Journal of Nihon University Medical Association
Online ISSN : 1884-0779
Print ISSN : 0029-0424
ISSN-L : 0029-0424
Original Article
An Increase in Blood Pressure Measured by a Physician and Change of Salivary Chromogranin A
Satoko NakamuraKatsuaki OkuboAtsuhiko TakahashiKen NagaoAtsushi HirayamaToshio Kushiro
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2011 Volume 70 Issue 3 Pages 179-185

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Abstract

Blood pressure (BP) measured in medical environments can vary according to the location of measurement, as well as the medical professional conducting the measurement. This variation is associated with sympathetic hyperactivity that follows psychological stress. However, psychological stress or sympathetic activities are difficult to assess. It has recently been reported that salivary chromogranin A (CgA) is a useful marker of psychological stress. In this study, we investigated the significance of salivary CgA in BP variation induced by a change in medical professionals measuring the BP (physician and nurse), in individuals undergoing a health check-up. Salivary CgA was measured in 126 individuals at rest, during BP measurement by a nurse, and during BP measurement by a physician. In summary, the BP was 140/90 mmHg or higher in 14% of the subjects only when measured by the physician. When BP was increased, the salivary CgA level sampled during BP measurement also increased significantly. Thus, because variation in BP at a health check-up is associated with psychological stress or sympathetic hyperactivity induced by BP measurement by a physician, salivary CgA level may be a useful objective marker of stress or hyperactivity. Hence, we consider that salivary CgA may be clinically useful in assessing “white-coat phenomenon”.

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© 2011 The Nihon University Medical Association
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