‘The Mercury Challenge’: feline systolic blood pressure in primary care practice – a European survey

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to collect data from a substantial number of older cats having their systolic blood pressure (SBP) measured in a variety of clinical practices, to describe the findings and assess variables that affected the duration of assessment and the values obtained. Methods An international (European-based) multicentre convenience sample survey of cats ⩾7 years of age attending veterinary clinics and having SBP measured as part of their clinical assessment. Information gathered included details of the cat, concomitant disease(s) or therapies, SBP results, device used, time taken to assess SBP and the demeanor of the cat. Results Useable data were available from 8884 cats aged 7–26 years, from 811 clinics across 16 countries. The device used to measure SBP was Doppler in 47.4% and oscillometry in 48.5%. The demeanor of the cat was reported to be calm in 45.7%, anxious in 41.9% and nervous in 8.9%; and the duration of assessment was reported to be <5 mins in 50.4%, 5–10 minutes in 41.7% and >10 mins in 7.9%. Concomitant chronic kidney disease (CKD) was reported in 21.8%, hyperthyroidism in 12.0% or both in 3.1%. The median SBP was 150 mmHg (range 80–310), with 18.6% classified as hypertensive (SBP 160–179 mmHg) and 21.1% as severely hypertensive (SBP ⩾180 mmHg). The measured SBP was significantly affected by the cat’s demeanor, duration of SBP assessment, presence of CKD and/or hyperthyroidism, the cat’s sex and age, and the presence of concomitant therapy. The duration of SBP assessment was significantly affected by the cat’s demeanor. Conclusions and relevance In veterinary clinics, SBP can be measured in most cats within a short period of time using either Doppler or oscillometric equipment. The presence of CKD or hyperthyroidism was associated with significantly higher SBP values, and anxious or nervous cats had higher SBP values and took longer to obtain SBP assessments.

Understanding the barriers to blood pressure assessment in cats

“…6 However, a recent European survey indicated a more even split between Doppler and oscillometric monitors in conscious cats. 14 While the current scientific consensus is that no methodology has been validated for measuring BP in conscious small animals, 5 for many years, the Doppler methodology has been the preferred technique, especially for conscious cats. [15][16][17][18] Opportunities exist for the improved early diagnosis of systemic hypertension by increasing awareness of situations where BP assessment is indicated, primarily in patients presenting with signs consistent with TOD and in patients with underlying diseases/medications/toxicities associated with an increased risk of systemic hypertension.…”

“… 6 However, a recent European survey indicated a more even split between Doppler and oscillometric monitors in conscious cats. 14 While the current scientific consensus is that no methodology has been validated for measuring BP in conscious small animals, 5 for many years, the Doppler methodology has been the preferred technique, especially for conscious cats. 15 – 18…”

Blood pressure in hyperthyroid cats before and after radioiodine treatment

“…All cats were first placed in a quiet room, away from all other animals, and allowed to acclimate for at least 5 to 10 min. Each cat was then subjectively scored based on their temperament or demeanor with the following a 4-level scoring scale: 1 = calm, 2 = anxious, 3 = nervous, and 4 = excited/aggressive, 33,44,45 with cats removed from the study if they were deemed too nervous or aggressive to obtain accurate blood pressure readings. Eligible cats next had indirect SBP measured by a Doppler ultrasound technique.…”

Hipertensão arterial sistêmica e as diretrizes para identificação, avaliação, controle e manejo hipertensivo em cães e gatos

“…Para Acierno et al (1), "a presença de uma condição conhecida por causar hipertensão secundária, mesmo se efetivamente resolvida por intervenção terapêutica, deve levar a avaliações seriadas de acompanhamento". Sparkes et al (31) avaliaram dados de mensurações pressóricas únicas em 8884 felinos, com mais de sete anos de idade. Os autores observaram que em 35,1% dos pacientes pesquisados não tinham doenças relatadas, enquanto que 45,9% dos pacientes que tinham DRC e 50,4% hipertireoidismo eram hipertensos ou hipertensos graves.…”