Noninvasive Subclinical Atherosclerosis Indicator in a New Diagnosis of Primary Hypertension: Blood Pressure Index

Objective: Multiple parameters can be used for determination of hypertension-related end-organ damage (EOD) in the cardiovascular system. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), urinary albumin excretion (UAE), and retinopathy are the frequently used parameters for hypertension-related EOD. We investigated the importance of the blood pressure (BP) index, which we defined as the ratio of systolic BP (SBP) to diastolic BP (DBP) in determining subclinical atherosclerosis.

Materials and Methods: A total of 205 patients above 18 years of age who were being followed up with a new diagnosis of essential hypertension were included in this study. The LVMI, CIMT, and UAE levels of the patients were recorded from the patient files.

Results: The 24-h BP index and the nighttime and daytime BP indices were determined to be higher in the EOD-positive group than in the EOD-negative group. The 24-h BP index and the nighttime and daytime BP indices were determined to be associated with UAE, LVMI, and CIMT. In the regression analysis performed, the 24-h BP index was determined to be a risk factor associated with EOD, similar to other findings of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Conclusion: We think that the BP index may be a favorable indicator in determination of primary-hypertension-related EOD.

Cite this article as: Özçalık MŞ, Ateş İ, Demir BF, Dede F, Yılmaz N. Noninvasive Subclinical Atherosclerosis Indicator in a New Diagnosis of Primary Hypertension: Blood Pressure Index. Turk J Nephrol 2021; 30(1): 49-56.