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Raising lipids acutely reduces baroreflex sensitivity
Crystal A Gadegbeku1, Arachelvi Dhandayuthapani, Zara E Sadler
1Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425-2227, USA. gadegbek@musc.edu
American Journal of Hypertension
|June 21, 2002
Summary
Elevated nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) acutely impair baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), a key regulator of blood pressure. This suggests that lipid abnormalities in obese hypertensives may increase cardiovascular risk by reducing BRS.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Metabolic Syndrome
Background:
- Impaired baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is linked to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
- Insulin resistance and associated lipid abnormalities may negatively impact BRS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of acute dyslipidemia on BRS in obese, hypertensive individuals compared to healthy controls.
- To determine if elevated nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) or triglycerides impair BRS.
Main Methods:
- Studied nine obese, dyslipidemic hypertensive and seven healthy normotensive individuals.
- Measured BRS using phenylephrine infusion before and after inducing acute dyslipidemia with Intralipid and heparin.
- Assessed components of the insulin resistance syndrome, including blood pressure, heart rate, fasting insulin, triglycerides, and NEFAs.
Main Results:
- Obese hypertensive subjects had lower baseline BRS than controls.
- Acute dyslipidemia significantly reduced BRS in both obese hypertensive subjects and controls.
- The reduction in BRS correlated with the rise in NEFAs but not triglycerides.
Conclusions:
- Elevating NEFAs acutely impairs BRS.
- Lipid abnormalities, particularly elevated NEFAs, may contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular events in obese individuals by reducing BRS.