Title
A relation between blood pressure and stiffness of joints and skin
Author
Uiterwaal, C.S.P.M.
Grobbee, D.E.
Sakkers, R.J.B.
Helders, P.J.M.
Bank, R.A.
Engelbert, R.H.H.
TNO Preventie en Gezondheid
Publication year
2003
Abstract
Background. Blood pressure, particularly pulse pressure, is associated with arterial wall stiffness, but little is known about its relation to stiffness of other parts of the body. We examined the extent to which blood pressure levels in young healthy children are related to stiffness of various tissues. Methods. In November 2000, we studied 95 healthy prepubertal children (41 boys and 54 girls, within age range 8-10 years) from two primary schools in the city of Zeist, The Netherlands. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were analyzed in relation to various tissue indicators of stiffness, including active joint mobility and skin extensibility. All results were adjusted for age, sex, body height, body weight and muscle strength as possible confounders. Results. Diastolic blood pressure was lower with increased active joint mobility (multivariate generalized linear regression coefficient = -4.5 mmHg per standard deviation [SD] joint mobility; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -7.8 to -1.2). Pulse pressure was lower with increased skin extensibility (-3.2 mmHg per SD skin extensibility; CI = -5.2 to -1.1), through a higher diastolic blood pressure (2.0 mmHg per SD skin extensibility; CI = 0.2-3.9) and possibly lower systolic blood pressure (-0.8 mmHg per SD skin extensibility; CI = -3.5 to 1.9). These associations were mutually independent. Additional adjustment for reported musculoskeletal problems or physical activity levels did not materially change the findings. Conclusions. Our findings support the hypothesis that constitutional stiffness of body tissues may be associated with blood pressure levels and eventually cardiovascular risk. Copyright © 2003 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.
Subject
Biology
Pulse pressure
Tissue stiffness
Age distribution
Artery wall
Body height
Body weight
Cardiovascular risk
Confidence interval
Diastolic blood pressure
Gender
Joint stiffness
Linear regression analysis
Major clinical study
Muscle strength
Prepuberty
School child
Skin disease
Systolic blood pressure
Elasticity
Epidemiology
Functions of the skin and its appendages
Joint
Joint characteristics and functions
Pathophysiology
Pulse rate
Statistical model
Blood Pressure
Child
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology)
Elasticity
Female
Humans
Joints
Linear Models
Male
Netherlands
Pulse
Range of Motion, Articular
Skin Physiology
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:911a2915-2a5b-491f-8008-6c8e13b206b4
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/00001648-200303000-00018
TNO identifier
280274
ISSN
1044-3983
Source
Epidemiology, 14 (2), 223-227
Document type
article