ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Saharan adult population is characterized by a high prevalence of hypertension. The aim of the present study was to compare blood pressure (BP) levels in Saharan Arab-origin teenagers, in relationship with Europeans of the same age, and to assess the association with birth weight, body weight, and other anthropometric measurements. METHODS: BP values, heart rate (HR), clinical parameters, and anthropometric measurements were determined in 2,057 teenagers ages 15-19, 1,122 Algerians (388 boys) and 935 Italians (407 boys). Birth weight was obtained from obstetrical records in 568 Algerians and 735 Italians. RESULTS: The European teenagers were significantly taller and heavier than their Algerian counterparts. In the Algerian population, systolic BP (SBP) was higher in boys (P < 0.01) and lower in girls (P < 0.0001) compared to the Italians, whereas diastolic BP (DBP) was higher in Italians (P < 0.001). Both SBP and DBP were higher in boys than in girls independently of geographic origin (P < 0.001). In all four gender and ethnic groups, both SBP and DBP were strongly correlated with weight or body mass index (BMI). Influence of body weight was stronger on SBP than on DBP; in all four groups, those with the highest weight or BMI quartiles had higher SBP levels by 6-12 mm Hg as compared to those individuals in the lowest quartiles. No correlation was found between birth weight, and SBP or DBP. CONCLUSIONS: In Algerian and Italian teenagers, both male and female, current weight but not birth weight was found to be a strong determinant of BP levels.