Clinical and psychological characteristics of patients with arterial hypertension, consuming an increased amount of salt

Objective: to Study the potential development of links between the formation of neurotic disorders personality and high salt intake (S) with food in patients with arterial hypertension (AH).Materials and methods: the study involved 229 patients with essential hypertension. We determined the threshold of taste sensitivity to salt (TTS), the daily excretion of sodium ions in urine, was assessed psychological status of the patients, the type of attitude to the disease (LOBI), the severity of depression (Beck questionnaire).Results. It turned out that people consume AH TTS is much more than a healthy person. Patients consuming an increased amount of S, the disease develops earlier and runs a more aggressive accompanied by the emergence of a large number of neurotic complaints and cardiovascular nature. Their psychological status is dominated by anxiety and tension. Almost half of these patients have depression. Harmonious type of attitude to the disease occurs in them only in 1/3 of the cases, whereas a dominant role is played by neurotic and anxious types.Conclusions: Patients with hypertension high consumption of S represent a distinct group of patients in whom an increased intake of salt simulates the course of their illness and promotes the development of certain psychological characteristics

Left ventricular remodelling in patients with arterial hypertension and excess salt consumption

Aim. To study left ventricular (LV) remodelling features in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) and excess salt consumption. Material and methods. In total, 440 patients with essential AH and no clinically manifested heart failure were examined: 230 with no AH complications and 210 with myocardial infarction (MI) 6 months ago or earlier. In all participants, assessment of salt taste sensitivity threshold (STST) and 24-hour sodium excretion with urine, echocardiography and 24-hour blood pressure (BP) monitoring were performed. Results. The majority of AH patients had excessive salt consumption. In AH individuals with high STST and salt consumption >16 g/d, a specific LV remodelling type was observed, characterised by increased end-diastolic volume and myocardial mass. Conclusion. The main cause of LV remodelling in AH patients could be volume overload, due to excess salt consumption

Comparative analysis of arteriolar Doppler ultrasound parameters in hypertensive patients with or without Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Aim. Using the Doppler ultrasound method, to describe functional status of arterioles in patients with essential arterial hypertension (AH) and individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM-2) and concomitant AH. Material and methods. The study included 90 AH patients and 83 patients with DM-2 and AH. Systolic (Vs, cm/s), diastolic (Vd, cm/s), and mean (Vm, cm/s) arteriolar blood flow velocity was measured using the Miniplex Doppler device. The subsequent spontaneous changes in blood flow velocity were registered for one minute and presented as percentages. Results. The maximal blood flow velocity was observed in AH patients, followed by healthy controls and patients with DM-2 and AH. The Vs variation was the largest in healthy people, smaller in AH patients, and the smallest in participants with AH and DM-2. The maximal Vd variation was observed in AH patients, followed by patients with AH and DM-2 and healthy controls. Conclusion. The assessment of arteriolar blood flow velocity provides information about arteriolar tonus and its dynamics over time

Clinical and functional manifestations of hypervolemia in patients with arterial hypertension

Aim. To identify clinical and functional manifestations of hypervolemia in patients with arterial hypertension (AH). Material and methods. In total, 440 patients with Stage I-II AH were examined, including assessment of salt taste sensitivity threshold (STST), 24-hour urinary Na excretion, and NaCl excretion. In addition, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (BPM), echocardiography (EchoCG), and psychological status assessment (SMOL, MOS SF-36) were performed. Results. In 50,5% of AH patients, daily salt intake (assessed by 24-hour NaCl excretion) was ≥16,8 g, due to adding salt to food, as well as to reduced STST. Higher salt intake was associated with more advanced clinical and functional AH manifestations. Indirect markers of hypervolemia in AH patients included higher salt intake, low effectiveness of standard antihypertensive therapy (AHT), disturbed circadian BP rhythm with inadequate nighttime BP reduction, and EchoCG signs of left ventricular volume overload. Conclusion. Complex examination of AH patients helps to identify individuals with clinical and functional manifestations of hypervolemia