Predictors of future ambulatory blood pressure in youth

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the predictors of future ambulatory blood pressure in normotensive youths with family histories of essential hypertension. Study design: Eighty-eight healthy youths (mean age 10.9 ± 2.5 years; 52 blacks, 36 whites; 45 boys) were studied. During an initial visit anthropometric variables and hemodynamics were measured at rest and before, during, and after three laboratory stressors: postural change, forehead cold, and video game challenge. The subjects' ambulatory blood pressure was monitored for 24 hours as part of a follow-up evaluation an average of 2.5 years later. Results: Anthropometric and demographic variables and measures of reactivity to laboratory stressors were related to future daytime and nighttime ambulatory blood pressure. Conclusion: These findings provide important information on the predictors of ambulatory blood pressure and underscore the importance of resting blood pressure and adiposity. These results support the guidelines of the Second Task Force, which recommend the measurement of blood pressure and adiposity in the context of ongoing health care.