The correlation of blood pressure variability and cognitive function in hypertension patients: a meta-analysis

Background: Cognitive impairment is very common in patients with hypertension, it’s necessary to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the association of cognitive function and blood pressure variability in patients with hypertension, to provide insights into the clinical management of hypertension and cognitive impairment. Methods: We searched PubMed et al databases for the case-control studies on the association between blood pressure variability and cognitive function up to July 15, 2021. Two researchers independently screened the literature and retrieved the data. RevMan 5.3 was used for data meta-analysis Results: A total of 13 studies involving 2754 patients were included. Meta-analysis indicated that 24-hour systolic [MD= 3.54, 95% CI (2.48, 4.60)] and diastolic [MD=2.43, 95%CI (1.55, 3.31)] blood pressure variation coefficient in the CI group were significantly higher than that of no CI group (all P<0.05). Standard deviation of systolic [MD=2.20, 95% CI (0.27, 4.13)] and diastolic [MD=1.79, 95% CI (0.80, 2.79)] blood pressure variation in the CI group were significantly higher than that of no CI group (all P<0.05). Mean systolic [MD=3.73, 95% CI (0.92, 6.53)]and diastolic [MD = 5.41, 95% CI (0.42, 10.40)] blood pressure variation in the CI group were significantly higher than that of no CI group (all P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the morning peak systolic [MD=7.85,95% CI (-1.30,17.01)] and diastolic [MD=4.44,95% CI (-6.00, 14.89)] blood pressure drop between the CI group and no CI group(all P>0.05). Conclusion: Cognitive impairment in hypertensive patients is closely associated with increased blood pressure variability, and clinical medical staff should pay attention to the management of blood pressure variability in hypertensive patients to reduce the development of cognitive impairments.