Journal of the Dow University of Health Sciences (Sep 2009)
Relation ofBrain Natriuretic Peptide, Mean arterial and Pulse pressures among Normotensive, Pre-hypertensive and Hypertensive male cohort
Abstract
Background: Hypertension is an increasingly important medical and public health issue. Individualsprone to the development of hypertension often have a hyperdynamic circulation antedating theonset of hypertension by several years. Brain Natriuretic Peptide is a new promising cardiovascularrisk marker due to its association with high blood pressure via its mechanisms of secretion andactions. Both pulse and mean arterial pressures are independent markers of cardiovascular diseases. Objective: This study was designed to find out any relation between the rising values of pulse andmean arterial pressures among normotensives, pre-hypertensives and newly diagnosed hypertensiveswith the changes in plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels. Methods: This was an observational, analytical cross-sectional study conducted in department ofphysiology at Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center, Karachi.Study included 85 adult males, aged between 20-60 years, non- smokers, non- diabetic and havingno other chronic illnesses. Pulse and mean arterial pressure values were found. Study participantswere divided into three groups ranging from normotensive to hypertensive stages, as stated by JointNational Committee -7. Brain Natriuretic Peptide was assayed by AxSym technology. Results: Brain Natriuretic Peptide developed a positive correlation with both pulse and mean arterialblood pressures and was also found out to be significantly raised in pre-hypertensive group. Conclusions: This study concluded that Brain Natriuretic Peptide is positively related with increasingvalues of both variables i.e. pulse as well as mean arterial blood pressures. It also concluded thatBrain Natriuretic Peptide is significantly elevated in pre-hypertensive stage and is not very differentfrom the levels seen in sustained hypertension.
