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Visit-to-visit blood pressure variations: new independent determinants for cognitive function in the elderly at high

Michiaki Nagai1, Satoshi Hoshide, Joji Ishikawa

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Japan.

Journal of Hypertension
|June 26, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Visit-to-visit blood pressure variability, particularly in systolic blood pressure (SBP), is linked to cognitive decline in high-risk elderly patients. Exaggerated BP fluctuations indicate cognitive impairment, impacting memory and global function.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Visit-to-visit blood pressure (BP) variability is increasingly recognized for its association with cerebrovascular events.
  • The direct impact of BP variability on cognitive function, however, remains less understood, particularly in at-risk populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between visit-to-visit BP variability and cognitive function in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
  • To determine if BP fluctuations are indicators of cognitive impairment.

Main Methods:

  • Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) in 201 elderly patients (mean age 79.9 years).
  • Visit-to-visit BP variability was measured over 12 months, calculating standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and BP range (δ) for systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) pressures.

Main Results:

  • Significant negative correlations were found between SBP variability (coefficient of variation, δ) and MMSE scores.
  • Significant positive correlations were observed between SBP variability (coefficient of variation, δ) and GDS scores.
  • Regression analyses confirmed that SBP variability (coefficient of variation, δ) independently predicted lower MMSE and higher GDS scores, indicating cognitive impairment.

Conclusions:

  • Exaggerated visit-to-visit blood pressure fluctuations, especially in SBP, are significant indicators of cognitive impairment in elderly individuals at high risk for CVD.
  • These findings highlight the importance of monitoring BP variability for early detection and management of cognitive decline in this population.
Abstract

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