Association between blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases: AMendelian randomization study

Abstract

Blood pressure plays a crucial role in the development and prognosis of various cardiovascular diseases. However, traditional epidemiological research methods have limitations in establishing a causal relationship between blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. Mendelian randomization (MR) study is a method of studying causality that has emerged in recent years. In this study, a two-sample MR analysis was conducted to explore the causal relationship between blood pressure (diastolic / systolic) and common cardiovascular diseases. The finding revealed a significant causal association between diastolic blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases, such as cerebral aneurysms (OR =2.00, 95%CI : 1.58~2.52, P =5.92×10-9), aortic aneurysms (OR =2.04, 95%CI : 1.69~2.46, P =9.02×10-14), thoracic aortic aneurysms (OR =2.21, 95%CI : 1.61~3.05, P =1.26×10-6), atrial fibrillation (OR =1.26, 95%CI : 1.16~1.37, P =4.74×10-8), myocardial infarction (OR =1.89, 95%CI : 1.68~2.13, P = 1.06×10-25), heart failure (OR =1.34, 95%CI : 1.23~1.45, P =1.12×10-12) and ischemic stroke (OR =1.60, 95%CI : 1.47~1.74, P =2.77×10-29). Systolic blood pressure showed a significant relationship with cerebral aneurysms (OR = 2.04, 95%CI : 1.62~2.57, P =1.76×10-9), cerebral aneurysms (OR =1.29, 95%CI : 1.06~1.56, P =9.37×10-3), atrial fibrillation (OR =1.29, 95%CI :1.18~1.42, P =3.55×10-8), myocardial infarction (OR =1.89, 95%CI : 1.68~2.13, P= 8.09×10-26), heart failure (OR =1.37, 95%CI : 1.27~1.47, P =2.01×10-16) and ischemic stroke (OR =1.49, 95%CI : 1.37~1.62, P =1.59×10-20). Genetic variations predicting systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were found to be significantly correlated with higher risks of myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, ischemic stroke, and substantially increased risk of aneurysms. Early detection and effective management of high blood pressure are crucial for cardiovascular well-being, highlighting the importance of reducing blood pressure as a key preventive measure against cardiovascular diseases. By making lifestyle changes and using medications, blood pressure can be effectively managed, leading to a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords

• blood pressure
• cardiovascular disease
• mendelian randomization
• causal relationship