Analysis of Patients with White Coat Hypertension by Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring

Abstract

Ambulatory blood pressure measurement is the best method of detecting white coat hypertension. We report ambulatory blood pressure measurement findings in 100 individuals during 1 year. All of the referred subjects underwent casual and ambulatory blood pressure measurement.Mean age (± SD) was 36 (± 13) years; 82% male and 18% female; 68% were non-smokers and 32% were smokers . white coat hypertension is found in 68% of individuals who had completely normal blood pressure profile. Among the hypertensive group (32%), blood pressure load was normal in 96% and rose in 4%. Studying of the nocturnal drop had categorized the hypertensive group into reverse dipper (1%), non-dipper (3%), extreme dipper (0%), and dipper 96%. No significant correlation between ambulatory blood pressure measurement and socio-demographic characteristics. Thirty-two were hypertensive and 68% were normotensive on ambulatory blood pressure measurement with a statically significant value. Blood pressure load was elevated in 50%. There was a significant association between ambulatory blood pressure measurement results and blood pressure load and blood pressure drop, abnormalities on ambulatory blood pressure measurement are common in individuals with hypertension and are strongly indicated to identify the blood pressure profile. Indeed, ambulatory blood pressure measurement should be strongly indicated in individual with suspected white coat effect to avoid false diagnosis of hypertension and long term costly therapy.