The Association Of Hypertension With Obesity And Positive Family History Of Hypertension In Adolescents In Uttar Pradesh,India.

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood hypertension is on rise globally yet it remains underdiagnosed. This study aims to document the prevalence of hypertension in adolescents and its risk factors. Methods: Eight hundred and sixteen children studying in class 9th of a public school aged between 14-15 years were enrolled between July 2021 to January 2022.Their BMI & blood pressure was recorded. Overweight and obesity were defined using BMI cut-offs &prehypertension/hypertension by blood pressure centile charts. Results: Prevalence of prehypertension & hypertension was 9.5% &5.3%. Children categorised as obese/overweight had higher prevalence of prehypertension/hypertension. The odds of having hypertension were 2.7 times more in children with positive family history of hypertension irrespective of BMI status. The prevalence of overweight & obesity was 19.1% & 9.6%Conclusion: Both overweight/obesity and hypertension are common health problems in adolescents. The prehypertension/ hypertension has significant association with overweight/obesity and positive family history of hypertension.