Internal Medicine: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Predictive Value of Circulating Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-1 in Arterial Hypertension Patients

Berezin AE and Lisovaya OA

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the predictive value of serial measurements of circulating vascular endothelial growth factor-1 level in hypertensive patients after ischemic stroke.
Methods: 102 patients with mild to moderate arterial hypertension within 3 weeks after ischemic stroke were included in the study. Patients were followed-up for 12 months with 3 month intervals. The circulating of VEGF-1 level was assessed at baseline. Clinical interviews were conducted every 3 months for 1 year after receiving blood samples. As a clinical point we determined following cardiovascular outcomes: recurrent stroke or TIA, ischemic heart disease, sudden death, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular events, including chronic heart failure and the need for hospitalization for these reasons.
Results: Analysis of obtained outcomes showed that increased VEGF-1 concentration within six months after ischemic stroke has positively associated with incidence of cardiovascular events, when compared with individuals without increased circulating levels of VEGF-1. Adjusted odds ratio for the occurrence of cumulative cardiovascular events in hypertension patients with VEGF-1 concentration at baseline above 403.57 pg/ml was 4.11 (95% CI=2.66- 7.28; P=0.001), when compared with lower concentration of VEGF-1.
Conclusion: In conclusion, we found that incremented circulating vascular endothelial growth factor-1 level was an independent predictor of 1 year cumulative cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients after ischemic stroke.