Visual Evoked Potential Changes among Hypertensive and Normotensive Individuals: Across-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Visual evoked potential (VEP) is a highly advanced visual function measurement test that objectively measures functioning of entire visual pathway is working and results of it will help to diagnose early detection of visual pathway changes in the patients of hypertension (HTN). This property of VEP will be used to diagnose early changes in the visual field in the patient of HTN and use of this to deviate ophthalmic complications of HTN. Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study was to find out changes in the VEP among the primary hypertensive patients and its comparison with normotensive subjects. Materials and Methods: Eighty study participants (n = 40 normotensive and n = 40 hypertensive) were selected for this cross-sectional survey. Pattern reversal VEP test was performed for each participant and measurements (latency and amplitude) were recorded. Differences in latencies in both groups were assessed using unpaired t-test for continuous variables. P < 0.05 was considered to be criteria to prove statistical significance. Results: Mean values of latencies of waves N75 and P100 were found to be prolonged in the hypertensive group. It can be seen from correlation graph, as the value of blood pressure (mm of Hg) increases, latencies of VEP also increase, which is evident from the values of correlation factor (r). Conclusion: Results of the study express statistically significant association between increase in latencies of VEP and HTN. Thus, it could be recommended that VEP can be added as policy intervention among the primary hypertensive patients to detect early visual pathway changes and strategic implementation of the same.