Hypertension and Different Levels of Body Mass Index and Cardiorespiratory Fitness Amongst Adolescents

ABSTRACT

Abstract Background Hypertension is an increasingly common problem in adolescents; amongst the associated factors, physical inactivity and obesity are increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Objective To verify whether there is an association between higher blood pressure levels amongst adolescents with the relationship between different levels of body mass index (BMI) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Method Cross-sectional study consisting of 860 adolescents. Higher blood pressure (BP) was considered as borderline and hypertension as the classification. BMI was categorized as low-normal weight and overweight-obesity. The CRF was assessed by a nine-minute run/walk test and classified into low or appropriate levels (less and more favorable to health, respectively). Later, BMI and CRF were grouped into one categorical variable (I) low/normal weight and appropriate CRF levels; (II) low/normal weight and low CRF levels; (III) overweight/obesity and appropriate CRF levels; and (IV) overweight/obesity and low CRF levels. Data were analyzed using Poisson regression, through the prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The p-values of p <0.05 were considered significant. Results Adolescents with overweight/obesity and low CRF levels had a 22% higher BP prevalence. Moreover, children with overweight/obesity, but with appropriate CRF levels, have a 15% higher BP prevalence. Conclusion Adolescents with overweight/obesity had a higher prevalence of BP, regardless of CRF levels. It is suggested that maintaining normal BMI is a protective factor for less favorable BP.