Title

The Relationship Of Blood Pressure And Cortisol Reactivity To Family History Of Hypertension Of African American Adolescents

Keywords

Blood pressure; Cortisol; Family history of hypertension

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. ‡, 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. © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

Publication Date

1-1-2006

Publication Title

Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing

Volume

21

Issue

5

Number of Pages

347-353

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1097/00005082-200609000-00004

Socpus ID

33748690575 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/33748690575

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