Normotensive offspring of hypertensive Nigerians have increased Left ventricular mass and abnormal geometric patterns

BACKGROUND Reports have shown that normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents (OHP) are at increased risk of developing systemic hypertension (SH) and adverse cardiovascular events later in life. The pathological antecedents of this are thought to be alterations in the structure and function of left ventricle. Therefore, the present study aimed at determining left ventricular mass and geometry in OHP and compared with offspring without parental hypertension. METHODS Sixty-five OHP aged 15-25 years with 65-age and sex-matched offspring of normotensive parents (ONP) were studied for early makers of hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Those with heart murmurs, structural heart diseases and blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg were excluded. Electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiogram were done in standard positions. RESULTS Mean left ventricular posterior wall thickness, left ventricular mass, left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT) were significantly higher in the subjects than controls (p=0.001, 0.046, 0.03 and 0.004 respectively). LVMI correlated positively with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference (WC), ECG voltage, and posterior wall diastolic dimension. Waist circumference was an independent predictor of LVMI in OHP. CONCLUSION We concluded that normotensive OHP have alterations in left ventricular mass and structure; and should be considered as a special group that needs early dietary and lifestyle adjustments to prevent future cardiovascular events.