Cardiovascular disease (CVD) was a prominent risk factor for severe outcomes from coronavirus. African Americans have higher CVD risk factor burden and as such experienced higher mortality rates from coronavirus.

This study a) developed a new metric of CVD risk (related to artery age) that can be easily assessed in community-based (non-clinic) settings without need for advanced equipment or technical expertise and b) examined changes in blood pressure among U.S. adults in fall 2020 and spring 2021.

The team found that poor sleep quality and poor mental health were associated with less desirable blood pressure patterns. The results indicate a need for healthcare providers to consider sleep quality and mental health when assessing patients for cardiovascular disease.