Stress-Induced Hemodynamic Responses Are Associated With Insulin Resistance in Mild Hypertensives

Background: High blood pressure (BP) and pulse pressure (PP) are recognized as independent risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, whereas insulin resistance (IR) is often associated with hypertension. The purpose of the study was to verify whether PP, taken at the doctor’s office and during laboratory stimuli, might be predictive of IR. Methods: Homeostasis model assessment insulin re-sistance index (HOMA) was calculated in 75 grade 1 hypertensives (148 2/92 1 mm Hg). Then, patients underwent hemodynamic reactivity study, induced by color word stroop, cold pressor, and handgrip tests. Stress response was calculated as total area (value time) baseline area (baseline value time). Results: Patients with similar age, history of hyperten-sion, blood lipids and office blood pressure, but differen