Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in children and adolescents post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: One of the long-term complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is hypertension (HT). Previous studies showed that 10-15% of children post-HSCT had office HT, but only a few studies used ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). The present study was aimed at exploring the frequency and factors associated with ABPM HT in children post-HSCT. METHODS: Patients aged ≥ 6 years who survived ≥ 2 years after HSCT were enrolled. Clinical and ABPM data were reviewed. ABPM HT was defined according to the 2022 American Heart Association guidelines. Factors associated with HT were analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Ninety-eight (60 males) patients with a mean age of 15.1 years and a median follow-up time at 4.5 years after HSCT were included. Fifteen patients (15.3%) had ABPM HT (2 ambulatory HT and 13 masked HT). The ABPM HT group had a significantly older age (19 vs. 14 years), a higher proportion of males (87% vs. 57%), a higher office systolic BP index (0.93 vs. 0.85), a higher office diastolic BP index (0.96 vs. 0.82) and a higher proportion of current use of prednisolone and tacrolimus than those in the normal ABPM group. Multivariate analysis revealed that office diastolic BP index was associated with ABPM HT. Left ventricular mass index was significantly correlated with ABPM but not with office BP parameters. CONCLUSIONS: HT in children post-HSCT was not uncommon and most could not be detected with office BP measurement. A diastolic BP index can be used as a screening tool for HT. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

The relationship of masked hypertension with autonomic dysfunction and cardiometabolic parameters: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Masked hypertension (MH) is associated with cardiovascular events and mortality. Data on the association between exaggerated blood pressure response (EBPR) to exercise, heart rate recovery (HRR), which are indicators of autonomic dysfunction, and MH are lacking. This study aimed at evaluating the association between EBPR, HRR, and MH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2020 and January 2021, 130 MH (57 male, median age = 52.8 years) and 60 healthy (28 male, median age = 40.8 years) subjects were included in this single-center, case-control, and cross-sectional study. Office blood pressure measurement, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, treadmill test, echocardiography, and specific biochemical parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: The frequency of blunted HRR (73 subjects, 56.2%) and EBPR (40 subjects, 30.8%) were significantly higher in patients with MH (p < 0.001). Patients with MH had higher serum uric acid levels and frequency of hyperlipidemia (p < 0.05). Diameters of the left atrium (LA), aortic root, and ascending aorta were significantly higher in MH patients (p < 0.05). Thirty-two (24.6%) patients with MH had left ventricular hypertrophy and 33 (25.4%) had diastolic dysfunction (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified the presence of blunted HRR as an independent predictor factor of MH as well as smoking, hyperlipidemia, GFR, LA diameter, and aortic root diameter were other independent factors. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of blunted HRR and EBPR were significantly higher in the MH group compared to the control group, suggesting a close relationship between MH and autonomic dysfunction.

White-coat and masked hypertension diagnoses in chronic kidney disease patients.

The purpose of this study was to analyze which 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) parameters should be used on masked hypertension (MH) and white-coat hypertension (WCH) diagnoses in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Non-dialysis CKD patients underwent 24-hour ABPM examination between 01/27/2004 and 02/16/2012. They were followed from the 24-hour ABPM to January/2014 in an observational study. The WCH definitions tested were as follows: (a) office blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140/90 mm Hg and daytime ABPM BP ≤ 135/85 mm Hg (old criterion); and (b) office BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg and 24-hour ABPM BP ≤ 130/80 mm Hg, daytime ABPM BP ≤ 135/85 mm Hg, and nighttime ABPM BP ≤ 120/70 mm Hg (new criterion). The MH definitions tested were as follows: (a) office BP < 140/90 mm Hg and daytime ABPM BP > 135/85 mm Hg (old criterion); and (b) office BP < 140/90 mm Hg and 24-hour ABPM BP > 130/80 mm Hg or daytime ABPM BP > 135/85 mm Hg or nighttime ABPM BP > 120/70 mm Hg (new criterion). The two definitions' predictive capacity was compared, regarding both WCH and MH. Cardiovascular mortality was the primary and all-cause mortality was the secondary outcome. Cox regression was adjusted to the variables: glomerular filtration rate, age, diabetes mellitus, and active smoking. There were 367 patients studied. The old criterion (exclusive mean daytime ABPM BP) was the only to distinguish sustained hypertension from WCH (adjusted HR: 3.730; 95% CI: 1.068-13.029; P = .039), regarding all-cause mortality. Additionally, the old criterion was the only one to distinguish normotension and MH, regarding cardiovascular mortality (adjusted HR: 7.641; 95% CI: 1.277-45.738; P = .026). Therefore, WCH and MH definitions based exclusively on daytime ABPM BP values (old criterion) were able to better distinguish mortality in this studied CKD cohort.

Increased masked hypertension prevalence in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder with important clinical consequences. Many studies have proven that hypertension is one of the most important comorbid disorders in PCOS. Masked hypertension is defined as a presence of normal office blood pressure together with abnormal results in 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). The prevalence of this condition in patients with PCOS is not well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of masked hypertension in PCOS compared to control subjects. METHODS: Sixty patients with PCOS and 60 control subjects were enrolled in the study. All patients with PCOS and controls without a history of hypertension underwent physical examination including office blood pressure measurement, ABPM, and measurement of laboratory and anthropometric parameters. RESULTS: Mean age was 30.5 ± 6.6 in control group and 26.4 ± 7.1 year in patients with PCOS (p = .001). Twenty-four patients (40%) had masked hypertension in PCOS group whereas 11 patients (18.3%) in the control group (p = .009). Twenty-four-hour diastolic blood pressure (p = .03), daytime systolic (p < .001), and daytime diastolic blood pressure (p = .01) and nighttime systolic blood pressure (p = .01) were significantly higher in patients with PCOS compared with control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates increased masked hypertension prevalence in patients with PCOS. We suggest that all patients with PCOS should undergo ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for detecting masked hypertension.

Prognostic Value of Masked Uncontrolled Hypertension Defined by Different Ambulatory Blood Pressure Criteria.

BACKGROUND: Masked uncontrolled hypertension (MUCH), that is, nonhypertensive clinic but high out-of-office blood pressure (BP) in treated patients is at increased cardiovascular risk than controlled hypertension (CH), that is, nonhypertensive clinic and out-of-office BP. Using ambulatory BP, MUCH can be defined as daytime and/or nighttime and/or 24-hour BP above thresholds. It is unclear whether different definitions of MUCH have similar prognostic information. This study assessed the prognostic value of MUCH defined by different ambulatory BP criteria. METHODS: Cardiovascular events were evaluated in 738 treated hypertensive patients with nonhypertensive clinic BP. Among them, participants were classified as having CH or daytime MUCH (BP ≥135/85 mm Hg) regardless of nighttime BP (group 1), nighttime MUCH (BP ≥120/70 mm Hg) regardless of daytime BP (group 2), 24-hour MUCH (BP ≥130/80 mm Hg) regardless of daytime or nighttime BP (group 3), daytime MUCH only (group 4), nighttime MUCH only (group 5), and daytime + nighttime MUCH (group 6). RESULTS: We detected 215 (29%), 357 (48.5%), 275 (37%), 42 (5.5%),184 (25%) and 173 (23.5%) patients with MUCH from group 1 to 6, respectively. During the follow-up (10 ± 5 years), 148 events occurred in patients with CH and MUCH. After adjustment for covariates, compared with patients with CH, the adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for cardiovascular events was 2.01 (1.45-2.79), 1.53 (1.09-2.15), 1.69 (1.22-2.34), 1.52 (0.80-2.91), 1.15 (0.74-1.80), and 2.29 (1.53-3.42) from group 1 to 6, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prognostic impact of MUCH defined according to various ambulatory BP definitions may be different.

Born with a solitary kidney: at risk of hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Subjects with a congenital solitary kidney (CSK) are believed to be at risk of hypertension due to their low number of nephrons. However, as CSK is a congenital abnormality of the kidney or urinary tract (CAKUT), subtle dysplastic changes contributing to hypertension cannot be excluded. METHODS: We retrospectively compared office blood pressure (OBP) and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) between two groups of children with CAKUT, aged 6-18 years: Group A with a CSK and Group B with two kidneys. All had normal renal parenchyma on scintigraphy and normal renal function. OBP and mean systolic and diastolic 24-h, daytime and nighttime ambulatory BP records were analyzed. The distribution of OBP and APBM as continuous values and the prevalence of hypertension (ambulatory/severe ambulatory or masked hypertension) in the two groups were compared. RESULTS: There were 81 patients in Group A and 45 in Group B. Median OBP standard deviation scores were normal in both groups, without significant differences. Median ABPM standard deviation scores, although normal, were significantly higher in Group A and the prevalence of hypertension was higher (ambulatory/severe ambulatory or masked) (33.3 vs. 13.3%, p = 0.019), mainly because of the greater occurrence of masked hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that a CSK per se can be associated with an increased risk of hypertension from the pediatric age. Therefore, ABPM, which has proved valuable in the screening of hypertension, is warranted in children with a CSK, even if laboratory and imaging assessment is otherwise normal.

Prevalence of Masked and White-Coat Hypertension in Pre-Hypertensive and Stage 1 Hypertensive patients with the use of TeleMRPA / Prevalência de Hipertensão Mascarada e do Avental Branco em Pré-Hipertensos e Hipertensos Estágio 1 com o uso da TeleMRPA

Abstract Background: The diagnosis of arterial hypertension based on measurements of blood pressure in the office has low accuracy. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of masked hypertension (MH) and white-coat hypertension through home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) in pre-hypertensive and stage 1 hypertensive patients. Method: Retrospective study, of which sample consisted of individuals with BP ≥ 120/80 mmHg and < 160/100 mmHg at the medical office without the use of antihypertensive medication and who underwent exams on the HBPM platform by telemedicine (TeleMRPA) between May 2017 and September 2018. The four-day MRPA protocol was used, with 24 measurements, using automated, validated, calibrated equipment with a memory function. Results: The sample consisted of 1,273 participants, of which 739 (58.1%) were women. The mean age was 52.4 ± 14.9 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 28.4 ± 5.1 kg/m2. The casual BP was higher than the HBPM in 7.6 mmHg for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 5.2 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure (DBP), both with statistical significance (p < 0.001). There were 558 (43.8%) normotensive individuals; 291 (22.9%) with sustained hypertension; 145 (11.4%) with MH and 279 (21.9%) with white-coat hypertension (WCH), with a diagnostic error by casual BP in the total sample in 424 (33.3%) patients. In stage 1 hypertensive individuals, the prevalence of WCH was 48.9%; in prehypertensive patients, the prevalence of MH was 20.6%. Conclusion: MH and WCH have a high prevalence rate in the adult population; however, in prehypertensive or stage 1 hypertensive patients, the prevalence is higher. Out-of-office BP measurements in these subgroups should be performed whenever possible to prevent misdiagnosis.

Resumo Fundamento: O diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial baseado nas medidas do consultório tem baixa acurácia. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de hipertensão mascarada (HM) e do avental branco pela monitorização residencial da pressão arterial (MRPA) em pacientes pré-hipertensos e hipertensos estágio. Método: Estudo retrospectivo com amostra constituída de indivíduos com pressão arterial (PA) na clínica ≥ 120/80 mmHg e < 160/100 mmHg sem uso de medicação anti-hipertensiva e que realizaram exames na plataforma de MRPA por telemedicina (TeleMRPA) entre maio de 2017 e setembro de 2018. Foi utilizado o protocolo MRPA de quatro dias, com 24 medidas, com equipamentos automáticos, validados, calibrados e com memória. Resultados: A amostra foi constituída de 1.273 participantes, sendo 739 (58,1%) mulheres. A idade média foi 52,4 ± 14,9 anos, índice de massa corporal (IMC) médio 28,4 ± 5,1 kg/m2. A PA casual foi maior que a MRPA em 7,6 mmHg para pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e 5,2 mmHg para a pressão arterial diastólica (PAD), ambas com significância estatística (p < 0,001). Foram diagnosticados 558 (43,8%) normotensos; 291 (22,9%) hipertensos sustentados; 145 (11,4%) com HM e 279 (21,9%) com hipertensão do avental branco (HAB), com erro diagnóstico pela PA casual na amostra total em 424 (33,3%) pacientes. Em hipertensos estágio 1, a prevalência de HAB foi de 48,9%; nos pré-hipertensos a prevalência de HM foi de 20,6%. Conclusão: HM e HAB têm elevada prevalência na população adulta; entretanto, na população de pré-hipertensos ou hipertensos estágio 1 a prevalência é maior. Medidas da PA fora do consultório, nestes subgrupos, devem ser realizadas sempre que possível para evitar erro diagnóstico.

Masked Hypertension: Whom and How to Screen?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review issues regarding the practical implementation of screening strategies for masked hypertension. RECENT FINDINGS: Masked hypertension has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease events and all-cause mortality. Recent guidelines have encouraged practitioners to use out-of-clinic monitoring to detect masked hypertension in some situations. However, it is unclear from these guidelines who should be screened or how to best measure out-of-office blood pressure. In this review, challenges to screening strategies for masked hypertension, and factors that should be considered when deciding to screen using ambulatory or home blood pressure monitoring. Masked hypertension is an important clinical phenotype to detect. Future research is needed in order to develop optimal screening strategies, and to understand population level implications of using ambulatory or home blood pressure monitoring on blood pressure control.

Masked hypertension incidence and risk factors in a prospective cohort study.

AIMS: Masked hypertension may affect up to 30% of the general population and is associated with a high cardiovascular disease risk. No previous study has examined the incidence of masked hypertension and its risk factors. The study aim was to determine the incidence of masked hypertension and to examine its related risk factors. METHODS: This is a cohort study including 1836 initially normotensive participants followed up on average for 2.9 years. Blood pressure was measured using Spacelabs 90207. Manual blood pressure was defined as the mean of the first three readings taken at rest. Ambulatory blood pressure was defined as the mean of the next readings recorded every 15 minutes during daytime working hours. Masked hypertension incidence at follow-up was defined as manual blood pressure less than 140 and less than 90 mmHg and ambulatory blood pressure at least 135 or at least 85 mmHg. Generalised estimating equations were used. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of masked hypertension was 10.3% and was associated with male gender (relative risk (RR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-1.94), older age (RR40-49 years 1.56, 95% CI 1.16-2.11, RR≥50 years 1.50, 95% CI 1.06-2.10), higher education (RRcollege 1.31, 95% CI 1.03-1.65), body mass index (RR≥27 1.43, 95% CI 1.11-1.85), smoking (RR 1.51, 95% CI 1.09-2.010) and alcohol intake (RR≥6/week 1.65, 95% CI 1.13-2.03). CONCLUSION: The present study is the first to identify risk factors for the incidence of masked hypertension. Current guidelines for hypertension detection recommend ambulatory blood pressure in patients with an elevated blood pressure reading at the clinic. As it is impractical to measure ambulatory blood pressure in all normotensive patients, factors identified in the present study should be considered for the screening of at-risk individuals and for primary prevention of masked hypertension.

Prevalencia de hipertensión enmascarada en niños con factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de hipertensión arterial / Prevalence of masked hypertension among children with risk factors for arterial hypertension

Introducción. La hipertensión enmascarada (HE) en niños se define por registros de presión arterial normal en la consulta y elevados fuera de ella. El monitoreo ambulatorio de presión arterial de 24 horas (MAPA) permite su diagnóstico. Existe poca información sobre su prevalencia en nuestra población. Objetivo. Estimar la prevalencia de HE en niños con factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de hipertensión arterial. Material y método. Estudio prospectivo, observacional, corte transversal. Se incluyeron en forma consecutiva pacientes asistidos en el Hospital General de Niños P. de Elizalde entre 1/7/2015 y 1/12/2016, de 5 a 11 años, con presión arterial normal y, al menos, un factor de riesgo para hipertensión arterial. Se realizó MAPA durante 24 horas (SpaceLabs 90207/90217). Muestra estimada: 110 pacientes. Se contó con las aprobaciones pertinentes. Resultados. Se incluyeron 110 pacientes, edad de 8,7 ± 1,8 años, 60 mujeres. Tiempo de MAPA: 23,18 ± 1,8 horas. Tenían antecedentes neonatales 23 pacientes; todos tenían, al menos, un antecedente personal (los más frecuentes, ingesta aumentada de sal y obesidad); 101 tenían, al menos, un antecedente familiar. El MAPA permitió identificar a 10 pacientes con HE (9,1%; IC 95%: 5,1-15,9); 7 con hipertensión nocturna aislada (6,4%; IC 95%: 3,1-23,5) y 28, prehipertensión (25,4%; IC 95%: 18,2-34,3). Los 10 pacientes con HE fueron 7 varones, 9 obesos y con, al menos, un antecedente familiar. Conclusión. La prevalencia de HE en niños con factores de riesgo de desarrollar hipertensión arterial fue cercana al 10%.

Introduction. Masked hypertension (MH) in children is defined as normal office blood pressure values and high values outside the clinical setting. The 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is helpful for diagnosis. There is little information on MH prevalence in our population. Objective. To estimate the prevalence of MH in children with risk factors for arterial hypertension. Material and method. Prospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Patients seen at Hospital General de Niños "P. de Elizalde" between July 1st, 2015 and December 1st, 2016, aged 5-11 years, with normal blood pressure and at least one risk factor for arterial hypertension were included in consecutive order. A 24-hour ABPM was done (SpaceLabs 90207/90217). Estimated sample: 110 patients. All relevant authorizations were obtained. Results. One hundred and ten patients aged 8.7 ± 1.8 years were included; 60 were girls. ABPM duration: 23.18 ± 1.8 hours. Twenty-three patients had neonatal history; all had at least one factor corresponding to personal history (the most common ones were increased salt intake and obesity); 101 had at least one factor corresponding to family history. ABPM helped to identify 10 patients with MH (9.1%; 95% confidence interval --1;CI--3;: 5.1-15.9); 7 had isolated nocturnal hypertension (6.4%; 95% CI: 3.1-23.5) and 28 had prehypertension (25.4%; 95% CI: 18.234.3). Among the 10 patients with MH, 7 were boys, 9 were obese and had at least one factor corresponding to family history. Conclusion. The prevalence of MH in children with risk factors for arterial hypertension was close to 10%.

Conventional and Ambulatory Blood Pressure as Predictors of Diastolic Left Ventricular Function in a Flemish Population.

BACKGROUND: No longitudinal study compared associations of echocardiographic indexes of diastolic left ventricular function studies with conventional (CBP) and daytime ambulatory (ABP) blood pressure in the general population. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 780 Flemish (mean age, 50.2 years; 51.7% women), we measured left atrial volume index (LAVI), peak velocities of the transmitral blood flow (E) and mitral annular movement (e') in early diastole and E/e' 9.6 years (median) after CBP and ABP. In adjusted models including CBP and ABP, we expressed associations per 10/5-mm Hg systolic/diastolic blood pressure increments. LAVI and E/e' were 0.65/0.40 mL/m2 and 0.17/0.09 greater with higher systolic/diastolic ABP (P≤0.028), but not with higher baseline CBP (P≥0.086). e' was lower (P≤0.032) with higher diastolic CBP (-0.09 cm/s) and ABP (-0.19 cm/s). When we substituted baseline CBP by CBP recorded concurrently with echocardiography, LAVI and E/e' remained 0.45/0.38 mL/m2 and 0.15/0.08 greater with baseline ABP (P≤0.036), while LAVI (+0.53 mL/m2) and E/e' (+0.19) were also greater (P<0.001) in relation to concurrent systolic CBP. In categorized analyses of baseline data, sustained hypertension or masked hypertension compared with normotension or white-coat hypertension was associated with greater LAVI (24.0 versus 22.6 mL/m2) and E/e' (7.35 versus 6.91) and lower e' (10.7 versus 11.6 cm/s; P≤0.006 for all) with no differences (P≥0.092) between normotension and white-coat hypertension or between masked hypertension and sustained hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: ABP is a long-term predictor of diastolic left ventricular function, statistically outperforming distant but not concurrent CBP. Masked hypertension and sustained hypertension carry equal risk for deterioration of diastolic left ventricular function.

Prevalence and clinical outcomes of white-coat and masked hypertension: Analysis of a large ambulatory blood pressure database.

The aim of this study was to analyze prevalence and clinical outcomes of the following clinical conditions: normotension (NT; clinic BP < 140/90 mm Hg; 24-hour BP < 130/80 mm Hg), white-coat hypertension (WCHT; clinic BP ≥ 140 and/or ≥90 mm Hg; 24-hour BP < 130/80 mm Hg), masked hypertension (MHT; clinic BP < 140/90 mm Hg; 24-hour BP ≥ 130 and/or ≥80 mm Hg), and sustained hypertension (SHT; clinic BP ≥ 140 and/or ≥90 mm Hg; 24-hour BP ≥ 130 and/or ≥80 mm Hg) in a large cohort of adult untreated individuals. Systematic research throughout the medical database of Regione Lazio (Italy) was performed to estimate incidence of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and hospitalizations for HT and heart failure (HF). Among a total study sample of 2209 outpatients, 377 (17.1%) had NT, 351 (15.9%) had WCHT, 149 (6.7%) had MHT, and 1332 had (60.3%) SHT. During an average follow-up of 120.1 ± 73.9 months, WCHT was associated with increased risk of hospitalization for HT (OR 95% CI: 1.927 [1.233-3.013]; P = .04) and HF (OR 95% CI: 3.449 [1.321-9.007]; P = .011). MHT was associated with an increased risk of MI (OR 95% CI: 5.062 [2.218-11.550]; P < .001), hospitalization for HT (OR 95% CI: 2.553 [1.446-4.508]; P = .001), and for HF (OR 95% CI: 4.214 [1.449-12.249]; P = .008). These effects remained statistically significant event after corrections for confounding factors including age, BMI, gender, smoking, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, and presence of antihypertensive therapies.

An Update on Masked Hypertension.

Masked hypertension refers to the phenomenon of having a non-elevated clinic blood pressure (BP) despite having an elevated out-of-clinic BP. Masked hypertension is a common phenotype with a cardiovascular risk profile similar to that of sustained hypertension, defined as elevated clinic and out-of-clinic BP. Current guidelines offer little guidance on the best practices for detecting and treating masked hypertension. This is in part due to insufficient evidence upon which to base recommendations as many questions remain regarding the optimal clinical management of masked hypertension. In this review, we will discuss the recent literature on masked hypertension related to disease prevalence, diagnosis, screening strategies, adverse outcomes, and treatment, and will highlight critical areas for future research.

A possible cause of epistaxis: increased masked hypertension prevalence in patients with epistaxis / Uma possível causa de epistaxe: maior prevalência de hipertensão mascarada em pacientes com epistaxe

Abstract Introduction Epistaxis and hypertension are frequent conditions in the adult population. Masked hypertension is defined as a clinical condition in which a patient's office blood pressure level is <140/90 mmHg, but the ambulatory or home blood pressure readings are in the hypertensive range. Many studies have proved that hypertension is one of the most important causes of epistaxis. The prevalence of this condition in patients with epistaxis is not well defined. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of masked hypertension using the results of office blood pressure measurement compared with the results of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Methods Sixty patients with epistaxis and 60 control subjects were enrolled in the study. All patients with epistaxis and controls without history of hypertension underwent physical examination, including office blood pressure measurement, ambulatory or home blood pressure, and measurement of anthropometric parameters. Results Mean age was similar between the epistaxis group and the controls – 21–68 years (mean 42.9) for the epistaxis group and 18–71 years (mean 42.2) for the control group. A total of 20 patients (33.3%) in the epistaxis group and 7 patients (11.7%) in the control group (p = 0.004) had masked hypertension. Night-time systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in patients with epistaxis than in the control group (p < 0.005). However, no significant difference was found in daytime systolic blood pressure between the control group and the patients with epistaxis (p = 0.517). Conclusion This study demonstrates increased masked hypertension prevalence in patients with epistaxis. We suggest that all patients with epistaxis should undergo ambulatory or home blood pressure to detect masked hypertension, which could be a possible cause of epistaxis.

Resumo Introdução Epistaxe e hipertensão são condições frequentes na população adulta. Hipertensão mascarada é definida como uma condição clínica em que o nível da pressão arterial do paciente no consultório é < 140/90 mm Hg, mas as leituras da pressão arterial ambulatorial ou em casa se encontram na faixa hipertensiva. Muitos estudos demonstraram que a hipertensão é uma das causas mais importantes de epistaxe. Ainda não está devidamente definida a prevalência dessa condição em pacientes com epistaxe. Objetivo Avaliar a prevalência de HM com o uso dos resultados de mensurações da pressão arterial no consultório, em comparação com os resultados da MAPA. Método Foram recrutados 60 pacientes com epistaxe e 60 indivíduos para controle. Todos os pacientes com epistaxe e os controles sem histórico de hipertensão passaram por exame físico, inclusive determinação da pressão arterial no consultório, MAPA e mensuração dos parâmetros antropométricos. Resultados A média de idade foi similar entre o grupo com epistaxe e os controles: de 21 a 68 (média 42,9) anos para o grupo com epistaxe e de 18 a 71 (média 42,2) anos para o grupo controle. No total, 20 pacientes (33,3%) no grupo com epistaxe e sete (11,7%) no grupo controle (p = 0,004) apresentaram hipertensão mascarada. A pressão arterial sistólica noturna foi significantemente mais alta em pacientes com epistaxe, em comparação com o grupo controle (p < 0,005). No entanto, não foi observada diferença significante na pressão arterial sistólica obtida durante o dia entre o grupo controle e os pacientes com epistaxe (p = 0,517). Conclusão O presente estudo demonstra maior prevalência de hipertensão mascarada em pacientes com epistaxe. Sugerimos que todos os pacientes com epistaxe devam ser submetidos à monitoração da pressão arterial caseira ou em consultório com o objetivo de detectar hipertensão mascarada, que pode ser uma causa possível de epistaxe.

[Outpatient blood pressure monitoring is not always necessary]. / La monitorización ambulatoria de la presión arterial no siempre es necesaria.

It is clear that clinical measurements of blood pressure can lead to errors in the diagnostic process and follow-up of patients with hypertension. Scientific societies recommend other measurement methods, such as home measurements and outpatient monitoring. Outpatient monitoring might be the golden standard but, nowadays has an important limitation-its availability. Home measurements solve 80-90% of the doubts of the diagnostic process and follow-up of patients with hypertension, and its higher availability and acceptance by the patient are clear. Home measurements should be used in the diagnostic process of arterial hypertension as a screening test for white coat hypertension and masked hypertension. They should be used as a screening test for resistant hypertension in the follow-up of patients with high blood pressure. Besides, in the follow-up of patients with hypertension home measurements have shown that they can contribute to treatment adherence, reduce clinical inertia and make data teletransmission possible, aspects that have proven to help improve the degree of control of hypertensive patients. Therefore, home measurements would be the treatment of choice for the diagnosis and follow-up of most patients with hypertension. We should consider home measurements and outpatient monitoring as complementary methods for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with high blood pressure.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Masked Hypertension: The Jackson Heart Study.

Masked hypertension is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Identifying modifiable risk factors for masked hypertension could provide approaches to reduce its prevalence. Life's Simple 7 is a measure of cardiovascular health developed by the American Heart Association that includes body mass index, physical activity, diet, cigarette smoking, blood pressure (BP), cholesterol, and glucose. We examined the association between cardiovascular health and masked daytime hypertension in the Jackson Heart Study, an exclusively African American cohort. Life's Simple 7 factors were assessed during a study visit and categorized as poor, intermediate, or ideal. Ambulatory BP monitoring was performed after the study visit. Using BP measured between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm on ambulatory BP monitoring, masked daytime hypertension was defined as mean clinic systolic BP/diastolic BP <140/90 mm Hg and mean daytime systolic BP/diastolic BP ≥135/85 mm Hg. Among the 758 participants with systolic BP/diastolic BP <140/90 mm Hg, 30.5% had masked daytime hypertension. The multivariable-adjusted prevalence ratios for masked daytime hypertension comparing participants with 2, 3, and ≥4 versus ≤1 ideal Life's Simple 7 factors were 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-1.33), 0.77 (95% CI, 0.57-1.03), and 0.51 (95% CI, 0.33-0.79), respectively. Masked daytime hypertension was less common among participants with ideal versus poor levels of physical activity (ratio, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56-1.00), ideal or intermediate levels pooled together versus poor diet (prevalence ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.58-0.91), ideal versus poor levels of cigarette smoking (prevalence ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.46-0.82), and ideal versus intermediate levels of clinic BP (prevalence ratio, 0.28, 95% CI, 0.16-0.48). Better cardiovascular health is associated with a lower preva lence of masked hypertension.

Hypertension types defined by clinic and ambulatory blood pressure in 14 143 patients referred to hypertension clinics worldwide. Data from the ARTEMIS study.

OBJECTIVE: The Ambulatory blood pressure Registry TEleMonitoring of hypertension and cardiovascular rISk project was designed to set up an international registry including clinic blood pressure (CBP) and ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) measurements in patients attending hypertension clinics in all five continents, aiming to assess different daily life hypertension types. METHODS: Cross-sectional ABP, CBP and demographic data, medical history and cardiovascular risk profile were provided from existing databases by hypertension clinics. Hypertension types were evaluated considering CBP (≥140/90 mmHg) and 24-h ABP (≥130/80 mmHg). RESULTS: Overall, 14 143 patients from 27 countries across all five continents were analyzed (Europe 73%, Africa 3%, America 9%, Asia 14% and Australia 2%). Mean age was 57 ±â€Š14 years, men 51%, treated for hypertension 46%, cardiovascular disease 14%, people with diabetes 14%, dyslipidemia 33% and smokers 19%. The prevalence of hypertension was higher by CBP than by ABP monitoring (72 vs. 60%, P < 0.0001). Sustained hypertension (elevated CBP and ABP) was detected in 49% of patients. White-coat hypertension (WCH, elevated CBP with normal ABP) was more common than masked hypertension (elevated ABP with normal CBP) (23 vs. 10%; P < 0.0001). Sustained hypertension was more common in Europe and America and in elderly, men, obese patients with cardiovascular comorbidities. WCH was less common in Australia, America and Africa, and more common in elderly, obese women. Masked hypertension was more common in Asia and in men with diabetes. Smoking was a determinant for sustained hypertension and masked hypertension. CONCLUSION: Our analysis showed an unbalanced distribution of WCH and masked hypertension patterns among different continents, suggesting an interplay of genetic and environmental factors, and likely also different healthcare administrative and practice patterns.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring: Five Decades of More Light and Less Shadows / Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial: Cinco Décadas de mais Luzes e Menos Sombras

Abstract Casual blood pressure measurements have been extensively questioned over the last five decades. A significant percentage of patients have different blood pressure readings when examined in the office or outside it. For this reason, a change in the paradigm of the best manner to assess blood pressure has been observed. The method that has been most widely used is the Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring - ABPM. The method allows recording blood pressure measures in 24 hours and evaluating various parameters such as mean BP, pressure loads, areas under the curve, variations between daytime and nighttime, pulse pressure variability etc. Blood pressure measurements obtained by ABPM are better correlated, for example, with the risks of hypertension. The main indications for ABPM are: suspected white coat hypertension and masked hypertension, evaluation of the efficacy of the antihypertensive therapy in 24 hours, and evaluation of symptoms. There is increasing evidence that the use of ABPM has contributed to the assessment of blood pressure behaviors, establishment of diagnoses, prognosis and the efficacy of antihypertensive therapy. There is no doubt that the study of 24-hour blood pressure behavior and its variations by ABPM has brought more light and less darkness to the field, which justifies the title of this review.

Resumo Nas últimas cinco décadas muito têm sido questionadas as medidas casuais da pressão arterial (PA). Significativa porcentagem de pacientes apresenta PA muito diversa quando examinados na clínica ou fora dela. Por isso, é hoje observada uma mudança de paradigma com relação ao melhor modo de se avaliar a PA. O método que mais se consolidou é a Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial - MAPA. É possível obter-se o registro de medidas de PA durante 24 horas avaliando-se vários parâmetros como: médias de PA, cargas de pressão, áreas sob as curvas, variações entre vigília e sono, variabilidade de pressão de pulso etc. As medidas de PA obtidas pela MAPA são mais bem correlacionadas, por exemplo, com os riscos da hipertensão arterial. As principais indicações para a MAPA são: suspeita de hipertensão do avental branco e da hipertensão mascarada, avaliação da eficácia terapêutica nas 24 horas e avaliação de sintomas. Crescem as evidências de que o emprego da MAPA contribui para avaliar os comportamentos da PA, estabelecer diagnósticos, prognóstico e avaliar a eficácia terapêutica anti-hipertensiva. Sem dúvidas, o estudo do comportamento da PA e suas variações durante as 24 horas pela MAPA nos deixaram com menos sombras e mais luzes, e justifica o título desta revisão.