P43 MASKED HYPERTENSION AND RETINAL VESSEL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION IN YOUNG HEALTHY ADULTS: THE AFRICAN-PREDICT STUDY

Abstract

Background: Masked hypertension (MH) is prevalent in young adults and is associated with similar vascular complications as sustained hypertension, but whether this is already evident in young adults is unclear. We therefore compared retinal vessel calibres and function in response to flicker light induced provocation (FLIP) in young healthy adults stratified by MH status and explored associations between these parameters. Methods: We used data from the first 566 participants (aged 20–30 years) taking part in the African-PREDICT study. Participants were clinically normotensive (70% valid readings) were measured and MH status determined. The central retinal artery (CRAE) and vein equivalent (CRVE) were calculated from fundus images and retinal vessel dilation responses to FLIP determined. Results: MH showed a prevalence of 16%. MHs’ had a lower CRAE (155 ± 10 MU vs. 160 ± 12 MU, p = 0.002), but similar CRVE and vessel dilation in response to FLIP when compared to normotensives. The latter findings remained consistent upon adjustment for sex, ethnicity, age and body mass index. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated an independent association between CRAE and the presence of MH (R2 = 0.07, β = −0.10 (−0.20; −0.01)). No further associations existed between retinal vessel parameters and MH status. Conclusion: Already at a young age, healthy adults with MH show slight adverse changes in the retinal microvasculature. Considering the prevalence of MH in young adults, and the predictive value of reduced CRAE, our data emphasize the early identification of altered 24 hr blood pressure patterns.