Analysis of the characteristics of atherosclerosis in elderly hypertensive patients with low diastolic blood pressure and factors associated low diastolic blood pressure

Abstract

Objective To analyze the characteristics of atherosclerosis in elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) combined with low diastolic blood pressure and risk factors related to low diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Methods A total of 447 elderly patients with untreated ISH were divided into the low DBP (DBP 70 mmHg) group (n=241) according the DBP level. Clinical data including brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), carotid artery ultrasonography, blood lipids, blood glucose, plasma homocysteine were collected and determined. baPWV, carotid intimal-medial thickness (IMT) and the incidence of carotid plaques were compared between the two groups. Risk factors for low DBP were analyzed. Results There were no significant difference in systolic pressure levels between the low DBP group and the non-low DBP group 〔(160.8±10.1) mmHg vs. (161.1±10.9) mmHg, P>0.05〕. Pulse pressure, baPWV levels, IMT and the incidence of carotid artery plaque were higher in the low DBP group than in the non-low DBP group 〔(98.4±11.7)vs. (77.4±12.0) mmHg, (1 785.3±175.0) vs. (1 436.5±114.4), (1.2±0.2) mm vs. (1.1±0.3) mm and 78.2% (161/206) vs. 67.2% (162/241), each P<0.05〕. Stepwise logistic analysis showed that age, gender (female) and diabetes were independent risk factors for low DBP (OR=1.62, 2.07, 1.38, all P<0.05). Conclusions Atherosclerosis is more serious in elderly patents with ISH combined with low diastolic blood pressure than those without low DBP. Age, gender (female) and diabetes are independent risk factors for low DBP. Key words: Hypertension; Atherosclerosis; Risk factors