Arm Based on LEg blood pressures (ABLE-BP): can systolic leg blood pressure measurements predict systolic brachial blood pressure? Protocol for an individual participant data meta-analysis from the INTERPRESS-IPD Collaboration. Issue 3 (19th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McDonagh, Sinead T J; Sheppard, James P; Warren, Fiona C; Boddy, Kate; Farmer, Leon; Shore, Helen; Williams, Phil; Lewis, Philip S; Baumber, Rachel; Fordham, Jayne; Martin, Una; Aboyans, Victor; Clark, Christopher E
• Other Names: author non-byline.; White James author non-byline.; Ferrucci Luigi author non-byline.; Erbel Raimund author non-byline.; Westerink Jan author non-byline.; Criqui Michael author non-byline.; Lahoz Carlos author non-byline.; Guerchet Maëlenn author non-byline.; Allison Matthew author non-byline.; McDermott Mary author non-byline.; Espeland Mark author non-byline.; Dahl Marie author non-byline.; Shore Angela author non-byline.; Blanes Rafel Ramos author non-byline.
• Is Part Of: BMJ open. Volume 11:Issue 3(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03-19
• Subjects: risk management -- cardiology -- primary care; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; 610.72
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040481
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-6055

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Blood pressure (BP) is normally measured on the upper arm, and guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of high BP are based on such measurements. Leg BP measurement can be an alternative when brachial BP measurement is impractical, due to injury or disability. Limited data exist to guide interpretation of leg BP values for hypertension management; study-level systematic review findings suggest that systolic BP (SBP) is 17 mm Hg higher in the leg than the arm. However, uncertainty remains about the applicability of this figure in clinical practice due to substantial heterogeneity. Aims: To examine the relationship between arm and leg SBP, develop and validate a multivariable model predicting arm SBP from leg SBP and investigate the prognostic association between leg SBP and cardiovascular disease and mortality. Methods and analysis: Individual participant data (IPD) meta-analyses using arm and leg SBP measurements for 33 710 individuals from 14 studies within the Inter-arm blood pressure difference IPD (INTERPRESS-IPD) Collaboration. We will explore cross-sectional relationships between arm and leg SBP using hierarchical linear regression with participants nested by study, in multivariable models. Prognostic models will be derived for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular events. Ethics and dissemination: Data originate from studies with prior ethical approval and consent, and data sharing agreements are in place—no further approvals are required to undertake the secondary analyses proposed in this protocol. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journal articles and presented at conferences. A comprehensive dissemination strategy is in place, integrated with patient and public involvement. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42015031227.