Ambulatory blood pressure in normotensive subjects. Definition of reference values as a function of age by the Spacelabs instrument
Pagny, J.Y.; Delva, R.; Aouizerate, M.; Chatellier, G.; Battaglia, C.; Devriès, C.; Plouin, P.F.; Corvol, P.; Ménard, J.
Presse Medicale 16(33): 1621-1624
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0755-4982 PMID: 2959922 Document Number: 304242
For a finer assessment, by repeated blood pressure (BP) measurements, of the cardiovascular risk associated with BP levels, new instruments have been developed which provide multiple reading during periods of activity. However, the lack of epidemiological studies makes it necessary to determine reference ambulatory BP levels by another method. Twelve-hour recordings were taken with the Spacelabs instrument in 130 volunteers (45% males) aged from 20 to 90 years during their various activities. Mean systolic and diastolic BP values +/- SD were calculated per age-groups of 10 years each. That this sample was representative of the general population was confirmed by the fact that BP fluctuations and variations according to age and sex in these 130 subjects were identical with those observed in the population of an entire town (Framingham). The concept of hypertension, as defined by ambulatory BP recordings, is discussed. This study provides, for the first time, reference ambulatory BP values according to age and sex, measured in normotensive subjects with the Spacelabs instrument. These values constitute a preliminary step indispensable to evaluate this technique in hypertensive patients.