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Published on: November 30, 2015
Family conflict predicts blood pressure changes in African-American adolescents: a preliminary examination
1Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. rclark@sun.science.wayne.edu
Abstract:
Reviews of the youth literature suggest that the precursors of elevated blood pressure begin in childhood. As such, it may be possible to identify processes among African-American adolescents that are associated with blood pressure changes. This study examined the relationship between family conflict and mean arterial pressure changes in a sample of 39 African-American adolescents. Resting mean arterial pressure, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were assessed at Time 1 and Time 2, separated by a period of 6 months. Assessments of perceived family conflict and negative life events were taken at Time 1. Findings from the multiple regression analyses indicated that family conflict predicted mean arterial blood pressure changes, independent of the effects of age, gender, and body mass index. Although preliminary, these findings highlight the importance of exploring environmental processes that may influence physiological outcomes in adolescents.
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Blood Pressure
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the diastolic...
Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
Alterations in Blood Pressure
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart beats)...
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure

