Arterial hypertension frequency in urban and rural population of children

Abstract

The principle objective of this investigation was to establish the frequency and form of the arterial hypertension in children between 7 and 16 years in urban and rural population. Specific goals were to determine by screening method, i.e., by elimination, the arterial hypertension prevalence in relation to permanent residence (town-village), age and sex of children; to determine, by the same method, the prevalence of the essential and borderline arterial hypertension; to test the risk factors in patients with essential and borderline arterial hypertension: obesity, hereditary predisposition (relatives of the first and second line), lipids, and ten-year follow-up of children with essential arterial hypertension. The examination included 3000 children (age 7-16 years) during regular school days. Essential arterial hypertension in this study was defined as blood pressure continuously higher than 95th percentile for age and sex in at least three different measurements; secondary causes of hypertension were excluded by available clinical, laboratory and functional investigations. Borderline hypertension was defined as blood pressure continually higher than 90th percentile, and from time to time higher than 95th percentile for age and sex in at least three measurements, when the secondary causes of hypertension were excluded. The obtained results were the basis for the following conclusions: Prevalence of arterial hypertension for all children was 0.93% and was the lowest in children aged 7-8 years (0.83%), and the highest in chil dren aged 15-16 years (2.96%). Prevalence of the essential arterial hypertension was 0.37% and of borderline arterial hypertension 0.56%. Prevalence of the arterial hypertension was higher in urban than in rural population of children (1.09:0.55%), but without statistically significant difference (p>0.05). Hypertension was verified in 60.7% of family members of children with increased blood pressure. 21.4% of hypertensive children were overweight. Hyperlipidemia was noted in 4 children with essential hypertension. All children with arterial hypertension underwent 24-hours Holter monitoring. Patients with essential arterial hypertension had sinus tachycardia in 95% and patients with borderline hypertension in 60% (in stress and pressure).

Adolescent Obesity and Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors of Rural and Urban Life (Eskisehir, Turkey)

“…In parallel to the obesity, prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension were also found to be higher in urban compared to rural areas. Several previous studies have found no difference in the prevalence of hypertension between rural and urban areas, whereas some have reported higher prevalence in rural areas and others in urban areas (24)(25)(26). As seen in our study, this might be due to the fact that prehypertension and hypertension are associated with obesity.…”

Prevalence of Hypertension in Children from Public Schools

“…Pavicević et al, 10 in a study of 3,000 children and adolescents, obtained a prevalence of high BP in 0.93% in the sample, using the protocol of the mean of three measurements performed at a single moment. Monge et al, 27 found a prevalence of 2.7% in population of 328 children and adolescents, after obtaining three measurements and considering only the mean of the last two.…”

“…9 There is evidence that protocols are implemented in the pediatric care routines, but there is a discrepancy between the used protocols and the prevalence of hypertension or elevated BP found in the population studies. 7,[10][11][12] Additionally, the diagnosis of SAH can only be attained after BP is measured three times at different moments. 13 Considering the difficulties of carrying out an extensive protocol in population studies, it is possible that the evaluation in a sample can provide important information for decision-making and recommendations for the monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors in children.…”

Psychosomatic reactions and hypertension in stress conditions

“…Градско станов-ништво је чешће жртва ове болести; уколико дође до преласка у град, овај однос се мења; мушкарци оболевају чешће од жена, али само до њиховог периода менопаузе -тада се однос изједначава или је чак заступљеност код жена већа 8 . Ниже образовани су чешће жртве артеријске хипертензије него средње или више образовани.…”