Pseudohypertension

Pseudohypertension is a medical condition where the blood pressure appears to be elevated when measured by a sphygmomanometer, but is actually normal when measured directly. This condition is most commonly seen in elderly patients with stiff, calcified arteries.

Causes

The primary cause of pseudohypertension is arteriosclerosis, a condition where the arteries become thick and stiff due to the accumulation of plaque. This can make the arteries hard to compress, leading to falsely high blood pressure readings. Other causes can include diabetes, kidney disease, and certain medications.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pseudohypertension can be challenging. It is often suspected in elderly patients with high blood pressure readings but no symptoms of hypertension. The definitive test for pseudohypertension is direct measurement of blood pressure through catheterization.

Treatment

Treatment for pseudohypertension focuses on managing the underlying cause, such as controlling blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes or managing kidney disease. In some cases, no treatment is necessary.

See also

• Hypertension
• Arteriosclerosis
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease

References

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