Individuals with high−normal blood pressure have different metabolic and haemodynamic characteristics to those with optimal blood pressure

Abstract

Background: The ESH classification of blood pressure includes the high-normal blood pressure (HNBP) category, which is within normal limits but associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk.
Aim: To identify additional CV risk factors and early signs of target organ damage in healthy individuals with HNBP.
Methods: Healthy volunteers (n = 74) with optimal blood pressure or HNBP were compared with respect to metabolic and haemodynamic parameters.
Results: The HNBP was associated with higher serum uric acid (333.1 ± 65.4 vs 267.7 ± 65.4 μmol/L, p < 0.05) and glucose (4.7 ± 0.3 vs 4.5 ± 0.3 mmol/L, p < 0.01) concentrations, intima-media thickness (0.39 ± 0.06 vs 0.36 ± 0.04 mm, p < 0.05), systemic vascular resistance index (2,678.2 ± 955.9 vs 1,930.2 ± 625.5 dyn x s x m²/cm⁵, p < 0.001), lower total arterial compliance index (1.04 ± 0.42 vs 1.44 ± 0.48 mL/[mm Hg x m²], p < 0.01) and baroreflex sensitivity (14.2 ± 3.8 vs 18.0 ± 8.8 mm Hg²/Hz, p = 0.05).
Conclusions: The observed differences in metabolic and haemodynamic profile in HNBP may adversely affect CV risk in these individuals.