired nitric oxide-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation in sedentary adults

BACKGROUND

Endothelial vasodilator dysfunction contributes to the development of hypertension (blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140/90 mm Hg) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Prehypertension (BP 120-139/80-89 mm Hg) has recently been identified as an independent risk factor for hypertension and CVD. It is currently unclear whether BP in the prehypertensive range is associated with endothelial vasodilator dysfunction. We tested the hypothesis that BP in the prehypertensive range, independent of other cardiovascular risk factors, is associated with impaired nitric oxide (NO)-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation.

METHODS

Forearm blood flow (FBF) responses to intra-arterial acetylcholine (ACh; 8.0-32.0 µg/100 ml tissue/min) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 1.0-4.0 µg/100 ml tissue/min) were measured in 20 normotensive (age: 56 ± 1 years; BP: 110/70 ± 1/2 mm Hg) and 20 prehypertensive (56 ± 2 years; 128/79 ± 2/2 mm Hg) adults. In addition, FBF responses to ACh were determined in the absence and presence of the endothelial NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) (5 mg/min).

RESULTS

FBF responses to ACh were significantly lower (~30%) in prehypertensive (from 4.2 ± 0.3 to 11.4 ± 0.7 ml/100 ml tissue/min) compared with normotensive (from 4.6 ± 0.2 to 14.5 ± 0.7 ml/100 ml tissue/min) adults. There were no group differences in FBF responses to SNP. Co-infusion of L-NMMA significantly reduced the FBF response to ACh in the normotensive (~30%; P <0.05) but not the prehypertensive adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Prehypertension is associated with impaired NO-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation. The endothelial vasodilator dysfunction that characterizes hypertension is present at BP levels in the prehypertensive range and may contribute to the increased risk of hypertension and CVD in this population.

Temporary treatment with AT1 receptor blocker, valsartan, from early stage of hypertension prevented vascular remodeling

BACKGROUND

The present study examined the inhibitory action of temporary treatment with an angiotensin type 1 (AT(1)) receptor blocker (ARB) on vascular remodeling using hypertensive mice with overexpression of the human renin (hRN) and angiotensinogen (hANG) genes.

METHODS

hRN/hANG transgenic mice (hRN/hANG-Tg) were treated with an ARB, valsartan, from 4 weeks of age. In some mice, valsartan treatment was stopped at 8 weeks of age (temporary treatment). Inflammatory vascular injury was induced by polyethylene-cuff placement around the femoral artery at the age of 10 weeks.

RESULTS

Compared with wild-type (WT) mice, hRN/hANG-Tg showed higher blood pressure (BP) and enhancement of oxidative stress and medial thickening even before cuff placement. Inflammatory vascular remodeling and oxidative stress after cuff placement were further enhanced in hRN/hANG-Tg. Temporary treatment with valsartan continuously lowered BP even after cessation of administration, and inhibited these changes. In contrast, administration of hydralazine lowered BP to a similar level to that with valsartan, but did not inhibit medial thickening and inflammatory vascular remodeling. In contrast to the valsartan treatment, BP immediately increased to the untreated level after cessation of hydralazine.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that temporary ARB treatment leads to prolonged effect of BP lowering and prevents vascular remodeling in hypertensive mice induced by activation of the human renin-angiotensin system. The inhibitory action of valsartan is not due to the BP lowering but is at least in part due to a decrease in oxidative stress and inflammation.

Cardiac and vascular consequences of pre-hypertension in youth

Hypertension is associated with increased left ventricular mass (LVM) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), which predict cardiovascular (CV) events in adults. Whether target organ damage is found in pre-hypertensive youth is not known. The authors measured body mass index, blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin, lipids and C-reactive protein, LVM/height(2.7) (LVM index), diastolic function, cIMT, carotid stiffness, augmentation index, brachial artery distensibility, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in 723 patients aged 10 to 23 years (29% with type 2 diabetes mellitus). Patients were stratified by blood pressure level (normotensive: 531, pre-hypertensive: 65, hypertensive: 127). Adiposity and CV risk factors worsened across blood pressure group. There was a graded increase in cIMT, arterial stiffness, and LVM index and decrease in diastolic function from normotension to pre-hypertension to hypertension. In multivariable models adjusted for CV risk factors, status as pre-hypertension or hypertension remained an independent determinant of target organ damage for LVM, diastolic function, internal cIMT, and carotid and arterial stiffness. Pre-hypertension is associated with cardiovascular target organ damage in adolescents and young adults.

Effect of slow abdominal breathing combined with biofeedback on blood pressure and heart rate variability in prehypertension

OBJECTIVE

Prehypertension is a new category designated by the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC7) in 2003. Managing prehypertension with nonpharmacological intervention is possibly beneficial to the prevention of hypertension. In this study, we observed the effect of slow abdominal breathing combined with electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback training on blood pressure (BP) in prehypertensives and assessed the changes of heart rate variability (HRV) in order to find an optional intervention to prevent hypertension and acquire some experimental data to clarify the underlying neural mechanism.

METHODS

Twenty-two (22) postmenopausal women with prehypertension were randomly assigned to either the experiment group or the control group. The experiment group performed 10 sessions of slow abdominal breathing (six cycles/min) combined with frontal electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback training and daily home practice, while the control group only performed slow abdominal breathing and daily home practice. BP and HRV (including R-R interval and standard deviation of the normal-normal intervals [SDNN]) were measured.

RESULTS

Participants with prehypertension could lower their systolic blood pressure (SBP) 8.4 mm Hg (p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 3.9 mm Hg (p < 0.05) using slow abdominal breathing combined with EMG biofeedback. The slow abdominal breathing also significantly decreased the SBP 4.3 mm Hg (p < 0.05), while it had no effect on the DBP (p > 0.05). Repeated-measures analyses showed that the biofeedback group + abdominal respiratory group (AB+BF) training was more effective in lowering the BP than the slow breathing (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the R-R interval increased significantly during the training in the AB+BF group (p < 0.05). The SDNN increased remarkably in both groups during the training (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Slow abdominal breathing combined with EMG biofeedback is an effective intervention to manage prehypertension. The possible mechanism is that slow abdominal breathing combined with EMG biofeedback could reduce sympathetic activity and meanwhile could enhance vagal activity.

Differences in left and right carotid intima-media thickness and the associated risk factors

AIM

To investigate the difference between the left and right carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) with increasing age and to analyse the importance of the various risk factors associated with left and right CIMT, respectively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four hundred and forty-seven people were assigned into six groups based on age. CIMT and haemodynamic parameters of both carotid arteries were measured using the Quality Intima-Media Thickness (QIMT) technique. In addition, biochemical and anthropometric indices were also measured. Their associations were evaluated using simple and partial correlation analysis, adjusted for age.

RESULTS

Bilateral CIMTs became thicker with age (p<0.001) and the left CIMT was significantly thicker compared with the right between the ages of 35 and 65 years (p=0.01-0.05). In addition, the right CIMT thickened 10 years later compared with the left. Partial correlation analysis showed that the right CIMT correlated better with haemodynamic parameters compared with the left CIMT, but the left CIMT showed better correlation with biochemical indices.

CONCLUSION

Haemodynamic and biochemical changes had different effects on the CIMT depending on the side affected. In addition, the left CIMT was thicker than the right between the ages of 35 and 65 years old.

Early abnormalities of cardiovascular structure and function in middle-aged Korean adults with prehypertension: The Korean Genome Epidemiology study

BACKGROUND

Prehypertension is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, there are few population-based studies on the changes of cardiovascular structure and function that characterize prehypertension. The aim of this study was to assess whether prehypertension is associated with abnormalities of cardiovascular structure and function in the general Korean population.

METHODS

We analyzed the cross-sectional relationships between prehypertension and cardiovascular structure and function in a sample from the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study. A total of 1,671 individuals (54.5% women; mean age: 53 ± 6 years) without hypertension and diabetes mellitus were enrolled. Cardiovascular structure and function were assessed by conventional echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), carotid ultrasonography, and pulse wave velocity (PWV).

RESULTS

The left ventricular (LV) mass index was significantly higher in subjects with prehypertension than in those with normotension (41 ± 8 g/m²·⁷ vs. 38 ± 7 g/m²·⁷, P < 0.001). LV diastolic parameters, such as the E/A ratio, TDI E(a) velocity, and E/E(a) ratio, were also impaired in subjects with prehypertension (all P < 0.001). Compared with normotension, prehypertension was characterized by a significantly higher common carotid artery intima-media thickness and a higher brachial-ankle PWV (all P < 0.001). These abnormalities of cardiovascular structure and function remained significant after adjustment for covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population-based cohort, we found that subtle alterations in cardiovascular structure and function were already present at the prehypertensive stage. Whether such subtle alterations convey an increased risk of cardiovascular events and whether the changes are reversible with treatment warrant further study.

The effects of continuous positive airway pressure on prehypertension and masked hypertension in men with severe obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension are common conditions that frequently coexist. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) reduces blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and sustained hypertension. However, the impact of CPAP on patients with obstructive sleep apnea and prehypertension and masked hypertension, conditions associated with increased cardiovascular risk, is unknown. Thirty-six male patients (age, 43 ± 7 years; body mass index, 28.8 ± 3.0 kg/m(2)) with untreated severe obstructive sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea index, 56 ± 22 events/hr on polysomnography) with diagnostic criteria for prehypertension and/or masked hypertension, based on office and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, respectively, were studied. The patients randomized to no treatment (control; n=18) or CPAP (n=18) for 3 months had similar frequency of prehypertension and masked hypertension at study entry. There were no significant changes in blood pressure in patients randomized to the control group. In contrast, patients randomized to CPAP presented significant reduction in office systolic (from 126 ± 5 to 121 ± 7 mm Hg; P=0.001) and a trend for diastolic blood pressure (from 75 ±7 to 73 ± 8 mm Hg; P=0.08) as well as a significant decrease in daytime and nighttime systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P<0.05 for each comparison). There was a significant reduction in the frequency of prehypertension (from 94% to 55%; P=0.02) and masked hypertension (from 39% to 5%; P=0.04) only in the CPAP group. In conclusion, effective CPAP therapy promotes significant reduction in the frequency of prehypertension and masked hypertension by promoting significant blood pressure reductions in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea.

[Association of blood pressure levels with carotid intima-media thickness and plaques]

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of blood pressure levels with the common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) and carotid plaques.

METHODS

Data were obtained from 2,635 subjects, aged 50 years and over, who participated in the Community Health Survey (a population-based, cross-sectional study) in Dong-gu, Gwangju city between 2007 and 2008. Participants were categorized into three groups according to blood pressure levels; normotensives (<120/80 mmHg), prehypertensives (120-139/80-89 mmHg), and hypertensives (> or =140/90 mmHg). Prehypertensives were further categorized as low prehypertensives (120-129/80-84 mmHg) and high prehypertensives (130-139/85-89 mmHg). Carotid intima-media thickness and plaques were evaluated with a high-resolution B-mode ultrasound. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square test, ANOVA, and multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Prehypertensives had significantly greater maximal CCA-IMT values than normotensives, with a multivariate adjusted odds ratio of 1.78 (95% CI=1.36-2.32) for abnormal CCA-IMT (maximal CCA-IMT > or =1.0 mm), and 1.45 (95% CI=1.19-1.77) for carotid plaques. The multivariate adjusted odds ratio of low prehypertensives was 1.64 (95% CI=1.21-2.21) for abnormal CCA-IMT, and 1.30 (95% CI=1.04-1.63) for carotid plaques compared with normotensives. Subject with hypertension had higher frequency of abnormal CCA-IMT (odds ratio, 2.18; 95% CI=1.49-3.18), and carotid plaques (odds ratio, 1.98; 95% CI=1.46-2.67) compared with normotensives after adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that there is a significant increase in the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis in subjects with prehypertension (even in low prehypertensives) compared with normotensive subjects. Further studies are required to confirm the benefits and role of carotid ultrasonography in persons with prehypertension.

P-wave dispersion and its relationship to aortic elasticity in young prehypertensive patients

BACKGROUND

Prolonged P-wave duration (P(dur)) and increased P-wave dispersion (PWD) are independent predictors of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with hypertension. This study was designed to evaluate the possible relationship between aortic elasticity and PWD in young prehypertensive patients.

METHODS

Twenty-five newly diagnosed prehypertensive patients (18 men, mean age = 34 +/- 6 years) and 25 healthy control subjects (16 men, mean age = 33 +/- 6 years) were enrolled in the study. The P(dur) measurements were calculated using a 12-lead surface electrocardiogram (ECG). Aortic elasticity parameters were derived from aortic diameters measured by echocardiography, and simultaneous blood pressure (BP) measurements by sphygmomanometry.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics of patients with prehypertension were homogeneous with those of the controls. PWD and P(maximum) values were found to be higher in patients with prehypertension as compared to those of the controls (PWD; 65 ms vs. 35 ms, P < 0.001; P(maximum); 110 ms vs. 80 ms, P < 0.001). However, P(minimum) values were not significantly different between the two groups (40 ms vs. 45 ms, P = 0.358). Also, a moderate positive correlation was found between stiffness index (SI) and PWD (r = 0.500, P = 0.011), and a moderate negative correlation between aortic elasticity parameters (aortic distensibility and strain indexes) and PWD (for aortic distensibility, r = -0.498, P = 0.011; for strain index, r = -0.578, P = 0.002), in patients with prehypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

Young patients with prehypertension have increased PWD and arterial stiffness. These parameters are correlated and may pose additional risk factors for future cardiovascular events.

Prehypertension: epidemiology, consequences and treatment

The term prehypertension was coined in 1939 in the context of early studies that linked high blood pressure recorded during physical examination for life insurance purposes to subsequent morbidity and mortality. These studies demonstrated that individuals with blood pressure >120/80 mmHg, but <140/90 mmHg--the accepted value for the lower limit of the hypertensive range--had an increased risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease and early death from cardiovascular causes. The prehypertension classification of blood pressure was later used by the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure to define a group of individuals at increased risk of cardiovascular events because of elevated blood pressure, an increased burden of other risk factors such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and inflammatory markers, and evidence of organ damage for example, microalbuminuria, retinal arteriolar narrowing, increased carotid arterial intima-media thickness, left ventricular hypertrophy and coronary artery disease. Nonpharmacological treatment with lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, dietary modification and increased physical activity is recommended for all patients with prehypertension as these approaches effectively reduce risk of cardiovascular events. Pharmacological therapy is indicated for some patients with prehypertension who have specific comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease and coronary artery disease.

Cardiovascular and metabolic predictors of progression of prehypertension into hypertension: the Strong Heart Study

Prehypertension (defined by the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure) frequently evolves to hypertension (HTN) and increases cardiovascular risk. It is unclear whether metabolic and/or cardiac characteristics favor development of HTN in prehypertensive subjects. We evaluated baseline anthropometric, laboratory, and echocardiographic characteristics of 625 untreated prehypertensive participants in the Strong Heart Study, without prevalent cardiovascular disease (63% women; 22% with diabetes mellitus; mean age: 59+/-7 years) to identify predictors of the 4-year incidence of HTN. Diabetes mellitus was assessed by American Diabetic Association criteria, and a diabetes-specific definition of HTN was used. Four-year incidence of HTN was 38%. Incident HTN was independently predicted by baseline systolic blood pressure (odds ratio [OR]: 1.60 per 10 mm Hg; 95% CI: 1.30 to 2.00; P<0.0001), waist circumference (OR: 1.10 per 10 cm; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.30; P=0.04), and diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.73; 95% CI=1.77 to 4.21; P<0.0001), with no significant effect for age, sex, hemoglobin A1c, homeostatic model assessment index, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, plasma creatinine, or urine albumin:creatinine ratio. Higher left ventricular mass index (OR: 1.15 per 5 g/m(2.7); 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.25; P=0.03) or stroke volume index (OR: 1.25 per 5 mL/m(2.04); 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.50; P=0.03) was also identified, together with baseline systolic blood pressure and the presence of diabetes mellitus, as an independent predictor of incident HTN, without an additional predictive contribution from other anthropometric, metabolic, or echocardiographic parameters (all P>0.10). Thus, progression to HTN in 38% of Strong Heart Study prehypertensive participants could be predicted by higher left ventricular mass and stroke volume in addition to baseline systolic blood pressure and prevalent diabetes mellitus.