Sensitivity analyses of the predictive value of visit-to-visit variability of systolic blood pressure with exclusion of varying follow-up periods.

SBP and VIM indicate level and variability independent of the mean of systolic blood pressure. Hazard ratios express the risk associated with a 1-SD increase in the predictor variable and were stratified for centre and adjusted for randomisation group, sex, age, body mass index, heart rate, cholesterol, smoking and drinking, and history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Model indicates which systolic index was entered into the models in addition to the studied predictor. SDs are approximate, because the number of patients and blood pressure readings available for analysis differed slightly depending on the timing of endpoints. An ellipsis signifies that in addition to the studied predictor no additional systolic index was entered.
Significance of the estimates:
*P≤0.05;
†P≤0.01;
‡P≤0.001.