Risk factors for high blood pressure in adolescents

Abstract

Model of the study:

Transversal study. Objective: The purpose of this study was to verify risk factors for high blood pressure in teenagers. Methods:The sample was consisted of adolescents of both sexes with age between 14 and 18 years. The risk factors were assessed by demographics, consumption of snack at school, physical activity, tobacco use and alcohol consumption. The nutritional assessment was held by height and weight and waist circumference, in addition to checking blood pressure. It was found that 21.5% (n=26) of adolescents were overweight and it was not related to the values of high blood pressure. Results: About the waist circumference 89.3% (n=108) were within the parameters considered normal. It was found that 26.4% (n=32) had borderline values and 19% (n=23) were classified as hypertensive. The adolescents with greater waist circumference had higher blood pressure (P=0.034). Conclusion: This study showed that the circumference of waist may be a good parameter to determine risk of developing hypertension, concomitant with the nutritional condition. The prevention of obesity throught an appropriated dietary pattern and practice of regular physical activity is a priority for positive impact on the improvement of hypertension, reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease and thereby, increasing life expectancy.