HIGH APOLIPOPROTEIN B IS ASSOCIATED WITH HYPERTENSION IN PATIENTS WITHOUT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Objective: Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a critical component in lipid metabolism, essential for the transport of lipoproteins. While its elevated levels have been linked to various cardiovascular diseases, the exact relationship between ApoB levels and hypertension remains unclear and requires further investigation. This study aims to investigate the potential association between ApoB concentrations and hypertension in individuals without a prior history of cardiovascular disease. Design and method: This prospective observational study included 502 patients without a history of cardiovascular disease who were admitted to the Emergency Clinical County Hospital in Targu Mures, Romania. The study population was divided into two groups based on their ApoB value: group 1—patients (n = 408) with ApoB < 130 mg/dL, and group 2—patients (n = 94) with ApoB >= 130 mg/dL. Data collection encompassed patient demographics, blood pressure measurements, newly diagnosed hypertension, lipid profile parameters, and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVAo). Results: Patients in group 2 were notably older compared to those in group 1 (60 ± 13 years vs. 51 ± 17 years; p < 0.0001). Additionally, significantly higher values of the systolic blood pressure (144 ± 19 mmHg versus 129 ± 20 mmHg; p < 0.0001) and diastolic blood pressure (86 ± 13 mmHg versus 83 ± 10 mmHg; p = 0.03) when compared to group 1. A higher incidence of newly diagnosed hypertension was observed among patients with ApoB levels >= 130 mg/dL (70.21% versus 37.5%; RR = 1.29; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, group 2 showed significantly higher total cholesterol (p < 0.0001), triglycerides (p < 0.0001), and LDL-cholesterol (p < 0.0001) levels compared to group 1. Elevated ApoB levels were also associated with significantly increased PWVAo values (11.16 ± 3.02 m/s vs. 9.03 ± 2.00 m/s; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Elevated Apolipoprotein B levels are strongly associated with hypertension and an increased cardiovascular risk profile, as evidenced by worse lipid parameters and higher PWVAo values. These findings underscore the importance of measuring ApoB levels for improved cardiovascular risk stratification in both primary and secondary prevention contexts.