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The effect of blood lead on blood pressure in children
S M Selbst1, R K Sokas, F M Henretig
1Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104.
Insights
This study found no association between elevated blood lead levels and high blood pressure in children. Researchers measured blood lead levels and blood pressure in 149 children, with results showing no significant correlation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Environmental Health
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- The relationship between elevated blood lead levels and blood pressure in children is not well-established.
- Lead exposure is a significant public health concern, particularly for children.
- Hypertension in children is a growing concern with potential long-term health implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between blood lead levels and blood pressure in children.
- To clarify the impact of lead exposure on pediatric hypertension.
- To provide data on lead levels and blood pressure in a pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted.
- Blood pressures were measured using a Dinamap monitor.
- Blood lead levels and blood pressure were assessed in 149 children aged 1-10 years.
Main Results:
- Mean blood lead levels were 27 mg/dL, with a range of 7-70 mg/dL.
- Mean systolic blood pressure was 108 mmHg and mean diastolic pressure was 63 mmHg.
- Systolic blood pressure correlated with weight, age, and height. Diastolic pressure correlated with weight and height. Lead levels showed a small negative correlation with systolic and an insignificant positive correlation with diastolic blood pressure.
Conclusions:
- Elevated blood lead levels were not found to be associated with elevated blood pressure in the studied children.
- The study population exhibited higher mean lead levels and hypertension prevalence than the general U.S. population.
- Further research may be needed to fully understand the complex interactions between lead exposure and cardiovascular health in children.
Abstract:
The effect of elevated blood lead levels on the blood pressure of children has not been clearly described. In order to define this association better, we conducted a cross-sectional study, evaluating the association between lead and high blood pressure. Using a Dinamap monitor to measure blood pressures, blood pressures and blood lead levels were measured in 149 children (ages 1-10 years) receiving medical care at the General Medical and Lead Poisoning Clinics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Blood lead levels ranged from 7 to 70 mg/dL with a mean of 27 mg/dL. The mean systolic blood pressure was 108 mmHg and the mean diastolic reading was 63 mmHg. Higher systolic blood pressure was significantly correlated with increased weight, age, and height. Diastolic pressure was significantly associated with weight and height. There was a small, negative correlation between blood lead levels and systolic blood pressure, and a positive but insignificant correlation between lead levels and diastolic blood pressure. Our study population had both higher mean lead levels and a higher prevalence of hypertension than is true of the U.S. population as a whole. We concluded that elevated blood lead levels are not associated with elevated blood pressure in children.