Analysis of blood pressure and blood pressure variability pattern among older patients in long-term care hospitals: an observational study analysing the Health-RESPECT (integrated caRE Systems for elderly PatiEnts using iCT) dataset

Objectives There are limited data regarding blood pressure (BP) variability among older adults living in long-term care hospitals (LTCHs). We aimed to collect data from LTCH and analyse BP characteristics and its variability among these patients using a novel platform. Methods The Health-RESPECT (integrated caRE Systems for elderly PatiEnts using iCT) platform was used to construct a daily BP dataset using data of 394 older patients from 6 LTCHs. BP variability was expressed as coefficient of variation (CV = standard deviation/mean of BP x 100). Physical frailty and cognitive function were evaluated using the K-FRAIL questionnaire and the Cognitive Performance Scale of the interRAI Long-Term Care Facilities tool, respectively. Results From September 2019 to September 2020, 151,092 BP measurements, 346.5 (IQR 290.8-486.3) measurements per patient, were included. The mean BP was 123.4 +/- 10.8/71.3 +/- 6.5 mmHg. BP was significantly lower in frail patients (122.2 +/- 11.3/70.4 +/- 6.8 mmHg) than in pre-frail/robust patients (124.4 +/- 10.4/72.1 +/- 6.1 mmHg, P < 0.05). However, CV of systolic (10.7 +/- 2.3% versus 11.3 +/- 2.3%, P = 0.005) and diastolic (11.6 +/- 2.3% versus 12.4 +/- 2.4%, P < 0.001) BP was higher in frail patients. The mean BP was lower, but BP variability was higher in patients with cognitive impairment. The mean BP, but not BP variability, was higher in treated hypertensive patients, as the number of antihypertensive medications increased. Conclusion Older patients with physical or cognitive frailty had lower BP but higher BP variability. Relationship among frailty, increased BP variability and adverse clinical outcomes should be investigated.