Pseudohypertension in the elderly.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Hypertension Research

Background:

• Pseudohypertension, characterized by overestimated indirect blood pressure readings compared to direct intra-arterial measurements, has unclear prevalence in the elderly.
• Accurate blood pressure measurement is crucial for managing hypertension, especially in older populations where arterial stiffness may be increased.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of pseudohypertension in healthy elderly individuals (aged >65 years).
• To compare indirect cuff blood pressure measurements with direct intra-arterial measurements in this demographic.
• To explore the relationship between Osler's maneuver, pulse wave velocity, and blood pressure measurement discrepancies.

Main Methods:

• Direct brachial arterial blood pressure and indirect cuff measurements were compared in 59 healthy volunteers aged over 65.
• Pseudohypertension was defined as an indirect diastolic overestimation of >10 mmHg.
• Osler's maneuver positivity and pulse wave velocity were assessed and correlated with pressure differences.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of pseudohypertension was found to be low, at 1.7% (1 out of 59 volunteers).
• No significant difference was observed in systolic or diastolic pressure readings between direct and indirect methods on average.
• Pulse wave velocity correlated with systolic blood pressure but not with the direct/indirect pressure differences.

Conclusions:

• Pseudohypertension is uncommon in a general elderly population.
• Standard cuff blood pressure measurements appear reliable for estimating intra-arterial pressure in healthy older adults.
• Osler's maneuver and pulse wave velocity did not predict the discrepancy between direct and indirect blood pressure measurements in this cohort.