Abstract P106: Association Of Pulse Wave Velocity With Hypertension And Anthropometric Measurements In 6-8 Years Old Children In Mthatha, South Africa

Abstract

Hypertension is becoming a major health problem in children worldwide. There is evidence suggesting a complex association between hypertension, endothelial function and other cardiovascular disease risk factors in the adult population. Very few studies have investigated the relationship between hypertension and endothelial function in sub-Saharan children. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between blood pressure parameters and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in 6-8 years old children in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. A cross-sectional study of 202 children (103 girls and 99 boys) aged 6-8 years old was conducted between March and November 2017. General anthropometric measurements were measured and blood pressure measurements were recorded. Blood pressure measurements were converted to blood pressure percentiles for height, age and sex. Flow mediated slowing was used to measure endothelial function. The prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension was higher in girls compared to boys (7.9% and 28.7% vs 7.1% and 20.2% respectively). Systolic and diastolic pressure (SBP, DBP) and pulse pressures were similar in boys and girls. No sex related difference in PWV was noted thought the strength of correlation was different. PWV correlated modestly with age, SBP, DBP and mean arterial BP in females (r= 0.24, 0.30, 0.40, 0.49 p<0.05) and in males (r= 0.38, 0.36, 0.34, 0.39; p<0.05). Blood pressure and PWV correlated modestly with anthropometric measurements in females but not in males. This study in a sub-Saharan African population of 6-8 year old children showed that even though there was no sex difference in blood pressure, the prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension were different. PWV correlated differently with blood pressure parameters and anthropometric measurements in males and females.