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Mild hypertension--a review of 126 cases
Insights
Mild hypertension, especially in diabetics, can lead to target organ damage. This study highlights the importance of monitoring for complications in patients with mild hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Mild hypertension (Diastolic BP 90-110 mmHg) affects a significant patient population.
- The long-term implications of mild hypertension, particularly in individuals with diabetes mellitus, require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of target organ involvement in patients with mild hypertension.
- To compare the incidence of complications between diabetic and non-diabetic individuals with mild hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 126 patients with mild hypertension (71 non-diabetics, 55 diabetics).
- Evaluation for target organ damage including left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac enlargement, cerebrovascular insufficiency, retinopathy, and albuminuria.
- Comparison of complication rates and serum cholesterol levels between diabetic and non-diabetic groups.
Main Results:
- 28.5% of patients exhibited target organ involvement.
- Diabetic patients had a higher prevalence of complications (34.5%) compared to non-diabetics (23.9%).
- Complications were most frequent in the 4th and 5th decades of life; higher serum cholesterol was noted in complicated diabetic patients.
Conclusions:
- Mild hypertension is not always benign and can lead to significant target organ damage.
- Diabetic individuals with mild hypertension are at increased risk for complications.
- Further controlled studies are needed to evaluate anti-hypertensive treatment efficacy in mild hypertension.
Abstract:
One hundred and twenty-six patients (71 non-diabetics and 55 diabetics) suffering from mild hypertension (Diastolic BP 90-110) have been reviewed. Hypertension was idiopathic in 123 and possible renal causes were considered in 3 cases. Evidence of target organ involvement, either singly or in combination in the form of electrocardiographic evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy and ischaemic changes, cardiac enlargement on radiology, cerebrovascular insufficiency, retinopathy and albuminuria in the absence of other pre-disposing causes was present in 28.5% of the patients. The prevalence rate of these complications was higher in the diabetics (34.5%) as compared to non-diabetics (23.9%). These complications occurred in the 4th and 5th decades of life in nearly 80% of these patients. Serum cholesterol was higher in diabetic patients with complications than non-diabetics. Mild hypertension may not be an entirely benign condition and the need for controlled studies to assess the efficacy of anti-hypertensive drugs in this category is stressed.