RESUMO
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and for still unexplained reasons, some groups have higher incidence. Specifically, blacks, Hispanics and those of lower socioeconomic status have increased incidence of hypertension and increased let ventricular mass (LVM). Several mechanisms have been proposed as underlying these I associations including genetics, kidney development, diet, stress, sympathetic nervous system activation, increased peripheral resistance, cardiovascular reactivity, 24-hour blood pressure and nighttime dipping of blood pressure. The evidence supporting these associations, underlying mechanisms as well as the implications of increased hypertension and LVM in these groups is reviewed in this article