Evaluation of LF/HF Ratio in Normotensive Individuals with White Coat Hypertension: A Retrospective Study

Authors : Hakan Göçer, Ahmet Barış Durukan

Pages : 1-5

View : 75 | Download : 216

Publication Date : 2026-01-19

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: White coat hypertension is a condition where blood pressure readings are elevated in clinical settings but remain normal during ambulatory or home measurements. Long-term cardiovascular implications remain unclear.In this study, we aimed to retrospectively assess its impact on autonomic nervous system activity by evaluating heart rate variability measures in normotensive individuals. Methods: This retrospective observational study analyzed data from 16 white coat hypertensive individuals and 16 healthy controls without white coat hypertension. Participants’ 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitorization was studied and ECG based heart rate variability analysis was made. The LF/HF ratio, a measure of sympathovagal balance, was calculated using frequency-domain heart rate variability analysis and also its correlation with both systolic and diastolic blood presuure variability were studied. Results: The white coat hypertensive group exhibited similar LF/HF ratio compared to the control group (p. 0.07). A significant positive correlation was observed between the LF/HF ratio and systolic/diastolic blood pressure variability (p<0.05 for both). Conclusion: While the LF/HF ratio was similar in white coat hypertensive patients, the significant correlation between LF/HF ratio and blood pressure variability suggests that increased sympathetic activity may contribute to cardiovascular risk in these patients.
Keywords : Beyaz önlük hipertansiyonu, kalp hızı değişkenliği, otonomik sinir sistemi

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