Relationship between elastic properties of the aorta and uric acid levels in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients

OBJECTIVES
The association between elastic properties of the aorta and uric acid levels was investigated in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension.

STUDY DESIGN
The study included 109 patients (68 females, 41 males; mean age 51.6±6.9 years) with newly diagnosed hypertension. Echocardiographic examination was performed. Systolic and diastolic diameters were measured by M-mode echocardiography, and elastic indices (aortic strain and distensibility) were calculated. Pulse pressure was obtained by a sphygmomanometer. Blood samples were obtained to determine serum uric acid levels and other biochemical parameters. The results were compared with those of a control group consisting of 21 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers.

RESULTS
Compared to the control group, aortic strain and distensibility were significantly lower (p<0.001) and uric acid levels were significantly higher (p=0.044) in hypertensive patients. In multivariate regression analysis, aortic strain and distensibility showed independent relationships with uric acid levels (p=0.010 and p=0.009, respectively), age (p=0.001 and p<0.001), and left ventricular mass index (p=0.002 and p<0.001) in the patient group. Multivariate analysis according to gender showed that aortic strain and distensibility were in independent relationship with uric acid levels, age, and left ventricular mass index only in female patients.

CONCLUSION
These data support the view that increased uric acid levels may have a role in the pathogenesis of impaired elastic properties of the aorta especially in hypertensive women.