Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Blood Pressure and Ethnicity Are Related to Salivary Cortisol Responses after an Exercise Test in Children: The ExAMIN Youth SA Study.

Low CRF and high BP were associated with lower cortisol reactivity after a cardiorespiratory exercise test. Black children showed a lower cortisol reactivity which may contribute to the earlier onset of hypertension reported in black compared to white populations. Primary prevention programs need to focus on improving physical fitness to reduce the growing prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders during childhood.