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Low-grade systemic inflammation and left ventricular dysfunction in hypertensive compared to non-hypertensive

David K Zach1, Nora Schwegel1, Viktoria Santner1

  • 1University Heart Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.

International Journal of Cardiology
|December 29, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients is linked to systemic inflammation, not cardiac dysfunction. This suggests hypertension’s adverse effects in HCM stem from broader bodily impacts.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Systemic Inflammation Research

Background:

  • Arterial hypertension (HTN) is a known risk factor for increased mortality in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
  • The precise mechanisms linking HTN to adverse outcomes in HCM remain poorly understood.
  • Investigating systemic inflammation as a potential mediator is crucial for understanding HTN's impact on HCM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between hypertension and markers of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in HCM patients.
  • To investigate the relationship between hypertension and indicators of low-grade systemic inflammation in a cohort of HCM patients.

Main Methods:

  • A single-center, cross-sectional case-control study was conducted.
  • Thirty adult patients with HCM and HTN (HTN+) were compared to 30 age- and sex-matched HCM patients without HTN (HTN-).
  • Echocardiographic and plasma-derived indices of LV dysfunction and systemic inflammation were assessed.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in echocardiographic measures of LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction were observed between HTN+ and HTN- groups.
  • N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide levels were similar in both groups.
  • HTN+ patients showed significantly higher white blood cell counts, interleukin-6, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels compared to HTN- patients.

Conclusions:

  • Hypertension is associated with increased low-grade systemic inflammation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
  • The detrimental effects of HTN in HCM appear to be mediated by systemic inflammatory processes rather than direct alterations in cardiac function.
  • These findings highlight the importance of managing systemic inflammation in hypertensive HCM patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
HypertensionHypertrophic cardiomyopathyInflammationLeft ventricular dysfunction

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