Relationship between systolic blood pressure and decision-making during emotional processing

Objective: Emotional states are expressed in body and mind through subjective experience of physiological changes. In previous work, subliminal priming of anger prior to lexical decisions increased systolic blood pressure (SBP). This increase predicted the slowing of response times (RT), suggesting that baroreflex-related autonomic changes and their interoceptive (feedback) representations, influence cognition. Alexithymia is a subclinical affective dysfunction characterized by difficulty in identifying emotions. Atypical autonomic and interoceptive profiles are observed in alexithymia. Therefore, we sought to identify mechanisms through which SBP fluctuations during emotional processing might influence decision-making, including whether alexithymia contributes to this relationship. Methods Thirty-two male participants performed an affect priming paradigm and completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Emotional faces were briefly presented (20ms) prior a short-term memory task. RT, accuracy and SBP were recorded on a trial-by-trial basis. Generalized mixed-effects linear models were used to evaluate the impact of emotion, physiological changes, alexithymia score, and their interactions, on performances. Results A main effect of emotion was observed on accuracy. Participants were more accurate on trials with anger primes, compared to neutral priming. Greater accuracy was related to increased SBP. An interaction between SBP and emotion was observed on RT: Increased SBP was associated with RT prolongation in the anger priming condition, yet this relationship was absent under the sadness priming. Alexithymia did not significantly moderate the above relationships. Conclusions Our data suggest that peripheral autonomic responses during affective challenges guide cognitive processes. We discuss our findings in the theoretical framework proposed by Lacey and Lacey (1970).

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Abstract 17973: Biomass Fuel Use is Associated With Elevated Blood Pressure and Hypertension Status in Puno, Peru

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.130.suppl_2.17973 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽

Author(s):

Melissa S Burroughs Pena ◽

Karina Romero ◽

Antonio Bernabe Ortiz ◽

Eric J Velazquez ◽

J. Jaime Miranda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Air Pollution ◽

Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Self Report ◽

Biomass Fuel ◽

Household Air Pollution ◽

Biomass Fuels ◽

Fuel Use ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

Background: Household air pollution from biomass fuel use affects 3 billion people worldwide. There are few studies that examine the relationship between biomass fuel use and blood pressure. We sought to determine if daily biomass fuel use was associated with higher blood pressure and increased hypertension in Peru. Methods: We analyzed baseline information from an age- and sex-matched, population-based study in Puno, Peru. Daily biomass fuel use was self-reported. Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg; or self-report of diagnosis and anti-hypertensive medications. We used linear and logistic multivariable regressions, adjusting for age, sex, daily cigarette use and body mass index, to examine the relationship between daily biomass fuel use with blood pressure and hypertension, respectively. Results: Data from 1004 individuals (mean age 55.3 years, 51.7% female) were included. There was evidence of an association between daily biomass fuel use and hypertension (adjusted OR = 2.1, 95%CI 1.2 to 3.5). Subjects who reported daily use of biomass fuels had 6.0 mmHg (95% CI 4.1 to 8.0) higher SBP and 4.8 mmHg (95%CI 3.5 to 6.0) higher DBP compared to those who did not use biomass fuels daily. In a secondary analysis, we used rural residence (vs. urban) as a proxy of biomass daily use and the relationship with hypertension and systolic blood pressure was similar: a higher odds of hypertension (adjusted OR = 2.1, 95%CI 1.3 to 3.6), and higher SBP (6.7mmHg, 95% CI 4.8 to 8.6) and DBP (5.5 mmHg, 95% CI 4.3 to 6.8) in rural vs. urban participants. Conclusion: Biomass fuel use is associated with increased odds of hypertension and higher blood pressure in Puno, Peru. Reducing exposure to air pollution from biomass fuel use represents a potential opportunity for cardiovascular prevention in rural communities worldwide. Longitudinal studies to evaluate the impact of reducing household air pollution are needed.

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Extended Renal Artery Denervation Is Associated with Artery Wall Lesions and Acute Systemic and Pulmonary Hemodynamic Changes: A Sham-Controlled Experimental Study

Cardiovascular Therapeutics ◽

10.1155/2020/8859663 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Aleksandr D. Vakhrushev ◽

Heber Ivan Condori Leandro ◽

Natalia S. Goncharova ◽

Lev E. Korobchenko ◽

Lubov B. Mitrofanova ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Renal Artery ◽

Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Renal Arteries ◽

Artery Wall ◽

Pulmonary Hemodynamics ◽

Pulmonary Hemodynamic ◽

Renal Artery Denervation ◽

The Impact ◽

Wall Lesions

Objectives. We sought to assess acute changes in systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics and microscopic artery lesions following extended renal artery denervation (RDN). Background. RDN has been proposed to reduce sympathetic nervous system hyperactivation. Although the effects of RDN on systemic circulation and overall sympathetic activity have been studied, data on the impact of RDN on pulmonary hemodynamics is lacking. Methods. The study comprised 13 normotensive Landrace pigs. After randomization, 7 animals were allocated to the group of bilateral RDN and 6 animals to the group of a sham procedure (SHAM). Hemodynamic measures, cannulation, and balloon-based occlusion of the renal arteries were performed in both groups. In the RDN group, radiofrequency ablation was performed in all available arteries and their segments. An autopsy study of the renal arteries was carried out in both groups. Results. The analysis was performed on 12 pigs (6 in either group) since pulmonary thromboembolism occurred in one case. A statistically significant drop in the mean diastolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) was detected in the RDN group when compared with the SHAM group (change by 13.0 ± 4.4 and 10.0 ± 3.0 mmHg , correspondingly; P = 0.04 ). In 5 out of 6 pigs in the RDN group, a significant decrease in systemic systolic blood pressure was found, when compared with baseline ( 98.8 ± 17.8 vs. 90.2 ± 12.6 mmHg , P = 0.04 ), and a lower mean pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) ( 291.0 ± 77.4 vs. 228.5 ± 63.8 dyn ∗ sec ∗ c m − 5 , P = 0.03 ) after ablation was found. Artery dissections were found in both groups, with prevalence in animals after RDN. Conclusions. Extensive RDN leads to a rapid and significant decrease in PAP. In the majority of cases, RDN is associated with an acute lowering of systolic blood pressure and PVR. Extended RDN is associated with artery wall lesions and thrombus formation underdiagnosed by angiography.

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P1691Impact of dose and duration of dietary salt reduction on blood pressure levels: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz748.0446 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

L Huang ◽

K Trieu ◽

S Yoshimura ◽

M Woodward ◽

N Campbell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Diastolic Blood Pressure ◽

Sodium Excretion ◽

Salt Intake ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Dietary Salt ◽

Baseline Blood Pressure ◽

Salt Reduction ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Authoritative medical and public health agencies in most countries advise to reduce population dietary salt intake to under 5–6 g/day as a strategy for preventing high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. However, there is still dispute about whether salt reduction should be adopted by all populations. In addition, the effect of duration of dietary salt reduction has not been sufficiently investigated. Purpose To understand the effect of dietary salt reduction on blood pressure and the impact of intervention duration. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. Randomized controlled trials that allocated participants to low and high salt intake, without confounding from unequal concomitant interventions, were included. We excluded studies done in individuals younger than 18 years, pregnant women, individuals with renal disease or heart failure, and studies with sodium excretion estimated from spot urine. Random effect meta-analysis was used to generate pooled estimates of the effect on 24-hour urinary sodium excretion, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Multivariate meta-regression was used to quantify the dose response effect of dietary salt on blood pressure change and to understand the impact of the intervention duration. Results 125 studies were included with 162 data points extracted. Ninety-nine data points (61%) had interventions under 4 weeks. Overall, 24-hour urinary sodium excretion changed by −141 mmol (95% CI: −156; −126), systolic blood pressure changed by −4.4 mm Hg (95% CI: −5.2; −3.7) and diastolic blood pressure changed by −2.4 mm Hg (95% CI: −2.9; −1.9). Sodium reduction resulted in a significant decrease of systolic blood pressure in all subgroups except in participants with low baseline sodium intake (<109 mmol) (Figure 1). Each 100 mmol reduction of sodium was associated with 2.7 mm Hg (95% CI: 1.0; 4.4; p=0.002) reduction of systolic blood pressure and 1.2 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.0; 2.4; p=0.046) reduction of diastolic blood pressure after adjusting for intervention duration, age, sex, race, baseline blood pressure, baseline sodium intake and interaction between age and baseline blood pressure. For the same amount of salt reduction, a 10 mm Hg higher baseline systolic blood pressure would result in 2.5 mm Hg greater reduction of systolic blood pressure. There is not enough evidence to show the impact of intervention duration. Figure 1 Conclusions Our meta-analysis showed that sodium reduction could reduce blood pressure in all adult populations regardless of age, sex and race. The effect of salt reduction on systolic blood pressure increases with higher baseline blood pressure. Further studies, designed to investigate the impact of intervention duration, are needed to understand the significance of the duration. Acknowledgement/Funding None

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High-sodium intake prevents pregnancy-induced decrease of blood pressure in the rat

AJP Heart and Circulatory Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpheart.01132.2002 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 285 (1) ◽

pp. H375-H383 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

Annie Beauséjour ◽

Karine Auger ◽

Jean St-Louis ◽

Michèle Brochu

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Sodium Intake ◽

Plasma Sodium ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Sprague Dawley ◽

Pregnant Rats ◽

High Sodium ◽

High Sodium Intake ◽

The Impact

Despite an increase of circulatory volume and of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activity, pregnancy is paradoxically accompanied by a decrease in blood pressure. We have reported that the decrease in blood pressure was maintained in pregnant rats despite overactivation of RAAS following reduction in sodium intake. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the opposite condition, e.g., decreased activation of RAAS during pregnancy in the rat. To do so, 0.9% or 1.8% NaCl in drinking water was given to nonpregnant and pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats for 7 days (last week of gestation). Increased sodium intakes (between 10- and 20-fold) produced reduction of plasma renin activity and aldosterone in both nonpregnant and pregnant rats. Systolic blood pressure was not affected in nonpregnant rats. However, in pregnant rats, 0.9% sodium supplement prevented the decreased blood pressure. Moreover, an increase of systolic blood pressure was obtained in pregnant rats receiving 1.8% NaCl. The 0.9% sodium supplement did not affect plasma and fetal parameters. However, 1.8% NaCl supplement has larger effects during gestation as shown by increased plasma sodium concentration, hematocrit level, negative water balance, proteinuria, and intrauterine growth restriction. With both sodium supplements, decreased AT1 mRNA levels in the kidney and in the placenta were observed. Our results showed that a high-sodium intake prevents the pregnancy-induced decrease of blood pressure in rats. Nonpregnant rats were able to maintain homeostasis but not the pregnant ones in response to sodium load. Furthermore, pregnant rats on a high-sodium intake (1.8% NaCl) showed some physiological responses that resemble manifestations observed in preeclampsia.

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The Impact of Preoperative Fasting Duration on Blood Glucose and Hemodynamics in Children

Journal of Diabetes Research ◽

10.1155/2020/6725152 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Pouran Hajian ◽

Minoo Shabani ◽

Elham Khanlarzadeh ◽

Mahshid Nikooseresht

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Blood Glucose ◽

Blood Glucose Level ◽

Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Glucose Level ◽

Anesthesia Induction ◽

Preoperative Fasting ◽

Mean Blood Glucose ◽

Fasting Duration ◽

The Impact

Background. Prolonged preoperative fasting is one of the concerns of pediatricians and anesthesiologists in pediatric surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of preoperative fasting duration on blood glucose and hemodynamics in children. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 children who were between the ages of 3 and 12 years in Besat Hospital, Hamedan, Iran. The time of the last solid and liquid meal taken by child were recorded based on interview with the parents. The first blood glucose test was obtained in the operation room, and the second test was performed 20 minutes after induction of anesthesia by glucometer. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded before anesthesia induction and in five-minute intervals in the first 20 minutes of surgery. Results. The mean age of the children was 6.63 (SD 1.85) years. Mean blood glucose 20 minutes after surgery was 101.17 (SD 92) mg/dl, which was significantly higher than the baseline values (87.66 (SD 11.84) mg/dl) (P<0.001). The comparison of mean blood glucose level between groups of fasting with different duration for solids (<12 hours and >12 hours) and for liquids (<6 hours and >6 hours) revealed no significant difference in either groups (P>0.05). No significant correlation was observed between blood glucose level at the induction of anesthesia with weight and age (P>0.05). There was a significantly negative correlation between duration of fasting for liquids and SBP (P>0.05). Conclusion. Prolonged preoperative fasting cannot affect blood glucose in children; however, maybe it has impact on systolic blood pressure.

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P6278Ageing is associated with increased endothelial sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 expression at arterial sites at risk promoting enhanced anthocyanin accumulation and improved vascular oxidative stress

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz746.0877 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

A B Chaker ◽

P Algara-Suarez ◽

L Remila ◽

C Bruckert ◽

S H Park ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

At Risk ◽

Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Aortic Arch ◽

Anthocyanin Accumulation ◽

Young Rats ◽

Old Rats ◽

The Impact ◽

Vascular Oxidative Stress

Abstract Introduction Ageing is characterized by endothelial dysfunction and vascular oxidative stress affecting initially arterial sites at risk. Anthocyanin-rich products are potent stimulators of the endothelial formation of nitric oxide. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 1 (SGLT1) expression has been shown to be increased by oxidative stress and mediate anthocyanin uptake in endothelial cells. Purpose The study determined whether ageing is associated with an upregulation of SGLT1 in arterio-susceptible (aortic arch) and resistant (aorta) sites, and evaluated the vascular SGLT1-mediated anthocyanin uptake. In addition, the impact of a 2-week ingestion of an anthocyanin-rich blackcurrant concentrate (ARBC) by old rats on vascular anthocyanin uptake and oxidative stress, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) was assessed. Methods Male Wistar rats (22-month old) were either untreated or treated with ARBC (60 and 120 mg/kg/day) in the drinking water for 2 weeks. SGLT1 expression was assessed by immunofluorescence, anthocyanin accumulation by Neu A reagent using a purified extract (BCE) prepared from ARBC, oxidative stress by dihydroethidium using confocal microscopy, and SBP by tail-cuff sphingomanometry. Results SGLT1 immunofluorescence was observed predominantly in the endothelium and was higher in the aortic arch than the aorta in old rats whereas only low levels were observed in young rats (12-week old). Exposure of vascular sections to BCE resulted in anthocyanin uptake exclusively in the endothelium, which was higher in the aortic arch than the aorta, and more pronounced in old than young rats. Anthocyanin uptake induced by BCE in the aorta was markedly reduced by LX4211 (a SGLT1/2 inhibitor) both in old and young rats. A high level of oxidative stress was observed throughout the aortic wall of old compared to young rats, which was inhibited by LX4211. Ingestion of ARBC by old rats resulted in a dose-dependent accumulation of anthocyanins throughout the aorta wall and the aortic arch. The tissue accumulation of anthocyanins was associated with a reduced level of oxidative stress. Ageing was associated with increased SBP by about 8 mmHg, which was reduced by ARBC 60 and 120 mg/kg/day treatment by about 5 and 7 mmHg, respectively. Conclusion The present findings indicate that ageing is associated with an upregulation of SGLT1 predominantly in the endothelium and that this effect is more pronounced at the aortic arch than the aorta. The increased endothelial expression level of SGLT1 promoted a greater accumulation of anthocyanins sensitive to LX4211. In addition, a 2-week ingestion of ARBC by old rats resulted in the accumulation of anthocyanins throughout the arterial wall of the aortic arch and aorta, and resulted in a reduced level of oxidative stress and systolic blood pressure. Thus, SGLT1 may be an attractive target to restore vascular protection at arterial sites at risk by promoting endothelial and vascular uptake of anthocyanins.

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Managing hypertension in 2018: which guideline to follow?

Heart Asia ◽

10.1136/heartasia-2018-011127 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. e011127 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Fabio Angeli ◽

Gianpaolo Reboldi ◽

Monica Trapasso ◽

Adolfo Aita ◽

Paolo Verdecchia

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Low Income ◽

Asian Population ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Asian Countries ◽

Western Countries ◽

Asian Populations ◽

The Impact

Hypertension is a global public health issue and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Its prevalence is increasing in many Asian countries, with a number of countries with blood pressure above the global average. Although the average systolic blood pressure is decreasing worldwide since the 1980s at the rate of about 1 mm Hg systolic blood pressure per decade, it is increasing in low-income and middle-income countries, especially in the East and South Asian population. Of note, the much larger base Asian population results in a considerably larger absolute number of individuals affected. When compared with Western countries, hypertension among Asian populations has unique features in terms of its onset, clustering of associated cardiovascular risk factors, complications and outcomes. Moreover, only a minority of hypertensive individuals are receiving treatment and achieving control. Projected number of deaths related to hypertension dramatically increased in the last 25 years in some Asian regions with a disproportionately high mortality and morbidity from stroke compared with Western countries. The relation between blood pressure and the risk of stroke is stronger in Asia than in Western regions. Although new Guidelines for hypertension diagnosis and management have been recently released from Europe and North America, the unique features of Asian hypertensive patients raise concerns on the clinical applicability of Western Guidelines to Asian populations. To this purpose, we critically reviewed key elements from the most updated Guidelines. We also discussed their core concepts to verify the impact on hypertension prevention and management in Asian countries.

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Impact of Elevated Systolic Blood Pressure Levels on Mortality and Life Expectancy in Southeast Chinese Residents

Iranian Journal of Public Health ◽

10.18502/ijph.v50i10.7499 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Wei Feng ◽

Wei Ji ◽

Yong Wang ◽

Qinghai Gong ◽

Sixuan Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Chronic Disease ◽

Life Expectancy ◽

Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Disease Surveillance ◽

Population Attributable Fraction ◽

Rural Regions ◽

Urban Regions ◽

Elevated Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

The Impact

Background: We aimed to analyse the impact of elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels on mortality and life expectancy among ≥25 yr adults in the municipality of Ningbo, China. Methods: The death cause data were collected from the Internet-based Comprehensive Chronic Disease Surveillance System in Zhejiang Province in 2015, and SBP level data were obtained from the Ningbo Adult Chronic Disease Surveillance survey. According to the comparative risk assessment theory, the population attributable fraction (PAF) of elevated SBP levels by gender and urban-rural regions has been calculated. The deaths and life expectancy loss due to elevated SBP levels were estimated. Results: In 2015, the average SBP level among ≥25 yr adults in Ningbo was 129.01 ± 17.73 mmHg, which was higher in men (131.67 ± 16.89 mmHg) than in women (126.24 ± 18.15 mmHg) and was higher among adults in rural regions (130.55 ± 18.75 mmHg) than among adults in urban regions (127.15 ± 16.19 mmHg). A total of 6181 deaths were attributed to elevated SBP levels among adults in Ningbo. The PAF of deaths caused by elevated SBP levels among adults was 16.14%, which was higher in women (18.73%) than in men (14.31%). The overall loss of life expectancy caused by elevated SBP levels among adults was 1.76 yr, which was higher in women (1.99 yr) than in men (1.53 yr) and was higher in rural regions (1.91 yr) than in urban regions (1.49 yr). Conclusion: Elevated SBP levels had a serious impact on the death and life expectancy loss of residents in Ningbo.

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Climate change causes changes in biochemical markers of renal disease

10.21203/rs.3.rs-30691/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Richard Kobina Dadzie Ephraim ◽

Christopher Amey Asamoah ◽

ALBERT ABAKA-YAWSON ◽

Precious Kwablah Kwadzokpui ◽

Samuel Adusei

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Renal Disease ◽

Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Rainy Season ◽

Biochemical Markers ◽

Climatic Changes ◽

Impact Of Climate Change ◽

Study Participants ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background: Climate change is a significant threat to the health of the Ghanaian people. Evidence abounds in Ghana that temperatures in all the ecological zones are rising, whereas rainfall levels have been generally reducing and patterns are increasingly becoming erratic. The study estimated the impact of climate change on biochemical markers of renal disease.Methods: This study recruited 50 conveniently sampled apparently health peasant farmers and hawkers at the market place at Wa in the Upper West Region of Ghana. A pre-study screening for hepatitis A and C, diabetes, hypertension, was done. Serum creatinine and urea levels were analyzed to rule out kidney defects. Baseline data was collected by means of analysing blood samples for renal function (i.e. urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, eGFR) as well as for hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) concentrations. Anthropometric data such as height, weight and blood pressure were measured. The study participants were closely followed and alerted deep in the dry season for the second data collection as the baseline.Results: This study recruited more males (58.82%) than females (41.15%) , majority (52.92%) of which were aged 25-29 years with the youngest being 22 years and the elders being 35 years. The study found body mass index (p<0.001), systolic blood pressure (p=0.019), creatinine (p<0.001), urea (p=0.013) and eGFR (p<0.001) to be significantly influenced by climate change. Stage 1 hypertension was predominant among the study participants during the dry season, 8 (15.69%) than was observed during the rainy season, 4 (7.84%) nonetheless the number of participants with normal BMI rose from 49.02% in the rainy season to 62.75% during the dry reason. Additionally, the study observed that the impact of climate change on systolic blood pressure and urea varied based on age and sex. Conclusion: This study revealed that climatic changes cause variations in various biochemical parameters which could lead to renal disease. Public health education on climatic changes and its implication including precautionary measures should be done among inhabitants of Wa and its environs to reduce its effect. Additionally, appropriate dietary patterns should also be advised to avoid the development of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and obesity that are known principal causes of CKD.

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Climate change causes changes in biochemical markers of kidney disease

BMC Nephrology ◽

10.1186/s12882-020-02186-w ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Richard Kobina Dadzie Ephraim ◽

Christopher Amey Asamoah ◽

Albert Abaka-Yawson ◽

Precious Kwablah Kwadzokpui ◽

Samuel Adusei

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Rainy Season ◽

Biochemical Markers ◽

Climatic Changes ◽

Dry Season ◽

Study Participants ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Climate change is a significant threat to the health of the Ghanaian people. Evidence abounds in Ghana that temperatures in all the ecological zones are rising, whereas rainfall levels have been generally reducing and patterns are increasingly becoming erratic. The study estimated the impact of climate variation between seasons on biochemical markers of kidney disease. Methods This study conveniently recruited 50 apparently healthy peasant farmers and hawkers at Wa in the Upper West Region of Ghana. A pre-study screening for hepatitis A and C, Diabetes mellitus, hypertension was done. Serum creatinine and urea levels were analyzed to rule out kidney preexisting kidney disease. Baseline data was collected by estimating urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) as well as for hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) concentrations. Anthropometric data such as height, weight and blood pressure were measured by trained personnel. The study participants were closely followed and alerted deep in the dry season for the second sampling (urea, creatinine, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood pressure, anthropometry). Results This study recruited more males (58.82%) than females (41.15%), majority (52.92%) of which were aged 25–29 years with the youngest being 22 years and the eldest being 35 years. The study found body mass index (p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.019), creatinine (p < 0.001), urea (p = 0.013) and eGFR (p < 0.001) to be significantly influenced by climate change. Stage 1 hypertension was predominant among the study participants during the dry season, 8 (15.69%) than was observed during the rainy season, 4 (7.84%) nonetheless the number of participants with normal BMI rose from 49.02% in the rainy season to 62.75% during the dry reason. Additionally, the study observed that the impact of climate change on systolic blood pressure and urea varied based on age and sex. Conclusion This study revealed that climatic changes cause variations in various biochemical parameters used to assess kidney function. Public health education on climatic changes and its implication including precautionary measures should be done among inhabitants of Wa and its environs to reduce its effect. Additionally, appropriate dietary patterns should also be advised to avoid the development of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and obesity that are known principal causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

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