A new Brigham Young University study found parenthood is associated with lower blood pressure, particularly among women. The study involved 198 adults who wore portable blood pressure monitors for 24 hours. Parents scored 4.5 points lower than non-parents in systolic blood pressure and 3 points lower than non-parents in diastolic blood pressure. The effect was more pronounced among women, with motherhood corresponding to a 12-point difference in systolic blood pressure and a 7-point difference in diastolic blood pressure. Of course parenthood is not the only route to low blood pressure - daily exercise and a low-sodium diet also do the trick. The noteworthy aspect of the study is the idea that social factors may also protect physical health.   

This article originally appeared in the February 2010 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Electronic Newsletter.