Gender differences in resting cardiovascular parameters and their reactivity to acute mental stress

Abstract

Background: Several cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) have been linked to abnormal cardiovascular reactivity to mental stress. Females are relatively protected from the onslaught of CVDs during their reproductive age. Mental stress tests (MST) have been known to unravel the susceptibility to CVDs. Aims and Objectives: This study envisaged to observe cardiovascular parameters, that is, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) under resting conditions as well as their reactivity to mental stress in both genders. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of sixty-one males and sixty-one females satisfying the prescribed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Blood pressures and HR were measured/calculated in both groups under resting conditions and subsequently after subjecting to MST. The results were subjected to statistical analysis using an unpaired t-test, with significance at P < 0.05. Results: Resting SBP was significantly higher in males (M = 116.16, F =105.00 mm of Hg), whereas resting HR (M = 77.33, F = 80.28 bpm) and DBP (M = 67.16, F = 67.36 mm of Hg) were identical. MST produced identical increases in SBP, DBP, and HR in both genders. Conclusion: Males have a significantly higher resting SBP compared to females, but the reactivity of blood pressures (SBP and DBP) and HR to acute mental stress was identical in both genders (males and females).