The potential association between sickle cell trait (SCT) and increased arterial stiffness/blood pressure (BP) has not been evaluated in detail despite its association with stroke, sudden death and renal disease. We performed 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring and arterial stiffness measurements in adolescents raised in a malaria free environment in Kenya.

Between December 2015 and June 2016, 938 randomly selected adolescents that had been continuous residents of Nairobi from birth were invited to participate in the study. Standard clinic BP measurement was performed followed by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring and arterial stiffness measurement using an Arteriograph device. SCT status was determined using DNA genotyping on contemporaneously collected blood samples. Of 938 invited, 609 (65%) provided complete data for analysis. SCT was present in 103 (17%). Mean 24-hour systolic and diastolic BP, SD was (116, 11.5) and (64, 7) mmHg respectively in SCT; and (117, 11.4) and (64, 6.8) in non-SCT. Mean pulse wave velocity (PWV), SD was (7, 0.8) and (7, 0.8) ms-1 respectively in SCT and non-SCT. No differences were observed in PWV and any clinic or ambulatory BP derived measures between those with and without SCT. These data suggest that SCT does not independently influence BP or PWV.