Hypertension and Associated Lipid, Glucose, and Adiposity Parameters in School-Aged Adolescents in the Federal District, Brazil.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of hypertension and other metabolic disorders has increased in young individuals. However, no representative studies have been conducted in the population of the Federal District, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of hypertension and its association with lipid, glucose, and adiposity markers in school-aged adolescents living in the Federal District.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included participants of the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (Portuguese acronym, ERICA). Blood pressure, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and economic, demographic, and sexual maturity variables were assessed. The data were analyzed in Stata, and the analysis was divided into different stages: descriptive, crude, and adjusted. Significant results were set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

In total, 1,200 adolescents were included, and their mean age was 14.8 years. The prevalence of hypertension was 8% (95% confidence interval: 6.3; 9.9). Most parameters were associated with blood pressure in crude analysis. In adjusted analysis, glucose, lipid, and adiposity markers maintained the associations, and the highest magnitudes were those of BMI and HOMA-IR.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed a high prevalence of hypertension in adolescents living in the Federal District, and blood pressure levels were associated with other markers of lipid, glucose, and adiposity profile. The findings indicate the relevance of health surveillance for planning effective actions aimed at reversing this situation and preventing new cases.