Aim: To study the effects of ACE gene polymorphism on morphofunctional condition of the heart and 24-h blood pressure profile (BPP) in young men with hypertension.
Material and methods: A total of 174 young and middle-aged hypertensive men (mean age 32 +/- 4.6 years and 48 +/- 3.1 years, respectively) were examined (echocardiography, 24-h BP monitoring, tests for I/D-polymorphism of ACE gene).
Results: Genotype ID appeared most prevalent both in the young and middle-aged examinees (56 and 49%, respectively). Interventricular septal thickness and left ventricular myocardial mass were the largest in young hypertensive patients carrying genotype DD. Mean 24-h and nocturnal diastolic BP was significantly higher in young hypertensive patients with genotype II vs middle-aged patients with the same genotype. Carriers of genotype II had maximal variability of systolic and pulse blood pressure.
Conclusion: Genotype DD appeared most unfavourable in relation to left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy. Its carriers had the thickest right ventricular myocardium, the largest mass of the left ventricle. Homozygotes by allele-I had most pronounced changes in a 24-h BP profile.