LAUSR

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of orthostatic hypertension in newly diagnosed normotensive patients with type 2 diabetes. The clinical and biological characteristics of these patients were assessed at follow-up for 1 year. At the same time, the progress of their blood pressure was assessed. Methods: This study enrolled 108 newly diagnosed normotensive diabetic patients,including 40 males and 68 females (all aged 40–70years old). Orthostatic hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP)≥20 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP)≥10 mmHg at 1 minute and 2 minutes after changing from supine position to standing position. Arterial hypertension and metabolic syndrome were defined according to the WHO and AHA2009 guidelines. All patients’ clinical and biological data were collected. The patients were followed up for a period of one year and screened for diabetic complications. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS18.0. Results: We found that orthostatic hypertension occurred in 22 patients (20.4%). Patients with orthostatic hypertension had higher supine systolic pressure (P = 0.029),waist circumference (P = 0.022) and low density lipoprotein (P = 0.041). These patients were more prone to obesity (P = 0.036),left ventricular hypertrophy (P = 0.024),metabolic syndrome (P = 0.042) and cerebrovascular events (P = 0.050) than those with normal blood pressure changes. One year after follow-up,the prevalence of hypertension in orthostatic hypertension group was significantly higher (P = 0.0008). Conclusion: Our study suggests that orthostatic hypertension is associated with the development of insulin resistance syndrome and persistent arterial hypertension in newly diagnosed normotensive patients with type 2 diabetes.