Variability in blood pressure and arterial hypertension

Czech version

Authors: J. Widimský jr.
Authors‘ workplace: Centrum pro hypertenzi III. interní kliniky 1. lékařské fakulty UK a VFN Praha, přednosta prof. MUDr. Štěpán Svačina, DrSc., MBA
Published in: Vnitř Lék 2011; 57(3): 320-324
Category: 60th birthday of prof. Mudr. Jiřího Vítovce, CSc, FESC

Overview

Blood pressure variability in hypertension is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular complications, especially of stroke. Antihypertensive drugs/classes with powerful antihypertensive effect and suppression of blood pressure variability might have additional impact on the cardiovascular risk in clinical practice. Current evidence suggests that calcium channel blockers (CCB) decrease blood pressure variability more than all other antihypertensive classes. Combination of CCB with ACE-inhibitors suppresses blood pressure variability more than diuretics plus beta-blockers. Within-visit blood pressure variability (measured as coeficient of standard deviation) seems to be relatively simple and strong predictor of stroke and cardiovascular events.

Key words:
arterial hypertension – blood pressure variability – stroke

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