Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
10:10
Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents
Published on: February 15, 2022
Masked hypertension: subtypes and target organ damage
Yuhei Kawano1, Takeshi Horio, Tetsutaro Matayoshi
1Division of Hypertension and Nephrology, National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan. ykawano@hsp.ncvc.go.jp
Summary
Masked hypertension, normal in-office BP but high out-of-office BP, is linked to organ damage. Identifying subtypes and causes is crucial for effective cardiovascular risk management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Masked hypertension (MH) is increasingly recognized in both treated and untreated patients.
- MH is associated with target organ damage and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
- It is defined by normal office blood pressure (BP) with elevated out-of-office BP (ambulatory or home).
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of masked hypertension.
- To discuss the subtypes and causes of masked hypertension.
- To emphasize the association between masked hypertension and target organ damage.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on masked hypertension.
- Analysis of subtypes including morning, daytime, and nighttime hypertension.
- Investigation of factors contributing to different subtypes.
- Assessment of target organ damage in masked hypertension patients.
Main Results:
- Masked hypertension is prevalent and linked to significant target organ damage.
- Subtypes like morning hypertension are common and influenced by circadian rhythms, alcohol, and medications.
- Daytime and nighttime hypertension subtypes are associated with lifestyle factors, stress, and various medical conditions.
- The reverse white-coat effect was independently associated with organ damage in treated hypertensive patients.
Conclusions:
- Masked hypertension requires identification and evaluation, including subtype determination.
- Appropriate treatment tailored to the specific cause of masked hypertension is essential.
- Early detection and management can mitigate cardiovascular risks associated with masked hypertension.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Hypertension 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...
01:25Glaucoma: 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...
01:28Hypertension 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,...
01:27Open 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...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:29Hypertension 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,...
01:18Hypertension 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...