A difficult childhood may be associated with a risk of poor blood pressure regulation, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2016.
Fluctuations in blood pressure readings (blood pressure variability) have been associated in some studies to elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and complications from hypertension. Researchers at the Augusta University Medical College of Georgia investigated the impact of "adverse childhood experiences" – childhood abuse or neglect, dysfunctional homes, or low socioeconomic status – during the transition from childhood to adulthood. Earlier research has linked adverse childhood experiences to faster increase of blood pressure in adulthood.
Researchers conducted periodic around-the-clock blood pressure monitoring to capture day and nighttime pressure readings in 373 participants between the ages of 7 and 38 during a 23-year period. Those who reported childhood adversity were 17 percent more likely to have blood pressure higher than the clinical definition of hypertension during the daytime.
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