PP.16.16] REGULAR BENZODIAZEPINES CONSUMPTION ASSOCIATED WITH LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE IN AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING

Abstract

Objective: It has been previously demonstrated that benzodiazepines can help reduce acute elevation of blood pressure in hypertensive patients. However, the effect of regular benzodiazepine use on blood pressure has not been documented. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate whether benzodiazepine use (for at least 3 months) can be associated to the results of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Design and method: A retrospective analysis of the ABPM database between 2009 and 2015 was performed. The study groups were divided according to benzodiazepine treatment at least 3 months before an ABPM. Multivariate analysis using Generalized estimating equation (GEE) linear model was conducted to estimate the association between benzodiazepine treatment and ABPM test measurements: 24 h, daytime, and nighttime systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Results: A total of 5020 ABPM studies were included in final analysis, including 713 ABPM of benzodiazepine-treated patients, and 4307 of untreated patients. The benzodiazepine-treated group was significantly older, with a predominance of female patients, comprised more diabetic patients and patients who consumed more antihypertensive medications. After adjustment for age, gender, diabetes mellitus, and number of antihypertensive medications taken, benzodiazepine treatment was independently associated with significantly lower systolic blood pressure over 24 h, during the daytime, and during the night [−2.176 mmHg (−3.377;−0.974); −2.040 mmHg (−3.268;−0.812) and −2.11 mmHg (−3.486;−0.733) respectively] as well as with significantly lower diastolic blood pressure over 24 h, during the daytime and during the night [−1.802 mmHg (−2.558;−1.047); −1.720 mmHg (−2.502;−0. 939), and −1.788 mmHg (−2.610;−0.966) respectively]. Analysis stratified by age of 60 revealed that benzodiazepine consumption was associated with lower ABPM measurements only in the elderly group. Conclusions: Use of benzodiazepines was independently associated with lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure in all parameters of ABPM in patients 60 years old and older, while not among younger patients.