Alpha‐adrenergic receptor gene polymorphisms and cardiovascular reactivity to stress in Black adolescents and young adults

Cardiovascular reactivity to stress and β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) function may contribute to the development of hypertension. As Black Americans have an increased risk of hypertension, we evaluated associations between β1-AR (Arg389Gly) and β2-AR (Arg16Gly, Gln27Glu) gene variants and cardiovascular reactivity in 500 Black youth. Heart rate, preejection period, total peripheral resistance, and blood pressure reactivity were measured during cold and psychological stress. The Arg389Gly polymorphism in the β1-AR was associated with preejection period reactivity in males but not in females. The Arg16Gly polymorphism in the β2-AR was associated with diastolic blood pressure reactivity only during video game stress. An association between the Gln27Glu polymorphism in the β2-AR and vascular reactivity depended on sex. Thus, specific patterns of associations emerged between genetic variations in β-ARs and cardiovascular reactivity in young Blacks.