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Inflammation is related to unbalanced cardiac autonomic functions in hypertension: an observational study

Ataç Celik1, Fatih Koç, Hasan Kadi

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat, Turkey. dretaci@yahoo.com

Anadolu Kardiyoloji Dergisi : AKD = the Anatolian Journal of Cardiology
|March 3, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension is linked to inflammation, which negatively impacts cardiac autonomic functions. This study found that higher inflammation markers correlate with reduced heart rate variability and turbulence in hypertensive patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Physiology
  • Inflammation Research

Background:

  • Inflammation is implicated in hypertension and atherosclerosis development.
  • Autonomic nervous system function is known to interact with inflammatory processes.
  • Understanding this relationship is crucial for managing hypertensive patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between inflammation and cardiac autonomic functions in individuals with hypertension.
  • To evaluate how inflammatory markers relate to heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT) in hypertensive patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 121 hypertensive patients and 34 healthy controls.
  • 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram recordings were analyzed for HRV and HRT parameters.
  • High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured as an inflammation marker.
  • Statistical analyses, including correlation and regression, were used to assess associations, adjusting for confounders.

Main Results:

  • Hypertensive patients exhibited higher hs-CRP levels, reduced HRV, and blunted HRT compared to controls.
  • A significant inverse correlation was observed between hs-CRP levels and HRV/HRT parameters.
  • Deterioration in HRV and HRT was more pronounced in hypertensive patients with the highest hs-CRP levels.

Conclusions:

  • Hypertension is associated with an ongoing inflammatory process.
  • This inflammation is directly related to imbalances in cardiac autonomic functions, specifically HRV and HRT.
  • Findings suggest inflammation as a key factor contributing to autonomic dysfunction in hypertension.
Abstract

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