Hypertension Journal

Correlation of Fundoscopic Findings with Blood Pressure and HbA1c Levels in Type-2 Diabetic Patients

Nishant Kanodia — 2025-09-19

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of vision loss among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Poor glycemic control and hypertension are key risk factors contributing to the development and progression of DR. This study aims to investigate the correlation between fundoscopic findings, blood pressure levels, and glycemic control (HbA1c) in patients with T2DM.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 200 T2DM patients attending a tertiary care center. Comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations, including fundoscopy, were performed. Blood pressure was measured using a standardized protocol, and recent HbA1c values were recorded. Fundoscopic findings were graded according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) classification. Statistical analysis was performed to assess correlations.

Results: Among 200 patients (mean age 56.4 ± 9.2 years), 60% had some form of diabetic retinopathy. Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) was the most common (43%), followed by proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in 17% of cases. Patients with moderate to severe NPDR or PDR had significantly higher HbA1c (mean 9.1%) and systolic blood pressure (mean 152 mmHg) compared to those with no retinopathy (mean HbA1c 6.8%, mean SBP 132 mmHg). A positive correlation was observed between DR severity and both HbA1c (r=0.61, p<0.001) and systolic BP (r=0.48, p<0.01).

Conclusion: The study confirms a strong correlation between fundoscopic changes and both blood pressure and glycemic control in T2DM patients. Regular ophthalmologic evaluation along with aggressive management of hyperglycemia and hypertension is crucial to prevent the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Short-term Blood Pressure Variability and Cardiovascular Risk in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Prospective Study

Vandana Chaudhary — 2025-09-19

Introduction: Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at elevated risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, largely due to autonomic dysfunction and blood pressure instability. While conventional cardiovascular risk scores are used for stratification, emerging evidence suggests that short-term blood pressure variability (BPV) may serve as an independent predictor of adverse outcomes. This study aimed to assess the relationship between short-term BPV and cardiovascular events in individuals with SCI over a 2-year follow-up period.

Methodology: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 150 individuals with SCI, stratified into low, medium, and high BPV groups based on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) at baseline. BPV indices included standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), and average real variability of systolic BP (ARV-SBP). Cardiovascular outcomes—including myocardial infarction, stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), cardiovascular-related hospitalization, and all-cause mortality—were recorded over two years. Cox proportional hazards modeling and ROC analysis were employed to identify independent predictors and assess discriminative ability.

Results: Out of 150 participants, 142 completed the study (dropout rate: 5.3%). The high BPV group had a significantly greater prevalence of diabetes (38%), severe SCI (ASIA A/B: 76%), and higher Framingham Risk Scores (p < 0.001). Cardiovascular events were most frequent in the high BPV group: myocardial infarction (12%), stroke/TIA (8%), and CV hospitalizations (18%), with a composite event rate of 26% (p < 0.001). High BPV was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events (HR: 3.71, 95% CI: 1.52–9.06; p = 0.004), as was diabetes mellitus and Framingham risk. ARV-SBP showed the strongest predictive value (AUC: 0.81), with an optimal cutoff of 13.2 mmHg (82% sensitivity, 74% specificity).

Conclusion: Short-term BPV, particularly elevated ARV-SBP, is a significant and independent predictor of cardiovascular events in individuals with SCI. These findings underscore the need to incorporate BPV monitoring into routine cardiovascular risk assessment in this high-risk population.

Hypertension Journal: the Journey Continues

Narsingh Verma — 2025-09-19

With our focus to bring healthy impact on human health, the issue brings original studies on the correlation of fundoscopic findings with blood pressure and HbA1c Levels in type-2 diabetic patients and short-term blood pressure variability and cardiovascular risk in Individuals with spinal cord injury.
Further, the issue brings interesting reviews on management of blood pressure disorders in individuals with spinal cord injury and a
multivariate assessment of occupational stress and hypertension among taxi drivers.

Management of Blood Pressure Disorders in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Vandana Chaudhary — 2025-09-19

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in complex autonomic dysfunctions, particularly blood pressure (BP) disorders, due to impaired neural regulation. These include chronic hypotension, orthostatic hypotension (OH), and episodes of autonomic dysreflexia (AD), depending on the level and severity of the injury. This review explores the pathophysiology, clinical implications, diagnostic strategies, and management approaches for BP dysregulation in individuals with SCI. A multidisciplinary approach involving pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic, and rehabilitative strategies is essential to mitigate morbidity and enhance quality of life.

A Multivariate Assessment of Occupational Stress and Hypertension Among Taxi Drivers: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Analysis

Lalita Kumari — 2025-09-19

Objective and Scope of the Study: This study examines how different risk variables affect stress-related health issues, including hypertension, among cab drivers. The purpose of the study is to determine the main causes of hypertension in drivers with at least five years of experience who have experienced one or more physical health problems.

Database Methodology: The study uses multivariate statistical techniques, particularly logistic regression analysis, to assess the association between various risk variables and hypertension. This method aids in comprehending the ways in which many elements combine to affect the incidence of hypertension in drivers.

Classification of Risk Factors: There are five main categories into which the significant determinants of hypertension among taxi drivers can be broadly divided: socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, such as age, body mass index (BMI), educational attainment, sleep duration, and dietary habits, all of which have a significant impact on an individual's health status; work-related factors, such as long driving hours, insufficient rest, and job-related stress, are especially relevant for professional drivers who frequently have demanding schedules; ergonomic factors, such as awkward body postures maintained over extended periods of time and poor seating arrangements, lead to physical strain, which may increase blood pressure indirectly; and psychological factors, such as mental fatigue, emotional stress, and passenger conflicts, can exacerbate the issue by increasing psychological strain. Finally, because diabetes and dyslipidemia frequently coexist and interact with cardiovascular risk profiles, it has been discovered that the presence of these disorders considerably increases the risk of hypertension.

Statistical Findings and Hypothesis Testing: The results of the analysis show that the null hypotheses were disproved, indicating that the chosen risk factors significantly affect the prevalence of hypertension in cab drivers. This implies that hypertension is not a random phenomenon but rather is strongly associated with quantifiable lifestyle and occupational factors.

Interpretation of Results: The results show that the risk of hypertension is significantly increased by long-term exposure to the risk factors listed above, particularly lifestyle choices, work-related stress, psychological strain, and co-occurring illnesses. The risk of stress-related health issues increases with the length and severity of exposure.

Recommendations and Practical Measures: To lessen the effects of these risk factors, the study also suggests appropriate preventive actions. Enhancing working conditions, offering ergonomic seating, planning frequent physicals, making sure drivers get enough sleep, and teaching them about healthy lifestyle choices are some of the suggestions.