P8.07 AN OLD DOG WITH NEW TRICKS: URIC ACID LEVELS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH AORTIC STIFFNESS AND WAVE REFLECTIONS IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED, NEVER-TREATED HYPERTENSION

Abstract

Background: Serum uric acid (UA) plays a key role in the development and progression of hypertension. We investigated the association of UA levels and indices of arterial function in a cohort of newly diagnosed, never treated hypertensive subjects. Methods: 1225 patients with a new diagnosis of mild to moderate arterial hypertension for which they had never received treatment were enrolled in the study (mean age 53 years, 728 men). Serum UA, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), an index of elastic-type, aortic stiffness and augmentation index (AIx), a composite marker of wave reflections and arterial stiffness were measured. Results: In univariable analysis, UA levels correlated with cfPWV (r=0.199, P<0.001) and AIx (r=−0.263, P<0.001). In stepwise multivariable linear regression analysis, an independent positive association of cfPWV with UA levels was observed after adjusting for confounders (standardized regression coefficient β=0.135, P<0.001, adjusted R2=0.405), indicating an increase in aortic stiffness with higher values of UA. In contrast, an independent negative association of AIx with UA levels was observed after adjusting for confounders (standardized regression coefficient β=−0.059, P=0.022, adjusted R2=0.507), indicating a decrease in wave reflections with higher values of UA. Conclusion: Serum UA levels are independently associated with aortic stiffening and wave reflections in never treated hypertensives. This finding extends the theoretical underpinnings regarding the cardiovascular functions of UA, as it advocates a putative role in the development of hypertension via mechanisms regulating arterial function.