Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.15836/ccar2018.3

The Diagnostic Value of 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Family Medicine Clinics.

Tatjana Cikač orcid.org/0000-0002-1590-3080 ; General Practice Tatjana Cikač, Varaždin, Croatia
Kristina Sambol ; Community Health Care Varaždin County, Varaždin, Croatia

Abstract

Introduction: Arterial hypertension is a leading public health problem and a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Most patients suffering from hypertension are monitored by family medicine physicians that have the requisite knowledge and skills needed to diagnose and treat this disease. This is greatly facilitated by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), which has more diagnostic value for arterial hypertension than clinical measurement of blood pressure (BP) values and is also used for monitoring disease management and deciding on the therapy of choice. This article assesses the utility of 24-hour ABPM in family medicine clinics for establishing the diagnosis of arterial hypertension and monitoring patients with a previously established diagnosis. Patients and Methods: We included 52 patients in a cross-sectional study over a period of 4 months. BP values measured using 24-hour ABPM were compared with values initially measured at the clinic on the examination date. The difference in the percentage of uncontrolled hypertension diagnosed by clinical BP measurement in comparison with 24-hour ABPM was tested by applying the χ2 test. The association between BP values measured at the clinic and those measured by ABPM was tested using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Results: The study comprised 18 men and 34 women. The average age of the participants was 56.06 years. Average 24-hour systolic pressure was 156.13 mmHg, and average diastolic pressure was 89.81 mmHg. The average values of systolic and diastolic pressure measured in the clinic were 141.98 mmHg and 84.52 mmHg, respectively. Uncontrolled systolic pressure demonstrated by ABPM was found in 47/52 patients, while 36/52 patients had uncontrolled diastolic pressure. In clinical measurements, uncontrolled systolic and diastolic BP values were registered in 29/52 and 9/52 patients, respectively. Conclusion: The measurement results demonstrate a positive correlation between BP values measured at the clinic and those measured using 24-hour ABPM. The application of ABPM contributes to correctly establishing the diagnosis of arterial hypertension and improved BP management.

Keywords

arterial hypertension; 24-hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring; family medicine

Hrčak ID:

198773

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/198773

Publication date:

28.2.2018.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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