CARDIOVASCULAR JOURNAL OF AFRICA • Vol 23, No 2, March 2012
AFRICA
83
been ascertained, as these could have affected the CRP values in
this study.
Conclusion
Both African and Caucasian women displayed possible dysregu-
lation of the HPA axis, which could explain the hypertension in
these groups. The roles of CRP and cortisol remain uncertain
in these groups. However, in the Caucasian women, cortisol
presented a higher likelihood of contribution towards hyperten-
sion than in the African women, whereas in the hypertensive
African women, CRP seemed to play a larger role (Tables 3, 4).
Future studies should include further examination of the role of
dysregulation of the HPA axis in these groups and the possible
mechanisms of action regarding the incidence of hypertension
considering these effects.
We thank the participants and all supporting staff that contributed to the
POWIRS study. We are also grateful to the financial contributors to this
project: the National Research Foundation (GUN 2054068), the Medical
Research Council and the Research Focus Area 9.1 of the North-West
University (Potchefstroom campus).
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