AHA Journals, Author Interviews, Blood Pressure - Hypertension, University of Pennsylvania / 09.09.2019
White Coat Hypertension Calls for Close Blood Pressure Monitoring
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
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Dr. Jordana Cohen[/caption]
Jordana Cohen, MD, MSCE
Assistant Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology
Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division
Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Perelman School of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: In the June 18, 2019 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine, we published a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the cardiovascular risks of white coat hypertension (WCH; i.e. elevated office blood pressure and normal out-of-office blood pressure). The goal of the meta-analysis was to clarify previous mixed results regarding the risks of untreated WCH and treated WCH. The meta-analysis examined 27 studies – including 64,273 patients – and demonstrated that untreated WCH is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events (36%), all-cause mortality (33%), and cardiovascular mortality (109%) compared to normotension. This risk was strongest in studies with a mean age ≥55 years or that included participants with cardiac risk factors, such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease. We found no increased cardiovascular risk associated with treated white coat hypertension.
Dr. Jordana Cohen[/caption]
Jordana Cohen, MD, MSCE
Assistant Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology
Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division
Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Perelman School of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: In the June 18, 2019 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine, we published a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the cardiovascular risks of white coat hypertension (WCH; i.e. elevated office blood pressure and normal out-of-office blood pressure). The goal of the meta-analysis was to clarify previous mixed results regarding the risks of untreated WCH and treated WCH. The meta-analysis examined 27 studies – including 64,273 patients – and demonstrated that untreated WCH is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events (36%), all-cause mortality (33%), and cardiovascular mortality (109%) compared to normotension. This risk was strongest in studies with a mean age ≥55 years or that included participants with cardiac risk factors, such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease. We found no increased cardiovascular risk associated with treated white coat hypertension.