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Assessment of Vascular Tone Responsiveness using Isolated Mesenteric Arteries with a Focus on Modulation by Perivascular Adipose Tissues
Published on: June 3, 2019
Higher systemic vascular resistance in individuals with a family history of hypertension
Emmi K H Värri1, Johanna Tietäväinen1,2, Lauri J Suojanen1,2
1Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University.
Insights
Individuals with a family history of hypertension exhibit higher blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance. This suggests systemic vascular resistance plays a key role in the development of primary hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Hypertension Research
- Clinical Hemodynamics
Background:
- Family history is a significant risk factor for hypertension.
- Understanding cardiovascular differences in individuals with a family history of hypertension is crucial for early detection and prevention.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the specific hemodynamic alterations associated with a parental history of hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular function between individuals with and without a family history of hypertension in a first-degree relative.
- To investigate the role of systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and arterial stiffness in individuals with a family history of hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing two groups: individuals with and without a family history of hypertension.
- Hemodynamic parameters were measured using continuous tonometric pulse wave analysis and whole-body impedance cardiography during passive head-up tilt.
- Key measurements included radial and aortic blood pressure, aortic reflection time, systemic vascular resistance index, and arterial stiffness parameters.
Main Results:
- Individuals with a family history of hypertension showed higher office BP and a greater prevalence of antihypertensive medication use.
- During head-up tilt, this group exhibited consistently higher radial and aortic BP, a shorter aortic reflection time, and increased systemic vascular resistance index.
- No significant differences were observed in arterial stiffness parameters, central forward wave amplitude, or cardiac output between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Elevated central and peripheral BP in individuals with a family history of hypertension are likely attributable to higher systemic vascular resistance, not increased arterial stiffness.
- These findings underscore the importance of systemic vascular resistance in the pathogenesis of primary hypertension.
- Family history of hypertension is associated with distinct hemodynamic profiles, emphasizing the need for targeted cardiovascular risk assessment.
Objective:
To compare blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular function between individuals with and without a family history of hypertension in a first-degree relative.
Methods:
The haemodynamics of participants with ( n = 437) and without ( n = 274) a family history of hypertension were recorded using continuous tonometric pulse wave analysis and whole-body impedance cardiography during passive head-up tilt.
Results:
The group with a family history of hypertension had a higher percentage of antihypertensive medication users (15.6 vs. 8%, P = 0.003) and higher office BP (143/91 vs. 140/87 mmHg, P < 0.05) than the group without hypertensive first-degree relatives. The proportion of men (51.9 vs. 55.1%) and the mean age (48.2 vs. 48.1 years) were similar in both groups. During head-up tilt, participants with a family history of hypertension consistently had 5/4 mmHg (systolic/diastolic) higher radial and aortic BP ( P < 0.001 for all comparisons), a shorter aortic reflection time (-2.4 ms, P = 0.017), and a higher systemic vascular resistance (SVR) index (180 dyn s/cm 5 m 2 , P < 0.001) than participants without hypertensive first-degree relatives. Central forward wave amplitude, pulse pressure, augmentation pressure, augmentation index, heart rate, cardiac output, and pulse wave velocity did not differ between the study groups. All haemodynamic variables changed significantly in response to head-up tilt with no differences between the two study groups.
Conclusion:
Participants with a family history of hypertension were characterized by elevated central and peripheral BP probably due to higher SVR, whereas the stiffness of large arteries was not higher. These findings highlight the role of SVR in the pathogenesis of primary hypertension.
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