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Dyslexia and familial high blood pressure: an observational pilot study
1University Laboratory of Physiology, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK. kathleen.taylor@physiol.ox.ac.uk
Insights
A family history of high blood pressure (HBP) is linked to better reading skills in children. This study confirms a negative association between dyslexia and familial high blood pressure, suggesting a potential protective effect.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular health
Background:
- Developmental dyslexia is a learning disability with unknown causes.
- One hypothesis links excessive platelet activating factor to dyslexia, suggesting an inverse relationship with high blood pressure (HBP).
- Genetic factors in both dyslexia and HBP suggest a potential familial association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between dyslexia and family history of high blood pressure (HBP).
- To test the prediction of a negative association between dyslexic status and familial HBP.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of individuals and families with and without a family history of HBP.
- Analysis of dyslexic and non-dyslexic children within these family groups.
Main Results:
- Fewer dyslexic children had a family history of HBP compared to controls.
- Families with multiple dyslexic children were less likely to have a family history of HBP.
- Children in families with HBP history showed higher reading scores.
Conclusions:
- A family history of high blood pressure is associated with improved reading performance.
- The study confirms a negative association between dyslexia and familial high blood pressure.
Background:
Developmental dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental learning disability characterised by unexpectedly poor reading and unknown aetiology. One hypothesis proposes excessive platelet activating factor, a potent vasodilator, as a contributor, implying that there should be a negative association between dyslexia and high blood pressure (HBP). Since both conditions have a partial genetic basis, this association may be apparent at the familial level.
Aims:
To test this prediction in dyslexic and non-dyslexic children.
Methods:
Individuals and families with (HBP+) and without (HBP-) a family history of HBP were compared.
Results:
Proportionately fewer dyslexics (49/112) than controls (11/12) were HBP+. Families with multiple, all dyslexic children were less likely to be HBP+ (7/16) than those with a non-dyslexic child (11/11). Within families, mean child scores on reading were higher in the HBP+ group (mean 44.3, SE 0.95) than in the HBP- group (mean 40.3, SE 0.87).
Conclusion:
HBP+ family history is associated with better performance on reading. The prediction of a negative association between dyslexic status and familial high blood pressure is therefore confirmed.