Similar levels of low-grade inflammation and arterial stiffness in masked and white-coat hypertension: comparisons with sustained hypertension and normotension.

Objective: The clinical significance of masked hypertension (MHT) and white-coat hypertension (WCHT) remains controversial, whereas subclinical inflammation and arterial stiffness are associated with an adverse prognosis. We examined the interrelationships of MHT, WCHT, and sustained hypertension (SHT) with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and arterial stiffness.

Methods: Our population consisted of 291 untreated nondiabetic patients with MHT [office blood pressure (BP) < 140/90 mmHg and daytime BP ≥ 135/85 mmHg; n = 32], WCHT (office BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg and daytime BP < 135/85 mmHg; n = 81), SHT (office BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg and daytime BP ≥ 135/85 mmHg; n = 178), and 44 age-matched and sex-matched control normotensives.