Epidemiology of Abnormal Blood Pressure among Children and Adolescents in the United States

Abstract

Study Purpose: To evaluate the epidemiology of abnormal blood pressure among children and adolescents in the United States. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed the data for children and adolescents age 8-19 years (N=6,077) from three cycles of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), including year 2011-2012, 2013-2014, and 2015-2016. Abnormal blood pressure was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥120 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥80 mm Hg. Weighted data were used for better population representation. Prevalence rate of abnormal blood pressure was determined by different population characteristics. Results: There were 11.7% of the children experienced either abnormal systolic or abnormal diastolic blood pressure. As age increased, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures increased. Systolic blood pressure was higher in boys, while diastolic blood pressure was higher in girls. Black children revealed the highest prevalence rate of abnormal blood pressure (16.7%). Children from low income families were also more likely to have abnormal blood pressure. The relationship between abnormal blood pressure and body weight status was inconsistent. Conclusions: Male gender, Black ethnicity, and low income were associated with abnormal blood pressure among children and adolescents. Since childhood high blood pressures contribute to adult hypertension, screening for abnormal blood pressure among high risk children should be underscored in the health promotion and disease prevention efforts.