Marked intrafamilial aggregation and heritability of aortic flow in a community with prevalent volume-dependent hypertension in Africa

Aims: Although peak aortic flow (Q) is now recognized as a major determinant of hypertension in Africa, current therapy has no proven ability to target this change. The mechanisms of this effect, therefore, require elucidation. We compared the intrafamilial aggregation and heritability of Q to that of the vascular determinants of pulse pressure (PP) and SBP in Africa. Methods: The intrafamilial aggregation and heritability of Q and aortic characteristic impedance (Zc) or total arterial compliance (TAC) was determined in 669 participants of 194 families (69 father–mother, 385 parent–child, 157 sibling–sibling pairs) in a community in Africa with prevalent flow-dependent primary hypertension. Haemodynamics were determined from velocity and diameter measurements in the outflow tract (echocardiography) and central arterial pressures. Results: No mother–father correlations were noted for either Q or Zc. However, with adjustments for confounders, parent–child (P 
Source: Journal of Hypertension - Category: Cardiology Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLES Source Type: research