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Independent association of high blood pressure and aortic atherosclerosis: A population-based study
Y Agmon1, B K Khandheria, I Meissner
1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Circulation
|October 25, 2000
Summary
High blood pressure is linked to aortic atherosclerosis. This includes complex plaque buildup, highlighting the importance of blood pressure management for stroke prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular research
- Public health
Background:
- Atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta is a known risk factor for stroke.
- Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, but its link to aortic atherosclerosis in the general population was unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between hypertension and aortic atherosclerosis in a general population sample.
- To investigate if blood pressure is associated with complex aortic atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Transesophageal echocardiography on 581 adults aged 45+ from Olmsted County, MN.
- Blood pressure assessed via office measurements and 24-hour ambulatory monitoring.
- Multiple logistic regression used to analyze associations, adjusting for age and smoking.
Main Results:
- Age and smoking were independently associated with any and complex aortic atherosclerosis.
- Systolic and pulse pressure, but not diastolic, were associated with aortic atherosclerosis.
- Higher ambulatory systolic blood pressure and hypertension treatment correlated with increased odds of complex aortic atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Hypertension is independently associated with aortic atherosclerosis.
- High blood pressure is linked to more complex forms of aortic atherosclerosis.
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