The Predictive Value of Nutritional Indexes for Developing Ascending Aortic Aneurysm in Elderly Patients with Hypertension

Abstract

Aim:Ascending aorta aneurysm (AsAA) is common in patients with hypertension. There is an increased rate of malnutrition in old age, which can be reliably examined with the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) scoring systems. This study determined the predictive value of the nutritional indexes on the development of AsAA in elderly patients with hypertension.Methods:This retrospective study included 302 patients with hypertension, aged 65 years and older, who presented at the cardiology outpatient clinic approximately 2019-2021. The patients were separated into AsAA developing (n=202) and non-developing (n=100). The nutritional status was determined by the CONUT and PNI scores.Results:Of the 302 patients, 49% were male, the mean age was 72 years (68-77), and the AsAA (+) group was significantly older (p<0.01). The CONUT score was similar in both groups (p=0.06). The PNI score was found to be significantly lower in the AsAA (+) group than in the AsAA (-) group (p<0.001). Logistic regression analyses showed that the PNI score was an independent predictor of AsAAs in elderly patients with hypertension (Odds ratio: 0.92, 95% confidence interval: 0.87-0.98, p=0.01).Conclusion:Low nutritional status (determined by PNI) increases the risk of developing AsAA in elderly hypertensive patients. Therefore, determining the nutritional status in elderly hypertensive patients may achieve better clinical outcomes.

Keywords

• ascending aorta aneurysm
• nutritional index
• hypertension
• elderly