Neck circumference in screening for elevated blood pressure

Elevated blood pressure (EBP) in childhood is associated with excess adiposity. The aim was to compare anthropometric and body composition indicators to identify EBP (≥90th percentile) in schoolchildren.

Cross-sectional study in 497 rural Andalusian schoolchildren (6-15 years). Weight, height, circumferences (waist and neck) and skinfolds (bicipital, tricipital, subscapular, and suprailiac) were recorded to calculate body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, the sum of 4 skinfolds and body fat percentage. Blood pressure was measured by oscillometry (3 readings; mean of the last 2) and classified using Spanish age- and sex-specific references (≥90th percentile for systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure). Age- and sex-adjusted logistic models and sex-stratified analyses of discrimination and calibration were performed; optimal cut-offs were derived using the Youden index.

The prevalence of EBP was 5.8% and increased with excess weight, particularly in girls. After multivariable adjustment, neck circumference (NC) was the indicator most consistently associated with EBP. Discriminative ability was moderate in boys and high in girls, with optimal cut-offs of 29.15 cm and 30.65 cm, respectively.

NC is a simple, low-cost measure that may complement traditional indicators for EBP screening in school settings and primary care; the proposed cut-offs require external validation.