The individual RDH index: a novel vector index for statistical assessment of antihypertensive treatment reduction, duration, and homogeneity

Abstract

We propose a new vector index for the statistical assessment of antihypertensive treatment duration and homogeneity from ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. We termed this approach for evaluating and comparing blood pressure coverage offered by antihypertensive drugs over 24 h as the reduction–duration–homogeneity index. The reduction–duration–homogeneity index is a three-component vector index that incorporates information about the reduction, duration, and homogeneity of antihypertensive treatment, as well as their statistical significance. The advantages of the reduction–duration–homogeneity index are demonstrated by several comparative examples.