Pressor response to 30-s breathhold: A predictor of masked hypertension

Nadezhda P. Lyamina, Michael L. Smith, Svetlana V. Lyamina, Eugenia B. Manukhina, Valery N. Senchikhin, Christina F. Pacchia, H. Fred Downey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

One in six adults has normal arterial blood pressure (BP) during a routine examination, but is hypertensive in other environments. This masked hypertension (MHT) may delay treatment until target organ damage has occurred. A sensitive, specific and economical test is needed to detect or exclude MHT in apparently normal subjects. The BP response to a 30-s breathhold (BH test) was observed in 269 young subjects with no evidence of cardiovascular disease. Of 226 normotensives (office BP ≤ 120/80), 25 (11%) had a positive BH test (test BP > 140/90 mmHg), and 12 (44%) of these subjects had MHT (positive 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (BPM)). Of 201 subjects with negative BH test, none had MHT (negative BPM). Of 43 subjects with high normal BP (office BP > 120/80 < 140/90), 28 (65%) had a positive BH test and 22 of these subjects had MHT (positive BPM). Of the 15 subjects with high normal BP and with a negative BH test, none had MHT (negative BPM). Overall, the BH pressor test and BPM agreed in 93% of cases, and the BH test produced no false negative findings. The BH pressor test effectively ruled out MHT in normal subjects and accurately identified a population that should be further evaluated for MHT.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)372-376
Number of pages5
JournalBlood Pressure
Volume21
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2012

Keywords

  • Apnea
  • Breathhold test
  • Chemoreflex
  • Early detection screening
  • Masked arterial hypertension

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Pressor response to 30-s breathhold: A predictor of masked hypertension'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this