Family history of hypertension: Impact on blood pressure, anthropometric measurements and physical activity level in schoolchildren

Abstract

Background: A family history of arterial hypertension (AH), combined with environmental risk factors, is directly related to the development of AH. Objective: To evaluate the frequency of AH, anthropometric indicators and level of physical activity and their association with a family history (FH) of AH in school children. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 118 students, aged between 11 and 17 years, of both sexes. Waist circumference (WC), weight, height, level of physical activity and FH of HA were collected. Body mass index z score (BMI-z) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Binary logistic regression model was used to verify the chance risk, with significance p <0.05. Results: Of the 118 parents who answered the questionnaire, 34.7% had a positive FH of AH. Girls with a positive FH had higher means of WC (p= 0,004), BMI (p=0,020), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p=0,006) than boys, and a higher risk of being overweight (OR=4,48; 95%CI:1,55–12,94), and having elevated WHtR (OR=5.98; 95%CI:1.66–21.47) and SBP (OR=3,07; 95%CI:1,03–9,13) than girls without a FH, but they practice more vigorours moderate physical activity (MVPA) (p=0,039). On the other hand, no differences in these parameters were observed between boys with and without a FM of AH. Conclusions: Overweight and a FH of hypertension were associated with an increased risk for AH in girls. This was not observed among boys, perhaps due to more active lifestyle.