Arterial hypertension parental burden affects arterial stiffness and wave reflection to the aorta in young offsprings

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of arterial hypertension familial history on arterial stiffness and wave reflection in young offsprings.The effect of arterial hypertension familial history on arterial stiffness in young offsprings has not been well documented yet.The study comprised 143 subjects, aged 14 to 30 years who were initially divided in three groups: Group A, 55 offsprings with normotensive parents, Group B, 63 offsprings with 1 hypertensive parent, and group C, 25 offsprings with both hypertensive parents. Arterial stiffness was evaluated using carotid-brachial (PWVc-r) and carotid-femoral (PWVc-f) pulse wave velocity. Concurrently, aortic pressures and augmentation index (AIx) corrected for heart rate were assessed by radial applanation tonometry. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by measuring central augmentation index (AIx) with the Sphygmocor device and pulse wave velocity carotid-brachial (PWVc-r) and carotid-femoral (PWVc-f) with the Complior device.The three groups had no differences in age, peripheral arterial blood pressure (BP), lipid profile and smoking habits. Arterial stiffness indices and wave reflection were higher (p < 0.001) in group C, followed by group B and group A (PWVc-f: 7.0 ± 1.3 vs 6.4 ± 1.0 vs 5.8 ± 0.9 m/s, PWVc-r: 8.9 ± 1.0 vs 8.2 ± 1.2 vs 7.8 ± 1.1 m/s, and AIx: 13 ± 19 vs 4.5 ± 14 vs − 2.6 ± 13%). This was also seen after adjustment for body mass index and gender distribution among the three groups (p < 0.001).The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of arterial hypertension familial history on arterial stiffness and wave reflection in young offsprings.Large artery properties are aggravated in offsprings with parental history of arterial hypertension compared to offsprings of normotensive parents, independently of age and blood pressure levels. Moreover, the greater the familial burden, the more arterial function is compromised.