Body fat indices for identifying risk of hypertension in Indian children

ABSTRACT

Background: Studies in India shown high body fat indices were strongly associated with hypertension in Indian children, but such studies mostly not done in southern states of India. So, authors include children in Tamilnadu measure body fat indices and blood pressure to find which body fat index correlates closely with hypertension.Methods: Standing height was measured using stadiometer. Weight was measured using electronic scale. WC measured in standing position, by a stretch resistant.' WC above 90th centile will be considered as Adipose. Waist to height ratio optimal cut-off value is 0.44 for children. TSFT recorded using Harpenden caliper, on the non-dominant upper arm. Wrist circumference measured using stretch resistant tape.Results: In this study 2000 children were participated. More hypertensives are seen in 10 to 12 years(62) and 16 to 18 years(31).Increased weight correlated with hypertension. Study indicates waist circumference is significantly correlated with systolic BP p<0.003, diastolic BP p<0.000. This study shows significant correlation p<0.003 for systolic and p<0.000 for diastolic BP with triceps skin fold thickness estimation. In multivariate analysis with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure shows very strong correlation with waist circumference, waist to height ratio and triceps skin fold thickness.Conclusions: In this study we investigate the correlation between body fat indices and blood pressure correlation was statistically analyzed which shows that waist circumference, waist to height ratio and triceps skin fold thickness were strongly correlated with systolic and diastolic BP.