High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition that is usually diagnosed through the measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two numbers.

The top number represents the systolic pressure, while the bottom number represents the diastolic pressure. A reading of 120/80 mmHg is considered normal, while a reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered high blood pressure.

What is Camouflaged Hypertension?

Camouflaged hypertension, also known as masked hypertension, is a condition where a person’s blood pressure is normal in a clinical setting but high outside of the clinic.

This condition is called camouflaged because it can go unnoticed without proper measurements being taken outside of the clinical setting.

This condition is more common in individuals who have normal blood pressure readings in the clinic but high blood pressure readings outside the clinic due to various factors such as white-coat syndrome, incorrect cuff sizing, or poor measurement technique. Camouflaged hypertension can also be due to an individual’s lifestyle habits, genetics, or other underlying health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, or chronic kidney disease.

Risks Associated with Camouflaged Hypertension

Camouflaged hypertension puts individuals at risk for developing serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, just like regular hypertension.

Some studies suggest that individuals with camouflaged hypertension may have increased rates of left ventricular hypertrophy, or an enlargement of the heart’s left ventricle, which can lead to more serious health issues over time.

Moreover, individuals with camouflaged hypertension may not be aware of their high blood pressure, which makes it difficult to manage and control.

This can result in long-term damage to the heart, kidneys, and other organs before being diagnosed with hypertension.

Detection and Diagnosis of Camouflaged Hypertension

Camouflaged hypertension can be difficult to detect given that there are no visible symptoms associated with the condition. Healthcare professionals can diagnose camouflaged hypertension by using a device called an ambulatory blood pressure monitor.

This device measures blood pressure automatically over a 24-hour period while the individual goes about their daily activities.

When the 24-hour blood pressure readings are abnormal, the healthcare professional can confirm the diagnosis of camouflaged hypertension.

The measurement of central blood pressure and pulse wave velocity can also be used to detect camouflaged hypertension.

Treatment for Camouflaged Hypertension

The treatment for camouflaged hypertension is similar to that of regular hypertension. Healthcare professionals may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes and medication to manage the condition.

These lifestyle changes can include changes to the individual’s diet, regular exercise, and the reduction of alcohol and tobacco use.

Medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and calcium channel blockers can be prescribed to regulate blood pressure levels.

It is important for individuals with camouflaged hypertension to work closely with their healthcare professionals to achieve optimal management and control of their blood pressure levels.

Preventing Camouflaged Hypertension

Preventing camouflaged hypertension can be done by implementing healthy lifestyle habits that lower the risk of developing hypertension.

These habits can include a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, reducing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol and tobacco use.

It is also important for individuals to have regular blood pressure check-ups and to be aware of their blood pressure readings.

If an individual has a family history of hypertension or other related conditions, they should inform their healthcare professional, who can make appropriate recommendations for prevention and management of hypertension.

Conclusion

Camouflaged hypertension is a condition that is becoming increasingly common and puts individuals at risk for developing serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

It is important for individuals to be aware of their blood pressure levels and to get regular check-ups to prevent and manage hypertension. Working closely with healthcare professionals can also aid in the prevention and management of camouflaged hypertension.