Prehypertension Is Common in Patients With Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:To identify differences in resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressue (DBP) measured during standard autonomic function tests conducted in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and controls. Methods: We evaluated 32 patients of CSCR and compared with 32 age and sex matched controls. For the purpose of study we included patients with angiographic evidence of leak in the age group of 20 – 50 yrs, without any known history of prior hypertension, diabetes mellitus and no history of smoking. Blood pressure was recorded in all the patients after allowing them adequate rest for at least 15 minutes. The test was carried out in an air–conditioned laboratory environment (22 ± 2deg C), in noise free surrounding in supine position. Resting BP was measured using a standard properly calibrated mercury sphygmomanometer with appropriate–sized cuff, by the auscultatory method taking Korotkoff’s phase 1 as SBP and phase 5 as DBP. At least two measurements were made. All the subjects were refrained from taking any food, tea or coffee for 2 hours prior to the procedure. Results: Male:Female ratio was 30:2 in each group. Mean age was 35.8±5.0 in CSCR group vs. 32.8 ± 6.3 in control group. Mean systolic blood pressure was 123.56 ± 14.8 in CSCR group vs 113.63 ± 12.62 in control group. Mean diastolic blood pressure was 84.75 ± 10.2 in CSCR group vs 76.75 ± 10.4 in control group. The mean values were compared after adjusting for age using analysis of covariance. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant with the p value being 0.02 and 0.007 for SBP and DBP respectively. Applying the criteria laid down by the Joint National Committee VII classification of hypertension, patients with CSCR were found to be prehypertensive compared to controls. Conclusions: Patients of central serous chorioretinopathy have significantly higher resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure and they fall in the category of prehypertension. Hence they should be advised life style modification and followed up in long term for early detection of progression to stage 1 or 2 hypertension and management of the same.

Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: risk factor assessment • choroid • stress response