The Orthostatic Blood Pressure Change and Its Influence Factors in Young Students

Abstract

To investigate orthostatic blood pressure (BP) changes and the influence factors in youth. Three hundred seventeen young students (165 males and 152 females, aged 21.5±1.0 years old) were recruited. BP was measured by automatic oscillometric devices after the subjects were in supine position for 10 minutes followed by standing for 3 minutes, and their difference was recorded as ΔBP. Orthostatic hypertension (OHT) was defined by ΔBP≥10-mm Hg and orthostatic hypotension (OH) by ΔBP≤−10-mm Hg. The association between ΔBP and age, sex, family history of hypertension, height, body mass, and body mass index was analyzed. The systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP) were significantly increased in standing compared to supine position (P<0.05). The prevalence of OHT and OH in SBP was 16.4% and 3.8%, and that in DBP was 20.5% and 3.5%, respectively. The prevalence of OH was higher in females while the prevalence of OHT was higher in males. The OH group had the highest supine BP while the OHT group had the lowest supine BP. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a negative relationship between supine SBP and ΔSBP (r=−0.165, P<0.05), and between supine DBP and ΔDBP (r=−0.465, P<0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed that both ΔSBP and ΔDBP correlated negatively with supine BP values and female gender. Gender and supine BP levels are associated with the prevalence of OHT and OH in young students.