Hypertension and its correlation with autonomic nervous system dysfunction, heart rate variability and chronic...

This study investigates the relationship between hypertension, dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability (HRV), and chronic inflammation.

We analysed a cohort of 50 hypertensive patients treated at the affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University. The average systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BPs) in this group were 155.26 and 95.32 mmHg, respectively. A control group of 50 healthy volunteers, undergoing routine physical examinations at the same hospital, was also analysed.

The average systolic BP of the control group was 115.64 ± 10.27 mmHg, and the average diastolic BP was 75.33 ± 8.25 mmHg. In contrast, the experimental group exhibited an average systolic BP of 155.26 ± 20.13 mmHg and an average diastolic BP of 95.32 ± 12.16 mmHg. Both systolic and diastolic BPs were significantly higher in the hypertensive group (p < 0.05). The experimental group also demonstrated reduced HRV and skin conductance response, alongside increased BP variability (BPV), urinary epinephrine levels and prolonged pupillary light reaction time compared to controls (p < 0.05). Notably, Standard Deviation of Normal to Normal Intervals (SDNN) and Root Mean Square of Successive Differences (RMSSD) values were significantly lower in the experimental group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, levels of inflammatory markers such as CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were markedly elevated in hypertensive patients (p < 0.05). Negative correlations were observed between systolic and diastolic BP with HRV metrics, while positive correlations were found between BP and BPV as well as urinary adrenaline levels.

The findings indicate that hypertension is closely associated with autonomic nervous system dysfunction, reduced HRV and increased chronic inflammation. A comprehensive approach to hypertension management should integrate these interrelated physiological and pathological mechanisms, with potential therapeutic interventions targeting autonomic function and inflammatory states.