Could erratic blood pressure be silently harming your heart? This study investigates the link between 24-hour blood pressure variability (BPV) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI), a key indicator of organ damage, within a general population sample. Researchers monitored the blood pressure of over 3200 individuals, finding that while average BP values correlate with LVMI, a specific component of BPV—the individual residual BPV—exhibits an independent positive association with LVMI. The study, conducted in Monza, Italy, utilized an automatic oscillometric device to measure blood pressure every 20 minutes over a 24-hour period. By excluding individuals on antihypertensive therapy, the research focused on 1648 participants, examining both cyclic and erratic components of blood pressure fluctuations. This research highlights the clinical relevance of BPV, particularly its erratic nature, as a potential risk factor for organ damage. These findings suggest that monitoring and managing BPV, beyond just average BP, may be crucial in preventing cardiovascular morbidity in the general population, opening avenues for further investigation into targeted interventions.
Published in Hypertension, a leading journal in cardiovascular medicine, this paper aligns with the journal's focus on understanding the mechanisms and clinical implications of hypertension and related cardiovascular risk factors. By examining blood pressure variability in a general population, the study expands upon the journal's existing research into hypertensive patients, potentially influencing future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.