Biophysical profile of blood pressure in school children

The study was conducted in an industrial and prosperous city of Punjab to evaluate the biophysical profile of blood pressure (BP) in apparently healthy school children. A total of 2560 children between the ages of 5-15 years were enrolled. Their age, religion, dietary and family history were recorded. Weight and height of all children were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. A value of 2.26 or more was taken as obesity. BP measurements were made as per recommendations of the American Heart Association. Systolic as well as diastolic BP increased with age in both sexes, correlation coefficients being 0.59 and 0.6, respectively. A statistically significant linear relationship between BP and weight and height was noted. Children with BMI of > 2.26 had a significantly higher BP (P < 0.01). The mean BP did not vary among different religions. The BP of vegetarians and also non- vegetarians also did not differ. A family history of hypertension was associated significantly with elevated BP (p < 0.01). It is concluded that obesity and a family history of hypertension in children are associated with elevated BP and such children may be at risk for developing hypertension at a later date. They should be followed up and considered for modification of risk factors.