Diastolic Blood Pressure In Females Research Articles

The Relationship between Low-Sodium Salt Intake and Both Blood Pressure Level and Hypertension in Chinese Residents.

Compared to common salt, low-sodium salt can reduce blood pressure to varying degrees. However, the exact dosage relationship remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the dose-response relationships between low-sodium salt intake and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), as well as the risk of hypertension, and to determine the optimal range for low-sodium salt intake. We investigated the basic characteristics and dietary profile of 350 individuals who consumed low-sodium salt. The samples were divided into three groups according to the 33.3rd and 66.6th percentiles of low-sodium salt intake in condiments (Q1: <4.72 g/d, Q2: ≥4.72 g/d, and <6.88 g/d, and Q3: ≥6.88 g/d). The restricted cubic spline results indicated that low-sodium salt intake decreased linearly with SBP and DBP, while low-sodium intake demonstrated a non-linear, L-shaped relationship with the risk of hypertension, with a safe range of 5.81 g to 7.66 g. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that compared with group Q1, the DBP in group Q2 decreased by 2.843 mmHg (95%CI: -5.552, -0.133), and the SBP in group Q3 decreased by 4.997 mmHg (95%CI: -9.136, -0.858). Exploratory subgroup analyses indicated that low-sodium salt intake had a significant impact on reducing SBP in males, DBP in females, SBP in rural populations, and DBP in urban populations. The intake of low-sodium salt adheres to the principle of moderation, with 5.81-7.66 g potentially serving as a pivotal threshold.

Health Literacy, Self-Care Behaviors, and Biochemical Parameters Among Hypertensive Patients with Renal Complications in the Tai Lue Ethnic Community of Thailand.

Hypertension (HT) can cause renal complications or deterioration of kidney function. HT management is very important because it reduces the severity of illnesses. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between health literacy (HL), self-care behaviors (SCB), and biochemical parameters in hypertensive patients with renal complications. A cross-sectional study of 405 hypertensive patients with renal complications among Tai Lue people living in Thailand was conducted using simple random sampling. Face-to-face interviews with questionnaires were used to collect information. Blood pressure (BP) and biochemical parameters, such as fasting blood sugar (FBS) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), were measured. The participants' mean age was 68.3 years. A significant correlation was found between HL score, SCB score, systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), FBS, and eGFR (p<0.01). Multiple linear regression revealed that eating salty foods was a risk factor for SBP in males and for SBP and DBP in females. Body mass index (BMI) (B = 0.54), sweet food consumption (B = 13.90), and SCB score (B = -0.29) were significantly associated with FBS level (R2 = 17.8%, p<0.05). Employment (B = 2.55), eating bland food (B = 4.07), receiving information from family (B = 3.53), SCB (B= 0.31), and age (B = -0.51) were all significant factors for eGFR (R2 = 35.0%, p<0.05). HL and SCB levels were associated with the health of hypertensive patients with renal complications in the Tai Lue ethnic community. The significance of organizing health education programs is to emphasize increasing HL to lead to self-care decisions and reduce complications in patients, resulting in improved SCB and quality of life in the future.

Abstract P056: Sex Differences In Association Between Gut Microbiome And Essential Hypertension Based On Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring

Background: Sex differences in the pathogenesis of hypertension exist. Whilst gut microbiota (GM) dysregulation is a novel risk factor of hypertension, studies using shotgun metagenomics sequencing and ambulatory 24-hour blood pressure (BP) monitoring to study the potential sex differences in the associations between the GM and BP are lacking. Methods: We recruited 241 asymptomatic Hong Kong Chinese (113 male, 128 female, mean age 54±6), who were not on anti-hypertensive agents, and studied their GM composition using shotgun sequencing. 24-hour ambulatory BP was recorded. GM-mediated short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were quantified in stool and plasma by GC-MS. Statistical analysis was performed under covariate-adjusted models including age, sex, BMI, smoking, sodium-intake, fatty liver and menopause status. Results: Based on 24-hour BP, 36% (87 of 241) of the study population was hypertensive. Males had a higher mean BP than females (127±13/81±10mmHg vs. 117±12/71±8mmHg, p&lt;0.001). GM β-diversity was significantly different in hypertensive vs. normotensive individuals, driven by females. A significant enrichment of Ruminococcus gnavus was observed in the hypertensive group whilst Oscillibacter sp. CAG:241 and Gemmiger formicilis was enriched in the normotensive group. These differences remained significant in females with no significant differential species found in males. Additionally, Dorea formicigenerans was negatively associated whilst Clostridium bolteae and Bacteroides ovatus were positively associated in female-specific hypertension. Repeated cross-validation machine-learning demonstrated microbial features were more predictive of hypertension in females than males, and the addition of microbial features to clinical features (age, BMI) improved the model’s prediction accuracy from 0.69 to 0.84 in females. Total plasma SCFAs and propionic acid were independent predictors of systolic and diastolic BP in females but not males. GM β-diversity was also significantly associated with total SCFAs and propionic acid levels. Conclusion: GM dysregulation appears to be more strongly associated with hypertension in females, which may be mediated through circulating plasma SCFAs.

Correlation of Pupil to Limbus Diameter Ratio with Blood Pressure and Heart Rate among Parkinson’s Disease Patients

Introduction: Variation in blood pressure and heart rate is observed in patients with parkinson’s disease. Pupil to Limbus Diameter (PDL) ratio is one of the emerging autonomic functions. The studies measuring the autonomic functions of parkinson’s patients are sparse. Aim: To observe the correlation of the PLD ratio with blood pressure and pulse rate among parkinson’s disease patients. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted among 31 parkinson's disease patients attending Outpatient Ward of General Medicine Department at Ruxmaniben Deepchand Gardi Medical College, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India, from 1st March 2021 to 1st November 2021. Pupil to limbus diameter ratio was recorded using the two-box method. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Pearson’s correlation was used to observe the correlation. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 61.9±13.07 years. The mean PLD ratio of the left eye was 0.343±0.042. There was a significant positive correlation between the PLD ratio of the left and right eye with blood pressure in males. There was a positive correlation between pulse rate also with PLD ratio of the left and right eyes. However, it was not significant. Conclusion: There was a significant positive correlation of the PLD ratio with blood pressure and pulse rate in males, but negative correlation was observed between the PLD ratio of the left eye with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in females. The study results support the need for further detailed studies in this area to investigate further details of this correlation observed.

Correlation of Pupil to Limbus Diameter Ratio with Blood Pressure and Heart Rate among Parkinson’s Disease Patients

Introduction: Variation in blood pressure and heart rate is observed in patients with parkinson’s disease. Pupil to Limbus Diameter (PDL) ratio is one of the emerging autonomic functions. The studies measuring the autonomic functions of parkinson’s patients are sparse. Aim: To observe the correlation of the PLD ratio with blood pressure and pulse rate among parkinson’s disease patients. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted among 31 parkinson's disease patients attending Outpatient Ward of General Medicine Department at Ruxmaniben Deepchand Gardi Medical College, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India, from 1st March 2021 to 1st November 2021. Pupil to limbus diameter ratio was recorded using the two-box method. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Pearson’s correlation was used to observe the correlation. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 61.9±13.07 years. The mean PLD ratio of the left eye was 0.343±0.042. There was a significant positive correlation between the PLD ratio of the left and right eye with blood pressure in males. There was a positive correlation between pulse rate also with PLD ratio of the left and right eyes. However, it was not significant. Conclusion: There was a significant positive correlation of the PLD ratio with blood pressure and pulse rate in males, but negative correlation was observed between the PLD ratio of the left eye with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in females. The study results support the need for further detailed studies in this area to investigate further details of this correlation observed.

A comparative study of automated versus manual measurement of blood pressure in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Measurement of arterial blood pressure (BP) is one of the routine procedures performed both in outpatient and inpatient services of the hospital. Even though BP estimation is routinely done, its values are vital to assess the health status of the patients. Accurate recordings of BP can be estimated by adhering to all the precautions and instructions relating to the specific method employed for BP measurement. In recent years, many health-care setups are replacing the traditional manual BP apparatus with automated machines (digital) for BP estimation. Hence, there is a need to compare these two techniques in relation to their accuracy. Aims and Objectives: In a quest to replace manual mercury sphygmomanometers with automated machines, there is a need to see the reliability of automated machines of BP measurements especially which are currently available in India. Hence, the present study will help us to see the accuracy of automated machines by simultaneously comparing them with manual mercury sphygmomanometer. Materials and Methods: A total of around 224 patients which include 124 males and 100 females within the age group of 25–35 years are recruited for the study. Informed consent was taken from all the subjects. Institute ethical clearance was obtained before conducting the research study. Both manual and automated BP apparatus were used for BP recording. Results: The mean systolic BP (SBP) recorded in males using the mercury sphygmomanometer was found to be 113.19 ± 10.60 mmHg, 113.08 ± 10.08 mmHg, and 117.16 ± 11.14 mmHg, and the mean diastolic BP (DBP) was found to be 68.76 ± 8.34 mmHg, 70.50 ± 8.66 mmHg, and 72.69 ± 8.35 mmHg in sitting, standing, and recumbent postures, respectively. The mean SBP recorded using digital sphygmomanometer was found to be 113.90 ± 10.93 mmHg, 117.24 ± 10.23 mmHg, and 117.16 ± 11.14 mmHg and the mean DBP recorded was found to be to be 68.50±8.43 mmHg, 70.50 ± 8.66 mmHg, and 72.39±7.89 mmHg in sitting, standing, and recumbent postures, respectively. The difference between mean SBP and DBPs in males recorded using the two devices was found to be statistically insignificant. Similarly, the difference between mean SBP and DBP in females recorded using the two devices was not statistically significant. Conclusion: From the above results, it is concluded that there were no significant differences in recorded values of manual mercury sphygmomanometer and automated digital sphygmomanometer.

Body mass index and serum uric acid level: Individual and combined effects on blood pressure in middle-aged and older individuals in China.

Few studies on the individual and combined analysis between serum uric acid (SUA) and body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) were conducted in individuals aged ≥45 years. We aimed to assess the extent to which BMI and SUA and their interaction affect BP in Chinese middle-aged and older adults.Data were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). A total of 5888 individuals aged 45 to 96 was included. Differences between BMI, or between categories of blood pressure were evaluated by t test or chi-square test. The trend of related variables according to four BMI categories was also tested using contrast analysis. The adjusted associations between various characteristics and BP status were first compared using linear regression models, as appropriate. Then, general linear models adjusting for related potential confounders were used to examine the synergistic effect of SUA and BMI level on BP for middle-aged and elderly individuals in China.Age-adjusted partial Pearson correlation coefficient showed that BMI was significantly and positively correlated with BP both in male and female, SUA positively correlated with both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in males with BMI <24.0 kg/m2 and females with BMI <24.0 kg/m2. However, SUA level significantly and positively correlated with DBP, but not with SBP, in females with BMI ≥24.0 kg/m2. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that BMI was independently associated with BP both in male and female, SUA significantly and positively associated with SBP in both males and females with BMI <24.0 kg/m2, However, SUA level positively correlated with DBP in females with BMI <24.0 kg/m2, but not with males with BMI <24.0 kg/m2, independent of other confounding factors. A general linear model analysis adjusted for confounding factors did not reveal interaction between BMI, SUA levels and SBP (β=-1.404, P = .686 in males; β=-2.583, P = .575 in females) and DBP (β=-2.544, P = .263 in males; β=-2.619, P = .622 in females).No interaction between BMI, SUA levels, and BP was observed in either males or females; However, BMI was independently associated with BP both in male and female, SUA independently associated with SBP both in males and females with BMI <24.0 kg/m2, and SUA independently associated with DBP in females with BMI ≥24.0 kg/m2.

Association between physical activity level and blood pressure: varied and graded mediating effects of obesity indices in schoolchildren.

To explore the mediating effects of adiposity indices in the association between physical activity level and blood pressure in a Nigerian schoolchildren population. One thousand five hundred and seventeen schoolchildren (714 males and 803 females) from randomly selected primary schools participated. Physical activity level, sum of skinfold thickness at three sites, waist circumference, body mass index, and blood pressure were measured using standardised procedures. The statistical significance of the mediating effects of adiposity indices was determined using Sobel Test. Some obesity indices mediated the association between physical activity level and systolic blood pressure in males [waist circumference (t = 5.31; p < 0.001), skin-fold thickness (t = 3.80; p < 0.001) and waist-circumference/height (t = 2.21; p < 0.001)] and in females [body mass index (t = 8.03; p < 0.001), waist circumference (t = 7.80; p < 0.001), and skin-fold thickness (t = 5.94; p < 0.001)]. Similarly, some obesity indices mediated the association of physical activity and diastolic blood pressure in males [body mass index (t = 1.95; p = 0.05), waist circumference (t = 2.65; p = 0.01), and skin-fold thickness (t = 1.97; p = 0.05)], and in females [body mass index (t = 6.49; p < 0.001), waist circumference (t = 6.29; p < 0.001), skin-fold thickness (t = 2.31; p = 0.02) and waist-circumference/Height (t = 2.59; p = 0.01)]. The obesity indices that mediate the association between physical activity level and blood pressure vary, and their mediating effects are graded. While waist circumference and skinfold thickness exert the greatest mediating effects on the association in males, body mass index and waist circumference do in females.

Effect of acute watermelon juice supplementation on post-submaximal exercise heart rate recovery, blood lactate, blood pressure, blood glucose and muscle soreness in healthy non-athletic men and women

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a single pre-exercise dose of watermelon juice on submaximal post-exercise heart rate (HR) recovery, blood lactate (BL), blood pressure (BP), blood glucose (BG), and muscle soreness in healthy adults. In a randomised crossover design, 27 healthy non-athletic participants (13 males/14 females) consumed 355 mL of watermelon juice, Gatorade, sugar water, or water. HR and BL were significantly higher post-exercise, and both watermelon juice and sugar water increased postprandial BG. However, there were no significant differences among the supplements in HR recovery, BL, or post-exercise muscle soreness. Watermelon juice prevented increased post-exercise systolic and diastolic BP in females, but not in males. More research is warranted to examine the effect of sex on the efficacy of watermelon consumption for controlling BP.

Added Sugar Intake is Associated with Blood Pressure in Older Females.

Hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) is highly prevalent in the aging population. Notably, diet and lifestyle have a strong influence on BP. We investigated the association between dietary factors and BP in older adults. This cross-sectional study included 128 participants, aged 65–80 years. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to examine the associations between diet, including meats, vegetables, grains, fruits, dairy, fats, and added sugar, and BP. There was a significant association between intake of added sugar and systolic BP and diastolic BP in females after controlling for age, income, body mass index, physical activity levels, daily calorie intake, and BP medication use. The model predicted that a decrease of 2.3 teaspoons (0.5 standard deviation) of added sugar would result in a 8.4 mmHg drop in systolic BP and a 3.7 mmHg drop in diastolic BP. Whole fruit was associated with a reduction in diastolic BP in both males and females, and the model predicted that, for every 0.71 cup increase in whole fruit consumption, there would be a decrease in diastolic BP of 2.8 mmHg. Our findings support the dietary guidelines of limiting daily intake of added sugar and increasing fruit consumption to promote overall cardiovascular health in older adults.

The combination of obesity and high salt intake are associated with blood pressure elevation among healthy Japanese adolescents.

We examined the associations of obesity and high salt intake with blood pressure (BP) in a cross-sectional sample of 1679 healthy Japanese adolescents (827 females and 852 males) aged 12-18 years (mean age: 14.9 years) who had no history of treatment for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or renal disease. Brachial arterial BP of the subject was measured at the left arm using a digital BP monitor with an appropriate cuff size. The weight status was evaluated by body mass index (BMI), and obesity was determined according to the age- and sex-specific cut-off values for adolescents. All subjects were interviewed by dietitians using a food frequency questionnaire to obtain data on their average daily salt intake. In the study subjects, obesity and high salt intake were associated with a significantly increased BP except for diastolic BP in females. In multiple regression analyses, both BMI (z-score) and salt intake were found to be major determinants of systolic BP and diastolic BP after adjustment for potential confounders, including age, sex, and serum lipid and glucose parameters. The association between salt intake and BP values was more pronounced among individuals with obesity than among those with normal weight. These results suggest that high salt intake is associated with BP elevation in healthy adolescents, and the association may become stronger by the presence or severity of obesity.

Trends in Blood Pressure and Prevalence of Hypertension in Korean Adults Based on the 1998-2014 KNHANES.

PurposeTo investigate trends in blood pressure (BP) and hypertension prevalence in Korea.Materials and MethodsBased on the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) I (1998), II (2001), III (2005), IV (2007–2009), V (2010–2012), and VI (2013–2014), 56077 participants (23974 men and 32103 women) were included.ResultsMean systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) decreased in both sexes (male SBP: 128.1 to 120.2 mm Hg, male DBP: 82.0 to 78.5 mm Hg; female SBP: 125.7 to 116.0 mm Hg and female DBP: 77.4 to 73.2 mm Hg from the KNHANES I–VI). The age-standardized prevalence of hypertension was significantly decreased in both sexes (male; 33.3% to 30.3%, female; 28.7% to 22.7%, all p for trend <0.001). Regardless of taking anti-hypertensive medication or not, SBP and DBP declined universally in both sexes. Compared to the KNHANES I, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of the KNHANES II to VI for less-than-normotensive and less-than-hypertensive BP increased in both sexes.ConclusionMean BP levels in both sexes and hypertension prevalence showed downward trends during the 16-year period.

한국 남녀 성인에서 커피 섭취빈도와 건강 관련 대사적 지표 및 영양섭취와의 관련성 - 2007~2009 국민건강영양조사 자료를 바탕으로 -

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between frequency of coffee consumption, metabolic biomarkers, and nutrition intake in adult participants in the combined 2007~2009 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Subjects (2,095 males and 3,297 females) were classified according to sex and frequency of coffee consumption (<TEX>${\leq}1$</TEX> time/month, <TEX>${\geq}2$</TEX> times/month and <TEX>${\leq}6$</TEX> times/week, 1 time/day, 2 times/day, 3 times/day) using food frequency questionnaires. Nutrition intake was analyzed using 24 h recall data. The 3 times/day coffee consumption group had a significantly higher age, and frequency of smokers and drinkers compared to the <TEX>${\leq}1$</TEX> time/month coffee consumption group in both male and female participants. Males in the 3 times/day coffee consumption group had a significantly lower HDL-cholesterol level, but females had a higher waist circumference compared with the <TEX>${\leq}1$</TEX> time/month coffee consumption group. Males in the 3 times/day coffee consumption group had a significantly lower nutrient density of fiber, vitamin B2, vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus compared with the <TEX>${\leq}1$</TEX> time/month coffee intake group. Females in the 3 times/day coffee consumption group had a significantly higher nutrient density of fat and niacin, but lower nutrient density of carbohydrate, calcium, phosphorus, and iron compared with the <TEX>${\leq}1$</TEX> time/month coffee intake group. In males, the frequency of coffee consumption was not associated with the levels of metabolic biomarkers. In females, the frequency of coffee consumption was positively associated with diastolic blood pressure after adjustments for multiple confounding factors, including age, BMI, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity and energy intake. Coffee consumption was associated with decreased diastolic blood pressure in females. These findings suggest the importance of an awareness of the association between coffee consumption and metabolic risk.

BMI TO BLOOD PRESSURE

Objectives: To establish association of BMI, hypertension and ethnicity. StudyDesign: Observational cross sectional survey. Setting: Patients attending medical OPD of JinnahMedical College Hospital Korangi, Karachi. Period: April 2014 to December 2014. Methods:Blood pressure was measured and BMI calculated. The WHO recommended BMI cut off pointsfor South Asians were applied, overweight or obese were with a BMI of &gt;23 kg/m2 or &gt;27.5 kg/m2 respectively. Cardiometabolic risk factors Diabetes and hypertension were recorded. SPSSVersion 20 was used to analyze data. Results: Of n= 420 (100%) patients n= 130 (31%) weremales and n=290 (69%) females. Mean age was 36.37 SD±12.98 years (CI 35.13-37.61)Overweight (BMI 23-&lt;27 kg/m2) were n=124(29.5%), and obese (BMI&gt;27.5 kg/m2)) weren=83 (19.8%). There were 6 major ethnic groups. Mean BMI&gt;24kg kg/m2 was present infemales of all ethnic groups. Normal diastolic blood pressure in females was higher thanmales in all ethnic groups except Urdu speaking p-value 0.000 Hypertension prevalencen= 98(23.3%) showed significant differences (p-value 0.039) in ethnic groups, with highestprevalence in SindhI n=10(30%) Urdu speaking n=27(27.8%), Punjabi n=14(26.9%), ofthese n=66(69.3%) were overweight and n=37 (41.1%) obese p-value 0.000. There was asignificant relationship between BMI and hypertension in overweight and obese males andfemales’ p-value 0.000 and 0.028 respectively. Conclusion: Significant relationship of BMI tohypertension and ethnic differences in prevalence of hypertension exists. Mean BMI in femalesis in the overweight category. Females have significant higher diastolic blood pressure thanmales in all groups except Urdu speaking; Intervention for prevention of obesity and reducingchronic disease burden needs to be urgently addressed.

Mediating effect of blood lipids on correlation between body fat and blood pressure among overweight adults

To understand the mediating effect of blood lipids on the correlation between body fat and blood pressure among overweight adults. Overweight and obese subjects aged 20-55 years who had lived in Beijing for at least 1 year were recruited in this study, Body mass index (BMI) was used as a screening indicators. The percentage of body fat (PBF) was measured for the subjects by using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Mediating effect analysis was conducted to analyze the mediating effect of blood lipids on correlation between PBF and systolic blood pressure (SBP) as well as diastolic blood pressure (DBP). After adjusting for age, PBF was positively correlated with SBP and DBP in both males (β = 0.208 3, β = 0.205 2, P < 0.001) and females (β = 0.188 4, β = 0.209 6, P < 0.001). In male subgroup, PBF was negatively correlated with HDL-C level, but positively correlated with LDL-C level (β = -0.142 2, P < 0.01 and β = 0.180 5, P < 0.001), while in female subgroup, PBF was positively correlated with both TC level and LDL-C level (β = 0.172 1, P < 0.001 and β = 0.233 5, P < 0.001). With PBF controlled, TC and TG levels were positively correlated with DBP in both males and females (β = 0.095 6, 0.090 5 for males, β = 0.117 6, 0.083 1 for females, P < 0.05), and TG level was positively correlated with SBP in females (β = 0.127 2, P < 0.001). Further analysis indicated there was a significant mediating effect of LDL-C on correlation between PBF and DBP in females, with the mediating effect value of 0.019 4 (P < 0.05). The ratio of mediating effect was 9.26%. PBF was positively correlated with blood pressure, but blood lipids had no mediating effect on the correlation between PBF and blood pressure in males, while LDL-C level had mediating effect on PBF and blood pressure in females.

Body composition, leg length and blood pressure in a rural Italian population: A test of the capacity-load model

Background and aimsWhereas adult weight or body mass index (BMI) are directly associated with blood pressure (BP), birth weight is inversely associated with BP. The scenario for height is more complex, as both tall and short stature have been associated with higher BP. We used a theoretical model treating sitting height (SH) and tissue masses (fat mass, lean mass) as components of metabolic load, and leg length (LL) as a marker of homeostatic metabolic capacity. We predicted that decreased capacity and increased load would be independently associated with increased BP.. Methods and resultsAnthropometry, body composition (bio-electrical impedance analysis) and BP were measured in 601 adults (228 male) aged 20–91 years from three hill villages in southern Italy. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate associations of body composition and anthropometry with BP. Adjusting for age, systolic BP (SBP) was associated with lean mass in males, and with adiposity in females, whereas diastolic BP (DBP) was associated with fat mass in both sexes. Associations of LL and SH with BP were in opposite directions. LL was inversely associated with SBP and DBP in males, with a similar trend evident in females. SH was directly associated with SBP and DBP in females, and with DBP in males. ConclusionsConsistent with our theoretical model, metabolic load is associated with increased BP, though differently between the sexes, whereas metabolic capacity is independently associated with lower BP. Our findings suggest that early growth improves hemodynamic tolerance of high metabolic load in adulthood..

Cold Pressor Response in First M.B.B.S Students a Month Before Send-Up Examinations

Psychological stressors like examinations lead to stimulation of autonomic nervous system resulting in effects in heart, blood pressure, respiratory rate etc. Cold pressor test (CPT) is a validated test for sympathetic activity. The objective of the study was to study the sympathetic activity using CPT, 5 months prior and 1 month prior to send- up examination in first professional MBBS students. 90 first professional MBBS students (55 females, 35 males) in the age group of 18-22 years were subjected to CPT at two instances, 5 months before and 1 month before their send-up examinations. The collected data was statistically analysed. In male as well as female students, resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) did not show significant change both 5 months and 1 months prior to examinations. The value of both SBP and DBP after CPT in males showed a highly significant increase but while comparing the two time periods, the increase was not significant. The value of SBP and DBP in females increased significantly after CPT in both instances and while comparing the values, i.e, 5 months prior and 1 month prior to examinations, the increase was highly significant. There does occur increase in sympathetic activity in students who were to appear in their send up examination consequent to the psychological stress faced by them. This change was more evident in female subjects as compared to male subjects. This test can also be used as a screening test for hypertension amongst the subjects.

Association of adipokines with blood pressure in rural Chinese adolescents

Previous research has demonstrated that adipokines influence blood pressure (BP). Limited data exist in healthy adolescents, who are in a critical period for preventing the development of high BP. This study investigated the association of leptin, adiponectin and the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (LAR) with BP in rural Chinese adolescents. This report included 1245 adolescents (average body mass index: 19.3 kg m(-2)) aged 13-21 years from an established twin cohort. We examined gender-specific associations between plasma adipokines and BP, with adjustment for measures of adiposity and insulin resistance (IR). We estimated the genetic contribution to adipokines using the twin design and Cholesky decomposition models. There was no correlation between leptin and adiponectin levels. Leptin was positively associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) in males and diastolic blood pressure in females, but the association disappeared after adjusting for adiposity and IR. LAR was positively associated with SBP (β(s.e.): 1.94(0.45)), P<0.01), adiponectin was negatively associated with SBP (β(s.e.): -2.18(0.63)), P<0.001) only in males, and such associations were independent of adiposity and IR. A test of gender × adiponectin interaction was significant (P=0.01). Heritability estimation showed that both environmental and genetic factors contribute to variance in adipokines. In these relatively lean Chinese adolescents, leptin was positively associated with BP in both genders, but was adiposity/IR dependent. Adiponectin was negatively associated with SBP in males, independent of adiposity/IR.

Cardiovascular phenotype of young adults and angiotensinogen alleles.

Angiotensinogen (AGT) gene variants influence angiotensinogen plasma levels in children and young adults. The angiotensinogen promoter (-6)A variant facilitates gene transcription in human tissues and it has been associated with high blood pressure in older adults. A young adult population can be used as a model to study genotype/phenotype associations between AGT (-6) variants and cardiovascular variables. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and heart rate were taken in 422 white Caucasian students (mean age 23.5 years, SD 2.5 years). Family history for hypertension, physical activity and smoking history were evaluated. Left ventricular variables were measured by echocardiography. Carotid artery wall intimal-media thickness (IMT) was measured by high resolution sonography and digitalized morphometry. The AGT G(-6)A alleles were evaluated by mutagenically separated polymerase chain reaction controlled by direct sequencing. No significant associations were found between angiotensinogen genotype and blood pressure, cardiac variables [except for deceleration time in females which increased with the number of (-6)A alleles] and IMT. Allele frequencies were similar between the first and third tertile of blood pressure and left ventricular mass, and were also similar between negative or positive family history for hypertension (the last group having significantly higher systolic blood pressure in males, P = 0.04 and diastolic blood pressure in females, P < 0.01). Moreover, no relevant interaction on the cardiovascular variables was found between AGT genotype and body mass index. The angiotensinogen G(-6)A variants do not affect cardiovascular parameters in young adults, but an effect of this polymorphism on cardiovascular phenotype (and hypertension) in older adults cannot be excluded. Additional factors, associated with ageing, should be present to unleash the supposed unfavourable potential of the (-6)A angiotensinogen variant.

Determinants of adolescent blood pressure: findings from the Glasgow University student cohort.

To establish whether the blood pressure (BP) of young adults is related to their physical or behavioural attributes. Cross-sectional study. A total of 11,284 males and 3491 females who attended the University of Glasgow between 1948 and 1968. Systolic and diastolic BP. Body mass index (BMI) and weight were positively associated with BP in males and females. Height had a small positive association with male systolic BP and female diastolic BP. Haemoglobin levels were associated with raised BP in females. Albuminuria was associated with raised BP in males but not females. Smoking and alcohol consumption were associated with small negative effects on BP, although the measurement of alcohol consumption in the study was crude, and these results may not be free of confounding. Insufficient outdoor exercise was associated with higher BP in females but not males. No social class gradients in BP levels were seen, although having a higher number of siblings was associated with slightly lower BP in males. The results from the current study indicate that modifiable risk factors, such as weight and exercise affect the BP of young adults. The impact of these factors, coupled with the known tracking of BP from adolescence to adulthood, emphasise the importance of healthy behaviour patterns in young people.