Poor blood pressure control in adults with repaired coarctation of the aorta and hypertension : a register-based study of associated factors

Background: Arterial hypertension is common in adults with repaired coarctation of the aorta, and is associated with several severe complications. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of poorly controlled (⩾140/90 mmHg) blood pressure among patients with diagnosed hypertension and to identify associated factors. Methods: In the national register for CHD, adults with repaired coarctation of the aorta and diagnosed hypertension – defined as a registry diagnosis and/or use of anti-hypertensive prescription medication – were identified. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with poorly controlled blood pressure. Results: Of the 243 included patients, 27.2% were female, the mean age was 45.4±15.3 years, and 52.3% had poorly controlled blood pressure at the last registration. In a multivariable model, age (years) (OR 1.03, CI 1.01–1.06, p=0.008) was independently associated with poorly controlled blood pressure and so was systolic arm–leg blood pressure gradient in the ranges [10, 20] mmHg (OR 4.92, CI 1.76–13.79, p=0.002) to >20 mmHg (OR 9.93, CI 2.99–33.02, p