A positive parental history of hypertension in normotensive young adults was associated with a significantly higher aortic stiffness index (p=0.002) compared to those without such history.
Cross-Sectional (n=110)
Does a positive parental history of hypertension increase arterial stiffness in normotensive offspring?
A familial history of hypertension is associated with increased arterial stiffness in young normotensive individuals, indicating early vascular changes that may warrant tighter cardiovascular risk prevention.
p-value: p=0.002
Background Increased arterial stiffness can be used as a prognostic marker of arterial hypertension. The relationship between arterial stiffness and arterial hypertension seems to be reciprocal. Objective Evaluation of changes of the arterial elastic prosperities in normotensive subjects, with and without parental history of hypertension. Subjects and Methods One hundred and ten normotensive individuals, aged 20–30 years, were divided into two groups: group-A ( n = 57) and group-B ( n = 53) subjects with positive and negative parental history of hypertension, respectively. Systolic, diastolic and pulse pressures were measured using mercury sphygmomanometer. The elastic properties of the ascending aorta and the common carotid arteries were assessed using M-mode echo and B-mode imaging, respectively. Stiffness index of the digital volume pulse (SIDVP) was measured in the right index finger using photoplethysmography. Results Group A subjects showed higher aortic stiffness index ( p = 0.002), carotid stiffness index ( p = 0.001), carotid pulse wave velocity ( p ⩽ 0.001) and stiffness index of digital volume pulse ( p = 0.001). Group A subjects showed lower aortic distensibility ( p = 0.001), aortic strain ( p = 0.004), changes in aortic diameter ( p = 0.022), carotid distension ( p = 0.026), carotid distensibility coefficient ( p ⩽ 0.001) and carotid compliance coefficient ( p = 0.002). Conclusion The aortic and carotid stiffness parameters and SIDVP were higher in normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents. This finding could direct the attention towards the increased cardiovascular risk in this group and thus prompt earlier and tighter prevention of cardiovascular risk factors.
Youssef et al. (2016) conducted a cross-sectional in Normotension (n=110). Positive parental history of hypertension vs. Negative parental history of hypertension was evaluated on Aortic stiffness index (p=0.002). A positive parental history of hypertension in normotensive young adults was associated with a significantly higher aortic stiffness index (p=0.002) compared to those without such history.