Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents
10:10

Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents

Published on: February 15, 2022

Masked hypertension, a review of the literature

Willem J Verberk1, Theo Thien, Peter W de Leeuw

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands. willem.verberk@intmed.unimaas.nl

Blood Pressure Monitoring
|September 1, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Masked hypertension, where blood pressure is normal in-office but high outside, is common and linked to organ damage. Further research is needed to understand its causes and implications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Medicine
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Masked hypertension is a prevalent condition affecting all age groups, with reported prevalence ranging from 8% to 45% across studies.
  • Significant discrepancies exist in the literature regarding the prevalence and characteristics of masked hypertension.
  • This condition carries significant clinical importance due to its association with increased target organ damage compared to sustained normotension.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of the current literature on masked hypertension.
  • To enhance understanding of the underlying causes and contributing factors of masked hypertension.
  • To identify critical research questions for future investigations into masked hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on masked hypertension.
  • Analysis of prevalence data and clinical significance from various research.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge to highlight research gaps.

Main Results:

  • Masked hypertension is a widespread clinical issue with variable reported prevalence.
  • The condition is associated with greater target organ damage than normal blood pressure readings in clinical settings.
  • Existing research presents considerable discrepancies, indicating a need for standardized methodologies.

Conclusions:

  • Masked hypertension requires further dedicated research to elucidate its etiology and clinical management.
  • Addressing the discrepancies in current literature is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
  • Future research should focus on answering specific, well-defined questions to advance the understanding and management of masked hypertension.

More Related Videos

Laser Capture Microdissection of Highly Pure Trabecular Meshwork from Mouse Eyes for Gene Expression Analysis13:47

Laser Capture Microdissection of Highly Pure Trabecular Meshwork from Mouse Eyes for Gene Expression Analysis

Published on: June 3, 2018

A Model of Glaucoma Induced by Circumlimbal Suture in Rats and Mice07:00

A Model of Glaucoma Induced by Circumlimbal Suture in Rats and Mice

Published on: October 5, 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,...
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,...
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...