Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 4, 2026

Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function in Experimental Models of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
10:03

Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function in Experimental Models of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Published on: June 27, 2025

973

Prehypertension is Associated With Abnormalities of Cardiac Structure and Function in the Atherosclerosis Risk in

Angela B S Santos1, Deepak K Gupta2, Natalie A Bello3

  • 1Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cardiology Division, Universidade Federal of Rio Grande do Sul, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil;

American Journal of Hypertension
|September 10, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Prehypertension is linked to heart changes like increased left ventricular mass and diastolic dysfunction. These findings suggest even slightly elevated blood pressure can cause cardiac damage.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Research
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Prehypertension, defined as blood pressure (BP) of 120-139 mm Hg systolic and/or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic, is common and elevates cardiovascular risk.
  • Understanding its impact on cardiac structure and function is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between prehypertension and end-organ alterations in cardiac structure and function.
  • To analyze these associations in a large, biracial cohort of older adults.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from 4,871 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study participants at visit 5 (2011-2013).
  • Employed two-dimensional echocardiography to assess cardiac parameters in participants free of coronary heart disease or heart failure.
  • Categorized participants into optimal BP (<120/<80 mm Hg), prehypertension (120-139/80-89 mm Hg), and hypertension groups.

Main Results:

  • Individuals with prehypertension exhibited higher left ventricular (LV) mass index, wall thickness, and abnormal LV geometry compared to those with optimal BP.
  • Prehypertension was associated with impaired diastolic function parameters (E/A, E', E/E') and a higher prevalence of diastolic dysfunction.
  • These cardiac structural and functional differences persisted after adjusting for clinical covariates, with no significant impact on systolic function.

Conclusions:

  • Prehypertension is associated with increased LV remodeling and impaired diastolic function in older adults.
  • These findings indicate that even mildly elevated blood pressure within the normal range can lead to cardiac end-organ damage.
  • Early detection and management of prehypertension are vital to prevent cardiovascular complications.
Abstract

Keywords:
blood pressurecardiovascular pathophysiologyechocardiographyprehypertension.

More Related Videos

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix10:21

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix

Published on: June 14, 2016

10.8K
A Model of Cardiac Remodeling Through Constriction of the Abdominal Aorta in Rats07:31

A Model of Cardiac Remodeling Through Constriction of the Abdominal Aorta in Rats

Published on: December 2, 2016

10.8K

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
732
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...
723
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,...
1.5K
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
1.4K
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,...
1.2K
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
4.8K