Limitations of our study include its observational nature. No causality
is inferred in the observed relationship between abnormal systolic blood
pressure and 30 day mortality or readmission. Although we have tried to
adjust for a number of the most relevant variables, many unmeasured
variables could be potential confounders. (we can add examples of
variables here). The association of abnormal discharge vitals with
adverse events has been demonstrated in the past. However, we formally
quantify the magnitude of risks related specifically to abnormal
systolic blood pressure ranges at discharge.
Other limitations of our study include the lack of inpatient and
discharge antihypertensive medications data. Our patient population was
a cohort of general medical/ surgical patients. Our findings may not be
applicable for subgroups such as patients with heart failure, end stage
liver disease, or post-acute stroke populations. Finally, we do not have
information on readmissions outside our large hospital network, thus our
rate of readmissions may be underestimated.