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


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Covelli
Maureen McCormick
MM
University of Central Florida School of Nursing, Orlando, Fla, USA. covelli@mail.ucf.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D001741:Black or African American; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000032:analysis*; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry
D006854:Hydrocortisone