Are the Blood Pressure Levels Associated with the Hippocampal, Temporal and Amygdala Volumes in Sedentary Females? A Sub-Group Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the impact of sedentary behavior and hypertension on brain size, focusing on the female population, and to elucidate the subtle cerebral changes that often go unnoticed in the context of modern digital lifestyles.

Methods:

In pursuit of this objective, we conducted a retrospective analysis utilizing brain MRI data from 19 sedentary females. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed using a 1.5T GE Signa scanner, and post-processing analysis was carried out employing SPM and CAT 12 software. Brain regions were assessed with reference to the Automated Anatomical Labeling 3 (AAL3) atlas.

Results:

Our findings revealed a noteworthy relationship between hypertension and brain structure alterations. Specifically, we observed an enlargement of the hippocampal region in individuals with hypertension compared to their normotensive counterparts. The left hippocampal region, in particular, exhibited a significant increase of 0.796 mm in hypertensive females. Furthermore, when examining different stages of hypertension, we observed a gradual increment in the hippocampal region from prehypertension through stage I hypertension. However, this enlargement trend subsided as hypertension progressed to stage II.

Conclusion:

In summary, this study underscores the subtle yet consequential cerebral changes associated with hypertension, particularly in the hippocampal region. The findings suggest that hypertension may have a variable impact on brain structure, with initial enlargement in the early stages, followed by stabilization or potential atrophy in more advanced stages. These results emphasize the importance of monitoring hypertension, even in the absence of overt physical symptoms, as it may silently affect cognitive health, especially in individuals with sedentary lifestyles. Recognizing and addressing these brain changes early on could be crucial in developing strategies for the prevention and management of cognitive decline in hypertensive individuals, particularly among females. Further research is warranted to delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of these cerebral alterations.