Left ventricular mass and pulse wave velocity in patients with masked hypertension and white-coat hypertension

Background The aim of the study was to assess the arterial stiffness in subjects with masked hypertension and in subjects with white coat hypertension as compared to hypertensives and normotensives. Material and methods The study group included 259 untreated subjects (age = 32.8 +/- 12.9 years, 136 F/123 M). The 24-h ABP monitoring was performed using oscillometric SpaceLabs 90207 monitors. Two-dimensionally guided M-mode echocardiography was performed (Sonos 5000). Left vetricular mass (LVM) was calculated according to Devereaux formula, and indexed to body surface area (LVMI). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) between the common carotid and femoral artery was measured with the Complior (R) device. Results. Among investigated group, masked hypertension was diagnosed in 37 subjects (14.3%), and white coat hypertension in 20 subjects (7.7%). Subjects with masked hypertension as compared to normotensives had higher LVMI (104.7 +/- 29.0 -91.0 +/- 16.3 g/m(2), p < 0.05) and PWV (10.15 +/- 1.62 - 8.56 +/- 1.45 m/s, p < 0.05). Also subjects with white coat hypertension as compared to normotensives had higher LVMI (97.6 +/- 18.3 vs. 91.0 +/- 16.3 g/m(2), p < 0.05) and PWV (9.39 +/- 1.23 vs. 8.56 +/- +/- 1.45 m/s, p < 0.05). In the multifactorial analysis, with adjustment applied for age, gender, BMI, smoking and alcohol intake, we observed significant relation of masked hypertension with higher LVMI (p < 0.01) and PWV (p < 0.05). Such relation was not present for white coat hypertension. Conclusion Masked hypertension is independent determinant of left ventricular hypertrophy and increased arterial stiffness.