Nocturnal blood pressure patterns and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with masked hypertension

Masked hypertension (MHT) is characterized by normal clinic and above normal 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) levels. We evaluated clinical characteristics and CV outcomes of different nocturnal patterns of MHT. We analyzed data derived from a large cohort of adult individuals, who consecutively underwent home, clinic, and ambulatory BP monitoring at our Hypertension Unit between January 2007 and December 2016. MHT was defined as clinic BP <140/90 mm Hg and 24‐hour BP ≥ 130/80 mm Hg, and stratified into three groups according to dipping status: (a) dippers, (b) nondippers, and (c) reverse dippers. From an overall sample of 6695 individuals, we selected 2628 (46.2%) adult untreated individuals, among whom 153 (5.0%) had MHT. In this group, 67 (43.8%) were nondippers, 65 (42.5%) dippers, and 21 (13.7%) reverse dippers. No significant differences were found among groups regarding demographics, clinical characteristics, and prevalence of risk factors, excluding older age in reverse dippers compared to other groups (P < 0.001). Systolic BP levels were significantly higher in reverse dippers than in other groups at both 24‐hour (135.6 ± 8.5 vs 130.4 ± 6.0 vs 128.2 ± 6.8 mm Hg, respectively; P < 0.001) and nighttime periods (138.2 ± 9.1 vs 125.0 ± 6.3 vs 114.5 ± 7.7 mm Hg; P < 0.001). Reverse dipping was associated with a significantly higher risk of stroke, even after correction for age, gender, BMI, dyslipidemia, and diabetes (OR 18.660; 95% IC [1.056‐33.813]; P = 0.046). MHT with reverse dipping status was associated with higher burden of BP and relatively high risk of stroke compared to both dipping and nondipping profiles, although a limited number of CV outcomes have been recorded during the follow‐up.     

The pulsatile component of blood pressure: its role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis

Pulse pressure (PP) is traditionally believed to increase cardiovascular risk because of an increase in afterload leading to left ventricular hypertrophy. It has also been emphasized that low diastolic blood pressure, being in part responsible for high PP, leads to an impairment of myocardial perfusion with all its adverse consequences. More recently, however, a direct role of pulsatile blood pressure changes in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its complications has become better known. Experimental studies indicate that there is a cause-and-effect type of relationship between the pulsatile component of blood pressure and atherosclerotic process. A significant relationship between the parameters of the pulsatile blood pressure component and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis was also demonstrated. Currently the presence of a bidirectional link between atherosclerosis and PP is commonly postulated, meaning that an increased PP may be both a cause and an effect of atherosclerosis. This may result in a vicious circle wherein the pulsatile blood pressure component induces/enhances the development of atherosclerosis, which in its turn reduces the arterial compliance and enhances pulse wave reflection, thereby leading to an increase in PP. Currently new drug classes are being investigated, which might reduce the pulsatile blood pressure component without changing mean blood pressure level. Their clinical usefulness should become known over the next few years.     

Systolic blood pressure trajectories after acute ischemic strokes and clinical outcomes: A systematic review

Blood pressure(BP) varies drastically during the acute phase after stroke onset. BP level and BP variability may have a major impact on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) prognosis. However, the association between trajectories of blood pressure over time and clinical outcomes have not been established. This review sought out existing evidences for associations of systolic blood pressure (SBP) trajectories on outcomes after stroke to determine the connection between SBP trajectories and stroke prognosis. According to a pre‐designed search strategy, literature search was carried out in Embase, Pubmed and Web of Science. Two authors independently evaluated study eligibility and quality, and literature data were extracted. When the literature was eligible, we perform meta‐analysis to determine associations of SBP trajectories with clinical outcomes. Seven studies were finally screened out of 52 studies retrieved. Seven studies received a good risk of bias rating and reported BP measurement methods and intervals, BP trajectories modeling methods, outcome measures, but it was found that final systolic BP trajectories in various papers were significantly different. All studies reported statistically significant associations between systolic blood pressure trajectories and prognosis. Methodological heterogeneity is observed in studies. However, this systematic review suggests that the high SBP group after AIS is related to poor clinical outcomes, while the rapid decline or medium‐to‐low or low SBP group is associated with relatively better clinical outcomes at different period after stroke. More prospective studies are needed to report the full methodology according to standardized criteria and explore relationships between SBP trajectories and prognosis of stroke.     

Cardiovascular outcome and home blood pressure in relation to silent myocardial ischemia in a clinical population: The J‐HOP study

Several guidelines recommend measuring home blood pressure (BP) and lowering blood pressure than ever before. But several studies reported that lowering diastolic blood pressure (DBP) increased the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD). We analyzed 3605 individuals who underwent both home and office BP monitoring over 14 days and baseline Hs‐cTnT measurement and identified follow‐up data of the Japan Morning Surge‐Home Blood Pressure (J‐HOP) study who had a history of or risk factors for cardiovascular disease. During a mean follow‐up period of 6.4 years (23 173 person‐years), 114 coronary artery disease and 81 stroke events occurred. Elevated Hs‐cTnT (≥0.014 ng/mL) was observed in 298 patients (8.3%). In the group with non‐elevated Hs‐cTnT (<0.014 ng/mL, n = 3307), an adjusted Cox hazard model showed that home systolic BP (SBP) was associated with a risk of stroke incidence (hazard ratio [HR] per 1 SD, 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29‐2.03). This association was also observed in office SBP (HR per 1 SD, 1.43; 95%CI, 1.07‐1.91). There was no association between office or home BP and CAD events in the group with non‐elevated Hs‐cTnT. In the group with elevated Hs‐cTnT, an adjusted Cox hazard model showed that home DBP was associated with a risk of CAD incidence (HR per 1 SD, 0.54; 95%CI, 0.30‐0.99). However, this association was not observed in office DBP. In patients with elevated Hs‐cTnT, which is a marker of subclinical myocardial ischemia, excessive lowering of home DBP may be associated with a risk of incident CAD.     

Sex differences in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

Purpose

Referral to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring may have bearing upon blood pressure control and prognosis. We describe sex-related differences in referral for ambulatory monitoring and their prognostic impact.

Methods

Between 1991 and 2005, 3957 patients were monitored in our ambulatory monitoring service, of whom 2114 (53%) were women. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed according to sex.

Results

Age (58 ± 15 vs 52 ± 17 years, respectively) and body mass index (27.5 ± 4.9 vs 26.9 ± 4.0 kg/m², respectively) were higher in women than men. Treatment for hypertension was more prevalent in women (62% vs 53%, respectively). Clinic systolic blood pressure (148 ± 24 vs 146 ± 20 mm Hg, respectively) and clinic pulse pressure (65 ± 22 vs 59 ± 18 mm Hg, respectively) were higher in women compared with men. In women, the white-coat effect was increased, compared with men; 5.2 ± 12.4% vs 1.5 ± 10.7% systolic, and 5.4 ± 11.2% vs 3.6 ± 10.3% diastolic. Consequently, women had lower ambulatory blood pressure than men. In women, 24-hour blood pressure was 136 ± 17/76 ± 10 vs 140 ± 15/81 ± 10 mm Hg in men, awake blood pressure 141 ± 17/80 ± 11 vs 144 ± 15/84 ± 10 mm Hg, and sleep blood pressure was 125 ± 19/67 ± 10 vs 127 ± 18/71 ± 11 mm Hg. Age-adjusted ambulatory blood pressure also was lower in women. Ambulatory heart rate was higher in women (P <.0001). Kaplan-Meier survival did not differ by sex (P = .66), despite older age and higher clinic blood pressure.

Conclusions

The results might imply that referral was driven by the physicians' overall patient risk perception. The greater magnitude of white-coat effect in women, and correspondingly lower ambulatory blood pressure, might in part account for similar mortality in the face of older age and higher clinic blood pressure.     

Blood pressure variability predicts adverse events and cardiovascular outcomes in SPRINT

SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) highlighted the benefits of intensive targeted antihypertensive therapy but resulted in higher rates of treatment‐related adverse events. Blood pressure (BP) variability has emerged as a significant predictor of outcomes over and above levels of BP. Using the SPRINT data set, we aimed to determine the relationship of BP variability with cardiovascular outcomes and side effects of antihypertensive therapy. The analyses included all participants randomized in SPRINT who reached the target systolic BP (SBP) for their respective groups (intensive < 120 mm Hg; standard < 140 mm Hg). Coefficients of variation (CV) for SBP, diastolic BP (DBP), and PP for each patient characterized variability. Student t test was used to compare treatment arms for each CV metric. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify independent predictors of the SPRINT primary outcome and adverse events. P < .15 on univariate analysis was required to enter the model and P < .05 to remain in it. A total of 8884 patients (4561 standard group; 4323 intensive group) met inclusion criteria. DBP CV differed between the groups (9.12 ± 3.20 standard group; 9.47 ± 3.49 intensive group [P < .0001]). DBP CV predicted a greater hazard for the primary outcome (hazard ratio [HR], 1.14) in the overall model as well as separate analyses by treatment arms (standard group HR, 1.15; intensive group HR, 1.19), each P < .0001. DBP CV also independently predicted a greater hazard for acute kidney injury (HR, 1.12) and hypotensive events (HR, 1.12). Visit‐to‐visit DBP variability independently predicted worse cardiovascular outcomes and hypoperfusion‐related adverse events in SPRINT.     

ABO blood group is a risk factor for coronary artery disease in patients with poor blood pressure control

Background: Few studies had examined the role of ABO blood groups on CAD in hypertensive patients with different blood pressure (BP) controls. Methods: A total of 2708 patients with primary hypertension (HTN) were consecutively enrolled and underwent coronary angiography (CAG) due to angina-like chest pain. The severity of coronary artery stenosis was assessed by Gensini score (GS). Patients were divided into two groups due to results of CAG: HTN with CAD (n = 2185) and HTN without CAD (n = 523). Poor BP control was defined as systolic BP (SBP) ≥ mean in the study. Multivariable regression analysis was used to determine the potential impact of ABO blood groups on risk of the presence and severity of CAD. Results: Compared to HTN without CAD group, the percentage of A blood group was statistically higher and O blood group was significantly lower in HTN with CAD group. Moreover, percentage of the angiography-proven CAD was higher in A blood group than that in non-A blood group (p < 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, A blood group was independently associated with CAD (odds ratio (OR): 1.422; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.017–1.987; p = 0.039) and GS (β = 0.055, p = 0.046) in patients with poor BP control. Conclusions: A blood group was an independent risk factor for the presence and severity of CAD in hypertensive patients with poor BP control.     

Guidance on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring: A statement from the HOPE Asia Network

Hypertension is an important public health issue due to its association with a number of serious diseases, including cardiovascular disease and stroke. The importance of evaluating hypertension taking into account different blood pressure (BP) profiles and BP variability (BPV) is increasingly being recognized, and is particularly relevant in Asian populations given the specific features of hypertension in the region (including greater salt sensitivity and a high rate of nocturnal hypertension). Ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) is the gold standard for diagnosing hypertension and assessing 24‐hour BP and provides data on several important parameters that cannot be obtained using any other form of BP measurement. In addition, ABPM parameters provide better information on cardio‐ and cerebrovascular risk than office BP. ABPM should be used in all patients with elevated BP, particularly those with unstable office or home BP, or who are suspected to have white‐coat or masked hypertension. ABPM is also an important part of hypertension diagnosis and monitoring in high‐risk patients. ABPM needs to be performed using a validated device and good practice techniques, and has a role both in hypertension diagnosis and in monitoring the response to antihypertensive therapy to ensure strict BP control throughout the 24‐hour period. Use of ABPM in clinical practice may be limited by cost and accessibility, and practical education of physicians and patients is essential. The ABPM evidence and practice points in this document are based on the Hypertension Cardiovascular Outcome Prevention and Evidence (HOPE) Asia Network expert panel consensus recommendations for ABPM in Asia.     

Home blood pressure and cardiovascular outcomes in very elderly patients receiving antihypertensive drug therapy: a subgroup analysis of Home blood pressure measurement with Olmesartan Naive patients to Establish Standard Target blood pressure (HONEST) study

The appropriate target blood pressure (BP) in elderly patients with hypertension remains uncertain. We investigated the relationship between morning home systolic blood pressure (MHSBP) during follow-up and cardiovascular (CV) risk in outpatients receiving olmesartan-based treatment aged <75 years (n = 16799) and ≥75 years (n = 4792) in the HONEST study. In the follow-up period (mean 2.02 years), the risk for major CV events was significantly higher in patients with MHSBP ≥155 mmHg compared with <125 mmHg in both age groups in Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for other risk factors and there was no significant difference in trend between the two groups (interaction P = 0.9917 for MHSBP). Hazard ratios for CV events for 1-mmHg increase in MHSBP were similar in patients aged <75 years and in patients aged ≥75 years. The incidence of adverse drug reactions related to excessive BP lowering was lower in patients <75 years than in patients ≥75 years (0.73 vs 1.02%, P = 0.0461).

In conclusion, the study suggests even in patients ≥75 years antihypertensive treatment targeting the same MHSBP levels in patients <75 years may be beneficial in reducing CV risk when treatment is tolerated.     

Worse blood pressure control in patients with cerebrovascular or peripheral arterial disease compared with coronary artery disease

Abstract. Mechtouff L, Touzé E, Steg PG, Ohman EM, Goto S, Hirsch AT, Röther J, Aichner FT, Weimar C, Bhatt DL, Alberts MJ, Mas J‐L, on behalf of the REACH Registry Investigators (Paris‐Descartes University; Université Paris 7; Paris, France, Duke University, Durham NC, USA, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA, Academic Teaching Hospital Hannover Medical School, Minden, Germany, Academic Teaching Hospital Wagner‐Jauregg, Linz, Austria, University of Duisburg‐Essen, Essen, Germany, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA; and Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL; USA). Worse blood pressure control in patients with cerebrovascular or peripheral arterial disease compared with coronary artery disease. J Intern Med 2010; 267 :621–633. Objectives. Poor blood pressure (BP) control is common amongst patients with symptomatic atherothrombotic disease. It is unclear whether BP control and management differ across atherothrombotic disease subtypes. Methods. We analysed the baseline data of 44 984 patients with documented coronary artery disease (CAD) only (n = 30 414), cerebrovascular disease (CVD) only (n = 11 359) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) only (n = 3211) from the international REduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health Registry and investigated the impact of atherothrombotic disease subtype on BP control and use of antihypertensive drugs. Results. The proportion of patients with BP controlled (<140/90 mmHg) was higher in CAD (58.1%) than in CVD (44.8%) or PAD (38.9%) patients (P < 0.001). Amongst patients with treated hypertension, CAD patients were more likely to have BP controlled than were CVD patients [odds ratio (OR) = 1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.59–1.75] or PAD (OR = 2.30; 95% CI = 2.10–2.52). These differences were smaller in women than in men and decreased with age. Amongst treated patients, CAD patients were more likely to receive ≥3‐drug combination therapies than were CVD (OR = 1.73; 95% CI = 1.64–1.83) or PAD (OR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.49–1.80) patients. Adjustment for age, gender, waist obesity, diabetes, education level and world region did not alter the results. Conclusions. Coronary artery disease patients are more likely than CVD or PAD patients to have BP controlled and to receive antihypertensive drugs, particularly combination therapies. Promotion of more effective BP control through combination antihypertensive therapies could improve secondary prevention and therefore prevent complications in CVD and PAD patients.     

Impact of age on clinical outcomes of antihypertensive therapy in patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease: A sub‐analysis of the Heart Institute of Japan Candesartan Randomized Trial for Evaluation in Coronary Artery Disease

This study aimed to determine whether different systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements achieved with antihypertensive therapy impact clinical outcomes by age in patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD). This post hoc analysis from the Heart Institute of Japan Candesartan Randomized Trial for Evaluation in Coronary Heart Disease (HIJ‐CREATE) trial included 2048 patients with hypertension and angiographically documented CAD. Participants were divided into three groups based on age at enrollment: middle‐aged (<60 years, n = 570), pre‐elderly (≥60‐<70 years, n = 730), and elderly (≥70 years, n = 748). Among the 2,048 patients, 1695 (82.7%) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary end point was the time to first occurrence of a major adverse cardiac event (MACE). During a median follow‐up of 4.2 years, the MACE rate was 19.8%, 28.1%, and 31.1% in the middle‐aged, pre‐elderly, and elderly groups, respectively. Achieved BP was defined as the mean BP during scheduled visits. Patients with higher achieved SBP had a higher occurrence of MACE in all age groups. An unadjusted quadratic proportional hazard model was used to evaluate the relationship between achieved BP during follow‐up and risk for MACE. In each age group, participants were divided into quartiles based on the achieved BP during follow‐up. The relationship between achieved SBP and the incidence of MACE did not follow a J‐shaped curve in any age group. In conclusion, in the contemporary era of aggressive coronary revascularization, a lower SBP target may be appropriate even in elderly patients with hypertension and CAD.     

Prevalence and clinical correlates of ambulatory blood pressure phenotypes in a Saudi hypertensive population

International Guidelines recommend ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) for the management of hypertension. ABPM phenotypes predict outcomes independent of office blood pressure (BP). The authors explored the prevalence and clinical correlates of ABPM phenotypes and relationship with office BP in Saudi patients (n = 428, mean age 53.5 ± 14.6, 55% male) referred to a Specialist Hypertension clinic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ABPM phenotypes included sustained normotension (27%), masked hypertension, MHT(32%), sustained hypertension, SHT(52%), and white coat hypertension(2.6%). MHT was more prevalent using asleep than 24‐hours (26.4% vs 12.9%, P < .01) or awake BP (26.4% vs 8.5%, P < .001) and observed in 85% of pre‐hypertensive patients. Isolated nocturnal hypertension was more prevalent in MHT vs SHT (70% vs 30%, P < .001). Office BP overestimated control rates compared with ABPM (48% vs 12.9%, P < .001). Our study shows that one in three Saudi patients will be managed inappropriately if office BP alone was relied upon for management of hypertension.     

Influence of circadian blood pressure patterns and cardiopulmonary functional capacity in hypertensive patients

We sought to assess functional capacity in recently diagnosed untreated hypertensive patients with different 24‐hour blood pressure (BP) patterns (dipping, non‐dipping, extreme dipping, and reverse dipping). This cross‐sectional study involved 164 untreated hypertensive patients who underwent 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Our findings showed that 24‐hour and daytime BP values did not differ between four groups. Nighttime BP significantly and gradually increased from extreme dippers to reverse dippers. There was no significant difference in BPs at baseline and at the peak of exercise among four observed groups. Peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) was significantly lower in reverse dippers than in dippers and extreme dippers. Heart rate recovery was significantly lower among reverse dippers than in dippers and extreme dippers. Ventilation/carbon dioxide slope (VE/VCO2) was significantly higher in reverse dippers and non‐dippers in comparison with dippers and extreme dippers. Non‐dipping BP pattern (non‐dippers and reverse dippers together) was independently and negatively associated lower heart rate recovery in the first minute and peak VO2. Reverse dipping BP pattern was independently associated not only with heart rate recovery in the first minute and peak VO2, but also with VE/VCO2. In conclusion, untreated hypertensive patients with reverse dipping BP patterns showed significantly worse functional capacity than those with dipping and extreme dipping BP patterns. Circadian BP rhythm is related with functional capacity and should be taken into account in the risk assessment of hypertensive patients.     

血压不同控制水平对老年男性高血压患者心血管事件的影响

目的了解老年男性高血压降压过程中有无"J"型曲线现象,探讨老年高血压降压的合适范围。方法选择老年男性高血压患者846例,根据收缩压和舒张压水平分别分为:≤120 mm Hg(1mm Hg=0.133 kPa(S1组)213例,1 21～130 mm Hg(S2组)21 5例,131～140 mm Hg(S3组)219例,1 41～150 mm Hg(S4组)121例,>1 50mm Hg(S5组)78例;≤60 mm Hg(D1组)107例,61～70 mm Hg(D2组)258例,71～80 mm Hg(D3组)339例,81～90 mm Hg(D4组)125例,>90 mm Hg(D5组)17例。分析不同血压水平与心血管事件的关系。结果 S5组心血管死亡、致死脑卒中、非致死心肌梗死(MI)和脑卒中发生率最高,S4组心血管死亡、冠心病死亡、致死脑卒中和非致死MI发生率最低,组间比较差异显著(P<0.05,P<0.01)。D5组全因死亡、心血管死亡、冠心病死亡、致死脑梗死、非致死MI和脑卒中发生率最高,D4组全因死亡、心血管死亡、冠心病死亡发生率最低,组间比较差异显著(P<0.05)。结论老年男性高血压降压过程中可见"J"型曲线,降压合适范围为140～150/80～90 mm Hg。     

Guidance on home blood pressure monitoring: A statement of the HOPE Asia Network

Hypertension is an important modifiable cardiovascular risk factor and a leading cause of death throughout Asia. Effective prevention and control of hypertension in the region remain a significant challenge despite the availability of several regional and international guidelines. Out‐of‐office measurement of blood pressure (BP), including home BP monitoring (HBPM), is an important hypertension management tool. Home BP is better than office BP for predicting cardiovascular risk and HBPM should be considered for all patients with office BP ≥ 130/85 mm Hg. It is important that HBPM is undertaken using a validated device and patients are educated about how to perform HBPM correctly. During antihypertensive therapy, monitoring of home BP control and variability is essential, especially in the morning. This is because HBPM can facilitate the choice of individualized optimal therapy. The evidence and practice points in this document are based on the Hypertension Cardiovascular Outcome Prevention and Evidence (HOPE) Asia Network expert panel consensus recommendations for HBPM in Asia.     

Race and sex differences in asleep blood pressure: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study

Nocturnal hypertension and non‐dipping blood pressure are each associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We determined differences in nocturnal hypertension and non‐dipping systolic/diastolic blood pressure among black and white men and women who underwent 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring at the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study Year 30 Exam in 2015‐2016. Asleep and awake periods were determined from actigraphy complemented by sleep diaries. Nocturnal hypertension was defined as mean asleep systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≥ 120/70 mm Hg. Non‐dipping systolic and diastolic blood pressure, separately, were defined as a decline in awake‐to‐asleep blood pressure < 10%. Among 767 participants, the prevalence of nocturnal hypertension was 18.4% and 44.4% in white and black women, respectively, and 36.4% and 59.9% in white and black men, respectively. After multivariable adjustment and compared with white women, the prevalence ratio (95% confidence interval) for nocturnal hypertension was 1.65 (1.18‐2.32) for black women, 1.63 (1.14‐2.33) for white men, and 2.01 (1.43‐2.82) for black men. The prevalence of non‐dipping systolic blood pressure was 21.5% and 41.0% in white and black women, respectively, and 20.2% and 37.9% in white and black men, respectively. Compared with white women, the multivariable‐adjusted prevalence ratio (95% confidence interval) for non‐dipping systolic blood pressure was 1.66 (1.18‐2.32), 0.91 (0.58‐1.42) and 1.66 (1.15‐2.39) among black women, white men, and black men, respectively. Non‐dipping diastolic blood pressure did not differ by race‐sex groups following multivariable adjustment. In conclusion, black women and men have a high prevalence of nocturnal hypertension and non‐dipping systolic blood pressure.     

A patient‐specific approach to assessing blood pressure management in patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease

The objective was to improve the management of patients with hypertension (HTN) and coronary artery disease (CAD), utilizing a model which integrates 3 determinants of coronary blood flow (CBF)—CAD severity, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and left ventricular (LV) mass. We validated non‐parametric equations for CBF estimation in a consecutive patient sample (N = 81) with HTN and CAD. There was a highly significant correlation (r = .565; P < .01) between clinical DBP and estimated CBF. Greater LV mass and more severe CAD shifted the relationship towards less CBF at the same DBP. LV mass was more critical when DBP >70 mm Hg. Estimated changes in CBF at different DBP considering the severity of CAD and LV mass can be calculated. In summary, the severity of CAD from coronary CT or coronary angiography combined with LV mass from echocardiography permits clinicians to guide the extent of, or target for, DBP to avoid seriously compromising CBF.