Predictors of ambulatory blood pressure: identification of high-risk adolescents

Within a life span perspective on prevention, adolescence was conceptualized as a pivotal transition in the evolution of risk for hypertension and other cardiovascular morbidity. Resting blood pressure (BP), BP reactivity, and 24-hour ambulatory BP were measured in a multiethnic sample of 41 male and female adolescents aged 15 to 16 years old. Results were consistent with the hypothesis that BP levels during reactivity testing would be better predictors of ambulatory BP than levels of BP measured at rest using a standard protocol. Ethnic group differences in ambulatory BP were statistically significant. The findings warrant further study and may provide a means for early identification of adolescents at risk for developing high BP.