Hemodynamic circulatory patterns in young patients with predominantly diastolic hypertension

To evaluate the spectrum of hemodynamic patterns in patients with isolated diastolic hypertension-predominantly diastolic hypertension, we re-analyzed a previously reported cohort of 189 non-medicated hypertensive individuals that were assessed by impedance cardiography. We selected 46 patients who were less than 50 years old and had pulse pressure less or equal than 45 mm Hg confirmed by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The selected cohort had a mean age of 39.7 years and was 47% men. Three distinct groups were identified: a high cardiac index (CI) "hyperdynamic" group, with normal to near normal systemic vascular resistance (SVR); an intermediate CI and SVR group; and a "vasotonic" group, with low CI and high SVR. Heart rate was similar among the three groups. Stroke volume index (SVI) was significantly higher in the hyperdynamic group (61.8, 49.7, and 39.7 mL/m(2) in the high, intermediate, and low CI groups, respectively). The hyperdynamic group had greater total arterial compliance index than the vasotonic group (1.3 ± 0.3 vs 0.92 ± 0.2 mL/m(2) mm Hg for high vs low CI, respectively; P < .001). In conclusion, isolated diastolic hypertension-predominantly diastolic hypertension patients can have diverse hemodynamic patterns that cannot be predicted based on peripherally measured blood pressure and heart rate alone. This hemodynamic complexity must be taken into account when considering the genetic and pathophysiologic mechanisms of hypertension.