Circadian blood pressure profile, memory and attention parameters in young men with arterial hypertension

Abstract

Aim. To assess memory and attention parameters, as well as their association with circadian blood pressure (BP) profile, in young male military officers with arterial hypertension (AH). Material and methods. In total, 47 men with Stage I-II essential AH (EAH) (mean age 39,3±0,8 years), not treated previously or treated irregularly, were examined (main group, MG). The 24-hour BP monitoring (BPM) and cognitive function (memory and attention) assessment were performed. The cognitive function association with AH stage, BP elevation degree, and AH duration was also investigated. The control group (CG) included 12 normotensive men. Results. In the MG, comparing to the CG, the memory and attention parameters were decreased as early as at Stage I AH and with AH duration <5 years. Reduced scopes of semantic memory and attention were observed in men with AH irrespective of its duration. There was a negative correlation between 24-hour BPM parameters and memory and attention indices. Conclusion. In young male officers with AH, mild cognitive disturbances were observed even at Stage I of the disease, and were more prevalent at Stage II.

Keywords

• arterial hypertension
• memory
• attention