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A prospective study of familial aggregation of blood pressure in young children
D K Wilson1, L M Klesges, R C Klesges
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee, Memphis.
Insights
Familial aggregation of blood pressure was observed, particularly between mothers and sons. These findings suggest that both genetic and environmental factors influence blood pressure in young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiovascular Health
- Human Genetics
Background:
- Elevated blood pressure in childhood is a risk factor for adult hypertension.
- Understanding familial aggregation of blood pressure is crucial for early intervention.
- Previous studies suggest a genetic component in blood pressure regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the familial aggregation of blood pressure in normotensive families with young children.
- To determine the correlation of systolic and diastolic blood pressure between parents and children over time.
- To assess the influence of various lifestyle and demographic factors on these correlations.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 175 normotensive families with children aged 3-6 years.
- Collected serial systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements from parents and children over 3 years.
- Utilized Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients, adjusting for body mass index (BMI), age, physical activity, diet, and parental habits.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations were found between mother-son blood pressure, particularly for systolic blood pressure across all 3 years.
- Mother-son diastolic blood pressure correlation was significant in year 2.
- These mother-son correlations remained significant after adjusting for potential confounding factors.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms familial aggregation of blood pressure in early childhood.
- Mother-son pairs show a notable correlation, suggesting shared genetic or environmental influences.
- Both genetic and environmental factors play a significant role in blood pressure status during childhood.
Abstract:
In a prospective study, we evaluated familial aggregation of blood pressure in a sample of 175 normotensive families with children 3 to 6 yr old. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements of parents and children were correlated at 1, 2, and 3 yr intervals. Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients between parents and children were significant for mother-son pairs. In particular, mother-son blood pressure correlation coefficients were significant for systolic blood pressure across all 3 yr and for diastolic blood pressure during yr 2. Further analyses were performed adjusting for body mass index (BMI), age, physical activity, sodium intake, potassium intake, and parental smoking status, and alcohol use. The Spearman correlation coefficients for mother-son pairs remained significant for yr 1 and 3 after adjusting for these blood pressure correlates. These results are consistent with cross-sectional studies and suggest that both genetic and environmental contributions to blood pressure status are important in young children.