Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Registry Research Articles

Prevalence of resistant hypertension and associated factors for blood pressure control status with optimal medical therapy using Korean ambulatory blood pressure monitoring registry data.

BackgroundResistant hypertension (RH) may be one of the cause of the plateau in improving the control rate in hypertension (HT) management. The misdiagnosis of RH by clinic blood pressure (BP) is important clinical problem. Aim of the study were to investigate the prevalence of RH by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and the factor associated with control status of ambulatory BPs.MethodsFor 1230 subjects taking one or more antihypertensive medication (AHM) enrolled in the Korean Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (Kor-ABP) registry, the prevalence of RH was calculated which was defined as uncontrolled BP by three AHM classes including diuretic or BP in need of four or more AHM classes. The prevalence determined by clinic versus ambulatory BP was compared.ResultsThe age was 59.3 ± 12.5 years, and 44.3 % were female (n = 1230). Among them 72 subjects were taking three AHM drugs including diuretics and 105 subjects were taking four or more AHM classes. With uncontrolled daytime ambulatory BP in 41 among 72 subjects, prevalence of RH was 11.9 % (146/1230). By using nighttime BP criteria, there was significant difference in the prevalence of RH for clinic versus nighttime BP (146/177 vs. 159/177, p = 0.0124). For control status of daytime BP, masked uncontrolled BP was 16.9 % and controlled BP with white-coat effect was 14.1 %. For nighttime BP control status, odd ratios for smoking (0.624), drinking (1.512), coronary artery disease (0.604), calcium antagonist (1.705), and loop diuretics (0.454) were all significant.ConclusionThe prevalence itself was 11.9 % by daytime BP and it was significantly higher when using nighttime BP criteria. Control status of daytime BP was misclassified in 31.0 %. Smoking, drinking, coronary artery disease, calcium antagonist, and loop diuretics were associated with nighttime BP control status.

Higher Blood Pressure Variability in White Coat Hypertension; from the Korean Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Registry.

Background and ObjectivesBlood pressure variability (BPV) was recently shown to be a risk factor of stroke. White coat hypertension (WCH) used to be regarded as innocuous, but one long-term follow-up study reported that WCH increased stroke rate compared to normotension (NT). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between WCH and BPV.Subjects and MethodsWe analyzed 1398 subjects from the Korean Ambulatory Blood Pressure Registry, who were divided into NT (n=364), masked hypertension (n=122), white coat hypertension (n=254), and sustained hypertension (n=658) groups.ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar among groups. The average real variability (ARV), a highly sensitive BPV parameter, was highest in the WCH group, followed by the sustained hypertension, masked hypertension, and NT groups. The results persisted after being adjusted for covariates. The WCH vs. sustained hypertension results (adjusted mean±standard error) were as follows: 24-h systolic ARV, 22.9±0.8 vs. 19.4±0.6; 24-h diastolic ARV, 16.8±0.6 vs. 14.3±0.5; daytime systolic ARV, 21.8±0.8 vs. 16.8±0.6; and daytime diastolic ARV, 16.2±0.6 vs. 13.4±0.5 (p<0.001 for all comparisons).ConclusionFrom the registry data, we found that subjects with WCH or masked hypertension had higher BPV than NT. However, long-term follow-up data assessing the clinical influences of WCH on stroke are needed.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in daily clinical practice - the Spanish ABPM Registry experience.

Many patients are hypertensive at the medical settings but show normal blood pressure out of the doctor's office, and are classified as white-coat hypertensives. On the other hand, many patients with controlled hypertension at the clinic show ambulatory blood pressure levels above the thresholds considered for an adequate blood pressure control, known as having masked hypertension. Using data from the Spanish Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Registry (Spanish ABPM Registry), a national program developed to promote the use of the ambulatory technique for hypertension management in daily practice, we have reviewed the main strengths of this approach, that is the ability to detect discrepancies of blood pressure status with respect to office blood pressure measurement, and to better assess accurate rates of hypertension control. White-coat hypertension within patients with elevated office blood pressure, and masked hypertension within office-controlled patients affected one of three patients in each office status. On the other hand, rates of ambulatory blood pressure control (50%) doubled those of office blood pressure control (25%), still remaining half the patients uncontrolled. We think that a systematic use of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and strategies to improve blood pressure control constitute key priorities in hypertension management.

Detecting masked high blood pressure in high-risk patients

Detecting masked high blood pressure in high-risk patients

3D.02

Objective: Increased blood pressure (BP) variability has been related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients. We aimed to assess short-term BP variability by means of ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) according to renal function status. Design and method: We conducted a cross-sectional analyses with data from 14 382 hypertensives included in the Spanish ABPM Registry. Performance of ABPM was standardized according to guideline recommendations. Kidney function was graded according to current KDIGO definitions for chronic kidney disease (CKD) staging. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated by the CKD-EPI equation. Short-term (reading-to-reading) BP variability was assessed by standard deviation (SD) of mean daytime and nighttime systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). Results: Mean age of the population was 61.0 ± 13.9 years and 52.6% of patients were male. Distribution according to renal function status was: 8,689 (60.4%) with no CKD, 765 (5.3%) with stage 1 CKD, 494 (3.4%) with stage 2 CKD, 3893 (27.1%) with stage 3 CKD, 413 (2.9%) with stage 4 CKD, and 128 (0.9%) with stage 5 CKD. SD of daytime SBP was higher at more advanced CKD stage (13.6 in CKD-free patients, and 15.7, 16.7, 15.7, 17.5, and 19.0 mmHg in stage 1 to 5 CKD patients respectively, p-trend < 0.001). SD of nighttime SBP also increased with progressive CKD stage, with the change being proportionally higher than that observed for daytime SBP (15.1 in CKD-free patients, and 17.5, 18.8, 17.7, 20.1, and 23.8 mmHg in stage 1 to 5 CKD patients respectively, p-trend < 0.001). SD of daytime DBP and nighttime DBP also increased as renal function worsened but with only marginal statistical significance. Conclusions: Increased short-term BP was significantly associated with progressive CKD stages in a large sample of hypertensive patients. This association was stronger for SBP than for DBP, and for nighttime than for daytime BP. We suggest that increased SBP variability, particularly at night, may partially explain the sharp elevation of cardiovascular risk with worsening renal function.

The clinical characteristics of the tenth decile group in the standard deviation for awake systolic blood pressure in the korean ambulatory blood pressure monitoring registry data

The clinical characteristics of the tenth decile group in the standard deviation for awake systolic blood pressure in the korean ambulatory blood pressure monitoring registry data Sang-Hyun Ihm, Wook Bum Pyun, Soon Kil Kim, Kwang-il Kim, Sungha Park, Jinho Shin. Ewha Women University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Seoul National University, Bundang, , Republic of Korea; The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospital, Bucheon, , Republic of Korea; Yousei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Low respiratory function co-existing with smoking habit is associated with elevated morning BP -The J-HOP study

The clinical characteristics of the tenth decile group in the standard deviation for awake systolic blood pressure in the korean ambulatory blood pressure monitoring registry data Sang-Hyun Ihm, Wook Bum Pyun, Soon Kil Kim, Kwang-il Kim, Sungha Park, Jinho Shin. Ewha Women University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Seoul National University, Bundang, , Republic of Korea; The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospital, Bucheon, , Republic of Korea; Yousei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Prevalence of Atherogenic Dyslipidemia in Spanish Hypertensive Patients and Its Relationship With Blood Pressure Control and Silent Organ Damage

Introduction and objectivesTo assess the prevalence of atherogenic dyslipidemia in hypertensive patients and its relationship with risk profile and blood pressure control. MethodsThe study included 24 351 hypertensive patients from the Spanish Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Registry. Atherogenic dyslipidemia was defined as the presence of hypertriglyceridemia (> 150mg/dL) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (< 40mg/dL in men and < 46mg/dL in women). Blood pressure control was assessed by office and ambulatory monitoring. ResultsAtherogenic dyslipidemia was present in 2705 patients (11.1%). Of these, 30% had hypertriglyceridemia and 21.7% had low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Compared with patients without these risk factors, the former group were more often male (60% vs 52%), younger (57 years vs 59 years), had other risk factors and organ damage (microalbuminuria, reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate, and left ventricular hypertrophy), worse office, diurnal, and nocturnal blood pressure values (odds ratio 1.09, 1.06, and 1.10, respectively), and the lowest nocturnal blood pressure reduction (odds ratio=1.07), despite the greater use of antihypertensive drugs. ConclusionsAtherogenic dyslipidemia is present in more than 10% of hypertensive patients and is associated with other risk factors, organ damage, and poorer blood pressure control. Greater therapeutic effort is needed to reduce overall risk in these patients.

Prevalencia de dislipemia aterogénica en hipertensos españoles y su relación con el control de la presión arterial y el daño orgánico silente

Introduction and objectivesTo assess the prevalence of atherogenic dyslipidemia in hypertensive patients and its relationship with risk profile and blood pressure control. MethodsThe study included 24 351 hypertensive patients from the Spanish Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Registry. Atherogenic dyslipidemia was defined as the presence of hypertriglyceridemia (> 150mg/dL) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (< 40mg/dL in men and < 46mg/dL in women). Blood pressure control was assessed by office and ambulatory monitoring. ResultsAtherogenic dyslipidemia was present in 2705 patients (11.1%). Of these, 30% had hypertriglyceridemia and 21.7% had low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Compared with patients without these risk factors, the former group were more often male (60% vs 52%), younger (57 years vs 59 years), had other risk factors and organ damage (microalbuminuria, reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate, and left ventricular hypertrophy), worse office, diurnal, and nocturnal blood pressure values (odds ratio 1.09, 1.06, and 1.10, respectively), and the lowest nocturnal blood pressure reduction (odds ratio=1.07), despite the greater use of antihypertensive drugs. ConclusionsAtherogenic dyslipidemia is present in more than 10% of hypertensive patients and is associated with other risk factors, organ damage, and poorer blood pressure control. Greater therapeutic effort is needed to reduce overall risk in these patients.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en

High prevalence of masked uncontrolled hypertension in people with treated hypertension

There are limited data on the quality of treated blood pressure (BP) control during normal daily life, and in particular, the prevalence of 'masked uncontrolled hypertension' (MUCH) in people with treated and seemingly well-controlled BP is unknown. This is important because masked hypertension in 'treatment naïve' patients is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular events. We therefore conducted the first study to define the prevalence and characteristics of MUCH among a large sample of hypertensive patients in routine clinical practice in whom BP was treated and controlled to recommended clinic BP goals. We analysed data from the Spanish Society of Hypertension ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) Registry and identified patients with treated and controlled BP according to current international guidelines (clinic BP <140/90 mmHg). Masked uncontrolled hypertension was diagnosed in these patients if despite controlled clinic BP, the mean 24-h ABPM average remained elevated (24-h systolic BP ≥130 mmHg and/or 24-h diastolic BP ≥80 mmHg). From 62 788 patients with treated BP in the Spanish registry, we identified 14 840 with treated and controlled clinic BP, of whom 4608 patients (31.1%) had MUCH according to 24-h ABPM criteria (mean age 59.4 years, 59.7% men). The prevalence of MUCH was significantly higher in males, patients with borderline clinic BP (130-9/80-9 mmHg), and patients at high cardiovascular risk (smokers, diabetes, obesity). Masked uncontrolled hypertension was most often because of poor control of nocturnal BP, with the proportion of patients in whom MUCH was solely attributable to an elevated nocturnal BP almost double that solely attributable to daytime BP elevation (24.3 vs. 12.9%, P < 0.001). The prevalence of masked suboptimal BP control in patients with treated and well-controlled clinic BP is high. Clinic BP monitoring alone is thus inadequate to optimize BP control because many patients have an elevated nocturnal BP. These findings suggest that ABPM should become more routine to confirm BP control, especially in higher risk groups and/or those with borderline control of clinic BP.

Usefulness of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in daily clinical practice: Data from the Spanish ABPM registry

1. Hypertension is one of the most important challenges for public health systems because of its high prevalence and its association with the risk of cardiovascular and renal diseases. 2. Adequate control of hypertension is low in population and medical settings, with physicians frequently misclassifying patients' blood pressure status based on readings taken in the clinic rather than ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM). 3. Data from the Spanish Society of Hypertension ABPM registry support ABPM as a feasible option in the primary care setting, providing valuable information for the diagnosis and management of hypertension. By using ABPM rather than office BP monitoring, BP control can be doubled. This is an encouraging message to clinicians, although there is still a relatively large degree of undetected controlled and uncontrolled hypertension. 4. This short review describes the design, development and main results of the Spanish Society of Hypertension ABPM registry, a project based on a large-scale network of Spanish physicians trained in ABPM.

Nocturnal Hypertension or Nondipping: Which Is Better Associated With the Cardiovascular Risk Profile?

Both increased night blood pressure (BP) and nondipping are associated with worse cardiovascular risk and prognosis. However, as they are often related features, their relative importance has been difficult to assess separately. In this study we address separate associations of nocturnal hypertension and nondipping with cardiovascular risk profile in treated and untreated hypertensive patients. A total of 37,096 untreated patients and 62,788 patients receiving antihypertensive treatment from the Spanish Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Registry were included. Each cohort was separated into 4 groups: group 1, night systolic blood pressure (SBP) <120 mm Hg and normal dipping (>10%); group 2, night SBP <120 mm Hg and nondipping (≤10%); group 3, nocturnal hypertension (SBP ≥120 mm Hg) and normal dipping; and group 4, nocturnal hypertension and nondipping. The smallest proportion of patients with additional cardiovascular risk factors, organ damage, and history of previous events was observed in the group with both normal night SBP and dipping, whereas those with both nocturnal hypertension and nondipping showed the largest proportion of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases. When groups showing only 1 abnormality were compared, nondipping was associated with female sex, reduced renal function, and previous cardiovascular events, whereas nocturnal hypertension was associated with male sex, smoking, and increased urinary albumin excretion. In treated patients, it was also associated with the presence of diabetes. Nondipping is related to more advanced disease (reduced renal function and clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease), whereas nocturnal hypertension is associated with albuminuria. The worst cardiovascular risk profile is present in patients exhibiting both nocturnal hypertension and nondipping.

Profile of ambulatory blood pressure in resistant hypertension

Resistant hypertension (HT) is a condition that confers a high cardiovascular risk to the patient due to both persistent blood pressure elevation and the high prevalence of comorbidities and organ damage. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) has become an important tool in the diagnosis and follow-up of the hypertensive patient, and it is even more important in the evaluation of those with resistant HT. Data from the Spanish ABPM Registry have allowed the comparison between large groups of resistant hypertensive patients seen in daily life and those controlled on antihypertensive treatment, as well as in resistant hypertensive patients who are classified based on ambulatory blood pressure values. In comparison with controlled patients, the cohort of resistant hypertensives has a worse circadian profile with a high proportion of nondipping, but also stark differences between office and ambulatory blood pressures. This enhanced white-coat effect was responsible for more than one-third of resistant hypertensive patients having normal 24-h blood pressures. Clinical data, including comorbidities, organ damage and circadian patterns, suggest a lower cardiovascular risk among white-coat resistant hypertensives. This finding was in agreement with longitudinal studies in smaller cohorts, suggesting fewer cardiovascular events and less mortality. In summary, it seems reasonable to routinely use ABPM in the initial evaluation of all resistant hypertensive patients. In a significant number of these patients, ABPM will also be an essential tool in follow-up, especially regarding the possible effects of all therapeutic maneuvers that are devoted to bringing blood pressure into target ranges.

Association between Central Obesity and Circadian Parameters of Blood Pressure from the Korean Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Registry: Kor-ABP Registry

Central obesity has been reported as a risk for atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome. The influence of central obesity on diurnal blood pressure (BP) has not been established. In this study, we investigated the influence of central obesity on the circadian parameters of BP by 24 hr ambulatory BP monitoring. Total 1,290 subjects were enrolled from the Korean Ambulatory BP registry. Central obesity was defined as having a waist circumference≥90 cm in males and ≥85 cm in females. The central-obese group had higher daytime systolic BP (SBP), nighttime SBP and diastolic BP (DBP) than the non-obese group (all, P<0.001). There were no differences in nocturnal dipping (ND) patterns between the groups. Female participants showed a higher BP mean difference (MD) than male participants with concerns of central obesity (daytime SBP MD 5.28 vs 4.27, nighttime SBP MD 6.48 vs 2.72) and wider pulse pressure (PP). Central obesity within the elderly (≥65 yr) also showed a higher BP MD than within the younger group (daytime SBP MD 8.23 vs 3.87, daytime DBP 4.10 vs 1.59). In conclusion, central obesity has no influence on nocturnal dipping patterns. However, higher SBP and wider PP are associated with central obesity, which is accentuated in women.

854 REGISTRY FOR EVALUATION OF THE PROGNOSTIC CUT-OFF VALUES IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION

Background: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is superior to clinic blood pressure in predicting cardiovascular prognosis. Previous ABPM registries were based on the patients with low cardiovascular risk from community or primary physicians. We set up Korean Ambulatory Blood Pressure monitoring registry (KorABP) for evaluation of the prognostic cut-off values in patients with hypertension including high cardiovascular risk. Methods: Total 43 referral hospitals started to enrol the data from all patients underwent ABPM who gave informed consent from 2009. The primary endpoints were fatal and nonfatal stroke and coronary events including death, acute myocardial infarction, and any revascularization procedures. Sample size was calculated as low risk group, moderate group, high group, very high group respectively need 255, 253, 1,149, 1,130 samples from WHO/ISH risk stratification. Total sample size was 20,000 persons after adjusted for dropout rate. Results: The first year data were delivered at 2011 January with 1707 patients. The devices used in this registry were A&D(51%) and Tonoport V from GE(32%) and others(17%). Mean daytime blood pressure and nighttime blood pressure were 136.4 ± 16.4/85.8 ± 11.7, 127.2 ± 18.6/79.2 ± 13.2 mmHg with 66% of nondipper. The white-coat and masked hypertension were more prevalent in untreated group than treated group (15.1% vs 13.6%, 17.7% vs 12.7% respectively) Conclusions: KorABP registry is enrolling high risk patients high risk and very high risk patients(44%) which showed higher nondipper group. It also showed higher white-coat and masked hypertension in non-treated group compared treated group. Larger and longer follow up data will show prognostic cut-off value in various cardiovascular risk groups.

Clinical differences between resistant hypertensives and patients treated and controlled with three or less drugs

Clinical characteristics of resistant hypertensive patients in comparison to controlled patients have not been fully investigated in large cohorts. The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical differences, target organ damage and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in resistant hypertensive patients and patients controlled on three or less drugs. In December 2010, from the Spanish Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Registry, we identified 14 461 patients fulfilling criteria of resistant hypertension and 13 436 hypertensive patients controlled on three or less drugs. Clinical characteristics were compared between these two groups. Compared to controlled patients, those having resistant hypertension were older, more obese and had longer hypertension duration. They also had more frequently diabetes, dyslipidemia, reduced renal function, microalbuminuria, left-ventricular hypertrophy and previous history of cardiovascular events. In multivariate analyses, hypertension duration, obesity, abdominal obesity, left-ventricular hypertrophy, reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate, and microalbuminuria were independently associated with resistant hypertension. Resistant hypertensive patients had higher ambulatory blood pressures, but differences between office and ambulatory blood pressure (white-coat effect) were also more pronounced in this group, revealing a proportion of 40% of patients with normal 24-h blood pressure. On the contrary, values of 24-h blood pressure above 130 and/or 80 mmHg (masked hypertension) were present in 31% of apparently controlled patients. Resistant hypertension is associated with obesity, longer hypertension duration and kidney and cardiac damage. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring reveals that white-coat hypertension is common among resistant hypertensive patients, as well as is masked hypertension among apparently controlled patients.

Association of early systolic blood pressure response to exercise with future cardiovascular events in patients with uncomplicated mild-to-moderate hypertension

The relationship between blood pressure (BP) response during exercise and future cardiovascular events remains unclear. We assessed the association between an increase in early systolic BP (SBP) during exercise tests and future cardiovascular events in patients with sustained hypertension (sHT). Between 2002 and 2005, we enrolled 300 patients newly diagnosed with mild-to-moderate sHT without complications from the Asan Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring registry. All the patients successfully performed treadmill tests, achieving target heart rate according to the Naughton/Balke protocol. The patients were divided into quartiles according to their SBP at 8 min (7.4 metabolic equivalent tasks). The primary outcome was the composite of all-cause death, new-onset ischemic heart disease and stroke. The 5-year survival rates did not differ significantly among quartiles 1–4 (100% vs. 96.6% vs. 94.4% vs. 98.3%, P=0.211). Relative to quartile 1, the 5-year event-free survival rates were significantly lower in patients in quartiles 3 (86.9% vs. 98.3%, P=0.023) and 4 (88.2% vs. 98.3%, P=0.023). After multivariable adjustment for covariates, the risk for the composite end point was higher for patients in quartiles 3 (Hazard ratio (HR) 4.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28–17.13, P=0.020) and 4 (HR 3.65, 95% CI 0.92–14.50, P=0.065) than in quartiles 1 and 2. Cardiovascular risk was significantly higher in patients with stage 4 SBP (>180 mm Hg) even after adjustment (HR 4.00, 95% CI 1.19–13.44, P=0.025). Increased submaximal SBP response to exercise may be a predictor of future cardiovascular events in patients with mild-to-moderate sHT.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and development of cardiovascular events in high-risk patients included in the Spanish ABPM registry

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is superior to conventional BP measurement in predicting outcome, with baseline 24-h, daytime and night-time absolute values, as well as relative nocturnal decline, as powerful determinants of prognosis. We aimed to evaluate ABPM estimates on the appearance of cardiovascular events and mortality in a cohort of high-risk treated hypertensive patients. A total of 2115 treated hypertensive patients with high or very high added risk were evaluated by means of office and 24-h ABPM. Cardiovascular events and mortality were assessed after a median follow-up of 4 years. Two hundred and sixty-eight patients (12.7%) experienced a primary event (nonfatal coronary or cerebrovascular event, heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular death) and 114 died (45 from cardiovascular causes). In a multiple Cox regression model, and after adjusting for baseline cardiovascular risk and office BP, night-time SBP predicted cardiovascular events [hazard ratio for each SD increase: 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-1.59]. Values above 130 mmHg increased the risk by 52% in comparison to values less than 115 mmHg. In addition to clinical determinants of cardiovascular risk and conventional BP, ABPM performed during treatment adds prognostic significance on the development of cardiovascular events in high-risk hypertensive patients. Among different ABPM-derived values, night-time SBP is the most potent predictor of outcome.

Abnormalities in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in hypertensive patients with diabetes

Our aim was to assess the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) characteristics or patterns in hypertensive patients with diabetes compared with non-diabetic hypertensives. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of a 68,045 patient database from the Spanish Society of Hypertension ABPM Registry, a nation-wide network of >1200 primary-care physicians performing ABPM under standardized conditions in daily practice. We identified 12,600 (18.5%) hypertensive patients with diabetes. When compared with patients without diabetes, diabetic hypertensives exhibited higher systolic blood pressure (BP) levels in every ABPM period (daytime 135.4 vs. 131.8, and nighttime 126.0 vs. 121.0 mm Hg, P<0.001 for both) despite they were receiving more antihypertensive drugs (mean number 1.71 vs. 1.23, P<0.001). Consequently, diabetic patients suffered from lack of control of BP more frequently than non-diabetic subjects particularly during the night (65.5% vs. 57.4%, P<0.001). Prevalence of a non-dipping BP profile (64.2% vs. 51.6%, P<0.001) was higher in diabetic patients. In the other hand, prevalence of 'white-coat' hypertension in diabetic patients was 33.0%. We conclude that there was a remarkably high prevalence of alterations in ABPM in patients with diabetes. Abnormalities in systolic BP, particularly during the night, and in circadian BP pattern could be linked with the excess of BP-related cardiovascular risk of diabetes. A wider use of ABPM in diabetic patients should be considered.

Response to Unmasking True Resistant Hypertension: Is the Real-World Resistance Just Revealed?

We thank Thomopoulos and Tsioufis1 for their interest in our article2 and also for their positive feedback and criticism. We will try to answer directly to the 3 points raised in their letter. First, we would like to clarify our analyses regarding treatment posology. Although, in the protocol of the Spanish Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Registry, details of treatment posology were collected on a 3-category scheme, results from this cohort of patients with resistant hypertension indicated that only 41 patients (0.5% of the cohort) received part of their …