Hypertension and Size of Aortic Root – Cause-and-Effect Relationship

Background and Objectives: Hypertension and aortic root diameter have been the subject of recent studies. Dilation of the diameter of the aortic root been noted in individuals with Hypertension. A larger aortic root is also recognized as a marker of CVD Incident. A parallel set of cross-sectional studies has repeatedly demonstrated an inverse association between aortic root diameter and Hypertension. Our study try to look at this specific point. Material and Methods: This study was done in patients attending Outdoor Clinic in Dayanand Medical College and Hospital- Unit Hero DMC Heart Institute. 105 patients in Normotensive and 94 patients in the Hypertensive group were enrolled. Study comprised of Normotensive (n=105) and hypertensive (n=94) group. Results: Aorta size was significantly different in both the group. Aorta at annulus was 27.71±3.28 m.m. in Normotensive individual as compared to 31.36±3.39 m.m. in hypertensive individual. Similarly, Aorta at Sinus was 38.68±5.25 and 41.62±6.08 m.m. in both groups. Aorta at Sinotubular junction was 32.31±7.17 m.m. as compared to 36.25±4.88 m.m. Conclusion: Hypertension is associated with a significant but small increase in aortic root size, most notably at the proximal ascending aorta.