Hypertension-induced subclinical vascular and cognitive changes are reversible-An observational cohort study.

Beside the well-known complications of poorly controlled, long-standing hypertension, milder abnormalities induced by early-stage hypertension have also been described. In our study, the authors examined the reversibility of changes induced by early-stage hypertension. The authors performed laboratory testing, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) measurement, evaluation of stiffness parameters, assessment of various cardiac and cerebral hemodynamic parameters during head-up tilt table (HUTT) testing, and neuropsychological examinations in 49 recently diagnosed hypertensive patients. Following baseline assessment, antihypertensive therapy was commenced. After one year of therapy, lower IMT values were found. Pulse wave velocity showed a borderline significant decrease. During HUTT, several hemodynamic parameters improved. The patients performed better on neuropsychological testing and reached significantly lower scores on questionnaires evaluating anxiety. The present study shows that early vascular changes and altered cognitive function observed in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients may improve with promptly initiated antihypertensive management.

Elevated LDL-C combined with hypertension worsens subclinical vascular impairment and cognitive function.

Hypertension and dyslipidemia belong to the most prevalent modifiable risk factors for cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. Hereby, we aimed to examine the combined effects of newly diagnosed hypertension and hyperlipidemia on the characteristics of the arterial wall and on cognitive function. We examined 72 hypertensive and 85 apparently healthy individuals. Based on serum lipid levels, four subgroups were created ranging from normotensive-normolipidemic to hypertensive-hyperlipidemic subjects. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), arterial stiffness, and cognitive function were assessed. IMT of controls was the lowest, whereas that of patients with both risk factors the highest. Stiffness parameters increased when both risk factors were present, whereas subjects with only one risk factor exhibited intermediate values. Hypertensive patients performed worse when memory, attention, reaction time, and trait anxiety were assessed. Significant worsening of IMT, arterial stiffness, and sum of neuropsychological scores was observed along with increasing mean arterial pressure. Generally, hyperlipidemia combining with hypertension resulted in further worsening of all examined parameters. Subclinical changes of the vascular wall and cognitive performance are already present in recently diagnosed hypertensive patients. Combination of hyperlipidemia and hypertension results in more severe impairments, therefore, early and intensive treatment may be crucial to prevent further deterioration.

Anxiety, depression and autonomic nervous system dysfunction in hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the relationship between autonomic nervous system dysfunction, anxiety and depression in untreated hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 86 newly diagnosed hypertensive patients and 98 healthy volunteers were included in the study. The psychological parameters were assessed with Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory by a skilled psychologist. Autonomic parameters were examined during tilt table examination (10min lying position, 10min passive tilt). Heart rate variability (HRV) was calculated by autoregressive methods. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was calculated by non-invasive sequence method from the recorded beat to beat blood pressure values and RR intervals. RESULTS: Significantly higher state (42.6±9.3 vs. 39.6±10.7 p=0.05) and trait (40.1±8.9 vs. 35.1±8.6, p<0.0001) anxiety scores were found in the hypertension group. There was no statistically significant difference in the depression level. LF-RRI (Low Frequency-RR interval) of HRV in passive tilt (377.3±430.6 vs. 494.1±547, p=0.049) and mean BRS slope (11.4±5.5 vs. 13.2±6.4, p=0.07) in lying position were lower in hypertensives. Trait anxiety score correlates significantly with sympatho/vagal balance (LF/HF-RRI) in passive tilt position (Spearman R=-0.286, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety could play a more important role than depression in the development of hypertension. Altered autonomic control of the heart could be one of the pathophysiological links between hypertension and psychological factors.

Cerebro- and cardiovascular reactivity and neuropsychological performance in hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive (HT) patients are at higher risk of cognitive decline than normotensive individuals, because high blood pressure is a risk factor for mild cognitive deterioration. In this study cardio- and cerebrovascular reactivity along with cognitive performance was assessed on newly diagnosed HT patients. METHODS: Diagnosis of hypertension was based on international recommendations. None of the patients had diabetes, and all of them had normal cerebral CT scan. Eighty-one patients (43.5±10.2 years, male/female ratio: 42/39) were compared with 94 healthy controls (44±9.4 years, male/female ratio: 50/44). In both groups continuous, non-invasive and simultaneous monitoring of cerebral and cardiac hemodynamical parameters were recorded during head-up tilt table testing (HUTT). Reaction time, attention and memory skills, anxiety and depression rate were determined by neuropsychological tests. RESULTS: During HUTT significant differences were found in certain cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure, total peripheral resistance index, stroke index), but no differences were detected in cerebral blood flow velocity. While there was no significant difference in reaction time between the two groups, tests estimating short-term memory (Digit Span Test) differed significantly. Moreover, sum of standardized test scores was significantly lower, while anxiety level was significantly increased in HT patients compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Decrease in neuropsychological performance along with alterations of cardiovascular parameters is an early manifestation of hypertension. Aim for an early intervention and accurate treatment is crucial for preventing further impairments.