Clinical Implications of White Coat Hypertension

Objective: To determine the clinical implications of mild white coat hypertension (WCH).

Subjects and methods: We studied 102 subjects (54 men, 48 women). 51 of whom were normotensive and 51 slightly hypertensive. None had ever received antihypertensive therapy. An ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) record (Accutracker II), a 24-h electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram were obtained from each, and each was examined by funduscopy. WCH subjects were compared with sustained hypertension (SH) subjects and with normotensives.

Results: Fifty-three percent of the hypertensives qualified as WCH. The ultrasonographic characteristics and the ABP variables of the WCH group differed significantly from those of normotensives, but not from those of the SH group. The prevalence of left ventricilar hypertrophy (LVH) in the SH group (62.5%) did not differ significantly from its prevalence in the WCH group (40.7%). but the prevalence among normotensives (17.6%) was significantly lower than in either of the other two groups. The WCH and SH groups did not differ significantly as regards the prevalence of hypertensive retinopathy (33.3%) in the former, 58.3% in the latter). For no non-LVH, nonretinopathic subject, whether norniotensive or hypertensive, were more than 18% of daytime diastolic ABP measurements ≥90mmHg. Ultrasonographic findings were no better correlated with ABP than with in-clinic BP measurements. Fundus findings correlated well with in-clinic BP and with numerous ABP parameters. Retinopathy, with or without LVH, was efficiently predictable among hypertensives on the basis of body mass index and the 24-h maximum of systolic BP.

Conclusions: Myocardiac remodelling and vascular retinopathy develop early and in parallel in hypertensives, and both developments appear to involve determinants including body mass index and 24-h maximum systolic BP. WCH subjects, as defined by current ABP-based criteria, have cardiac and retinovascular Characteristics different to normotensive subjects. Stricter criteria are needed to discriminate between hypertensives with and without the systemic developments that constitute the immediate source of risk to the hypertensive individual.     

Diagnosis and management of white‐coat hypertension in children and adolescents: A Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium study

Although the definition of white‐coat hypertension (WCH) in children and adolescents is clearly defined, little is known about how this condition is actually approached clinically. To better understand the contemporary approach to the diagnosis and management of WCH in pediatric patients, the authors surveyed the membership of the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium. Seventy‐four faculty pediatric nephrologists responded to the survey. The survey results demonstrated uniformity in diagnosing WCH, including ambulatory blood pressure monitoring use in 93% of the respondents and a 75% adherence rate according to the 2014 American Heart Association scientific statement on pediatric ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. A total of 85% of respondents would not embark on further diagnostic evaluation once the WCH diagnosis was established, and none would initiate antihypertensive medications. There was a wide variety of practice habits in follow‐up of WCH including frequency of office and out‐of‐office follow‐up blood pressure measurements, the setting and timing of physician follow‐up, and the role of repeat ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The results of this survey highlight the need for prospective studies aimed at establishing the optimal approach to pediatric patients with WCH.     

老老年轻度认知障碍与夜间舒张压负荷相关性研究

目的：探讨长期坚持降压治疗的老老年高血压病患者24 h动态血压参数与认知功能障碍之间的关系。方法对60例老老年高血压患者进行动态血压监测,并采用简易智能状态量表（MMSE）进行认知功能检查,根据 MMSE得分,将受试者分为轻度认知功能障碍组（27例）及正常组（33例）。所有受试者均进行24 h动态血压监测,比较血压参数及生化指标。结果轻度认知功能障碍组受教育年限为（4.29±5.38）年,低于认知功能正常组的（8.39±4.19）年,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;轻度认知功能障碍组夜间舒张压负荷为（18.36±21.28）%,高于认知功能正常组的（4.04±8.75）%,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。经Spearman相关性检验显示：受教育年限与认知能力呈正相关（r=0.541,P=0.003）;夜间舒张压负荷与认知能力呈负相关（r=-0.404,P=0.013）。结论对于长期坚持降压治疗的老老年高血压患者,受教育年限及认知及夜间舒张压升高与老老年认知功能关系密切,夜间舒张压升高可能是老老年认知功能障碍的一个危险因素,更好地控制夜间舒张压可能是防止老老年认知功能障碍的方法之一。     

Increased systolic ambulatory blood pressure and microalbuminuria in treated and non-treated hypertensive smokers

Objective: The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of smoking status on both clinic and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) by using 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring in treated and non-treated hypertensive smokers and non-smokers. A secondary aim was to evaluate the interrelations between BP, smoking status and microalbuminuria. Design: Five hundred and eighty treated and non-treated hypertensive smokers and non-smokers were consecutively recruited. The patients were divided into groups of non-smokers (n = 414) and smokers (n = 166). We were able to match 115 smokers with 230 non-smokers with regard to clinic BP, gender and age. Methods: Microalbuminuria (albumin/creatinine ratio on morning spot urine sample), sitting clinic BP (mercury sphygmomanometry) and ambulatory BP (A&D TM 2421) were measured. Results: In the matched group we found a significant difference in ambulatory systolic and diastolic daytime BP between smokers and non-smokers (146.5 ± 15.0/90.6 ± 9.7 mmHg vs 142.3 ± 12.6/89.0 ± 9.0 mmHg). The smokers had significantly higher log albumin/creatinine ratio (0.51 ± 0.93 vs 0.19 ± 0.87). These results were found to be valid for treated as well as untreated patients. In both the matched and unmatched groups, the smokers had significantly higher HR. Conclusion: The higher daytime BP and HR as well as microalbuminuria in smokers may contribute to their increased cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, the higher ambulatory BP in smokers implicates that these patients tend to be underdiagnosed and undertreated if only clinic BP is used.     

Diagnosis of hypertension: Ambulatory pediatric American Heart Association/European Society of Hypertension versus blood pressure load thresholds

The agreement between the traditionally‐used ambulatory blood pressure (ABP)‐load thresholds in children and recently‐recommended pediatric American Heart Association (AHA)/European Society of Hypertension (ESH) ABP thresholds for diagnosing ambulatory hypertension (AH), white coat hypertension (WCH), and masked hypertension (MH) has not been evaluated. In this cross‐sectional study on 450 outpatient participants, the authors evaluated the agreement between previously used ABP‐load 25%, 30%, 40%, 50% thresholds and the AHA/ESH thresholds for diagnosing AH, WCH, and MH. The American Academy of Pediatrics thresholds were used to diagnose office hypertension. The AHA threshold diagnosed ambulatory normotension/hypertension closest to ABP load 50% in 88% (95% CI 0.79, 0.96) participants (k 0.67, 95% CI 0.59, 0.75) and the ESH threshold diagnosed ambulatory normotension/hypertension closest to ABP load 40% in 86% (95% CI 0.77, 0.94) participants (k 0.66, 95% CI 0.59, 0.74). In contrast, the AHA/ESH thresholds had a relatively weaker agreement with ABP load 25%/30%. Therefore, the diagnosis of AH was closest between the AHA threshold and ABP load 50% (difference 3%, 95% CI ‐2.6%, 8.6%, p = .29) and between the ESH threshold and ABP load 40% (difference 4%, 95% CI ‐2.1%, 10.1%, p = .19) than between the AHA/ESH and ABP load 25%/30% thresholds. A similar agreement pattern persisted between the AHA/ESH and various ABP load thresholds for diagnosing WCH and MH. The AHA and ESH thresholds diagnosed AH, WCH, and MH closest to ABP load 40%/50% than ABP load 25%/30%. Future outcome‐based studies are needed to guide the optimal use of these ABP thresholds in clinical practice.     

焦虑抑郁状态对老年高血压患者动态血压影响的研究

目的探讨老年高血压伴发抑郁焦虑情绪患者的24h动态血压变化规律。方法选择老年高血压患者120例,进行抑郁自评量表和焦虑自评量表的心理问卷调查及汉密尔顿抑郁量表和汉密尔顿焦虑量表的评定,根据评分结果分为抑郁焦虑组75例和无抑郁焦虑组45例,对所有研究对象进行24h动态血压监测,并对结果进行比较分析。结果抑郁焦虑组24h收缩压、昼间收缩压、夜间收缩压明显高于无抑郁焦虑组[(136.0±14.6)mm Hg(1mm Hg=0.133kPa)vs(126.0±13.4)mm Hg,(139.0±15.2)mm Hg vs(130.0±13.6)mm Hg,(132.0±13.6)mm Hg vs(123.0±12.5)mm Hg,P<0.01]。抑郁焦虑组24h收缩压标准差、昼间收缩压标准差及24h收缩压加权标准差显著高于无抑郁焦虑组[(14.78±1.62)mm Hg vs(14.07±1.80)mm Hg,(13.25±2.94)mm Hg vs(12.28±3.05)mm Hg,(14.07±1.37)mm Hg vs(10.81±1.91)mm Hg,P<0.05,P<0.01]。结论有抑郁焦虑情绪的老年高血压患者血压变异性显著高于无抑郁焦虑高血压患者。     

老年高血压不同中医证型患者血压负荷特点分析

目的探讨老年高血压不同中医辨证分型患者血压负荷的差异。方法入选符合老年高血压1级、2级诊断标准的阴虚阳亢证、痰瘀阻络证及肾虚证的患者共133例,应用24h动态血压监测方法,观察24h血压变化水平,比较分析三个不同中医证型间的血压均值与血压负荷。结果肾虚证组白天平均收缩压均值明显高于阴虚阳亢证组(P<0.05),肾虚证组白天及夜间收缩压负荷较其他两组均显著增高(P<0.05),肾虚证组夜间舒张压负荷较阴虚阳亢证组显著增高(P<0.05)。结论肾虚证组血压负荷明显高于痰瘀阻络、阴虚阳亢组,预示着老年高血压肾虚证血压波动更加明显,临床应重视老年肾虚证高血压的稳定性及其靶器官损害的早期防治。     

White coat hypertension is another clinical characteristic of patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A cross-sectional study

In this cross-sectional study, our aim was to analyze association of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) values with pulse wave velocity (PWV) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients as well as the prevalence and characteristics of white coat hypertension (WCH) in this group of patients with chronic inflammation and high prevalence of anxiety. We enrolled 120 consecutive IBD patients (77 Crohn´s disease; 43 ulcerative colitis) who were not treated with antihypertensive drugs without cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and renal morbidity. Office blood pressure, ABPM, and PWV were measured with Omrom M6, SpaceLab 90207, and Arteriograph, respectively. The prevalence of true normotension, sustained hypertension and WCH was analyzed in IBD patients. WCH was found in 27.5% patients. IBD-WCH patients had significantly lower prevalence of traditional risk factors than general WCH subjects. PWV and augmentation index (AIx) values were higher in WCH than in true normotensive patients. When adjusted for age and duration of IBD, only PWV was a positive predictor of WCH, and patients with higher PWV and longer disease duration had OR´s for WCH of 0.69 and 2.50, respectively. IBD patients had significantly higher prevalence of WCH and higher PWV values than healthy control patients. WCH is highly prevalent in IBD patients but IBD-WCH patients have lower frequency of traditional cardiovascular risk factors than general WCH population. Our results suggest that WCH could be considered as another clinical characteristic of IBD which is associated with increased arterial stiffness and those patients should be monitored more closely.     

White‐coat and masked hypertension diagnoses in chronic kidney disease patients

The purpose of this study was to analyze which 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) parameters should be used on masked hypertension (MH) and white‐coat hypertension (WCH) diagnoses in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Non‐dialysis CKD patients underwent 24‐hour ABPM examination between 01/27/2004 and 02/16/2012. They were followed from the 24‐hour ABPM to January/2014 in an observational study. The WCH definitions tested were as follows: (a) office blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140/90 mm Hg and daytime ABPM BP ≤ 135/85 mm Hg (old criterion); and (b) office BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg and 24‐hour ABPM BP ≤ 130/80 mm Hg, daytime ABPM BP ≤ 135/85 mm Hg, and nighttime ABPM BP ≤ 120/70 mm Hg (new criterion). The MH definitions tested were as follows: (a) office BP < 140/90 mm Hg and daytime ABPM BP > 135/85 mm Hg (old criterion); and (b) office BP < 140/90 mm Hg and 24‐hour ABPM BP > 130/80 mm Hg or daytime ABPM BP > 135/85 mm Hg or nighttime ABPM BP > 120/70 mm Hg (new criterion). The two definitions' predictive capacity was compared, regarding both WCH and MH. Cardiovascular mortality was the primary and all‐cause mortality was the secondary outcome. Cox regression was adjusted to the variables: glomerular filtration rate, age, diabetes mellitus, and active smoking. There were 367 patients studied. The old criterion (exclusive mean daytime ABPM BP) was the only to distinguish sustained hypertension from WCH (adjusted HR: 3.730; 95% CI: 1.068‐13.029; P = .039), regarding all‐cause mortality. Additionally, the old criterion was the only one to distinguish normotension and MH, regarding cardiovascular mortality (adjusted HR: 7.641; 95% CI: 1.277‐45.738; P = .026). Therefore, WCH and MH definitions based exclusively on daytime ABPM BP values (old criterion) were able to better distinguish mortality in this studied CKD cohort.     

Atrial Electromechanical Coupling Interval and P-Wave Dispersion in Patients With White Coat Hypertension

Background. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of white coat hypertension (WCH) to atrial conduction abnormalities by electrocardiographic P-wave analysis and echocardiographic electromechanical coupling (EMC) interval measurement. Methods. The study consisted of sex-, age-, and body mass index-matched 24 patients with WCH, 24 patients with sustained hypertension (SH), and 24 subjects with normotension (NT). The difference between the maximum (Pmax) and minimum P-wave durations on 12-lead electrocardiography was defined as P-wave dispersion (PD). Intra- and inter-atrial EMC were measured by tissue Doppler imaging. Results. Pmax and PD of subjects with WCH were significantly higher than those of normotensives and lower than those of patients with SH. Inter-atrial EMC and left atrial EMC values of WCH group were intermediate between NT and SH groups. There was a significant correlation between left atrial diameter, PD, Pmax, left ventricle mass index, left atrial EMC, and inter-atrial EMC. Conclusion. White coat hypertension is an intermediate group between SH and NT in terms of atrial electromechanical abnormalities which may be associated with the risk of atrial fibrillation.     

Blood pressure and heart rate related to sex in untreated subjects: the India ABPM study

Women are underrepresented in groups of patients seeking hypertension care in India. The present paper reports trends in office and ambulatory blood pressure measurement (OBPM, ABPM) and 24‐h heart rate (HR) with sex in 14,977 subjects untreated for hypertension (aged 47.3 ± 13.9 years, males 69.4%) visiting primary care physicians. Results showed that, for systolic blood pressure (SBP), females had lower daytime ABPM (131 ± 16 vs. 133 ± 14 mm Hg, P < .001) but higher nighttime ABPM (122 ± 18 vs. 121 ± 16 mm Hg, P < .001) than males. Females had higher HR than men at daytime (80 ± 11 vs 79 ± 11.5 bpm) and nighttime (71 ± 11 vs 69 ± 11), respectively (all P < .001). Dipping percentages for SBP (7.4 ± 7.3 vs 9.3 ± 7.4%), DBP (10.1 ± 8.6 vs. 12.3 ± 8.9%), and HR (10.7 ± 7.9 vs. 12.8 ± 9.2%) were lower (P < .001) for females than for males, respectively. Females more often had isolated nighttime hypertension as compared to males (14.9%, n = 684% vs 10.6%, n = 1105; P < .001). BP patterns and HR showed clear differences in sex, particularly at nighttime. As females were more often affected by non‐dipping and elevated nighttime SBP and HR than males, they should receive ABPM, at least, as frequently as men to document higher risk necessitating treatment.     

Prevalence and clinical outcomes of white‐coat and masked hypertension: Analysis of a large ambulatory blood pressure database

The aim of this study was to analyze prevalence and clinical outcomes of the following clinical conditions: normotension (NT; clinic BP < 140/90 mm Hg; 24‐hour BP < 130/80 mm Hg), white‐coat hypertension (WCHT; clinic BP ≥ 140 and/or ≥90 mm Hg; 24‐hour BP < 130/80 mm Hg), masked hypertension (MHT; clinic BP < 140/90 mm Hg; 24‐hour BP ≥ 130 and/or ≥80 mm Hg), and sustained hypertension (SHT; clinic BP ≥ 140 and/or ≥90 mm Hg; 24‐hour BP ≥ 130 and/or ≥80 mm Hg) in a large cohort of adult untreated individuals. Systematic research throughout the medical database of Regione Lazio (Italy) was performed to estimate incidence of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and hospitalizations for HT and heart failure (HF). Among a total study sample of 2209 outpatients, 377 (17.1%) had NT, 351 (15.9%) had WCHT, 149 (6.7%) had MHT, and 1332 had (60.3%) SHT. During an average follow‐up of 120.1 ± 73.9 months, WCHT was associated with increased risk of hospitalization for HT (OR 95% CI: 1.927 [1.233‐3.013]; P = .04) and HF (OR 95% CI: 3.449 [1.321‐9.007]; P = .011). MHT was associated with an increased risk of MI (OR 95% CI: 5.062 [2.218‐11.550]; P < .001), hospitalization for HT (OR 95% CI: 2.553 [1.446‐4.508]; P = .001), and for HF (OR 95% CI: 4.214 [1.449‐12.249]; P = .008). These effects remained statistically significant event after corrections for confounding factors including age, BMI, gender, smoking, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, and presence of antihypertensive therapies.     

动态血压监测评价贝尼地平治疗原发性高血压的疗效观察

目的　应用动态血压监测 (ABPM )的方法评价贝尼地平治疗原发性高血压的降压疗效、谷 /峰比值及不良反应。方法　采用开放的方法 ,2 0例研究对象经 2周洗脱期 ,服用贝尼地平 4mg/d一次 ,2周末坐位舒张压 (SeDBP)≥ 90mmHg者加量至贝尼地平 8mg/d一次 ,继续服用 6周。于洗脱期末及治疗 8周末各行ABPM和实验室检查一次。结果　ABPM显示 8周末 2 4h、日间、夜间收缩压 (SBP/DBP)较洗脱期末分别下降 (9.4± 5 .4 / 6 .2± 4 .1)mmHg、(10 7± 6 .7/ 6 8± 3 8)mmHg、(6 9± 9 0 / 5 1± 7 7)mmHg。降压T/P值SBP为 5 8% ,DBP为 5 9%。无严重不良反应。 结论　贝尼地平 4～ 8mg/d一次为疗效确切的降压药物。     

缬沙坦对非勺型高血压患者血压昼夜节律的影响

目的观察缬沙坦对非勺型高血压患者血压昼夜节律的影响。方法选择经24h动态血压监测且诊断为非勺型2级高血压的患者60例为研究对象,将其按电脑数字表法随机均分为治疗组30例：上午7：00和晚上7：00各服缬沙坦80mg;对照组30例：上午7：00服缬沙坦160mg,两组用药8周后复测24h动态血压。比较两组血压昼夜节律的变化。结果两组治疗后24h、白昼、夜间收缩压及舒张压均较治疗前显著下降,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。治疗组的夜间收缩压、舒张压及白昼、夜间血压负荷较对照组显著下降,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。治疗组血压昼夜节律改变有效率明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（收缩压：73．33％抵46．67％,P〈0．05;舒张压：76．67％眠43．33％,P〈0．01）。结论应用缬沙坦治疗非勺型高血压,可以很好地控制2级高血压,并改变血压昼夜节律,早晚两次服用,效果更好。     

Felodipine or Hydrochlorothiazide/Triamterene for Treatment of Hypertension in the Elderly: Effects on Blood Pressure, Hypertensive Heart Disease, Metabolic and Hormonal Parameters

Trenkwalder P, Plaschke M, Aulehner R, Lydtin H. Felodipine or Hydrochlorothiazide/Triamterene for Treatment of' Hypertension in the Elderly: Effects on Blood Pressure, Hypertensive Heart Disease, Metabolic and Hormonal Parameters.

The aim of the study was to compare the antihypertensive efficacy of either felodipine or the diuretic combination hydrochlorothiazide/triamterene in a group (n = 65) of elderly (≥70 years) hypertensives (office blood pressure ≥ 60/95 mmHg) with special regard to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, hypertensive heart disease and metabolic parameters. This was a randomized, double-blind study with a treatment period of 6 months. Reduction of office and 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure was comparable with both treatment regimens; after 6 months, 18 of 29 patients in the felodipine group (62%) and 20 of 27 patients in the diuretic group (74%; p = 0.4) were controlled. While episodes of ischemic type ST-segment depression were significantly reduced in the felodipine group (from 49 to 9 episodes), there was no significant change in the diuretic group (from 24 to 21 episodes). Both regimens decreased left ventricular wall thickness, but the decline in left ventricular muscle mass index was significant only for felodipine. Felodipine did not induce any change in metabolic or hormonal parameters; the diuretic combination significantly increased serum creatinine, uric acid, plasma renin activity, and plasma prorenin. Thus, the antihypertensive efficacy of felodipine and the diuretic combination was comparable in elderly hypertensives; only felodipine, however, improved parameters of hypertensive heart diesease and showed a neutral metabolic and hormonal profile.     

Effect of Low-Dose Manidipine on Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Very Elderly Hypertensives

Summary. To evaluate the effect of manidipine 10 mg on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in very elderly hypertensive patients, 54 patients aged 76–89 years (mean age 81.8 years) with systolic blood pressure (SBP) >160 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) >90 mmHg were studied. After a 4-week placebo washout period, patients were randomized to receive manidipine 10 mg or placebo, both administered once daily for 8 weeks. Patients were checked after the initial run-in placebo phase and every 4 weeks thereafter. At each visit casual BP and HR were measured. At the end of the placebo period and after 8 weeks of active treatment, noninvasive 24-hour ambulate blood pressure measurement ABPM was performed. Manidipine significantly lowered casual sitting and standing SBP (P <0.001) and DBP (P <0.001) at the trough level. ABPM showed a significant decrease in 24-hour SBP and DBP values (P < 0,001), daytime SBP and DBP (P <0.001), and night-time SBP (P <0.001) and DBP (P <0.005). In addition, ABPM confirmed a consistent antihypertensive activity throughout the 24-hour dosing interval, without effect on the circadian BP profile. The trough/peak ratio was 0.67 for SBP and 0.59 DBP. No statistically significant change in HR was observed. The treatment was well tolerated, and there were no serious side effects. In conclusion, in very elderly hypertensive patients, once-daily administration of manidipine 10 mg was well tolerated and effective in reducing casual as well ambulatory BP.     

夜间高血压监测对慢性肾脏病的临床意义

慢性肾脏病(CKD,chronic kidney disease)是全球性的健康问题,且发病率日益增长,中国CKD3~5期患病率已达10.5%~11.8%[1-2]。高血压既是引起CKD的病因,也是CKD导致的主要并发症之一。肾功能正常或近正常的CKD患者高血压患病率65%,而终末期肾病(end stage renal disease,ESRD)高血压患病率升高至95%[3]。2012年,高血压已成为美国ESRD的第二大主要原因(34%),仅次于糖尿病。肾小球滤过率的降低与高血压患病率和血压控制达标比例有关[4]。     

Masked Hypertension in Elderly Managerial Employees and Retirees

Masked hypertension is reported to have the same level of hazard risk of cardiovascular mortality and stroke morbidity as sustained hypertension. The number of managerial employees suffering from cardiovascular disease and stroke is known to be greater than other employee. The aim of this study was to compare the 24-h blood pressure (BP) recordings between elderly male managerial employees and retirees and to propose a strategy for identifying masked hypertension. A total of 38 males (16 managerial employees aged 50–69 years and 22 retirees aged 60–65 years) who were not taking any antihypertensive medications participated in this study. Their 24-h BP was measured by an ambulatory BP monitoring device. Daytime (9:00–17:00 h) BPs of the employees (mean, 139/92 mm Hg) were significantly higher than in the retirees (mean 124/80 mm Hg), while there was no difference in BP before and during sleep. In all, 5 of 16 employees (31%) who were diagnosed as normotensive (<140/90 mm Hg) at a periodic health check had hypertension (>135/85 mm Hg) in the morning measured by ambulatory BP monitoring, while 6 (38%) had a similar level of hypertension during the daytime (9:00–17:00h). These individuals were diagnosed as having masked hypertension. Multiple regression analyses showed that the job was the only factor that contributed to the difference in BP in the subjects during the daytime. This finding suggested that job stress seemed to be one of the main causes of masked hypertension. We argue that more frequent measurements of BP at the work place are necessary to identify subjects with masked hypertension.