Cardiovascular Reactivity in Adolescent Boys of Low Socioeconomic Status Previously Characterized as Anxious, Disruptive, Anxious-Disruptive or Normal during Childhood

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to compare cardiovascular reactivity, a potential mechanism underlying the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD), in boys with different behavioral characteristics. METHOD: Eighty-nine adolescent boys with low socioeconomic status who were classified as anxious, disruptive, anxious-disruptive or boys without these characteristics (i.e. control) during childhood were observed during a laboratory stress experiment. RESULT: No significant group differences were found for resting levels of diastolic or systolic blood pressure (SBP). Anxious and anxious-disruptive boys exhibited greater SBP reactivity to the social stressor (Social Competence Interview) compared to the disruptive and control boys. The disruptive boys tended to engage in compromising behaviors which are associated with health problems. The anxious boys were significantly more likely to have a positive family history of hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Boys with different behavioral problems (anxiety, disruptiveness) may be at risk for CVD via different mechanisms.