Risk Of Prehypertension Research Articles

Elevated systolic blood pressure is associated with low serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations of children in the United States: NHANES 2005–2006

Although a negative association between 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and blood pressure has been found in adults, a limited number of studies have examined the relationship in children. Therefore, the purposed of this study was to determine if serum 25(OH)D concentrations of children were correlated with blood pressured (BP) and the risk of prehypertension and hypertension. Using a nationally representative sample of children age 8–18 year from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006 (n=2277), serum 25(OH) concentrations were compared to diastolic, systolic, and mean arterial BP. Prehypertension was defined as BP ≥ 90th to < 95th percentile and hypertension as ≥ 95th percentile by age, height and gender national BP percentiles norms for children. All statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) (version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC, 2010–12). The overall statistical significance was set at level of less than .05 (α <.05). Based on serum 25(OH)D levels, 7.0 ± 1.2% of the children were vitamin D deficient (<12 ng/mL) and 71.7 ± 2.4% were vitamin D sufficient (>20 ng/mL). Vitamin D deficient children had higher systolic blood pressure (111.4 ± 0.8 mmHg) than vitamin D sufficient children (106.8 ± 0.6 mmHg) (P< 0.05). Analysis of covariance (n=2277; 8–18 yr) controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, and income indicated that serum 25(OH)D concentrations were negatively associated with systolic BP (standardize β = −0.061; P = 0.02), but not associated with diastolic or mean arterial BP. Overall, a relatively small percentage of the children age 8 – 18 yr had prehypertension (10.8 ± 1.0%) or hypertension (8.4 ±1.1%). However, a higher percentage of vitamin D deficient children had prehypertension (12.6%) or hypertension (16.4%) compared to the percentage of vitamin D sufficient children with prehypertension (9.1%) or hypertension (7.4%). In conclusion, low serum 25(OH)D concentrations in children were associated with elevated systolic BP and an increased risk of prehypertension and hypertension.Support or Funding InformationTexas Woman's University Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences

Higher serum uric acid level increases risk of prehypertension in subjects with normal glucose tolerance, but not pre-diabetes and diabetes

Although the association between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and prehypertension has been reported in previous studies, it is unknown whether their relationship is similar in subjects with diabetes, pre-diabetes and normal glucose tolerance (NGT). This study thus aimed to investigate the relationship between SUA and prehypertension in subjects with different glycemic status, including NGT, pre-diabetes and diabetes. A total of 12 010 participants were included after excluding subjects with blood pressure ⩾140/90 mm Hg, history of hypertension, leukaemia, lymphoma, hypothyroidism, medication for hypertension and hyperuricemia and missing data. Subjects were divided into four groups based on SUA quartiles (male Q1: ⩽345.0, Q2: 345.0-392.6, Q3: 392.6-440.2, Q4: ⩾440.2 μmol l(-1) and female Q1: ⩽249.8, Q2: 249.8-285.5, Q3: 285.5-333.1, Q4: ⩾333.1 μmol l(-1)). Diabetes, pre-diabetes and NGT were assessed according to the 2010 American Diabetes Association diagnostic criteria. Normotension and prehypertension were defined according to the JNC-7 (The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure) criteria. The SUA was significantly higher in prehypertensive subjects as compared with normotensive subjects. SUA, as a continuous variable, was positively associated with prehypertension in subjects with NGT but not pre-diabetes and diabetes. Besides, NGT subjects with the highest quartile of SUA exhibited a higher risk of prehypertension after adjustment for other confounding factors. In pre-diabetes and diabetes groups, none of SUA quartiles was significantly related to prehypertension. SUA was significantly associated with an increased risk of prehypertension in subjects with NGT but insignificantly in subjects with pre-diabetes and diabetes.

The effects of a single-dose thermogenic supplement on resting metabolic rate and hemodynamic variables in healthy females--a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial.

BackgroundRecent investigations have identified that commercially available dietary supplements, containing a combination of thermogenic ingredients, can increase resting metabolic rate (RMR). Thermogenic dietary supplements can have a positive influence on RMR, but the magnitude can vary based on the active ingredient and/or combination of active ingredients. Additionally, further safety evaluation is needed on multi-ingredient supplements that contain caffeine, due to its potential effect on heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP). The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a commercially available dietary supplement on RMR and hemodynamic variables in healthy females.Methods13 female participants (26.1 ± 11.3 years; 163.4 ± 9.1 cm; 63.7 ± 8.0 kg, and 24 ± 5 BMI) volunteered to participate in this investigation. Participants underwent two testing sessions separated by approximately 7 days. On their first visit, participants arrived to the laboratory after an overnight fast and underwent a baseline RMR, HR, and BP assessment. Next, each participant ingested a thermogenic dietary supplement or placebo and repeated the RMR, HR, and BP assessments at 60, 120, and 180-minutes post-ingestion. Approximately 1-week later, the alternative supplement was ingested and the assessments were repeated in the exact same manner. Data were analyzed via a 2-factor [2x4] within-subjects repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Post-hoc tests were analyzed via paired samples t-tests.ResultsRepeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant effect for time relative to raw RMR data. Post-hoc analysis revealed that the dietary supplement treatment significantly increased RMR at 60-minutes, 120-minutes, and 180-minutes post ingestion (p < 0.05) as compared to baseline RMR values. No changes in RMR were observed for the placebo treatment (p > 0.05). Heart rate was not significantly affected at any time point with either supplement; however, main effects of treatment and time were observed for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe thermogenic dietary supplement treatment experienced greater elevations in RMR as compared to baseline. Due to the slight elevations in blood pressure, caution should be taken for those with increased risk for hypertension or pre-hypertension. Taken on a daily basis, thermogenic dietary supplementation may increase overall energy expenditure, potentially leading to reductions in fat mass over time.

Influence of age and regular exercise on blood pressure in male subjects

Background: Both cross-sectional and longitudinal epidemiological studies have shown that sedentary life style elevates blood pressure and increased risk of hypertension and pre-hypertension among subjects with sedentary lifestyle. Sedentary life style increase the propensity to age related diseases and premature deaths. Inactivity may diminish life expectancy not only by predisposing to age related diseases but also it may influence the aging process itself by oxidative stress. Methods: 100 male healthy sedentary and non-sedentary subjects in the age group of 25-55 years were selected randomly from the general population of Gadag city. Depending upon the age, subjects were divided into three groups for analysis. Blood pressure was recorded and compared between three groups. Results: Statistically significant increase in blood pressure in sedentary subjects and also in group two and three compared to group one which shows age factor is also important in developing hypertension. Key words: Age, Blood pressure, Exercise

Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension &amp; Associated Factor’s among students of Jazan in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background: Health-related issues has been one of the major factor of concern for the death since the last three decades in Saudi Arabia which includes diabetes mellitus, hypertension and other associated factors are considered as major risk factors. The investigation on the prevalence of Diabetes, Hypertension and associated factors among students of Jazan, Saudi Arabia is an alarm for the hidden possible health threat among the students in the younger age. Methods: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of Diabetes, Hypertension and associated factors in fifty students of Jazan in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through interview using a structured questionnaire followed by clinical examination. Clinical practice methods were followed to estimate Cholesterol, Body Mass Index (BMI), weight, Diabetes and Hypertension from the sample. Results: A high percentage of participants i.e. 70% are pre diabetes, which is partly due to a more sedentary lifestyle and smoking and weight gain. 62% of participants reported no physical exercise in daily life. Habit of smoking is present among 44% of the participants over weight and obesity showed as 24% and 16% respectively. The high blood pressure among the participants was 36% and 64% were prehypertensive. Obesity and weight assessed by using Body Mass Index. The result showed 52% among the participants were in normal weight, 24% were overweight and 16% were obese. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Smoking, physical inactivity, obesity and cholesterol level were associated with the risk of Pre-hypertension, hypertension, pre-diabetics and diabetics.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 708-713

An experimental Study on immediate effect of direct barefoot contact with earth on prehypertension

Background and Objective: Though many factors are involved in theregulation of arterial blood pressure (BP), autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a crucial role in acute, short-term control. Any imbalance in ANS activity leads to dysregulation of BP and increases the risk of prehypertension. Recently, a fewstudies have shown that when the body is connected to the earth’s surface using conductive patches or wires, there will be an immediate correction of ANS dysfunction. Expecting similar results, the present study was designed to evaluate the short-term effects of direct barefoot contact with the earth, i.e. without using patches or wires, on prehypertension. Methods: After screening 150 participants, 53 prehypertensives were selected for the study. They were randomly assigned into a study group (n=28) and control group (n=25). Each participant from the study group remained barefooted; i.e. in contact with the ground, for a period of an hour, whereas the control group did not have ground contact. Blood pressure was recorded again at the end of one hour and compared.Data were analysed by paired and unpaired ‘t’ test. A ‘P’ value less than 0.005 was considered significant. Results: There was a significant decrease in SBP (P<0.0001), DBP (P<0.0014) and MBP (P<0.0001) of study subjects after an hour of barefoot contact. However, there was no significant change in the control group. Conclusion: Our study results indicate that direct barefoot contact with the earth reduces blood pressure in prehypertensive individuals. Remaining barefoot, whenever possible, can be a simple, cost-effective and innovative method in preventing hypertension.

Association of visceral and total body fat with hypertension and prehypertension in a middle-aged Chinese population.

This article investigates the relative effects of percentage body fat (PBF) and visceral fat index (VFI) on the prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension, and evaluates if excess visceral deposition of body fat increased the risk of hypertension or prehypertension. A general population-based sample of men (n = 5297) and women (n = 6232), aged 35-64 years, was studied. Based on blood pressure (BP) levels, normotensive, prehypertensive, and hypertensive study participants were identified. Multivariate linear regression models with SBP or DBP as a dependent variable and multivariate ordinal logistic regression models with BP categories as a dependent variable were performed. In the normotensive, prehypertensive, and hypertensive participants, the mean (standard deviation) PBF was 27.83 (6.85), 28.91 (6.65), and 30.2 (6.73), respectively, whereas VFI was 6.97 (3.78), 8.89 (4.35), and 10.75 (5.05), respectively. After adjusting for age, smoking, alcohol consumption, education, regions (north or south), areas (urban or rural), diabetes, and family history, PBF and VFI (in separate models) showed a strong positive association with hypertension or prehypertension (P < 0.0001). However, when both PBF and VFI were adjusted for in the same multivariate model, VFI but not PBF remained positively associated with hypertension and prehypertension for both genders (P < 0.0001). A similar positive association was reported with the VFI/PBF ratio (P < 0.0001). As excess visceral body fat is strongly associated with higher risk of hypertension and prehypertension, measurements of VFI or VFI/PBF ratio, in addition to PBF, will provide a better understanding of adiposity-related risks for hypertension and prehypertension.

Relationship Between Prehypertension/Hypertension and Periodontal Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Most cross-sectional studies have found a significant positive relationship between periodontal disease and prehypertension/hypertension. However, these studies had limitations and there are few prospective cohort studies in young adults. The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to investigate whether periodontal disease was related to prehypertension/hypertension in Japanese university students. Students (n = 2,588), who underwent health examinations before entering university and before graduation, were included in the analysis. The association between periodontal disease such as the percentage of bleeding on probing (BOP) and community periodontal index (CPI) scores, and change in blood pressure status was determined. At the reexamination, the numbers of participants with prehypertension (systolic blood pressure 120-139mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure 80-89mm Hg) and hypertension (≥140/90mm Hg) were 882 (34.1%) and 109 (4.2%), respectively. In a logistic regression model, the risk of hypertension was significantly associated with male (odds ratio (OR): 6.31; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.63-15.13; P < 0.001), no habitual physical activity at baseline (OR: 2.90; 95% CI: 1.56-5.38; P < 0.01) and periodontal disease defined as the presence of both probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥ 4mm and BOP ≥ 30% at baseline (OR: 2.74; 95% CI: 1.19-6.29; P = 0.02) in participants with prehypertension at baseline. On the other hand, the risk of prehypertension was not associated with presence of periodontal disease (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.51-1.70; P = 0.82). In the short-term prospective cohort study, a significant association between presence of periodontal disease and hypertension was observed in Japanese university students.

Association of history of fracture with prehypertension and hypertension: a retrospective case-control study.

BackgroundHypertension is one of the most common encountered medical comorbidities after hip fracture. Whether fracture is a potential risk factor for hypertension remains poorly understood. The aim of our study was to examine the risk of prehypertension and hypertension in the participants with and without a history of fracture.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective case–control study of 3,515 men and women aged between 20 and 85 years old from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006. History of fracture was collected via structured questionnaire. Multiple blood pressure readings (up to 4 times) were performed at interview, and an average of blood pressure readings were used to define prehypertension and hypertension.ResultsAmong 3,515 participants, 30% (n = 1074), 1.4% (n = 48) and 10% (n = 347) of them had a history of any, hip and wrist fracture, respectively. The positive association between history of any, hip and wrist fracture and prehypertension was similar to the association between history of any, hip and wrist fracture and hypertension in both unadjusted and adjusted model. In the unadjusted model, history of any, hip and wrist fracture was each associated with increased overall risk of prehypertension and hypertension (odds ratio [OR] = 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.38-1.89 for any fracture; OR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.60-8.00 for hip fracture; and OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.41-2.36 for wrist fracture). However, in multivariable adjusted model, only the positive association between history of wrist fracture and overall risk of prehypertension and hypertension remained significant (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.10-1.99).ConclusionsThere was no overall independent association between history of fracture, and risk of prehypertension and hypertension. Although history of fracture overall may not directly cause hypertension, people with a history of wrist fracture can be potentially benefitted from hypertension control at the early stage.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-015-0544-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Joint effects of serum uric acid and body mass index on risk of prehypertension in Chinese population

BackgroundThere are few data available on the association between serum uric acid (UA) and prehypertension when hypertension prevention efforts may be applicable. MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study to evaluate risk of prehypertension and its association with serum UA and other confounding factors. Levels of serum UA, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and some related factors were detected. ResultsParticipants with prehypertension had higher levels of serum UA and BMI. Compared to those with normotension, the multivariate-adjusted odds ratios [ORs, 95% confidence interval (CI)] for men with prehypertension were 1.33 (95% CI, 1.08–3.91) of serum UA and 1.21 (95% CI, 1.17–1.29) of BMI. In women, the ORs were 1.96 (95% CI, 1.21–3.46) and 1.28 (95% CI, 1.14–2.46), respectively. Increasing serum UA and BMI were associated with increased risk of prehypertension. Compared with the lowest quartiles, the highest serum UA and BMI quartiles entailed >4.4 times greater risk of prehypertension. In sex-specific analysis, OR was 2.41 (95% CI, 1.55–3.75) for men and 7.37 (95% CI, 4.16–13.0) for women. ConclusionsBoth high serum UA and high BMI are associated with risk of prehypertension. Individuals with higher serum UA and BMI simultaneously have a higher risk for prehypertension, especially for women.

Overweight and obese adolescents from Mthatha – South Africa may have a greater risk of hypertension and pre-hypertension

Overweight and obese adolescents from Mthatha – South Africa may have a greater risk of hypertension and pre-hypertension

Neck circumference and prehypertension: the cardiometabolic risk in Chinese study.

We have previously found that neck circumference was related to insulin resistance, a risk factor for hypertension in Chinese. Little is known about whether high neck circumference is associated with elevated blood pressure. The study samples were from a community-based health examination survey in central China. In total, 1709 men and women with neck circumference measurement were included. We analysed the associations between neck circumference and the risk of prehypertension. Although neck circumference was strongly associated with SBP/DBP in a univariate analysis, it was no longer associated with SBP and the association was much weaker with DBP when the association was adjusted for BMI or waist circumference. Similarly, high neck circumference was significantly related to an increased risk of prehypertension [odds ratio 1.254; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.171-1.343] in a univariate analysis, and the association became marginal in models further adjusting for BMI or waist. Our data suggest that neck circumference as predictor for prehypertension is not obvious given the moderate improvement of disease prediction.

Association between the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and prehypertension.

To explore the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with prehypertension (PHT). Inflammation plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. A pathophysiological link also exists between inflammation and PHT. NLR is a simple marker for the assessment of inflammatory status. There is a lack of data regarding the association between NLR and pre-hypertensive state. The present cross-sectional study included 33 newly diagnosed PHT patients and 35 normotensive control subjects. Prehypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure (BP) of 120-139 mm Hg and/or a diastolic BP of 80-89 mm Hg. Patients were divided into tertiles based on NLR values: 1.17 (0.9-1.42) in tertile 1; 1.57 (1.43-1.78) in tertile 2; and 2.40 (1.82-4.5) in tertile 3. The frequency of PHT was significantly higher for patients in the upper NLR tertile compared to the middle and lower NLR tertiles (21 (91.3%), 7 (30.4%), and 5 (22.7%), respectively; p<0.001). Systolic BP and diastolic BP were significantly higher among patients in the upper NLR tertile than among those in the other NLR tertiles. An association exists between PHT and NLR. NLR measurement, as well as monocyte count, may be used to indicate increased risk of prehypertension (Tab. 2, Ref. 48).

Assessment of risk factors associated with hypertension among undergraduate medical students in a medical college in Odisha.

Background:Hypertension is a non communicable disease of major public health problem resulting increased morbidity and mortality among population. Prehypertension in adolescents and young adults again an important risk factor for developing hypertension in future. So the present study was carried out among medical students with the objectives of (1) to find out the risk factors associated with prehypertension and hypertension, (2) to suggest measures to decrease risk factors.Materials and Methods:It was a cross-sectional study and study duration was from september 2011 to November 2011. The sample size was 200 and the study subjects was selected by systematic random sampling method. A predesigned pretested schedule was used to collect data. Blood pressure (BP) was measured in sitting posture using a standard sphygmomanometer on two different settings and the average was taken for analysis.Results:All the participants were between 18-21 years. Out of 200 study subjects,112 were males and 88 were females. The prehypertension and hypertension percentage was 67% among study subjects. Statistical analysis done was percentage, Chi-square test.Conclusion:Health-care providers should recognize the increased CVD risk of prehypertension and should seek to identify and treat the modifiable risk factors in these persons.

Prehypertension and cardiovascular risk factors in 10 841 youths: the pep family heart study

Prehypertension and cardiovascular risk factors in 10 841 youths: the pep family heart study

Combined action of C-reactive protein and lipid profiles on risk of hypertension and prehypertension in Mongolian adults in Inner Mongolia, China

Background Many studies have suggested that C-reactive protein (CRP) and blood lipids are associated with hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, few studies discussed the combined action of CRP and blood lipids on the risk of hypertension and prehypertension. This study aimed to investigate the combined action of CRP and lipid profiles on the risk of hypertension and prehypertension in Mongolian adults from Inner Mongolia, China. Methods The systolic and diastolic blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference were measured and factors such as smoking, alcohol intake, family history of hypertension, etc., were investigated and CRP, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) were tested for 2 534 Mongolian adults aged ≥20 years. The subjects were divided into four subgroups, namely CRP &lt;median and LDL-C (TG) &lt;median subgroup, CRP &lt;median and LDL-C (TG) &gt;median subgroup, CRP &gt;median and LDL-C (TG) &lt;median subgroup and CRP &gt;median and LDL-C (TG) &gt;median subgroup. The ORs (95% CIs) of hypertension and prehypertension for the subgroups were calculated by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results The multivariate adjusted ORs (95%CIs) of hypertension/prehypertension were 1.389 (0.979–1.970)/1.151(0.865–1.531), 1.666 (1.159–2.394)/1.431 (1.060–1.930), 1.756 (1.242–2.484)/1.770 (1.321–2.372), for CRP &lt;median and LDL-C &gt;median subgroup, CRP &gt;median and LDL-C &lt;median subgroup, and CRP &gt;median and LDL-C &gt;median subgroup, respectively, compared with CRP &lt;median and LDL-C &lt;median subgroup. Similarly, the multivariate adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of hypertension/prehypertension were 2.032 (1.394–2.963)/1.442 (1.047–1.988), 1.412 (0.960–2.079)/1.596 (1.166–2.184), and 2.197 (1.595–3.027)/1.730 (1.321–2.266) for CRP &lt;median and TG &gt;median subgroup, CRP &gt;median and TG &lt;median subgroup, and CRP &gt;median and TG &gt;median subgroup, respectively, compared with CRP &lt;median and TG &lt;median subgroup. The risks of hypertension and prehypertension were the highest in the CRP &gt;median and LDL-C (TG) &gt;median subgroup among the four subgroups. Conclusions Subjects with both CRP &gt;median and LDL-C (TG) &gt;median had highest risks of hypertension and prehypertension among all subjects. This study appeared to indicate that the combined action of elevated CRP and elevated LDL-C (TG) further increase the risks of hypertension and prehypertension among Mongolian population.

Validity of U-shaped risk of estimated glomerular filtration rate for all-cause mortality

Puddu et al. reported that serum uric acid and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) had different predictive ability for cardiovascular incidence and mortality by long-term follow-up study [1]. In their study, the authors clarified that eGFR from the Chronic Kidney Disease Prognosis Consortium (CKDEPI) could only predict all-cause mortality by a U-shaped relation. Their study is partly in concordance with a report that glomerular hyperfiltration has a risk of prediabetes and prehypertension [2]. I have a concern on their reason for concluding Ushaped relation between events and eGFR_CKDEPI. The authors presented two tables on forced Coxmodel for predicting incident events in their study. They used 10 independent variables for the prediction, and their two tables fundamentally contained the same information. Among them, eGFR_CKDEPI or its square value was selected as covariate. Although the square value of eGFR_CKDEPI was selected as a significant predictor for all-causemortality, caution should be paid to this statistical procedure. As eGFR_CKDEPI shows normal distribution, there is no reason for making square value as one of the independent variable. In addition, hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of the square value of eGFR_CKDEPI for all-cause mortality with delta value of 100 is 1.02 (1.00–1.04), which does not explain Ushaped relation. The authors set centered group around the mean value of eGFR_CKDEPI as control, and evidence of curvilinear shape with statistical significance was not presented. I recommend the authors presenting hazard ratios for all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. Although there is a lack of information on albuminuria in paper by Puddu et al., their study group previously reported that combination of increased albuminuria and lower GFR from calibrated four-variable modification of diet in renal disease showed an increase of cardiovascular risk [3]. The authors explained the discrepancy of results in “Discussion”, and I fundamental accept their speculation.AsOhsawaet al. [4] presented a significant increase in the risk ofmortality in subjectswith preserved or increased eGFR_CKDEPI and albuminuria, I recommend the authors additional analysis by using information on albuminuria. Anyway, the quantitative assessment of renal hyperfiltration and hypofiltration by eGFR_CKDEPI for mortality would lead to confirm the existence of curvilinear relation. I wish to express my appreciation to the members of Hygiene and Public Health, Nippon Medical School, for the preparation of this study. The author of this manuscript has certified that he complies with the Principles of Ethical Publishing in the International Journal of Cardiology.

Relationship Between Cardiovascular function and Markers of Adiposity in Young Female Subjects

Background: Adiposity of a subject depends on pattern of distribution of body fat and is assessed by various anthropometric markers. Measurement of blood pressure and assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness are the two most important parameters to evaluate the cardiovascular functional status of a subject. Age, sex and genetics play vital role in development of adiposity and thus effect cardiovascular function of the subject from different ethnic back ground. Aims & Objective: The current study was designed to evaluate various anthropometric markers of adiposity, blood pressure and cardiorespiratory fitness in young female subjects from both nontribal (Bengali) and tribal community of Tripura, a north-eastern state of India and to evaluate the relationship between the markers of adiposity and cardiovascular function of the subject. Material and Methods: Seventy five nontribal (Bengali) and seventy five tribal female (18 -25 years of age) subjects were included in the study through random selection. The basal metabolic rate (BMI), the waist-hip ratio (WHR), the waist –height ratio (WHtR) and body fat (%) of the subjects were evaluated. The basal blood pressure of the subjects were recorded. The cardiorespiratory fitness of the subjects were evaluated by using Queen’s College Step Test. Results: There was no significant difference in the general characteristics of the subject from different ethnic background, except that the total body fat (%) was significantly less in tribal females. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure correlated positively with BMI, WHR and WHtR of the females from both the communities. There was a negative correlation between adiposity markers and cardiorespiratory fitness of the subject. Conclusion: The result of the present study suggests that obesity, especially central obesity, in young female subjects, reduces the cardiovascular fitness and increases the risk of prehypertension, irrespective of their ethnicity. Key-Words: Body Mass Index; Waist-Hip Ratio; Waist-Height Ratio; Blood Pressure; Cardiorespiratory Fitness

An Overweight or Obese Status in Childhood Predicts Subclinical Atherosclerosis and Prehypertension/Hypertension in Young Adults

The aim of this study, the YOung TAiwanese Cohort (YOTA) Study, was to investigate the relationship between a childhood overweight/obese status and young adult preclinical atherosclerosis, including assessments of the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and prehypertension or hypertension. From among children who participated in the 1992-2000 mass urine screening program in Taiwan, we recruited 303 subjects with an elevated blood pressure (EBP) and 486 subjects with a normal BP in childhood during the period of 2006-2008. These 789 young adults received health check-ups for cardiovascular health, including examinations of blood and urine parameters, anthropometrics, BP and the CIMT, a subclinical cardiovascular risk index. Data analyses were used to evaluate the associated risks in both childhood and young adulthood. The school students with a childhood overweight/obese status had a higher risk of prehypertension or hypertension, with a relative risk of 3.20 (1.40-7.33) for being overweight and 6.51 (3.36-12.63) for being obese in young adulthood at an average age of 21. A childhood overweight/obese status also predicted a higher risk of having a thicker CIMT, with a relative risk of 2.82 (1.26-6.28) and 4.17 (2.21-7.85) for being overweight and obese in adulthood, respectively, after a mean follow-up of 8.5 years. The body mass index exhibited a consistent trend from childhood to adulthood, with an adjusted R square of 0.551. The participants who were not overweight/obese in childhood also demonstrated a higher risk of prehypertension or hypertension if they became overweight or obese in adulthood. This study highlights the importance of preventing and treating an overweight or obese status in childhood for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in adulthood.

Pre-hypertension in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPersons with a systolic blood pressure (BP) of 120 to < 140 or diastolic BP of 80 to < 90 mm hg are classified as having pre-hypertension. Pre-hypertension is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, incident CVD and CVD mortality. Understanding determinants of pre-hypertension especially in low income countries is a pre-requisite for improved prevention and control.MethodsData were analyzed for 4142 persons aged 18 years and older with BP measured in a community cross sectional survey in Uganda. The prevalence of pre-hypertension was estimated and a number of risk factors e.g. smoking, use of alcohol, overweight, obesity, physical activity, sex, age, marital status, place of residence, and consumption of vegetables and fruits were compared among different groups (normotension, pre-hypertension, and hypertension) using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThe age standardized prevalence of normal blood pressure was 37.6%, pre-hypertension 33.9%, hypertension 28.5% and raised blood pressure 62%. There was no difference between the prevalence of hypertension among women compared to men (28.9% versus 27.9%). However, the prevalence of pre-hypertension was higher among men (41.6%) compared to women (29.4%). Compared to people with normal blood pressure, the risk of pre-hypertension was increased by being 40 years and above, smoking, consumption of alcohol, not being married, being male and being overweight or obese. Compared to pre-hypertension, hypertension was more likely if one was more than 40 years, had infrequent or no physical activity, resided in an urban area, and was obese or overweight.ConclusionsMore than one in three of adults in this population had pre-hypertension. Preventive and public health interventions that reduce the prevalence of raised blood pressure need to be implemented.