CROSSTALK BETWEEN ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC AND CENTRAL HEMODYNAMIC VARIABLES IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION AND HIGH NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE

Abstract

Objective: To explore the relationship between electrocardiographic (ECG) and central hemodynamic variables in patients with hypertension and high normal blood pressure. Design and method: A total of 56 patients with hypertension and high normal blood pressure, aged 48 ± 6 years, 57% male, underwent pulse wave analysis (PWA) and standard 12 lead ECG. PWA was performed using a Mobil-O-Graph. Results: Central systolic blood pressure (cSBP), central pulse pressure (cPP), pulse pressure (PP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), augmentation index (AI) were: 127 ± 13 mmHg, 35 ± 9 mmHg, 45 ± 10 mmHg, 91 ± 11 mmHg and 20 ± 14%, respectively. P wave, PR and QT interval duration, R in V5 and V6 and S in V1 were, as follows: 105 ± 22 ms, 147 ± 31 ms, 409 ± 64 ms, 11 ± 6 mm, 11 ± 5 mm, and 7 ± 4 mm, respectively. Significant correlations were obtained between ECG and central hemodynamic variables. Regression analysis revealed P wave duration, S in V1, R in V5 and QT interval exceeding 450 ms, as predictors of cPP, AI and cSBP, respectively. Pulse pressure predicted P wave and PR interval duration, respectively, cPP predicted QT interval duration, cSBP predicted R in V5 and V6, respectively, and DBP predicted S in V1. Conclusions: ECG provides information about central hemodynamic variables, and central and peripheral blood pressure values predict P wave, PR and QT interval duration, amplitude of R in V5 and V6 and S in V1, respectively, in patients with hypertension and high normal blood pressure.