Visit-to-visit blood pressure variability and risk of chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analyses
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Updated: Dec 20, 2025

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Huihui Li1, Jing Xue2, Wenjie Dai3
1Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Insights
Increased visit-to-visit blood pressure variability (BPV) is linked to a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Managing blood pressure fluctuations is crucial for preventing CKD.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Visit-to-visit blood pressure variability (BPV) has been suggested as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Previous studies on the association between BPV and CKD have yielded inconsistent results.
- A comprehensive assessment is needed to clarify the relationship between BPV and CKD risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze existing studies.
- To comprehensively assess the association between visit-to-visit BPV and the risk of developing CKD.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to August 1, 2019.
- Inclusion of 14 studies for meta-analysis using a random effects model.
- Independent data extraction by two reviewers with CKD development as the primary outcome.
Main Results:
- High baseline systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) significantly increased CKD risk (RR 1.69 for SD, 1.23 for CV, 1.40 for VIM).
- Each unit increase in visit-to-visit SBPV correlated with increased CKD risk (RR 1.05 for SD, 1.06 for CV).
- Diastolic BPV also showed predictive value for CKD based on SD and CV measures.
Conclusions:
- Increased visit-to-visit BPV may be an independent risk factor for CKD.
- Significant heterogeneity among studies necessitates further prospective research for confirmation.
- Hypertension management should focus on both blood pressure control and minimizing fluctuations to reduce CKD risk.
Objective:
Previous studies have shown that visit-to-visit blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the results have not been consistent among studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to comprehensively assess the association between visit-to-visit BPV and the risk of CKD.
Methods:
Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from the date of inception through 1 August 2019 using the terms "blood pressure variability," "chronic kidney disease," "nephropathy," and other comparable terms. The primary outcome was the development of CKD. Two reviewers extracted the data independently. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model.
Results:
Fourteen studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The risk of CKD was significantly greater in patients with high baseline systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) than in patients with low baseline SBPV: the standard deviation (SD) showed relative risk (RR) of 1.69 and 95% CI of 1.38-2.08, the coefficient of variation (CV) showed RR of 1.23 and 95% CI of 1.12-1.36, and variance independent of mean (VIM) showed RR of 1.40 and 95% CI of 1.15-1.71. RRs for each unit increase in visit-to-visit SBPV and risk of CKD were 1.05 (95% CI: 1.03-1.07) for SD, 1.06 (95% CI: 1.03-1.09) for CV, and 1.1 (95% CI: 0.96-1.25) for VIM. Diastolic BPV was similarly predictive of CKD based on SD and CV.
Conclusions:
Increased visit-to-visit BPV might be an independent risk factor for CKD. However, significant heterogeneity was present; thus, future prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings. Our results indicate that treatment of hypertension should control blood pressure levels and prevent abnormal fluctuations in blood pressure to reduce the risk of CKD.
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