Characterization of hypertensive subjects who become normotensive during three months of office BP follow-up: comparison with subjects with sustained hypertension and normotensives, and follow-up after two years.

After an observation period of three months, 83% of new hypertensives (n = 84), identified in a population survey, became normotensive. Those with sustained hypertension (n = 14) were compared with 14 initially hypertensives who became normotensive and 14 normotensives, matched for age and sex, using ambulatory and exercise BP and echocardiography (both M-mode and Doppler). The initially hypertensive group (n = 11) was re-examined after two years follow-up. The 24h mean ambulatory and submaximal systolic exercise BP did not differ between sustained (139/92 and 210 mmHg) and initially hypertensives (143/95 and 217 mmHg), being significantly lower in the normotensive group (129/85 and 198 mmHg). Left ventricular mass did not differ between the initially hypertensive and the normotensive groups, being significantly higher in the sustained hypertensives. In both hypertensive groups, as compared with normotensives, the ratio between flow velocity in early and late diastole (E/A ratio) tended to be lower and the early diastolic deceleration time (DT) was significantly shorter. After two years, in the untreated initially hypertensives, office DBP had increased to hypertensive values, without change in ambulatory BP, left ventricular mass or early diastolic deceleration time. The E/A ratio had decreased to a level < 1. We conclude that the subjects who became normotensive after three months office BP follow-up have a BP load and signs of compromised left ventricular diastolic function similar to that of the sustained hypertensives, but without increased left ventricular mass.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)