Stress coping strategies — novel markers in the diagnosis of masked hypertension in young people

Aim . To establish the prevalence and markers of masked hypertension (HTN) in apparently healthy young people. Material and methods . The cross-sectional study included young people (20-30 years old) with health group I or II, with clinical blood pressure (BP) <140/90 mm Hg. All participants underwent 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, assessment of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and ways of coping with stress. Results . A total of 347 participants were included (mean age, 22 (21-23) years; male, 101 (29,1%)). After 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, masked HTN was detected in 46 (13,3%) participants. Multivariate analysis found following markers of masked HTN: office systolic blood pressure (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1,109; p<0,001), resting heart rate (AOR 1,051; p=0,021), body mass index ≥25 kg/m 2 (AOR 2,345; p=0,039), two models of coping with stress — distancing (AOR 1,071; p=0,001) and self-control (AOR 0,951; p=0,012). These parameters are included in the formula for calculating the masked HTN probability. Conclusion . Masked HTN occurs in 13,3% of apparently healthy young people. Associations of masked HTN with strategies for coping with stress have been established, which allows them to be regarded as novel markers of masked HTN. The method described in the article makes it possible to identify masked HTN with a high probability in young people.