Hypertension in adults with repaired coarctation of the aorta

Daniel Rinnström1, Mikael Dellborg2, Ulf Thilén3

  • 1Heart Centre and Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.

American Heart Journal
|November 9, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension is common in adults with repaired coarctation of the aorta (CoA). Risk factors include older age, male sex, higher BMI, and arm-leg blood pressure differences.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a congenital heart defect.
  • Adults with repaired CoA often develop long-term complications.
  • Hypertension (HTN) is a significant concern in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of hypertension in adults with repaired CoA.
  • To identify factors associated with hypertension in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from a national register for congenital heart disease.
  • Inclusion of 653 adults with repaired CoA (mean age 36.9 years).
  • Multivariable modeling to assess associations with hypertension.

Main Results:

  • 52.7% of patients had hypertension (diagnosed or BP ≥140/90mmHg).
  • Independent risk factors for HTN included increasing age, male sex, and higher body mass index.
  • Systolic arm-leg blood pressure gradient was significantly associated with HTN.

Conclusions:

  • Hypertension is highly prevalent in adults with a history of repaired CoA.
  • Age, male sex, BMI, and arm-leg blood pressure gradient are key associated factors.
  • Even mild arm-leg blood pressure gradients may indicate increased HTN risk.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
428
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
530
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,...
1.1K
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...
4.7K
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
752
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
1.0K