Trends in blood pressure and hypertension among Chinese children and adolescents: China Health and Nutrition Surveys 1991–2004

Abstract

Objective. To observe the trends in blood pressure (BP) and prevalence of hypertension among Chinese children and adolescents. Methods. Data were extracted from the China Health and Nutrition Survey conducted from 1991 to 2004; 8247 children and adolescents aged 6–17 years were selected for this study. Multivariate linear regression analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate the secular trends in BP levels and prevalence of hypertension, respectively. Results. During the study period, there was an upward trend in BP in Chinese children and adolescents. After adjustment for gender, age and weight status, the prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension increased dramatically from 1991 to 2004, with average relative increases of 6.38% and 8.13% in children and adolescents, respectively. Overweight was strongly associated with pre-hypertension and hypertension in comparison with normal weight, with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 2.21 (1.58–3.11) and 4.13 (3.32–5.13), respectively. Conclusion. BP levels and prevalence of hypertension increased dramatically among Chinese children and adolescents from 1991 to 2004.