Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring confirmed hypertension in only 55.3% of young adults tested, highlighting that 44.7% could be misdiagnosed via clinic readings alone.
Observational (n=158)
Does ABPM improve diagnostic accuracy and prevent misdiagnosis compared to clinic readings alone in young adults referred for hypertension?
ABPM is essential in young adults with suspected hypertension to prevent misdiagnosis and overtreatment, as nearly 45% of clinic-based diagnoses are not confirmed by ABPM.
Abstract Background Young-onset hypertension often coexists with metabolic syndrome. Accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent lifelong overtreatment. This audit evaluated diagnostic patterns, secondary hypertension screening yield, and the role of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) in patients under age 40. Methods A retrospective audit of 158 young adults referred to a cardiology hypertension service (Dec 2023 – May 2025) was conducted. Data on demographics, comorbidities, ABPM findings, and secondary workups were analysed. Results The mean age was 29.5 years (56.3% female). High metabolic burden was noted: 80.5% had obesity or overweight and 30.4% had diabetes (highest prevalence in the Pakistani subgroup). Crucially, ABPM confirmed hypertension in only 55.3% of those tested, meaning 44.7% would have been potentially misdiagnosed via clinic readings alone. Secondary screening showed minimal yield (one case of primary hyperaldosteronism); however, obstructive sleep apnoea was identified as the most prevalent secondary contributor. Conclusions ABPM is essential to prevent misdiagnosis in young adults. Routine, broad secondary screening offers negligible clinical value compared to targeted investigation. These findings support a pharmacist-led pathway redesign focusing on ABPM-first diagnostics to ensure equitable, value-based care.Metabolic Profile Diagnostic yield
Odegha et al. (Wed,) conducted a observational in Young-onset hypertension (n=158). Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) vs. Clinic readings alone was evaluated on Confirmation of hypertension. Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring confirmed hypertension in only 55.3% of young adults tested, highlighting that 44.7% could be misdiagnosed via clinic readings alone.