Family History of Hypertension: Impact on Blood Pressure, Anthropometric Measurements and Physical Activity Level in Schoolchildren

Abstract Background: A family history of arterial hypertension (AH), combined with environmental risk factors, is directly related to the development of AH. Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of AH, anthropometric indicators and level of physical activity and their association with a family history (FH) of AH in school children. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 118 students, aged between 11 and 17 years, of both sexes. Waist circumference (WC), weight, height, level of physical activity and FH of HA were collected. Body mass index z score (BMI-z) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Binary logistic regression model was used to verify the chance risk, with significance p <0.05. Results: Of the 118 parents who answered the questionnaire, 34.7% had a positive FH of AH. Girls with a positive FH had higher means of WC (p= 0,004), BMI (p=0,020), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p=0,006) than boys, and a higher risk of being overweight (OR=4,48; 95%CI:1,55-12,94), and having elevated WHtR (OR=5.98; 95%CI:1.66- 21.47) and SBP (OR=3,07; 95%CI:1,03-9,13) than girls without a FH, but they practice more vigorours moderate physical activity (MVPA) (p=0,039). On the other hand, no differences in these parameters were observed between boys with and without a FM of AH. Conclusion: Overweight and a FH of hypertension were associated with an increased risk for AH in girls. This was not observed among boys, perhaps due to more active lifestyle.

High Blood Pressure in Adolescents of Curitiba: Prevalence and Associated Factors / Pressão Arterial Alterada em Adolescentes de Curitiba: Prevalência e Fatores Associados

Abstract Background: Arterial hypertension is a major public health problem and has increased considerably in young individuals in past years. Thus, identifying factors associated with this condition is important to guide intervention strategies in this population. Objective: To determine high blood pressure prevalence and its associated factors in adolescents. Methods: A random sample of 1,242 students enrolled in public schools of the city of Curitiba (PR) was selected. Self-administered questionnaires provided family history of hypertension, daily energy expenditure, smoking habit, daily fat intake, and socioeconomic status. Waist circumference was measured following standardized procedures, and blood pressure was measured with appropriate cuffs in 2 consecutive days to confirm high blood pressure. Relative frequency and confidence interval (95%CI) indicated high blood pressure prevalence. Bivariate and multivariate analyses assessed the association of risk factors with high blood pressure. Results: The high blood pressure prevalence was 18.2% (95%CI 15.2-21.6). Individuals whose both parents had hypertension [odds ratio (OR), 2.22; 95%CI 1.28-3.85] and those with high waist circumference (OR, 2.1; 95%CI 1.34-3.28) had higher chances to develop high blood pressure. Conclusion: Positive family history of hypertension and high waist circumference were associated with high blood pressure in adolescents. These factors are important to guide future interventions in this population.

Resumo Fundamento: A hipertensão arterial é um grave problema de saúde pública e, nos últimos anos, tem aumentado consideravelmente em jovens. A identificação de fatores associados com essa condição é importante para guiar estratégias de intervenção nessa população. Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência e os fatores associados com a pressão arterial alterada em adolescentes. Métodos: Foi selecionada amostra probabilística de 1.242 adolescentes da rede pública de ensino de Curitiba (PR). Por meio de questionários, foram obtidos o histórico familiar de hipertensão, o gasto energético diário, informações sobre tabagismo, o consumo diário de gorduras e a classificação econômica. A circunferência da cintura foi medida por procedimentos padronizados. A pressão arterial foi aferida com manguitos adequados em 2 dias consecutivos para a confirmação da pressão arterial alterada. Frequências relativas e intervalos de confiança (IC95%) indicaram a prevalência de pressão arterial alterada. Regressões logística bivariadas e multivariadas testaram a associação dos fatores de risco com a pressão arterial alterada. Resultados: A prevalência de pressão arterial alterada foi de 18,2% (IC95% 15,2-21,6). Mais chances de pressão arterial alterada foram encontradas nos indivíduos que possuíam ambos os pais com hipertensão arterial [odds ratio (OR), 2,22; IC95% 1,28-3,85] e naqueles com a circunferência da cintura aumentada (OR, 2,1; IC95% 1,34-3,28). Conclusão: O histórico familiar positivo de hipertensão arterial e a circunferência da cintura aumentada estiveram associados a pressão arterial alterada em adolescentes. Esses fatores são importantes para guiar intervenções futuras nessa população.