The relationship of blood pressure and cortisol reactivity to family history of hypertension of African American adolescents

    Authors

    M. M. Covelli

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Cardiovasc. Nurs.

    Keywords

    blood pressure; cortisol; family history of hypertension; DISEASE RISK-FACTORS; CARDIOVASCULAR REACTIVITY; SALIVARY CORTISOL; RACIAL-DIFFERENCES; PARENTAL HISTORY; HEART-RATE; STRESS; CHILDREN; SYSTEM; POTASSIUM; Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems; Nursing

    Abstract

    Ethnicity and family history of hypertension (FHH) have been associated with the development of hypertension. Blood pressure and cortisol reactivity during physiologic stress are hypothesized to function as biologic markers for hypertension. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of blood pressure and cortisol reactivity physiologic to FHH in a selected sample of African American adolescents. Methods: Demographic data and physiologic measurements were obtained from 48 African American adolescents (14-17 years). Reactivity was induced by a cold pressor test of hand immersion in cold water. chi(2), t tests, and multivariate repeated-measures analysis were used to determine relationships. Results: Thirty-one (65%) subjects reported an FHH. Thirty (63%) subjects demonstrated cardiovascular reactivity. Although the mean systolic blood pressure was 4 mm Hg higher, t tests indicated no significance between group in systolic blood pressure (P = .32), diastolic pressure (P = .73), and cortisol (P = .81). Blood pressure reactivity of the FHH group was significantly different than the no family history group (P = .0338). Cortisol levels for the total group were markedly elevated (19 nmol/dL) and there was no significant difference in reactivity. Conclusion: African American adolescents with FHH demonstrate increased blood pressure reactivity. Cortisol levels were elevated for all participants. This study adds support to the association of blood pressure reactivity, a biologic marker of HTN and FHH.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing

    Volume

    21

    Issue/Number

    5

    Publication Date

    1-1-2006

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    347

    Last Page

    353

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000240472500008

    ISSN

    0889-4655

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