Objective To investigate the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and pulse pressure (PP), and evaluate the role of tumor necrosis factor -α(TNF-α) in hypertensive patients. MethodsOne hundred and twenty six essential hypertensive patients were divided into 3 groups according to PP magnitude (group A≤60 mm Hg, group B 61-89 mm Hg, group C≥90 mm Hg). IMT and carotid plaque incidence were assessed by high frequency ultrasonography, and the level of plasma TNF-α was determined by radio-immunity assay.ResultsIMT, incidence rate of carotid plaque and plasma TNF-α were increased in the order of group C>group B>group A (P<0.05). IMT was positively related to PP (r=0.749, P<0.01). The level of plasma TNF-α was correlated positively with IMT and PP, respectively (r=0.497, 0.412, P<0.05).ConclusionPP seems to be a risk factor for assessing subclinical atherosclerosis in hypertensive patients. TNF-α may be involved in the inflammation process of atherosclerotic changes in hypertension.
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