Abstract

Background: Hypertension, which is described as “silent killer,” affects many vital organs, the most important cardiovascular system. Offspring of hypertensive parents who are young and normotensive also produce exaggerated blood pressure (BP) response to exercise.

Aims and Objectives: This study aims to know the cardiovascular responses in terms of BP and pulse rate changes for mental stress in normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents.

Materials and Methods: Interventional and case–control study was conducted in 30 male medical students in the age group of 19–25 years with a history of parental hypertension who were selected as cases and 30 medical students in the age group of 19–25 years without a history of parental hypertension were selected as controls.

Results: There were significant changes in pulse rate and BP (systolic and diastolic) in offspring of hypertensive parents comparing to non-hypertensive parents.

Conclusion: The offspring of hypertensive parents need to have regular practice of exercise and yoga therapy to prevent the complications associated with it.

Key words: Blood Pressure; Cardiovascular Responses; Hypertension; Mental Stress; Offspring