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 famil y histories of essential hypertension. Study design: Eighty-eight heal thy youths (mean age 10.9 +/- 2.5 years; 52 blacks, 36 whites; 45 boys ) were studied. During an initial visit anthropometric variables and h emodynamics were measured at rest and before, during, and after three laboratory stressors: postural change, forehead cold, and video game c hallenge. 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 re activity to laboratory stressors were related to future daytime and ni ghttime ambulatory blood pressure. Conclusion: These findings provide important information on the predictors of ambulatory blood pressure a nd underscore the importance of resting blood pressure and adiposity. These results support the guidelines of the Second Task Force, which r ecommend the measurement of blood pressure and adiposity in the contex t of ongoing health care.