Appraisal support predicts age-related differences in cardiovascular function in women

The influence of appraisal support on age-related differences in cardiovascular function was examined. Resting assessments of heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and preejection period were obtained from 45 young and 20 elderly women. Consistent with prior research, results revealed that the elderly women had higher blood pressure and lower RSA than the young women. More important, appraisal support predicted age-related differences in SBP and DBP: Age predicted elevated blood pressure for women low in appraisal support, whereas age was unrelated to blood pressure for women high in appraisal support. These preliminary data suggest that appraisal support may be an important predictor of long-term physiological function and health.