Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

The Antihypertensive Effects and Mechanisms of Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction in Rats with H-Type Hypertension
Published on: May 17, 2024
Low sex hormone-binding globulin is associated with hypertension: a cross-sectional study in a Swedish population
Bledar Daka1, Thord Rosen, Per Anders Jansson
1Department of Primary Health Care, Institute of Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Background:
The aim of this study was to investigate the association of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and hypertension in a Swedish population.
Methods:
The study is based on a random sample of a Swedish population of men and women aged 30-74 years (n=2,816). Total testosterone, oestradiol and SHBG were measured in 2,782 participants. Free androgen index was then calculated according to the formula FAI=100 × (Total testosterone)/SHBG. Hypertension was diagnosed according to JNC7.
Results:
In men, but not in women, significant association between SHBG and both diastolic (diastolic blood pressure: β=-0.143 p<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (systolic blood pressure β=-0.114 p<0.001) was found. The association was still significant after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides, high density lipoproteins (HDL) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (diastolic blood pressure: β=-0.113 p<0.001; systolic blood pressure β=-0.093 p=0.001). An inverse association was observed between SHBG and hypertension in both men (B=-0.024 p<0.001) and women (B=-0.022 p<0.001). The association was still significant in women older than 50 years after adjustments for age, BMI, physical activity, CRP and alcohol consumption (B=-0.014, p=0.008).
Conclusion:
In conclusion, these results show a strong association between SHBG and blood pressure independent of major determinants of high blood pressure. This association might be addressed to direct effects of SHBG in endothelial cells through the receptor for SHBG. If this is confirmed by other observational and experimental studies, it might become a new field for the development of therapies for lowering blood pressure.
Related Concept Videos
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
Hormonal Regulation of Blood Pressure
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, catecholamines that enhance and extend the sympathetic or "fight or flight" physiological response. These hormones escalate heart rate and the force of contraction while...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Hypertension I: Introduction