Prevalence of Hypertension and Its Association with Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference Among Adolescents in Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE

This study examined the prevalence of hypertension in adolescents, with the aim of determining a link between blood pressure and body composition measurements.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study included adolescents aged 14-19 years attending schools. Their body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) measurements were recorded. Blood pressure (BP) was taken three or more times, with an average systolic BP and/or diastolic BP ≥ the 95th percentile was regarded as hypertension.

RESULTS

The prevalence rates of pre-hypertension and hypertension were 11.2% and 14.8%, respectively. Obese and overweight adolescents had a higher prevalence of hypertension compared with those of normal weight (41.6% and 15.5% versus 6.2%, respectively). Following adjustment for BMI status and WC, significant correlations were observed between overweight/obesity and hypertension. After adjusting for BMI status and WC, abdominal obesity was not associated with hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

A comparatively high prevalence of hypertension was found among the adolescents. Obesity and overweight were highly correlated with hypertension.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

School nurses and doctors must describe and address high or raised blood pressure levels in children and adolescents. Because of the high prevalence of hypertension in the obese and overweight adolescents, this study emphasizes the need for the early prevention and control of obesity and hypertension among children.