Original scientific paper
Hypertension, Overweight and Obesity in Adolescents: The CRO-KOP Study
Ivan Pećin
; ivanpecin@yahoo.com
Romana Samovojska
; General Hospital »Dr. Tomislav Bardek«, Koprivnica, Croatia
Branko Heinrich
; General Hospital »Dr. Tomislav Bardek«, Koprivnica, Croatia
Tajana Željković-Vrkić
; University of Zagreb, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Department of Internal Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Mario Laganović
; University of Zagreb, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Department of Internal Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Bojan Jelaković
; University of Zagreb, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Department of Internal Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension, overweight and obesity in Croatian ado- lescents. In this cross-sectional survey (the sub-study of the EH-UH study) 375 boys and 381 girls (mean age 15.9 ± 0.5 years) from four high schools in the city of Koprivnica were enrolled. Blood pressure, body height and body weight were measured according to the current ESH/ESC guidelines. Data on life style were obtained from questionnaire. Average blood pressure values were higher in boys than in girls (117/74 mmHg vs. 111/69 mmHg; p < 0.001). Significantly higher blood pressure values were obtained in overweight children compared to those with normal weight (119/76 mmHg vs. 115/72 mmHg; p < 0.01). Prevalence of hypertension was 8.5% in the whole group being significantly higher in boys than in girls (11.2% vs. 5.8%; p = 0.0007). As expected, prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in obese chil- dren than in those with normal weight (20.0% vs. 6.8%; p = 0.015). A significant correlation was found between body mass index and blood pressure (p = 0.0001). The overall prevalence of obesity was 3.54% (boys 2.2%; girls 4.9%). Our results confirmed positive relationship between overweight, obesity and hypertension starting from childhood pointing again the utmost importance of preventive measures beginning from early life.
Keywords
hypertension; overweight; obesity; adolescents; risk factors
Hrčak ID:
118213
URI
Publication date:
30.9.2013.
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