African–Americans are disproportionately affected by pulmonary hypertension compared to their white counterparts.

Recent evidence suggests that metabolic traits such as insulin resistance and adiposity may contribute to pulmonary vascular disease. Even modest increases in pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) are associated with higher cardiovascular risk and increased mortality.

To study the relationship between race and cardiometabolic traits with PASP, Evan Brittain, MD, MSc, and colleagues estimated PASP in 1,311 participants in the long–running CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) biracial study cohort who underwent the year–25 electrocardiogram exam.

Their findings, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, identified newly recognized associations of higher PASP with black race and metabolic traits including plasma markers of insulin resistance, inflammation and adipose volume.

This is the first large study to examine racial differences in PASP in a community–based population. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and examine whether insulin resistance directly contributes to pulmonary artery disease.