PSEUDO OR SPURIOUS HYPERTENSION AMONG MALE YOUTHS IN SOUTHERN SWITZERLAND

Abstract

Objective: There is a debate about prevalence and significance of Isolated Systolic Hypertension in the Young (ISHY). Frequency and type of ISHY were therefore investigated among Swiss male citizens, who undergo a medical examination for recruitment into the army in the year they turn 18 to 19. Design and method: Among males, who underwent the examination for recruitment between 2014 and 2016 in Southern Switzerland, 1027 accepted to participate in a research protocol addressing their cardiovascular health including among others blood pressure (BP) measurement. A single BP high reading does not mean hypertension and the average of several readings provides a more reliable estimate of BP. Consequently, more readings were taken with the average mode technology (Microlife® BP3AC1–1) in volunteers with an initial reading = or >140/90 mmHg. Further readings with the same technique were obtained 24 hours later in subjects with an average reading = or >140/90 mmHg. Central BP (Arteriograph®, TensioMed, Budapest, Hungary) was measured in subjects with Isolated Systolic Hypertension (ISH) to identify pseudo or spurious hypertension. Results: Among the 1027 participants, the first blood pressure reading was = or >140/90 mmHg in 337. Average mode blood pressure was still = or >140/90 mmHg in 276 subjects. Twenty-four hours later, BP was = or > 140/90 in 78 subjects. ISH (BP = or >140 / <90 mmHg) was observed in 57 of the mentioned 78 subjects. A reliable central BP determination was obtained in 47 of the subjects with ISH. Pseudo or spurious hypertension (central BP <130 mmHg) was noted in 25 cases. Conclusions: Among males 18 to 19 years of age living in Southern Switzerland, ISHY is found in approximately 5%. The determination of central BP indicates that pseudo or spurious hypertension accounts for approximately half of the cases.