Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Phosphorus-31 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A Tool for Measuring In Vivo Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation Capacity in Human Skeletal Muscle
09:40

Phosphorus-31 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A Tool for Measuring In Vivo Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation Capacity in Human Skeletal Muscle

Published on: January 19, 2017

Metabolic syndrome and multiple organ damage in essential hypertension

Cesare Cuspidi1, Cristiana Valerio, Valentina Giudici

  • 1Department of Clinical Medicine and Prevention, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy. cesare.cuspidi@unimib.it

Blood Pressure
|September 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is more common in hypertensive patients with organ damage (OD). A systematic search for cardiac and extra-cardiac OD is valuable in MS patients to identify cardiovascular risks.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Research
  • Metabolic Syndrome Studies

Background:

  • Essential hypertensives often present with metabolic syndrome (MS) and varying degrees of organ damage (OD).
  • Understanding the relationship between MS prevalence and the extent of OD is crucial for risk stratification.
  • Previous studies have not fully elucidated the association between MS and the number of OD markers in hypertensive patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of MS in hypertensive patients categorized by the number of organ damage (OD) markers.
  • To assess the value of systematically searching for cardiac and extra-cardiac OD in patients with MS.
  • To determine if a higher number of OD markers is associated with increased MS prevalence.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 3119 untreated and treated essential hypertensives from the ETODH registry.
  • Patients were evaluated for cardiac (LVH/remodeling), vascular (carotid plaques/IMT), and renal (MA/creatinine) OD markers.
  • Subjects were classified into four groups based on the number of OD markers: none, one, two, or three.

Main Results:

  • MS prevalence increased progressively with the number of OD markers, showing a 2.3-fold rise in patients with three OD markers compared to those with none.
  • Patients with two or three OD markers constituted 53% of those with MS, versus 33% of those without MS (p<0.01).
  • The distribution of MS varied across OD groups: 15% (group 0), 32% (group I), 39% (group II), and 14% (group III).

Conclusions:

  • A strong association exists between MS and OD in hypertensive patients.
  • Clustering of two or three OD markers represents the prevalent cardiovascular phenotype in MS hypertensives.
  • Systematic evaluation of cardiac and extra-cardiac OD is recommended for hypertensive patients with MS.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

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...
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 I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
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...
Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System01:18

Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an intricate network of nerves that controls functions such as the regulation of heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure regulation. When this system malfunctions, it can lead to various disorders that affect multiple bodily functions. One common feature of many autonomic disorders is the involvement of smooth blood vessels, which play a crucial role in regulating blood flow throughout the body.
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is a...
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:24

Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.