Objective  To investigate the correlation between the changes of β₂-microglobulin(β₂-MG), ankle-brachial index(ABI)levels and blood pressure variability(BPV) in elderly patients with hypertension and its mechanism.

  Methods  A total of 328 elderly patients with essential hypertension in our hospital were selected. The levels of β₂-MG, ABI and BPV were measured. According to the level of β₂-MG, the patients were divided into β₂-MG < 2 mg/L group and β₂-MG≥2 mg/L group. The differences of BPV indicators between the two groups were compared. At the same time, the patients were divided into ABI < 0.9 group and ABI ≥0.9 group according to the level of ABI, and the levels of serum β₂-MG and BPV between the two groups were compared. The relationship between β₂-MG, ABI and BPV was analyzed by establishing multiple linear regression model.

  Results  The 24 h systolic blood pressure variability(24 h SBPV), 24-hour diastolic blood pressure variability(24 h DBPV) and 24-hour mean arterial pressure (24 h MABP) in β₂-MG≥2 mg/L group were significantly higher than that in β₂-MG < 2 mg/L group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05); the levels of 24 h SBPV, 24 h DBPV and β₂-MG in ABI≥0.9 group were significantly lower than that in ABI < 0.9 group (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression Results showed that 24 h SBPV and 24 h DBPV were both positively correlated with β₂-MG and negatively correlated with ABI.

  Conclusion  The damage degree of target organs in elderly patients with hypertension is closely related to the level of β₂-MG and ABI, and BPV of patients is positively correlated with β₂-MG and negatively correlated with ABI. Therefore, active intervention is of great significance for effectively control of BPV level, screening, prevention and treatment of elderly patients with hypertension.