Abstract

CENTRAL AORTIC BLOOD PRESSURE: A MEASUREMENT TO STUDY THE EFFICACY OF ANTI HYPERTENSIVE MEDICATIONS- A PILOT STUDY

*Soumya R. V., Ansalna S., Harikrishnan U., Juliee Sara Alex, Sruthy R. Mohan, Prasobh G. R. and Sruthy S. A.

ABSTRACT

Objective: Central aortic systolic blood pressure (CABP) is an important determinant of cardiac workload and cardiovascular risk assessment. The relationship of central aortic systolic BP and brachial BP varies depending on the stiffness of blood vessels. To assess the prevalence of central aortic pressure in patients with hypertension while on anti – hypertensive combination therapy. Also, determine the correlation between Brachial blood pressure and Central aortic pressure. Methods: A total of 20 patients were enrolled in the study who are on anti- hypertensive combination therapy. Each group contains 10 patients each who are receiving Angiotensin receptor blockers + Calcium channel blockers(ARBs + CCBs) combination in one group and Angiotensin receptor blockers + diuretics(ARBs + diuretics)combination in other group. A baseline BBP and CAP were noted in the first OPD who are taking this drugs atleast for one month. In the next follow up, end point BBP and CAP were noted. Results: A total of 20 patients were enrolled in the study, 10 in each group, given two drug combinations, one group receives a combination of ARBs + diuretics and other group receives ARBs + CCBs. When their CABP was measured non invasively a drastic decrease of Central aortic pressure was seen in group receiving ARBs +CCBs. Discussion: Central aortic blood pressure is the pressure in the ascending aorta, just outside the left ventricle. The non invasive measurement does not show a greater deviation when done via a catheter invasively. It was also observed that the prediction of risk due to hypertension could be carried using the noninvasive measurement of the CABP. Conclusion: The CABP is effectively reduced when the ARBs + CCBs are administered and specifically the systolic BP is significantly reduced. The non invasive measurement does not show a greater deviation when done via a catheter invasively. It was also observed that the prediction of risk due to hypertension could be carried using the noninvasive measurement of the CABP.

Keywords: Brachial blood pressure, Central aortic pressure, Arterial stiffness, pulse wave velocity.