Untreated stage 1 hypertension was associated with significantly higher aortic pulse wave velocity compared to normotension (6.42 vs 5.39 m/s; P=0.019), with a non-significant trend in prehypertension.
Cross-Sectional (n=37)
Does prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension increase aortic pulse wave velocity compared to normotension?
Arterial stiffness, assessed by pulse wave velocity, shows a progressive increase from normotension to prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension, suggesting early vascular changes.
Absolute Event Rate: 6.42% vs 5.39%
p-value: p=0.020
Objective: Arterial stiffness is an early marker of vascular damage and plays a key role in the pathophysiology of arterial hypertension. Previous studies suggest that increases in aortic pulse wave velocity may begin already in the prehypertensive range; however, the extent and clinical relevance of these changes across early blood pressure categories are not fully established. This study aimed to investigate aortic pulse wave velocity in individuals with prehypertension compared with normotensive subjects and newly diagnosed, untreated stage 1 hypertensive patients. Design and method: This controlled clinical study included normotensive (NT; SBP <=129 mmHg, DBP <=84 mmHg), prehypertensive (PREHT; SBP 130–139 mmHg, DBP 85–89 mmHg), and untreated stage 1 hypertensive participants (HT; SBP 140–159 mmHg, DBP 90–99 mmHg), matched for age and sex. Blood pressure was assessed using 24-hour ambulatory monitoring. Aortic PWV was measured non-invasively under standardized resting conditions using impedance cardiography (CardioScreen 2000 Professional, Medis, Germany) with continuous beat-to-beat hemodynamic and blood pressure recording. Mean values of consecutive measurements were used for analysis. Results: A total of 37 participants were analyzed. Mean PWV values increased progressively across blood pressure categories (NT: 5.39 ± 0.78 m/s; PREHT: 6.15 ± 0.73 m/s; HT: 6.42 ± 0.96 m/s). One-way ANOVA demonstrated a significant overall group effect (F=4.46, P=0.020). Post hoc analysis showed significantly higher PWV in HT compared with NT (P=0.019), while differences between PREHT and NT (P=0.080) and between HT and PREHT (P=0.432) did not reach statistical significance. PWV was moderately and positively correlated with mean arterial pressure (r=0.577, P=0.0003). Conclusions: Arterial stiffness assessed by PWV is significantly increased in untreated individuals with stage 1 hypertension and is positively associated with mean arterial pressure. Importantly, a clear trend toward higher PWV is already evident in prehypertensive individuals, supporting the concept that arterial stiffening begins early in blood pressure progression, even before overt hypertension develops.
Tolj et al. (Fri,) conducted a cross-sectional in Prehypertension and Stage 1 Hypertension (n=37). Stage 1 hypertension and prehypertension vs. Normotension was evaluated on Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) (p=0.020). Untreated stage 1 hypertension was associated with significantly higher aortic pulse wave velocity compared to normotension (6.42 vs 5.39 m/s; P=0.019), with a non-significant trend in prehypertension.