Blood pressure reactivity in urban youth during angry and normal talking

Distinctions between male and female adult patterns of cardiovascular disease are well established. Although risk for cardiovascular disease begins early in life, little research has been focused on the beginning of gender difference patterns. This pilot study examined blood pressure reactivity, gender, and biologic maturity in adolescents talking about angry life circumstances and the usual progression of their day. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased during talking, and the addition of biologic maturity to the analysis distinguished males from females. Males had higher systolic blood pressures than did females throughout the protocol, and, generally, mature subjects had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures than did less mature subjects. These pilot data confirm the effects of talking on blood pressure. The data suggest that biologic maturity enhances understanding of gender differences in adolescent blood pressure reactivity and continued study of the gender-blood pressure reactivity distinctions in adolescents may further understanding of adult patterns of gender differences in cardiovascular disease.