Figure 1

Comparison of serum concentrations of sex hormone-binding globulin (y-axis) between different blood pressure categories. JNC7 blood pressure categories; Opt=normal optimal BP <120/80 mm Hg, Nor= normal BP <130/85 mm Hg, Hnor= normal high BP <140/90 mm Hg, Unst= unstable blood pressure Hypertension was defined as known documented diagnosis for high blood pressure, or by three consecutive BP reading ≥140/90 mm Hg (systolic and/or diastolic). When the BP exceeded these limits only once or twice the BP was categorized as unstable.