Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 20, 2026

The Antihypertensive Effects and Mechanisms of Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction in Rats with H-Type Hypertension
05:57

The Antihypertensive Effects and Mechanisms of Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction in Rats with H-Type Hypertension

Published on: May 17, 2024

Masked hypertension and target organ damage in treated hypertensive patients

Mari Tomiyama1, Takeshi Horio, Masayoshi Yoshii

  • 1Division of Hypertension and Nephrology, Department of Medicine, National Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan.

American Journal of Hypertension
|September 1, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Masked hypertension, an elevated blood pressure (BP) outside the clinic with normal in-office readings, is linked to significant target organ damage. This damage is comparable to sustained hypertension in treated patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Research
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Masked hypertension, defined by elevated out-of-office blood pressure (BP) despite normal office BP, is increasingly recognized.
  • Previous research links masked hypertension to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
  • The impact of masked hypertension on target organ damage in treated hypertensive individuals requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between masked hypertension and target organ damage in patients with essential hypertension.
  • To compare the extent of target organ damage across different BP categories: controlled, white-coat, masked, and sustained hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • 332 outpatients with essential hypertension were categorized into four groups based on office and ambulatory BP.
  • Measurements included left ventricular mass index, carotid intima-media thickness, and urinary albumin levels.
  • Multivariate regression analysis identified independent determinants of target organ damage.

Main Results:

  • Masked hypertension was identified in 22% of the study population.
  • Patients with masked hypertension exhibited significantly higher left ventricular mass index, carotid intima-media thickness, and urinary albumin levels compared to controlled and white-coat hypertension groups.
  • These markers of target organ damage were comparable to those observed in sustained hypertension.

Conclusions:

  • Masked hypertension is associated with advanced target organ damage in treated hypertensive patients.
  • The degree of organ damage in masked hypertension is similar to that seen in sustained hypertension.
  • These findings underscore the clinical significance of monitoring out-of-office BP to identify patients at risk.
Abstract

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,...
Hypertension V: Nursing Management01:23

Hypertension V: Nursing Management

The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.
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 IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications01:28

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...