ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pre-hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular events. For this reason epicardial fat thickness (EFT), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and femoral intima-media thickness (FIMT), known as markers for subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risks were measured and compared among the pre-hypertensive, hypertensive and control groups.

This cross-sectional study included 57 healthy controls (group 1), 58 pre-hypertensive patients (group 2) and 56 hypertensive patients (group 3). Pre-hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) 120-140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 80-90 mm Hg. Hypertension is defined as SBP>140 mm Hg and/or DBP>90 mm Hg. EFT, CIMT and FIMT were measured and compared among these groups.

There was a statistically significant difference among the groups in terms of EFT and CIMT (p<0.001, for both comparison). In addition there was a statistically significant difference between groups 2 and 1, and between groups 3 and 2 in terms of EFT and CIMT (p<0.001, for all comparisons). When we compared the all groups in terms of FIMT, we found a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between groups 3 and 2 (p=0.001). However, there was not a statistically significant difference between groups 2 and 1 (p=0.773).

These results may indirectly suggest that subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risks may be increased in pre-hypertensive patients. However, atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries may be affected by lower blood pressure than the femoral arteries.