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The relationship between resistant hypertension and arterial stiffness
Turker Pabuccu1, Nezihi Baris, Ebru Ozpelit
1Department of Cardiology, Dokuz Eylul University Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
Clinical and Experimental Hypertension (New York, N.Y. : 1993)
|October 5, 2011
Summary
Arterial stiffness (AS) is significantly associated with resistant hypertension (RH). Echocardiography effectively assesses AS, correlating well with gold-standard methods, aiding in daily clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Arterial stiffness (AS) and resistant hypertension (RH) share common risk factors.
- Previous research has not investigated the direct association between AS and RH.
- Understanding this link is crucial for managing complex hypertension cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between arterial stiffness and resistant hypertension.
- To compare arterial stiffness parameters in patients with RH, controlled hypertension, and normotension.
Main Methods:
- 87 patients were divided into three groups: resistant hypertensive (n=30), controlled hypertensive (n=29), and normotensive (n=28).
- Arterial stiffness was assessed using applanation tonometry (augmentation index, pulse wave velocity) and echocardiography (aortic strain, aortic distensibility).
- Diastolic function, left atrial volume index, and left ventricular mass index were also evaluated.
Main Results:
- Resistant hypertensive patients exhibited significantly higher augmentation index and pulse wave velocity compared to the other groups (P = .03 and P < .01).
- Aortic strain and aortic distensibility were significantly lower in the RH group (P < .01).
- A strong inverse correlation was observed between echocardiographic and tonometric measures of arterial stiffness.
Conclusions:
- Arterial stiffness is significantly associated with resistant hypertension.
- The findings suggest a potential role of arterial stiffness in the pathogenesis of resistant hypertension.
- Echocardiographic assessment of aortic strain and distensibility correlates well with pulse wave velocity, offering a feasible method for clinical use.
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