A3672 Role of waist circumference in predicting elevated blood pressure among children and adolescents with normal body mass index

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the waist circumference (WC)'s predict role to elevate blood pressure (BP) among children and adolescents aged 7–17 years old who have normal body mass index (BMI), and provide scientific evidence for prevention and intervention of elevated BP in children and adolescents. Methods: Data were combined from the China Health and Nutrition Survey, which was conducted during the period of 1993–2011. A total of 9038 children and adolescents aged 7–17 years old who had normal BMI were included in the final data analysis. Data were on gender, age, WC, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and the prevalence of elevated BP. After adjusted for sex and age, the multiple liner regression model was used to analyze the trend in mean BP with increase of WC levels. Logistic regression model was conducted to examine the trend in elevated BP prevalence and the risk of elevated BP with increase of WC levels. Results: Both the mean value of BP and prevalence of elevated BP showed rising trends with the increase of WC levels among children and adolescents with normal BMI (SBP/DBP ranged from 96.0/63.1 mmHg to 102.4/68.0 mmHg; prevalence of elevated BP ranged from 6.9% to 21.8%, all P < 0.001), independently of age and sex. When WC < P25 as the referent group, the risk for elevated BP were 1.39, 1.70, 2.21 and 3.10, for groups of WC > = P25 and WC < P50, WC > = P50 and WC < P75, WC > = P75 and WC < P90, and WC > = P90, respectively, independently of age and sex(P < 0.01). Conclusion: WC can be used as an important predictor of elevated BP in children and adolescents. BMI should be in combined with WC in order to more effectively prevent risk of elevated BP in children and adolescents.