Prevalence of hypertension in overweight and obese Hungarian children and adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing worldwide, which affects not only adults, but children and adolescents as well. Moreover, this condition may lead to several comorbidities, such as elevated or even high blood pressure. Aim: Aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight- and obesity-related elevated and high blood pressure in a population aged 3-18 years in Hungary. Method: Between 2005 and 2018, altogether 8624 (boys = 4719) individuals were enrolled to this study. Normal weight, overweight and obese groups were created on the basis of body mass index. The diagnosis of elevated (systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure is between 90th and 95th percentile) and high blood pressure (systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure is over 95th percentile) was based on detailed examination (laboratory tests, abdominal ultrasonography, paediatric cardiology and 24-hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring). Results: In this study, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 23.5% overall, 26.4% in boys and 20% in girls. The prevalence of elevated blood pressure was 9.8% in overweight patients, while it was 4.6% in the obese group. The prevalence of high blood pressure was 8.3% (odds ratio: 1.1%, 95% CI) among overweight subjects, while it was 26.7% (odds ratio: 3.6, 95% CI) in the obese group. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Hungarian population-based study on the prevalence of overweight- and obesity-related elevated and high blood pressure assessed in a large contemporary cohort of children and adolescents. The cardiovascular risk is increased in this patient group. Hence, it is essential to set up a proper primary prevention strategy. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(4): 151-160.