Abstract P519: Arterial Stiffness is Associated With Lower Performance on the Cognitive Tests at Different Domains in Hypertensive Patients

Background: Cognitive impairment and elevated arterial stiffness are described in patients with arterial hypertension(AH), but its correlations are not well studied. Objectives: To study the cognitive function at different domains and arterial properties in patients with AH stage 1 to 3 compared to normotensives and to evaluate the correlations between these variables. Methods: We evaluated 221 subjects, 71 normotensives (52±14yrs,47%male,65%white) and 150 patients with stage 1-3 AH (52±12yrs,45%male,70%white) under treatment. The global cognitive function was assessed by Mini Mental State Examination(MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA). There was done a validated comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests(NPE) assessed the following main cognitive areas: memory, language, visuospatial ability, executive function, attention. Pulse wave velocity(PWV) was measured by Complior® device. Carotid properties were assessed by radiofrequency ultrasound(WTS®). Central arterial pressure and augmentation index (AIx) were obtained using applanation tonometry(Sphygmocor®). Results: Mean BP of the normotensive group (122.1±8/76.7±7mmHg) was significantly lower than hypertensive patients (135.2±13/83.3±10 and 149.9±29/91.5±16mmHg). Severe HTN group had worse performance in cognitive evaluation either by MMSE (26.8±2.1 vs 27.4±2.1 vs. 28.0±2.0, p=0.004) or MoCA test (23.4±3.7 vs. 24.9±2.8 vs. 25.5±3.2, p Conclusions: Cognitive impairment at different domains was more frequent in patients with different stages of AH. Arterial functional and structural properties were diversely associated with cognitive performance at different domains