Parental History of Hypertension: A Risk for Autonomic Dysfunction and Metabolic and Vascular Derangement in Normotensive Male Offspring.

BACKGROUND: Children of hypertensive parents have an increased propensity of developing hypertension, at an age very much prior to their parents. Understanding the pathophysiology of hypertension in such young individuals, especially baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), is necessary. Reduced heart rate variability (HRV), insulin resistance (IR), dyslipidemia, and decreased vasodilatory adipokines, namely, apelin and relaxin, in normotensives may predispose to the onset of hypertension. Thus, this study compared autonomic functions, vascular markers, and metabolic profiles between normotensive male offspring with and without parental hypertension. METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study comprised 40 male normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents, aged 18-35 years, recruited as the study group and 40 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched normotensive male offspring with non-hypertensive parents enrolled as controls. Cardiovascular autonomic functions, including BRS, HRV, diastolic blood pressure response to isometric handgrip test (ΔDBPIHG), Valsalva ratio, and metabolic and vascular markers, were assessed. RESULTS: The study group exhibited reduced BRS, HRV, and Valsalva ratio and higher ΔDBPIHG compared to controls, indicating impaired autonomic functions. The study group had higher IR and triglyceride levels and reduced apelin and relaxin levels. BRS showed significant correlations with HRV, Valsalva ratio, ΔDBPIHG, and metabolic and vascular markers. CONCLUSIONS: Normotensive male offspring of hypertensive parents exhibit impaired autonomic functions, as evidenced by reduced BRS, HRV, and Valsalva ratio. Additionally, they have higher IR, dyslipidemia, and decreased levels of vasodilatory adipokines, indicating an increased risk for future hypertension development. These findings signify that early identification of hypertensive potential in this high-risk population is warranted, which would enable taking necessary preventive measures.

Metabolic Syndrome in Post-Pulmonary Tuberculosis-Associated Obstructive Airway Disease: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study.

Background The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in tuberculosis-associated obstructive airway disease (TOPD) patients, as well as the association of its components with the severity of airflow obstruction. Methodology In this cross-sectional analytical study, we evaluated the clinical profile, spirometry, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose, and the association of each component with the severity of airflow obstruction. Results The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in TOPD was found to be was 25.77% (95% confidence interval = 18.11-35.28) among study participants. Reduced high-density lipoprotein was the deranged component and was associated with increased severity in Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage II compared to GOLD stage IV. Conclusions The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in TOPD has a severe impact on patients' treatment, outcomes, and complications. However, in our study, tuberculosis-associated metabolic syndrome was the same as the general population. Low high-density lipoprotein levels were associated with the severity of the airflow obstruction.