Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome
06:04

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome

Published on: September 27, 2024

Association between prehypertension status and inflammatory markers related to atherosclerotic disease: The ATTICA

Christina Chrysohoou1, Christos Pitsavos, Demosthenes B Panagiotakos

  • 1First Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.

American Journal of Hypertension
|July 6, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Prehypertension is linked to higher levels of key inflammatory markers in adults without cardiovascular disease. This suggests prehypertension may be an early sign of a pro-inflammatory state.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Inflammation Research
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Prehypertension is a precursor to hypertension and may be associated with subclinical cardiovascular disease.
  • Inflammatory markers are implicated in the development of atherosclerosis.
  • Evaluating the link between prehypertension and inflammation is crucial for early disease detection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between prehypertension and specific inflammatory markers.
  • To assess this relationship in a population-free of diagnosed cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • The study utilized data from the ATTICA study, a cross-sectional, population-based survey.
  • 1514 men and 1528 women aged 18-89 were enrolled using multistage, stratified random sampling.
  • Blood samples and blood pressure measurements were collected after a 12-hour fast.

Main Results:

  • Prehypertensive individuals showed significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, amyloid-a, homocysteine, and white blood cell counts compared to normotensives.
  • These associations remained significant after adjusting for multiple confounders including age, BMI, lipids, glucose, and diet.
  • Specifically, prehypertensive men and women exhibited elevated C-reactive protein (31%) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (32%).

Conclusions:

  • Prehypertension is associated with elevated inflammatory markers linked to atherosclerosis.
  • This association is independent of other cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle behaviors.
  • Findings suggest prehypertension may represent a pro-inflammatory condition, highlighting its clinical significance.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...