Resting Blood Pressure Patterns in Adults With Myotonic Dystrophy Type One and Type Two
Jennifer Argudo1, Matthew Vasquez1, S Subramony1
1Neurology, University of Florida
Objective:
The aim of this study is to characterize resting blood pressure (BP) patterns in adults with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2) and to assess whether values differ from contemporary U.S. population norms.
Background:
Myotonic Dystrophy is the most common adult-onset muscular dystrophy and is characterized by muscle weakness and multisystem involvement, including cardiac and autonomic dysfunction. Previous studies have suggested that adults with DM1 may exhibit lower resting BP, potentially related to autonomic impairment or other systemic factors; however findings have been limited by small sample sizes. Population-level comparisons to contemporary reference data are lacking.
Design/Methods:
A retrospective chart review was conducted of all adults attending the myotonic dystrophy clinic between January 2020 and December 2023. Eligible participants were aged 18-100 years with a clinical or genetically confirmed diagnosis of DM1 or DM2 and at least one valid BP measurement obtained using a calibrated automatic sphygmomanometer. Participants with an undetermined diagnosis or taking antihypertensive medications were excluded. Mean systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures were stratified by sex, diagnosis, and age group (18–39, 40–59, and ≥ 60 years) and descriptively compared with National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2021–2023 data.
Results:
Seventy-seven participants met eligibility criteria (mean age 46 years; 53% male). DM1 accounted for 88% (n=68) and DM2 for 12% (n=9). Mean BP in DM1 (SBP 122.5 mmHg, DBP 79.2 mmHg) was comparable to NHANES adults (SBP 119.5 mmHg, DBP 75.7 mmHg), while DM2 participants exhibited higher values (SBP 141.3 mmHg DBP 85.8 mmHg). No subgroup demonstrated systemic hypotension.
Conclusions:
Adults with DM1 display normotensive BP profiles comparable to population averages, whereas DM2 participants show mild elevations. These results suggest that systemic hypotension is not a consistent feature of myotonic dystrophy. Future studies incorporating longitudinal follow-up and physiological assessments are warranted to further characterize BP regulation patterns.
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