Abstract
To define 24-h characteristics of arterial blood pressure in healthy adolescent girls and boys; to determine gender-related differences of blood pressure, its circadian pattern. The 24-h blood pressure was monitored hourly in healthy girls (n=22, without no account for the menstrual cycle phase) and boys (n=22). Additionally, blood pressure of adolescent girls (n=15) was examined during different phases of their menstrual cycle (follicular, ovulation, and luteal). Blood pressure was monitored with an auto-cuff automatic outpatient blood pressure monitor. Investigation showed gender-related differences in 24-h blood pressure. Study results revealed the circadian blood pressure rhythm characterized by a period of low values during nighttime and an early morning increase in both adolescent groups. Nocturnal systolic blood pressure was higher (P<0.05) in boys than in girls in all phases of their menstrual cycle. Diurnal systolic blood pressure in boys was higher than in girls in their follicular phase (P<0.05). The day and night blood pressure differed between boys and girls (P<0.05). A dipping blood pressure pattern as a decrease in mean nighttime blood pressure as compared with mean daytime blood pressure was defined: 10.02+/-6.7% in girls (n=22) and 13+/-6.3% in boys (n=22), without gender-related differences (P>0.05). There were no differences in blood pressure dipping among girls' groups in different menstrual cycle phases (P>0.05). Adolescent boys showed a significant positive correlation between their mean diurnal blood pressure and height (P<0.05). The study proved gender-related arterial blood pressure differences in healthy adolescents. The results demonstrate the gender-specific circadian blood pressure rhythm pattern in both gender groups.
Highlights
Current epidemiological, clinical, and experimental data suggest that the course of primary arterial hypertension may be gender related
The results demonstrate the gender-specific circadian blood pressure rhythm pattern in both gender groups
blood pressure (BP) findings significantly differed in girls during different menstrual cycle phases as compared with boys (Table)
Summary
Clinical, and experimental data suggest that the course of primary arterial hypertension may be gender related. There is evidence that even a single routine arterial blood pressure (BP) measurement in adolescence accurately predicts arterial hypertension and total cardiovascular risk in young adulthood [2]. Elucidation of gender-related differences in BP regulation in children might help to explain the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. Circadian rhythms have been implicated in the genesis of cardiovascular disorders [3]. Biological rhythms may be circadian (with a periodicity of approximately 24 hours) and circatrigintan – related to the menstrual cycle in women [4]. Recent advances in molecular genetics of circadian rhythms, BP, and hypertension led to the discovery of separate groups of genes are implicated in their regulation [7]. Data on gender-related differences in BP in adolescents are scarce
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