EVALUATION OF BLOOD PRESSURE IN PATIENTS WITH WHITE COAT HYPERTENSION IN THE CITY OF TOLEDO-PR

Abstract

It is estimated that approximately 15 to 30% of patients with blood pressure (BP) above normal values in the office setting have white coat hypertension (WCH). This study aimed to analyze the follow-up of patients diagnosed with WCH in the city of Toledo-PR and investigate whether there is a relationship with the development of hypertension (HTN) in these patients. This is a retrospective longitudinal observational study conducted through the review of electronic medical records of patients diagnosed with WCH between the years 2014 and 2015 in a cardiology clinic in the city. Patient records were evaluated for 8 years from the diagnosis of WCH, assessing the prevalence of HTN among them during this period. The sample included a total of 94 patients, of which 7.44% developed HTN. Age, BMI, smoking, and physical activity did not show significant values associated with HTN. Regarding follow-up, age and diabetes mellitus (DM) were statistically significant. Despite the small sample size, it is concluded that WCH emerges as a significant risk factor for the development of systemic arterial hypertension. Therefore, patients diagnosed with WCH can benefit from personalized follow-up and specific guidance on their condition.