DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2017.v05i08.047

Pages: 3214-3221

Hypertension in adult population is associated with an increased incidence of stroke, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease. The best predictor of adulthood hypertension is blood pressure in childhood. Hypertension origin is possibly in childhood especially with multiple risk factors including obesity, diet, academic stress, sedentary habits apart from hereditary risk factors. A cross-sectional survey was done in 20 urban schools to determine the prevalence of hypertension among school children between 9 to 12 years and to study the determinants. 2050 students in the age group of 9 to12 years were recruited. Demographic details and anthropometric measurements were obtained. Blood pressure was measured at 0, 5 & 30 minutes and average of three readings were taken as the true blood pressure. Risk factor assessment was done between high blood pressure and factors like body mass index, socio economic status, and family history of hypertension, diabetes, renal disease and ischemic heart disease. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software for windows 11. Hypertension is an important health problem in school children with a prevalence of 2.84%. Prevalence was higher in children from higher socio economic strata. 37% of the obese children were found to be hypertensive. There was significant correlation between hypertension (p<0.05), body mass index, obesity and family history of hypertension. Overweight and obesity are associated with increased incidence of hypertension in children. Measurement of Blood Pressure should be made an integral part of physical examination in children. Life style modification should be advised in obese pre hypertensive and hypertensive children