An analysis of risk factors for arterial hypertension in adolescent students

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate some risk factors for increases in systemic arterial blood pressure. This transversal study was carried out with 145 individuals from 12 to18 years of age at two state schools in the city of Pico in the state of Piauí in Brazil. The majority were female (62.8%). The median age was 14.8 years (±3.19). It was ascertained that 13 of the subjects (9.0%) were overweight . Elevations in waist circumference were found in 31 (21.4%) and 76 (52.4%) had elevated arterial blood levels.There was no statistically-significant association between the above-cited risk factors and gender (p=0.088; 0.999; 0.204, respectively). However, 44.8% of the adolescents had at least one risk factor associated with arterial hypertension; 15.9% had two, and 2.1% had three. The study confirms the influence of the risk factors on arterial pressure values among adolescents. Being aware of these factors means that nurses can intervene with health education measures.

Reliability and practical aspects of the disease impact measure on hypertensive patients

“…In the last few years, SAH has been increasingly predominant and a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (1)(2) .…”

Hypertension in pediatric dentistry practice

“…Costa et al in their research looking at Brazilian youth (12-18 years), have also shown there is a direct relationship both between heightened BMI and excessive waist circumference and the risk of hypertension development in both sexes. They noted that being overweight or obese in this group is accompanied by increased blood pressure, and can lead to certain glucose and fat metabolism abnormalities [3]. Beyond the aforementioned studies, Martion et al have discerned some significantly higher values of BMI and waist-hip ratio (WHR) in hypertensive children and youth, when compared against those with correct blood pressure.…”

Excess Weight and High Blood Pressure in Schoolchildren: Prevalence and Associated Factors

“…However, current studies have warned of the increasing prevalence of obesity and hypertension among children and adolescents 2,6 . This is a troubling situation because the presences of these conditions in childhood and adolescence are strong predictors of their occurrence in adulthood 6,7 . 5 Nevertheless, these conditions are modifiable risk factors and therefore should be the focus of preventive and educational actions particularly with regard to the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits because the habits acquired in childhood tend to persist into adulthood 3,5,7 .…”

“…This is a troubling situation because the presences of these conditions in childhood and adolescence are strong predictors of their occurrence in adulthood 6,7 . 5 Nevertheless, these conditions are modifiable risk factors and therefore should be the focus of preventive and educational actions particularly with regard to the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits because the habits acquired in childhood tend to persist into adulthood 3,5,7 . We emphasize the importance of conducting investigations related to obesity and high blood pressure to characterize the affected populations and direct programmes and strategies that enable the diagnosis and treatment of these populations.…”