[Risk factors in child and adolescent with systemic hypertension]

A prospective study was made on 1068 pupils, aged between 10-15 years (group I). From this group 995 pupils were examined after four to seven years (group II). Their age was between 16-19 years. The study contained: anthropometric data, blood pressure (BP) and pulse measurements, and a standard record using the epidemiologic interview method. For each pupil we determined the following familial and personal antecedent of cardiovascular disease, especially arterial hypertension; alimentary habits (salt and hydro-carbonate excess); consumption of coffee and cigarettes; physical activity; tendency to sedentarism; school or family stress; and behaviour type. Data were worked out and interpreted, using epidemiologic and statistic methods in Epi Info 6 program. The prevalence of genetic factors (4% in group I and 4.3% in group II), consumption of salt (38% in group I and 35% in group II), obesity (1.5% in group and 1.4% in group II), sedentariness (4.8% in group I and 6.8% in group II), stress (9.8% in group I and 10.5% in group II), with behaviour type A (41% I group and 52% in group II) all presented almost equal values in the two groups regardless of age or BP level. The statistical study of the influence of the risk factors on BP values, using student's t test has demonstrated the contributory part of the genetic factor, the excess of sweets and stress. The deleterious effects of arterial hypertension risk factors, which can begin early in childhood demonstrate the necessity for responsible parties (family, school, doctors, etc.) to be aware of these risk factors and assist in their control.