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 resistance index (HOMA) was calculated in 75 grade 1 hypertensives (148 +/- 2/92 +/- 1 mm Hg).