Heart rate in patients with or without hypertension: A retrospective study

Abstract

Introduction: Heart rate (HR) is correlated with peripheral and central blood pressure (BP), which may be a determinant in the development of hypertension (HTN). The objective of this study was to assess the HR in patients with and without HTN and identify the determinants of HR in patients with HTN.Materials and Methods: In a retrospective analysis of patient data at a single center from central India, HR was Clinic records, with the presence assessed using an electronic pulse recorder as well as using the traditional method of counting radial pulse. A patient with HTN was identified by the presence of BP ≥140/90 mmHg or by their taking antihypertensive medications. HR was compared between patients with and without HTN. Factors associated with HR in patients with HTN were assessed.Results: In a total of 1020 patients' data included in the study, 81.5% had HTN and 18.5% were nonhypertensive. The mean HR was significantly higher in patients with HTN than in controls (78.0 ± 13.0 vs. 75.7 ± 10.3 beats per min [bpm], P = 0.033). Furthermore, the proportion of patients with HR ≥≥80 bpm was significantly higher in patients with HTN (43.9% vs. 24.4%, P = 0.017). In patients with HTN, the mean HR was significantly higher in those who had diabetes (P = 0.002). A significantly higher percentage of patients who had HR 80 bpm or more were females (P = 0.015), had diabetes (P = 0.002) and uncontrolled BP (P = 0.036), and were receiving thiazide diuretics (P = 0.001).Conclusion: HR is significantly higher in patients with HTN than nonhypertensive controls in the central Indian population. Prospective studies are necessary to assess the impact of various factors on HR and also the role of HR in the development of incident HTN and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with HTN.