Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function assessed with two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography in “white coat” hypertension

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate left ventricular function in subjects with “white coat” hypertension, defined as office arterial diastolic pressure ≥90 and ambulatory daytime pressure < 140/90mm Hg. Background. The white coat arterial pressure response may, by influencing left ventricular function, have a confounding effect in studies of heart disease. Methods. Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography, combined with the calibrated subclavian arterial pulse tracing, were used to assess variables of left ventricular function in 26 subjects with white coat hypertension, as well as 22 subjects with previously untreated ambulatory hypertension (office arterial diastolic pressure ≥90 and