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Hypertension and pre-hypertension among adolescents in Shimla, Northern India-Time to awaken

Background: Hypertension is the most common, most potent universal contributor to CVD mortality. Primary prevention of hypertension and ischemic heart disease in adults necessitates a scientific evaluation of the predictors in childhood. BP studies in children provide important epidemiological information, which may help in controlling or modifying coronary risk factors. Objective: 1) To determine the prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension among urban school adolescents in Shimla city. 2) To determine the association between hypertension and BMI for age in both the genders in the adolescents. Materials and Methods: A total sample of 3385 students with 1665 females and 1720 male students was drawn for the purpose of the study. Socio-demographic profile, anthropometric and blood pressure readings were obtained. The prevalence of pre-hypertension, hypertension, obesity among the adolescents was determined. Results: Overall mean SBP and DBP increased significantly with age in both the genders. Mean SBP (111.60 mmHg ± 11.43) and DBP (72.88mmHg ± 7.41) were higher in males in comparison to females in whom mean SBP and DBP were 109.91 ± 12.04mmHg and 71.84 ± 7.37mmHg, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension in females was more i. e., 13.1% in comparison to males 9.5%. However, the prevalence of pre-hypertension was nearly equal (11.0% in females and 11.3% in males). There was significant association of hypertension and BMI for age in both the genders. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for public health measures to prevent high BP in children and adolescents from becoming another public health burden. There is trend toward higher prevalence of hypertension in school going children which reflects the changing scenario of cardiovascular diseases in current era due to changing lifestyle, dietary pattern, decreased physical activity and increase in obesity. Early detection and intervention in childhood can prevent adult hypertension.