RESUMO
Coarctation of the aorta accounts for around 5 percent of all congenital heart defects. Many of these patients develop arterial hypertension, and occasionally resistant arterial hypertension, despite adequate correction. This may lead to potentially fatal complications such as heart failure, aortic dissection, cerebrovascular events, or myocardial infarction. Therefore, a correct diagnosis must be made and an appropriate treatment started to reduce arterial hypertension, arteriosclerotic vascular disease, as well as the increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Assuntos
Coartação Aórtica/complicações , Hipertensão/etiologia , Adulto , Coartação Aórtica/diagnóstico , Coartação Aórtica/terapia , Humanos , Hipertensão/fisiopatologia , Hipertensão/prevenção & controle , Masculino , RiscoRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: White coat effect (WCE) is one of the main bias that can affect office blood pressure (BP) measurement. Therefore, it is a factor must be considered in hypertensives to avoid mistakes in diagnosis and/or treatment. Employment of automated office BP (AOBP) devices could diminish that effect. METHODS: Two studies were designed with the objective of evaluating differences between routinely office and AOBP measurements. WCE was also assessed. First, the TRUE-ESP study included normotensive and hypertensive patients attending specialized consultations at Cardiology, Nephrology, Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Family Practice. Second, the TRUE-HTA study included hypertensives attending a protocoled Hypertension Unit, with a trained staff. RESULTS: TRUE-ESP study included 300 patients, 76% being hypertensives. A significant difference between office BP and AOBP measurement (SBP/DBP 9.8±11.6/3.4±7.9 mmHg, P<.001) was observed. Percentage of patients gathering WCE criteria was 27.7%. TRUE-HTA study included 101 hypertensive patients. A significant difference between office BP and AOBP measurement (SBP/DBP 5.7±9.3/2.1±5.3 mmHg, P<.001) and activity period-ABPM (SBP/DBP 8.5±6.7/3.5±2.5 mmHg, P<.001) was observed. Percentage of WCE patients was 32.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Use of AOBP devices can contribute to decrease WCE and to improve accuracy of office BP measurement.