Pseudohypertension, also known as the noncompressibility artery syndrome, occurs when there is a faulty-recorded elevation of blood pressure in a normal individual or an exaggerated elevation of blood pressure in an already hypertensive individual, as measured via sphygmomanometer.
In a retrospective study (Kleman et al., 2013), conducted on patient attending a hypertension clinic, it was found that 7% of the patients had pseudohypertension [3].
The search strategy was based on a keyword list applied to these medical databases; the keywords used were as follows: "Pseudohypertension"; "Arterial Pressure"; "Osler's sign"; "Localised Scleroderma"; "Morphea"; "Collagen"; and "Low-Level Light Therapy".
Pseudohypertension usually occurs in advanced age, unlike this presented case.
Difilippo, "Prevalence and characteristics of pseudohypertension in patients with resistant hypertension," Journal of the American Society of Hypertension, vol.
Puller et al., "Pevalence of pseudohypertension in a contemporary patient cohort undergoing cardiac catheterisation," Heart, Lung and Circulation, vol.
Pseudohypertension and white coat hypertension also are more common in the elderly although the prevalence is not well quantified.
Pseudohypertension should be suspected in older patients with refractory hypertension, a lack of end-organ damage or symptoms of overmedication.
Pseudohypertension should be suspected when the blood pressure is considerably elevated but there are no signs of end-organ damage.
Osler's maneuver, pseudohypertension, and true hypertension in the elderly.