open access

Vol 23, No 1 (2019)
Original paper
Published online: 2018-11-29
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Variability of subsequent blood pressure measurements carried out among adult volunteers

Martyna Schönborn1, Agnieszka Trynkiewicz1, Małgorzata Cebeńko1, Danuta Czarnecka2, Agnieszka Olszanecka2
·
Arterial Hypertension 2019;23(1):22-29.
Affiliations
  1. Students’ Scientific Group at the 1st Department of Cardiology, Interventional Electrocardiology and Hypertension, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
  2. 1st Department of Cardiology, Interventional Electrocardiology and Hypertension, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland, Poland

open access

Vol 23, No 1 (2019)
ORIGINAL PAPERS
Published online: 2018-11-29

Abstract

Background. Arterial hypertension (AH) affects 31% of Polish adult population. However, proper evaluation of
blood pressure (BP) is compromised by the phenomenon of its variability. The purpose of the study was to assess the
variability of subsequent BP measurements and to define its determining factors.

Material and methods. Data were collected among volunteers during World Hypertension Day 2017 in Kraków.
Information about socio-demographic status, cardiovascular risk factors and concomitant diseases were obtained
with use of standardized questionnaires. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate
were measured thrice. The differences between consecutive measurements were analysed.

Results. The study included 419 participants (age 48.7 ± 19.6 years; 56.1% females). The first SBP and DBP measurements were significantly higher than the second and the third one. In multiple regression analysis — age, first BP value and sex were significantly related with BP variability. Elevated BP among subjects without previous history of AH was detected in 119 participants (diagnosis based on the 1st BP reading) and in 79 when diagnosis was based on the average of the 2nd and 3rd measurements.

Conclusions. Consecutive BP measurements are highly variable. These differences are gender-related and the extend
of BP decline is determined significantly by the first BP value. Correct measurement and interpretation of the BP is
essential in the diagnosis and management of AH. The combination of the 2nd and 3rd reading seems to be favourable
over single reading; therefore, multiple BP measurements should be recommended even in screening actions.

Abstract

Background. Arterial hypertension (AH) affects 31% of Polish adult population. However, proper evaluation of
blood pressure (BP) is compromised by the phenomenon of its variability. The purpose of the study was to assess the
variability of subsequent BP measurements and to define its determining factors.

Material and methods. Data were collected among volunteers during World Hypertension Day 2017 in Kraków.
Information about socio-demographic status, cardiovascular risk factors and concomitant diseases were obtained
with use of standardized questionnaires. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate
were measured thrice. The differences between consecutive measurements were analysed.

Results. The study included 419 participants (age 48.7 ± 19.6 years; 56.1% females). The first SBP and DBP measurements were significantly higher than the second and the third one. In multiple regression analysis — age, first BP value and sex were significantly related with BP variability. Elevated BP among subjects without previous history of AH was detected in 119 participants (diagnosis based on the 1st BP reading) and in 79 when diagnosis was based on the average of the 2nd and 3rd measurements.

Conclusions. Consecutive BP measurements are highly variable. These differences are gender-related and the extend
of BP decline is determined significantly by the first BP value. Correct measurement and interpretation of the BP is
essential in the diagnosis and management of AH. The combination of the 2nd and 3rd reading seems to be favourable
over single reading; therefore, multiple BP measurements should be recommended even in screening actions.

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Keywords

arterial hypertension; blood pressure measurement; blood pressure variability

About this article
Title

Variability of subsequent blood pressure measurements carried out among adult volunteers

Journal

Arterial Hypertension

Issue

Vol 23, No 1 (2019)

Article type

Original paper

Pages

22-29

Published online

2018-11-29

Page views

1058

Article views/downloads

817

DOI

10.5603/AH.a2018.0021

Bibliographic record

Arterial Hypertension 2019;23(1):22-29.

Keywords

arterial hypertension
blood pressure measurement
blood pressure variability

Authors

Martyna Schönborn
Agnieszka Trynkiewicz
Małgorzata Cebeńko
Danuta Czarnecka
Agnieszka Olszanecka

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