In France, according to Health Insurance figures, more than one in three adults are hypertensive and one in two treated hypertensive patients are not controlled. But beyond these already significant figures, certain cases of hypertension (or hypertension) are particularly difficult to diagnose. This phenomenon is called “masked” hypertension.
Good figures in office, but climbing outside
Why talk about “masked hypertension”? Because even if the person does have high blood pressure, it can be camouflaged and masked by completely normal numbers once in the office.
“Masked hypertension is characterized by normal blood pressure values when measured in the doctor’s office, but elevated outside the medical environment!” confirms Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical.
By comparison, masked hypertension is therefore the opposite of what is called white coat syndrome, which increases the patient’s tension at the mere sight of the doctor, due to stress.
Blood pressure varies throughout the day
According to studies, the blood pressure recorded in outpatient settings during usual activities is abnormally high while that measured by the doctor is normal in nearly 10% of the adult population. However, if it is not controlled correctly or detected, hypertension can put you in danger. It increases the work of the heart which becomes exhausted (and can lead to heart failure). It constitutes an important cardiovascular risk factor involved in the occurrence of myocardial infarction, stroke, or arteriopathy of the lower limbs. It can also remain undiagnosed for years, thus delaying the implementation of appropriate treatment.
“Hence the interest in assessing blood pressure during ambulatory measurements or self-measurements at home!” approves our expert.
Remember that a good diagnosis of masked hypertension is based on two tests:
- A blood pressure measurement at the doctor’s office;
- A 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement (MAPA) or self-measurement at home.
“Particularly in the case of risk factors such as high body mass index (BMI > 27) or even alcohol consumption or smoking” underlines our expert.
Masked hypertension does not prevent treatment
In the case of masked hypertension, treatment with antihypertensive drugs is not codified, adds Dr. Kierzk. But support may include:
- Lifestyle changes;
- Antihypertensive medications;
- Regular monitoring of blood pressure.
Self-monitoring of blood pressure is essential to identify patients at risk and offer them early treatment. As a reminder, an ideal blood pressure is 12/8. We are talking about high blood pressure above 14/9.