Characteristics of gender-related circadian arterial blood pressure in healthy adolescents

Objective. To define 24-h characteristics of arterial blood pressure in healthy adolescent girls and boys; to determine gender-related differences of bloodpressure, its circadian pattern. Material and methods. The 24-h bloodpressure was monitored hourly in healthy girls (n = 22, without no account for the menstrual cycle phase) and boys (n = 22). Additionally, bloodpressure of adolescent girls (n = 15) was examined during different phases of their menstrual cycle (follicular ovulation, and luteal). Blood pressure was monitored with an auto-cuff automatic outpatient blood pressure monitor. Results. Investigation showed gender-related differences in 24-h blood pressure. Study results revealed the circadian blood pressure rhythm characterized by a period of low values during nighttime and an early morning increase in both adolescent groups. Nocturnal systolic blood pressure was higher (P < 0.05) in boys than in girls in all phases of their menstrual cycle. Diurnal systolic blood pressure in boys was higher than in girls in their follicular phase (P < 0.05). The day and night bloodpressure differed between boys and girls (P < 0.05). A dipping bloodpressure pattern as a decrease in mean nighttime blood pressure as compared with mean daytime blood pressure was defined: 10.02 +/- 6.7% in girls (n = 22) and 13 +/- 6.3% in boys (n = 22), without gender-related differences (P > 0.05). There were no differences in blood pressure dipping among girls' groups in different menstrual cycle phases (P > 0.05). Adolescent boys showed a significant positive correlation between their mean diurnal blood pressure and height (P < 0.05). Conclusion. The study proved gender-related arterial blood pressure differences in healthy adolescents. The results demonstrate the gender-specific circadian blood pressure rhythm pattern in both gender groups.