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Published on: August 14, 2013

Masked hypertension: a common but insidious presentation of hypertension

D W McKay1, Martin G Myers, Peter Bolli

  • 1Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. dmckay@mun.ca

The Canadian Journal of Cardiology
|June 7, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Masked hypertension, where blood pressure is normal in the office but high at home, carries cardiovascular risks similar to sustained hypertension. Identifying and treating this condition is crucial for patient health.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Management

Background:

  • Masked hypertension is defined by normal office blood pressure (<140/90 mmHg) but elevated ambulatory or home readings.
  • Cardiovascular risk in masked hypertension is comparable to sustained hypertension.
  • Prevalence data in Canada is lacking, but international rates exceed 8%.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical significance of masked hypertension.
  • To discuss patient identification and management strategies.

Main Methods:

  • This is a review article.
  • It synthesizes current data on masked hypertension.

Main Results:

  • Masked hypertension presents a significant cardiovascular risk.
  • Clinical judgment is essential for diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Physicians must be vigilant in identifying masked hypertension.
  • Effective patient management strategies are needed to mitigate cardiovascular risk.

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