Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Evaluation of rate-pressure product in obese children
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
Insights
The rate-pressure product (RPP) is linked to obesity severity in Chinese children. Higher obesity levels correlate with increased RPP, suggesting greater cardiac workload in more obese youth.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Obesity Research
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern.
- Obesity can lead to increased cardiovascular strain.
- Understanding hemodynamic markers in obese children is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between rate-pressure product (RPP) and the degree of obesity.
- To assess hemodynamic stress in obese pediatric populations.
- To explore correlations between obesity indices and cardiac workload.
Main Methods:
- Studied 511 obese Chinese children aged 7 and 12.
- Assessed obesity using relative weight (RW > 120%), body mass index (BMI), and skinfold thickness.
- Measured blood pressure and heart rate to calculate RPP (heart rate x mean arterial pressure).
Main Results:
- Children with higher relative weight (RW ≥ 150%) exhibited significantly greater mean RPP compared to those with RW < 150%.
- Obese children in the upper RPP percentiles showed significantly higher BMI, RW, and skinfold thickness.
- These findings indicate a positive correlation between obesity severity and RPP in children.
Conclusions:
- Rate-pressure product (RPP) is associated with the degree of obesity in obese children.
- Elevated RPP in more obese children may signify increased hemodynamic stress on the heart.
- Further research is needed to determine if these RPP differences contribute to long-term cardiovascular morbidity.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between rate-pressure product (RPP) and degree of obesity in 511 obese 7 and 12 year old Chinese children. Obesity was assessed by anthropometry and skinfold thickness. The children were defined obese by relative weight (RW) > 120%. Bodyweight (W) and height (H) were used to derive body mass index (W/H2). Brachial systolic and diastolic pressures in these children were measured by cuff sphygmomanometry. RPP was calculated by the formula: heart rate x mean arterial pressure. More obese children (RW > or = 150%) had greater mean RPP (7 year old: 6389 vs 5976 beats/min x mmHg, P < 0.05; 12 year old: 7024 vs 6686 beats/min x mmHg) than those with RW < 150%. Children in the upper 25 percentiles of RPP had significantly larger BMI (7 and 12 year olds) and RW (12 year olds), thicker biceps, triceps and subscapular skinfolds (12 year olds) (P < 0.01-< 0.05). The results indicate that RPP is, to some extent, related to the degree of obesity in obese children. The differences in RPP may imply varying degrees of hemodynamic stress to the heart. Whether such differences may contribute to the long-term development of cardiovascular morbidity in more obese individuals is uncertain.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Measurement of Blood Pressure
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption