Overview
Hypertension is associated with endothelial dysfunction, an early event in the development of cardiovascular disease. Endothelial extracellular vesicles (EEVs) have emerged as promising biomarkers of endothelial activation and vascular injury; however, their relationship with blood pressure and microvascular endothelial function in untreated hypertension remains insufficiently understood. This observational case-control study aims to compare circulating EEV concentrations between normotensive adults and adults with newly diagnosed, untreated primary hypertension. In addition, the study will investigate the associations between EEV levels, blood pressure, microvascular endothelial function assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry, and established circulating biomarkers of endothelial activation. The findings may improve understanding of the role of EEVs in early hypertension and support their potential use as non-invasive biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults aged 18 years or older.
- Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent.
- Normotensive individuals or individuals with newly diagnosed, previously untreated primary hypertension, classified according to the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) guidelines.
- Ability to comply with all study procedures.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Secondary hypertension.
- Previous treatment with antihypertensive medication.
- History of cardiovascular disease (except newly diagnosed primary hypertension in the hypertensive group).
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Chronic kidney disease.
- Cerebrovascular disease.
- Peripheral arterial disease.
- Acute or chronic inflammatory or infectious disease.
- Active malignancy.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Current use of oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, or medications known to affect endothelial function.
- Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent.
