Inflammatory markers and cardiovascular risk factors in prehypertensive subjects – a hospital based study from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background

Hypertension is likely the most common disease in the world and has been recognized as a major risk factor for several cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Prehypertension refers to borderline blood pressure levels, between 120 and 139 mmHg systolic or 80 and 89 mmHg diastolic. Increased risk of CVD among prehypertensive subjects has been variably documented in literature.

Methods

A number of total 60 patients were divided into three groups; hypertension, prehypertension and normotensives, twenty in each. BMI, B.P, Lipid Profile, IL-6 and TNF α, carotid intima media thickness were measured. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPPS) for Windows Version 16.0 (SPSS Inc.; Chicago, IL, USA), was used to analyze the results.

Results

BMI was maximum amongst the prehypertensives, along with increased level of cholesterol, Triglyceride and VLDL. Mean levels of IL-6 and TNF- α were significantly higher in prehypertensives than normotensives. A significant correlation was also found between BMI(r=0.237) and SBP (r = 0.241), While TNF- α was significantly associated with IL-6 (r = 0.639) and DBP (r = 0.255).

Conclusion

An association was found between the prehypertension status and inflammatory markers in cardiovascular disease.  Prehypertension might be a proinflammatory condition. Early detection may help to take necessary interventions.