Relationship Of The Carotid Intima-Media Thickness With Brachial Artery Endothelial Function And C-Reactive Protein In Patients With Essential Hypertension

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of the carotid Intima-Media Thickness with Brachial Artery Endothelial Function and C-reactive protein in patients with Essential Hypertension.Methods: 85 patients with hypertension were selected, including 45 males and 40 females, [mean age(62.8 ±6.2)years], 45 Normal Examinations was selected as contrast, including 25 males and 22 females,[mean age(61.4 ±6.3 )years] .C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined with immunology method. B-mode ultrasound was used to scan carotid, brachial arteries of all cases and contrasts in order to check and measure intima-media thickness(IMT), plaques of carotid arteries and diameter of brachial arteries at rest and during reactive hyperemia. The relation between results measured with ultrasound instrument and concentration of CRP was analyzed .Results: The concentrations of CRP and IMT were higher in Essential Hypertension groups than those in contrast groups (p≤0.01). Positive correlation was found between concentrations of CRP and IMT .FMD was lower in Essential Hypertension groups than those in contrast groups (p≤0.05). Negative correlation was found between Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD,%) and CRP.Conclusions: The increased concentrations of serum CRP were closely correlated with decreased endothelial function of brachial arteries and increased carotid intima-media thickness in patients with essential hypertension. CRP, the same as TC,TG, IMT, was relation with the degree of atherosclerosis. Inflammation probably participate in the course of essential hypertension. It can prevent the development of atherosclerosis to reduce the concentrations of serum CRP and restrain inflammation.