Brain–Heart axis dysfunction in hypertensive patients: A clinical correlation study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the clinical correlates of brain–heart axis dysfunction in hypertensive patients by evaluating cardiovascular, neurological, autonomic, and inflammatory profiles.

Methods: A prospective clinical correlation study was conducted from October 2024 to September 2025 at Tikrit Teaching Hospital. A total of 350 hypertensive adults (aged 40–75 years) were classified into two groups: 200 with brain–heart axis dysfunction and 150 without. Assessments included cardiovascular (blood pressure, ECG, echocardiography, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, pulse wave velocity), neurological (MRI, Montreal parameters (cardiac biomarkers, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers).

Results: The study group demonstrated significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, left ventricular mass index, arterial stiffness, and ECG abnormalities (all p < 0.001). Neurological assessment revealed lower cognitive scores, higher white matter lesion burden, reduced heart rate variability, and impaired baroreflex sensitivity (all p < 0.001). Laboratory findings indicated elevated troponin, NT-proBNP, hs-CRP, IL-6, and malondialdehyde, alongside reduced superoxide dismutase activity (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Brain–heart axis dysfunction is associated with more severe cardiovascular, neurological, and inflammatory derangements in hypertensive patients. Integrated assessment of autonomic, cognitive, and inflammatory markers may improve risk stratification and guide targeted interventions.