In this presentation Dr. Chrysohoou discusses the findings from the ATTICA Study showing the relationship between various inflammatory markers and pre-hypertension status in cardiovascular disease-free adults.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for several cardiovascular diseases including coronary heart disease. Inflammation has been implicated in all stages of the atherosclerotic process (1), and several cardiovascular risk factors have been recognised to promote a pro-inflammatory state. Among these, arterial hypertension has been associated with circulating inflammatory markers independently of other risk factors, promoting the idea that hypertension may be a pro-inflammatory condition (2). Dr. Chrysohoou talks about the current burden of hypertension in the Western world and undertreatment of the condition.

The ATTICA study investigated whether pre-hypertension status is associated with inflammatory markers, in a random sample of cardiovascular disease-free adults living in Greece. The study was designed with 2 phases: a cross-sectional survey and a prospective study. The population consisted of 3040 individuals from the greater Athens area, and enrolment took place between 2001-2002. Numerous variables were measured relating to demographic, clinical, biochemical, dietary, lifestyle and genetic information.

Published data from this study indicate an increase in circulating inflammatory markers such as hs-CRP, TNF-a, amyloid-A and others, in pre-hypertensives compared to normotensives (3). Dr. Chrysohoou discusses these data and ends with some thoughts on how inflammation can be reduced through pharmacotherapy in at-risk individuals.

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After viewing this presentation the participant will be able to discuss:

- Evidence linking hypertension and inflammation
- Data from the ATTICA study showing the relationship between pre-hypertension status and circulating inflammatory markers

1. Peter Libby.Inflammation in atherosclerosisNature 420, 868-874 (19 December 2002).

2. Schillaci, Giuseppe; Pirro, Matteo; Gemelli, Fabio; Pasqualini, Leonella; Vaudo, Gaetano; Marchesi, Simona; Siepi, Donatella; Bagaglia, Francesco; Mannarino, Elmo. Increased C-reactive protein concentrations in never-treated hypertension: the role of systolic and pulse pressures. Journal of Hypertension. 21(10):1841-1846, October 2003.

3. Chrysohoou C, Pitsavos C, Panagiotakos DB, Skoumas J, Stefanadis C.Association between prehypertension status and inflammatory markers related to atherosclerotic disease: The ATTICA Study American Journal of Hypertension. Volume 17, Issue 7 , July 2004, Pages 568-573.