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Hyperkinetic borderline hypertension in Tecumseh, Michigan.
S Julius1, L Krause, N J Schork
1University of Michigan Medical Center, Division of Hypertension, Ann Arbor 48109-0356.
Journal of Hypertension
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Mildly elevated blood pressure in some individuals may indicate a hyperkinetic state, characterized by increased heart rate and norepinephrine levels. This suggests underlying sympathetic hyperactivity, a significant clinical condition in hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hypertension Research
- Autonomic Nervous System Studies
Background:
- Mild hypertension is prevalent in the Tecumseh, Michigan population.
- Previous research links the hyperkinetic state to excessive autonomic nervous system drive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of borderline hypertensives in a community-based population.
- To explore the association between the hyperkinetic state and sympathetic nervous system activity.
Main Methods:
- Assessed blood pressure in 691 healthy villagers.
- Identified 99 individuals with borderline hypertension (BP > 140/90 mmHg).
- Measured heart rate, cardiac index, forearm blood flow, and plasma norepinephrine in borderline hypertensives.
Main Results:
- 37% of borderline hypertensives exhibited a hyperkinetic state.
- These individuals showed elevated heart rate, cardiac index, forearm blood flow, and plasma norepinephrine.
- Elevated blood pressure and parental hypertension were noted in hyperkinetic subjects across different ages.
Conclusions:
- The hyperkinetic state is a significant clinical condition associated with mild blood pressure elevation.
- Sympathetic hyperactivity, indicated by elevated norepinephrine, is present in a substantial portion of unselected subjects with mild hypertension.
- Findings suggest a link between hyperkinetic borderline hypertension and autonomic nervous system dysfunction.