Cohort study
Developing and validating a diagnostic threshold for central blood pressure in assessing cardiovascular risks
- Retrospective cohort study
Authors' conclusion
This study established a diagnostic threshold of 135 mmHg for central SBP. Individuals with central HT exhibited elevated risks of CVD, regardless of brachial HT status. Incorporating central BP enhanced the prediction of CVD risk beyond traditional BP measurement alone.
Study context
- Population
- Adults without prior CVD, UK Biobank
- Participants
- 34,289 adults
- Exposure
- Isolated brachial HT, isolated central HT and concordant HT vs concordant normotension
- Outcome
- Composite of:
- CV mortality
- Non-fatal CV events
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Each group vs concordant normotensionHazard ratio (CI)
Isolated brachial hypertension
0.81(0.45–1.44)
Isolated central hypertension
1.70(1.23–2.35)
Concordant hypertension
1.51(1.30–1.76)
- Diagnostic threshold for central systolic blood pressure (SBP) corresponding to brachial SBP 140 mmHg
- 135 mmHg
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
CVD prediction adding central BP to brachial BP
- Inclusion of central blood pressure (cBP) improved model fit and discrimination beyond brachial BP alone
Original publication
Developing and validating a diagnostic threshold for central blood pressure in assessing cardiovascular risks. Eur J Prev Cardiol. Published 23 May 2025. doi:10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf309
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it