HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AN OBESITY PREVALENCE IN ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Objective: Obesity is a growing problem worldwide and is likely a major cause of the increased prevalence of high blood pressure in children. The aim of the screening program was to investigate the association of blood pressure levels and obesity, hypercholesterinaemia and increased body fluid in adolescents. Design and method: 2202 children participated in the screening program between April 2010 to May 2011. Blood pressure, heart rate, body composition, cholesterol and blood glucose level, bodyweight, height and BMI were assessed. Results: The participants range of age was between 14–18 years. The average systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 126.34+12,55 mmHg. Boys had higher SBP than girls (131.87+13.59 mmHg versus 117.49+5.69 mmHg, p < 0,001). The average diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 71.86+8.74 mmHg. DBP was also higher in boys than girls (72.61+9.17 mmHg versus 66.69+5.04 mmHg, p < 0,001). High SBP (>percentile 95%) was detected in 307/1326 cases (23.15%) in girls, and in 403/876 cases (46%) in boys. High DBP occurred in 85 girls and in 90 boys. Overweight and obese were 18.994% of the girls and 15.26 % of the boys. The percentage of high blood pressure was more frequent among boys and girls who were in the overweight and obese group 93/145 (64.14%), 94/239 (39.33%). The pathologically high level of body fat percentage appeared to be 12.98% among girls and 5.9% among boys. In elevated BMI groups the frequency of high body fat was 66% among girls and 81% among boys. The mean cholesterol level was significantly higher in the overweight and obese group 3.78+1.26 and 4.17+0.91 mmol/L (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Prevalence rates of hypertension and overweight and obesity are high in school children in Budapest, and increased bodyweight is a significant risk factor for hypertension. The results of the study will help to design preventive programmes.