[Functional screening test for latent arterial hypertension detection in young patients]

We assessed diagnostic value of acute-hypoxia test (AHT) for detection of latent arterial hypertension in 317 young persons from different social groups (mean age 25.6+/-5.1 yrs) without clinical signs of cardiovascular diseases. We performed AHT and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Sensitivity and specificity of AHT for detection `of latent arterial hypertension were 97.9 and 94.7%, respectively. Agreement of results of AHT and ABPM was 79.6% in patients with high normal blood pressure (BP) and 100% in patients with BPgt;140/90mm Hg. The test was safe and its results were highly reproducible.