Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study is to generate findings to inform a larger study of physiological and other factors that increase risk of hypertension in Black Americans. Blood pressure has long been the primary physiological measure used to assess cardiovascular risk. However, recent epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that arterial stiffness is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk. The SphygmoCor is a device used for pulse wave analysis to detect arterial stiffness, which increases systolic blood pressure. During the pilot, she will establish a protocol for using SphygmoCor equipment and software, determine the reproducibility of pulse wave velocity and the augmentation index between and within observers, and examine the stability and reliability of the measures at two times, morning and night.