Blood pressures in subjects for life assurance medical examination and the effect of ten minutes recumbent rest

Abstract

The prevalence of hypertension in a population is the sum of those individuals with a blood pressure (BP) exceeding 140/90 mm Hg plus those with normal BP on antihypertensive therapy (this is usually about 20-30% of the population). Rest normally reduces BP but the frequency and extent of the fall remains unclear. This study analysed the results of 1,008 consecutive life assurance examinations in which BP was recorded twice, before and after a ten minute period of recumbent rest. Two hundred and twelve subjects had initial BPs of more than 140/90 mm Hg (21%). When all those receiving antihypertensive treatment but with normal BPs were included, this was 26.5%. Of the 212 subjects, BP was at a normal level in 147 (69%) after ten minutes at rest. BP measurement after a ten minute period of standardised rest could more accurately identify true hypertension.