Effect of smoking cessation on the parameters of microcirculation in arterial hypertension

Abstract

Aim. To identify changes of microcirculatory parameters in former hypertensive smokers.

Methods. Videobiomicroscopy was used to study the microcirculation of bulbar conjunctiva in 94 patients suffering from arterial hypertension. The results of former smokers (n=21, average age 41.6±2.5 years) were compared to those of smokers (n=32, average age 36.8±2.2 years) and non-smokers (n=41, average age 40.5±2.3 years).

Results. The average diameter of arterioles, the arteriolar-to-venular ratio and the average diameter of the capillaries were minimal in the group of smokers with hypertension. In former smokers, these indicators increased significantly (p1 <0.0001 for arterioles and arteriolar-to-venular ratio, p1=0.0007 for capillaries) and did not differ from the parameters of those who never smoked (p2=0.8613 for arterioles, p2=0.6817 for arteriolar-to-venular ratio, p2=0.9626 for capillaries). The minimum number of capillaries per 1 mm2 of the conjunctival surface was found in smokers; in former smokers this indicator was significantly higher (p1 <0.0001) and did not differ from non-smokers (p2=0.4301).

Conclusion. The identified positive signs of smoking cessation at the level of microcirculation in the form of an increased average diameter of arterioles and capillaries, increased arteriolar-to-venular ratio and regression of capillary depletion in arterial hypertension allow recommending smoking cessation as an effective therapeutic measure for high blood pressure and endothelium dysfunction caused by smoking.

Keywords

arterial hypertension / smoking / smoking cessation / microcirculation

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Korneeva N.V.