Postprandial hypotension as a risk marker for asymptomatic lacunar infarction

Objective:Increasing blood pressure (BP) variability is reported to be a cardiovascular risk factor. However, the clinical implications of postprandial hypotension (PHYPO), a commonly observed BP variability in elderly persons, are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the possible associations between postprandial BP decline and asymptomatic cerebral damage in community residents. Methods:Study participants consisted of 1308 general community residents (65 ± 9 years old). Postprandial BP change was calculated from SBP measured just before and 30 min after lunch. PHYPO was defined as a decline in SBP of more than 20 mmHg. The presence of asymptomatic cerebrovascular damage was evaluated by brain MRI. Results:Prevalence of lacunar infarction was significantly higher in participants with PHYPO (P = 0.004). A postprandial decline in SBP was linearly increased with the number of lacunar lesions (none, n = 1200, −3.4± 11.3 mmHg; one lesion, n = 82, −5.2 ± 11.8; two lesions, n = 18, −6.9 ± 11.5; three lesions, n = 7, −13.4 ± 11.3; and four lesions, n = 1, −27; P = 0.012). Although participants with PHYPO were older (P 
Source: Journal of Hypertension - Category: Cardiology Tags: ORIGINAL PAPERS: Stroke Source Type: research