Aim of this study: Was to assess the relationships between pulse wave velocity and different BP patterns (sustained normotension NT, isolated clinical hypertension ICH, ambulatory hypertension AHT and sustained hypertension HT) in a general population sample.

Design and methods: In 198 untreated subjects (age 55.7 ± 9.5, BMI 25.7 ± 4.0, 46.5% males) participating in our population study PWV was measured. Subjects underwent laboratory examinations and clinic and 24 hours BP measurement. Subjects were divided into subgroups: NT (office BP<140/90 and 24 h BP<125/80 mmHg), ICH (office BP≥140/90 and 24h BP<125/80 mmHg), AHT (office BP<140/90 and 24h BP≥125/80 mmHg) and HT (office BP≥140/90 and 24h BP≥125/80 mmHg).

Results: Patient with ICH and HT were older than NT (58.6 ± 10.2 and 58.1 ± 10.0 vs 52.7 ± 8.2,respectively p<0.01). The prevalence of male gender was higher in HT and AHT than NT and ICT (69% and 73% vs 29% and 34% respectively, p<0.01). BMI was higher in HT than in NT and ICH (26.9 ±4.3 vs 24.7 ±3.7 and 25.9 ±4.0, respectively, p<0.01). PWV was significantly higher in AHT and HT in comparison to NT (11.9 ± 2.4 and 12.3 ± 2.8 vs 10.0 ± 1.6, respectively p<0.01); this difference remained statistically significant after adjustment for age, BMI, height, glycemia, uric acid, HDL and triglycerides (p<0.05).

Conclusions: In a general population arterial stiffness is increased in patients with sustained hypertension and with ambulatory hypertension in respect to subject with clinic and 24 hours normal BP values. The use of BP monitoring may be useful for the identification of patients with more pronounced vascular target organ damage.