[OP.6C.06] ORTHOSTATIC BLOOD PRESSURE REACTIONS AND CAROTID ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUES IN A POPULATION SURVEY

Abstract

Objective: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) and orthostatic hypertension (OHTN) both independently predict cardiovascular events. The aim of our study was to investigate the associations of orthostatic blood pressure (BP) changes with carotid atherosclerotic plaques in a random sample of Russian population. Design and method: Under the umbrella of epidemiological study ESSE-RF framework, 533 inhabitants of Saint-Petersburg were examined (25–65 years; males – 42%; hypertension - 48%). All participants signed informed consent and filled the questionnaire regarding risk factors, concomitant diseases and therapy. Carotid artery ultrasaund (MySonoU6) and lipid profile (Abbot Architect 8000 (USA)) were performed. BP was measured in sitting position (after 10 minutes of rest) and after 3 minutes of active tilt. OH was defined as decrease in systolic BP (SBP)>=20 mmHg or decrease in diastolic BP >=10 mmHg and OHTN as increase in SBP >=10 mmHg. Results: OH and OHTN were found in 159 (29,8%) and 45 (8,4%) study participants. Carotid atherosclerotic plaques were significantly more frequent in participants with OHTN compared to OH (24,4% vs 3,8%; P = 0.01). Participants with OH and carotid plaques were older than patients without plaques (55,8 ± 5 vs 44,3 ± 10; P = 0.009). In contrast, OHTN and presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques were not associated with age. Plagues were associated with total cholesterol level (6,5 ± 1,6 mmol/l vs 5,4 ± 1,1 mmol/l; P < 0.001) only in participants without significant orthostatic BP changes (n = 239). Total cholesterol level was comparable in OH and OHTN with or without carotid plaques. Conclusions: In general population of SPb inhabitans with the presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques OHT was detected significantly more often compared to OH. OH in participants with carotid plaques was associated with age. No association was found between carotid atherosclerosis and total cholesterol level.