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PATTERN OF BLOOD PRESSURE IN URBAN NIGERIAN ADOLESCENTS-EXPERIENCE FROM SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA
Abstract
The pattern of blood pressure in a cross-section of urban apparently healthy Nigerian adolescents aged 13 to 18 years as well as the prevalence of elevated blood pressure (hypertension) in the group is presented.
Four hundred and forty three (443) students attending two secondary schools in the city of Calabar formed subjects for the study. They had their blood pressures measured, Heights, weights were also measured using standard methods and Body Mass index (B.M.I) calculated.
Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were found to rise with age with females having higher values. There were positive correlations of blood pressure with anthropometric parameters (weight, height and B.M.I) in most age groups. Some of the correlations were statistically significant illustrating the relationship between blood pressure and body mass.
As regards elevated blood pressure (Hypertension), the prevalence was 1.6% for adolescents 13 to 15 years, while 3.6% was found for those 16 to 18 years. Though the prevalence was higher in males, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05).
Hypertension is thus a significant health problem in urban Nigerian adolescents. The need for early detection and treatment cannot be over-emphasized as it has been long recognized that what constitutes hypertension in adults may have its onset in childhood and adolescence. A group reference level of blood pressure that should define hypertension in adolescents is thus desirable. Routine or periodic blood pressure screening within the school system is also recommended.
Larger studies on adolescent blood pressure are suggested to facilitate the establishment of a group reference level which will serve as a guide as to what should constitute hypertension in Nigerian adolescents.
KeyWords: Blood Pressure, adolescents, Nigeria.
(Global J Med Sci: 2002 1(1): 1-6)
Four hundred and forty three (443) students attending two secondary schools in the city of Calabar formed subjects for the study. They had their blood pressures measured, Heights, weights were also measured using standard methods and Body Mass index (B.M.I) calculated.
Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were found to rise with age with females having higher values. There were positive correlations of blood pressure with anthropometric parameters (weight, height and B.M.I) in most age groups. Some of the correlations were statistically significant illustrating the relationship between blood pressure and body mass.
As regards elevated blood pressure (Hypertension), the prevalence was 1.6% for adolescents 13 to 15 years, while 3.6% was found for those 16 to 18 years. Though the prevalence was higher in males, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05).
Hypertension is thus a significant health problem in urban Nigerian adolescents. The need for early detection and treatment cannot be over-emphasized as it has been long recognized that what constitutes hypertension in adults may have its onset in childhood and adolescence. A group reference level of blood pressure that should define hypertension in adolescents is thus desirable. Routine or periodic blood pressure screening within the school system is also recommended.
Larger studies on adolescent blood pressure are suggested to facilitate the establishment of a group reference level which will serve as a guide as to what should constitute hypertension in Nigerian adolescents.
KeyWords: Blood Pressure, adolescents, Nigeria.
(Global J Med Sci: 2002 1(1): 1-6)
