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Updated: Jul 24, 2026

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
09:33

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology

Published on: February 7, 2015

Association between carotid haemodynamics and inflammation in patients with essential hypertension

S Manabe1, T Okura, S Watanabe

  • 1The Second Department of Internal Medicine, Ehime University School of Medicine, Toon City, Ehime, Japan.

Journal of Human Hypertension
|July 1, 2005
PubMed

Insights

High blood pressure is linked to chronic inflammation. This study found that carotid haemodynamic markers, pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI), are associated with inflammation markers in hypertensive patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Hypertension is associated with chronic inflammation, evidenced by elevated proinflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).
  • Carotid haemodynamic parameters, including pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI), are utilized to assess peripheral vascular resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between carotid haemodynamics and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and hs-CRP) in patients with essential hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • Ultrasound Doppler flow methods were used to measure intima-media thickness (IMT), peak systolic velocity (pVs), peak diastolic velocity (pVd), and mean velocity (mV) in the common carotid artery.
  • Pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) were calculated from Doppler measurements.
  • Serum concentrations of IL-6 and hs-CRP were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Main Results:

  • Intima-media thickness (IMT) showed positive correlations with age and pulse pressure.
  • Both PI and RI were positively correlated with pulse pressure, IL-6, and hs-CRP.
  • Multiple regression analysis indicated that PI and RI were independently associated with hs-CRP.

Conclusions:

  • Carotid haemodynamic parameters, specifically PI and RI, are linked to inflammation and atherosclerosis in individuals with hypertension.
  • These haemodynamic markers may serve as indicators of underlying inflammatory processes in hypertensive patients.

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