Hypertension and Blood Pressure Pattern among Teenagers

Abstract

Because of its high prevalence, hypertension (HTN) will continue to exert an increased financial burden on both the individual and the governmental health budgets unless we consider changing our efforts in managing HTN.^[1] Since the discovery of the first antihypertensive agent, during the 19^th century, we had been focusing on blood pressure (BP) treatment by lowering the systolic and diastolic levels. Over decades, multiple drugs and combinations were introduced to lower the BP and reduce target organ damage, but they were unsuccessful in reducing the incidence or significantly limiting the prevalence. This study focuses on screening teenagers among middle and high schools. Looking for the prevalence and increasing awareness at the same time. It is about time to consider a different approach to stand against HTN. A world without HTN could be optimistic. However, looking into reducing the incidence and limiting the prevalence by early intervening and increasing awareness could be a reasonable first step in that direction. In this study, we screened 2747 students in 14 middle and high schools in Bahrain. The mean systolic BP was 114 mm Hg [standard deviation (SD): 13.9/standard error (SE): 0.27]. The mean diastolic BP was 67 mm Hg (SD 9.6/SE 0.18). Of the screened students, 38% had abnormal elevated BP. Among elevated BP, 68% had isolated systolic high pressure. Younger teenagers were having the higher BP. Age, gender, waist circumference, school, and nationality were among the independent variables associated with elevated BP. Body mass index was not related to elevated BP. Focusing more on prevention and early diagnosis could be a first step toward elimination of HTN, or at least reducing its prevalence.