Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Assessing Cerebral Autoregulation via Oscillatory Lower Body Negative Pressure and Projection Pursuit Regression
Published on: December 10, 2014
Ethnic differences in the hemodynamic mechanisms of ambulatory blood pressure regulation
Andrew Sherwood1, Joel W Hughes, Judy McFetridge
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. sherw002@mc.duke.edu
Background:
African Americans typically exhibit greater systemic vascular resistance (SVR) than do white individuals in response to laboratory challenges that raise blood pressure (BP). However, ethnic differences in ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) regulation have not been examined.
Methods:
We monitored ABP in a sample of 10 African American and 10 white men and women. Ambulatory cardiac impedance monitoring was used to assess cardiac output and SVR concurrently with each ABP reading.
Results:
We found that SVR was a significant predictor of daily ABP variations in African Americans (P <.01) but not in whites.
Conclusions:
For African Americans, SVR may play a more prominent role than for whites in the regulation of ABP during routine daily activities.
Related Concept Videos
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure
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...
Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
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.
Autoregulation of Blood Flow
Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation.

