High-normal blood pressure is associated with visit-to-visit blood pressure variability in the US adults

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Hypertension Research
• Clinical Epidemiology

Background:

• High-normal blood pressure and visit-to-visit blood pressure variability are prevalent clinical findings.
• Both high-normal blood pressure and blood pressure variability are independently linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
• Population-based studies investigating the interplay between these two phenomena are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between high-normal blood pressure and visit-to-visit blood pressure variability.
• To determine if individuals with high-normal blood pressure exhibit greater blood pressure fluctuations over time.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed.
• Data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) were utilized.
• Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between high-normal blood pressure and blood pressure variability.

Main Results:

• The study included 6,071 participants with a mean age of 37.16 years.
• Mean visit-to-visit systolic and diastolic blood pressure variability were 5.84 mmHg and 5.26 mmHg, respectively.
• High-normal blood pressure demonstrated a statistically significant association with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure variability (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• High-normal blood pressure is significantly associated with increased visit-to-visit blood pressure variability.
• Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
• Investigating interventions to mitigate blood pressure variability in high-normal blood pressure patients is crucial for reducing cardiovascular complications.