Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
07:30

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions

Published on: April 23, 2021

Blood pressure variability and silent cerebral damage in essential hypertension

Elisenda Gómez-Angelats1, Alejandro de La Sierra, Cristina Sierra

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS (Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer), University of Barcelona, Spain.

American Journal of Hypertension
|August 25, 2004
PubMed

Insights

High long-term systolic blood pressure variability is linked to silent brain lesions in hypertensive patients. This association is partly explained by elevated blood pressure levels.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Blood pressure (BP) variability is a significant predictor of target organ damage and cardiovascular outcomes.
  • Silent cerebral white matter lesions are markers of subclinical brain damage in hypertensive individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between blood pressure variability and silent cerebral white matter lesions.
  • To analyze this relationship in middle-aged, asymptomatic essential hypertensive patients.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 43 untreated middle-aged hypertensive patients.
  • Assessed short-term and long-term BP variability using continuous beat-to-beat and ambulatory monitoring.
  • Utilized cerebral MRI to detect white matter lesions.

Main Results:

  • Patients with white matter lesions showed higher long-term systolic BP variability (P=0.047 and P=0.022).
  • This association was not independent of elevated BP and lost significance after adjustment.
  • No significant differences were found for short-term systolic or any diastolic BP variability.

Conclusions:

  • Long-term systolic BP variability is significantly associated with silent cerebral white matter lesions in essential hypertensives.
  • The relationship is partially dependent on the absolute level of blood pressure elevation.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Evaluation of Cerebral Blood Flow Autoregulation in the Rat Using Laser Doppler Flowmetry07:12

Evaluation of Cerebral Blood Flow Autoregulation in the Rat Using Laser Doppler Flowmetry

Published on: January 19, 2020

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness05:51

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness

Published on: May 3, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure01:28

Special considerations while measuring blood pressure

When assessing blood pressure (BP), healthcare professionals must consider various factors and potential unexpected outcomes to ensure accurate readings and provide proper patient care. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving the most reliable results.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Alterations in Blood Pressure01:30

Alterations in Blood Pressure

Alterations in blood pressure, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure), significantly affect human health. Understanding these conditions' classifications, causes, and symptoms is essential for effective management and treatment.
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart beats)...
Blood Pressure01:24

Blood Pressure

The movement of blood in a human body, commonly referred to as blood flow, is determined by the volume of blood that traverses a certain section of the bodily system per unit time. It is the rhythmic contraction of the heart's ventricles that primarily instigates this movement. As the ventricles contract, blood is forced into the prominent arteries, which then flow from areas of greater pressure to lower pressure areas. This movement continues into smaller arteries and arterioles and...