Prevalence of Elevated Pulse Pressure and Hypertension in Adults Participating in Outpatient Physical Therapy

Purpose: To examine pulse pressure (PP), systolic (SBP), and diastolic (DBP) pressure in outpatient physical therapy or maintenance fitness subjects by age (5 age groups) and in those younger than versus those who were 65 years and older. To test for differences in SBP, DBP, and PP in those with and without a hypertension (HTN) diagnosis. Methods: Ninety-eight physical therapy and maintenance fitness subjects in 1 urban outpatient clinic had PP and SBP/DBP measured and classified (ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines) using two different age classifications: (1) 20 to 44, 45 to 54, 55 to 64, 65 to 74, or ≥75 and (2) ≤64 or ≥65. Comparisons were also made in SBP, DBP, and PP based on a known hypertension diagnosis. Results: Forty male and 58 female subjects (height: 65.98 inches [SD = 4.19]; weight: 180.91 pounds [SD = 39.62]; body mass index: 29.11 [SD = 5.86]; age: 64.34 years [SD = 15.92]) participated in this investigation. Systolic blood pressure, DBP, and PP were significantly higher in those older than 65 years. Systolic blood pressure significantly increases across 5 age groups. Systolic blood pressure, DBP, and PP were significantly higher in those older than 65 years. Pulse pressure was significantly greater in those with hypertension. Pulse pressure was abnormal in 36.2% of the sample. Conclusions: Thirty-six percent of subjects receiving physical therapy treatment or participating in maintenance fitness had elevated PP while 78.9% and 47.3% had abnormal SBP and DBP, respectively. Both PP and blood pressure were significantly influenced by age. Therapists should measure resting BP and PP before treatment and refer as needed to achieve improved control.