Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Evaluation of Cerebral Blood Flow Autoregulation in the Rat Using Laser Doppler Flowmetry
07:12

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

Published on: January 19, 2020

White-coat hypertension and autonomic nervous system dysregulation

Serina A Neumann1, J Richard Jennings, Matthew F Muldoon

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA. neumannsa@msx.upmc.edu

American Journal of Hypertension
|May 11, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Individuals with white-coat hypertension exhibit reduced parasympathetic cardiac activity, similar to persistent hypertension. This autonomic dysregulation may increase cardiovascular risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Autonomic Nervous System Research
  • Hypertension Studies

Background:

  • White-coat hypertension (WCH) is characterized by elevated blood pressure (BP) in clinical settings but normal readings elsewhere.
  • The autonomic-cardiac regulation in WCH is not well understood.
  • This study investigates if WCH patients display autonomic dysfunction similar to sustained hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if individuals with white-coat hypertension have abnormal autonomic-cardiac regulation.
  • To compare autonomic function in white-coat hypertensive, persistent hypertensive, and normotensive individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 120 men (40-70 years) classified as persistent hypertensive, white-coat hypertensive, or normotensive.
  • Participants were medication-free and categorized based on clinic and ambulatory BP measurements.
  • Beat-to-beat heart rate variability (HRV) was analyzed using frequency domain methods to assess autonomic control.

Main Results:

  • Both persistent and white-coat hypertensive groups showed reduced high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) power compared to normotensive subjects, indicating less parasympathetic activity.
  • The LF/HF ratio was significantly higher in both hypertensive groups, suggesting increased sympathetic-to-parasympathetic activity relative to normotensive individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Findings indicate attenuated parasympathetic cardiac control in both persistent and white-coat hypertension.
  • The link between WCH and autonomic dysregulation, specifically reduced parasympathetic tone, may signify an elevated risk for cardiovascular events.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System01:18

Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an intricate network of nerves that controls functions such as the regulation of heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure regulation. When this system malfunctions, it can lead to various disorders that affect multiple bodily functions. One common feature of many autonomic disorders is the involvement of smooth blood vessels, which play a crucial role in regulating blood flow throughout the body.
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is a...
Neural Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Neural Regulation of Blood Pressure

The neural regulation of blood pressure involves intricate interactions between the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and cardiovascular system, ensuring adequate perfusion of tissues. This regulation primarily occurs through baroreceptor and chemoreceptor reflexes, involving both short-term and long-term mechanisms.
Baroreceptor Reflex
Baroreceptors, located in the carotid sinuses and aortic arch, detect changes in blood pressure. When blood pressure rises, these stretch-sensitive receptors...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
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...
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 Pressure01:30

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure or force of blood exerted on the artery's walls as it circulates through the body. It is essential for maintaining blood flow throughout the body.
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the diastolic...