Contribution of obesity to early vascular aging in young and middle-aged patients with hypertension

Aim. To examine possible associations reflecting early vascular aging in male patients with hypertension (HTN) depending on obesity.

Material and methods. A total of 107 young and middle-aged male patients with grade 1-2 HTN were examined. Anthropometric and paraclinical parameters were assessed. Patients were divided into two groups based on their body mass index (BMI) as follows: group 1 included patients with normal BMI and overweight (18,5≲ BMI <30 kg/m²) and group 2 included patients with class 1-2 obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²). Biological age was estimated using a calculator based on the Framingham risk score.

Results. Patients with HTN and obesity had a significantly higher biological age compared to those with normal BMI and overweight (p=0,003), as did systolic blood pressure (p=0,04). Patients with HTN and obesity had significantly higher levels of triglycerides (TG) (p=0,009), highsensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) (p=0,002), and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p=0,007) compared to the group with normal BMI and overweight. When comparing the two groups of patients, no significant differences were found in photoplethysmography parameters (SI, RI, Alp75) depending on BMI. The Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI) was significantly higher (p=0,018) in patients with HTN and obesity compared to individuals with normal BMI and overweight. Based on the obtained data, the relationship between CAVI and BMI, age, and systolic blood pressure was assessed using multiple linear regression.

Conclusion. In males with HTN, obesity was associated with higher CAVI values, indicating increased vascular stiffness and reflecting early vascular aging. Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed an independent relationship between CAVI and BMI and age.

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