Increase in Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference Is Associated with High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents in Mexico City

Background and AimsCurrently, obesity has become a worldwide health problem affecting even children and yet little is known about its role as a determinant of high blood pressure in this age group. The aim of this epidemiological study was to determine the relationship between the increment of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in children and teenagers.MethodsThe study was performed in Mexico City schools. Overweight was established if BMI ranged from ≥85th to <95th percentiles and obesity if BMI was ≥95th percentile. WC was classified in two categories, one ranging between the 75th and 89.9th percentiles and >90th percentile. Blood pressure was measured four times during one visit by the auscultatory method. High blood pressure was defined if the levels were ≥90th percentile according to the guidelines of the 2004 North American Task Force.ResultsAges of the study population ranged from 5–8 (n = 474), 9–12 (n = 643) and 13–17 (n = 912) years, respectively. The levels of blood pressure and prevalence of high blood pressure were higher in overweight and obese children and adolescents. In both genders, the prevalence of SBP and DBP increased directly correlated with increments in age, BMI and WC, although prevalence and odd ratios of high blood pressure were higher in individuals with increased WC in comparison to BMI.ConclusionsIncreases in WC and BMI are parameters directly associated with high blood pressure in children and adolescents.