Demographic and Socioeconomic Predictors of Prehypertension and Hypertension in the Adult Population: Serbian National Health Survey.

Background and Objectives: Prehypertension and hypertension are the most common cardiovascular disorders worldwide and are increasingly considered one of the most serious public health problems, particularly in developing countries. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and demographic and socioeconomic predictors of prehypertension and hypertension in the adults in Serbia, and to examine the relationship between prehypertension and hypertension and health behavior determinants (smoking, alcohol use, physical activity) and individual aspects of health (a health self-assessment, multimorbidity, BMI, depressive symptoms). Materials and Methods: The research is part of the fourth National Population Health Survey conducted in 2019, which was conducted by the Republic Institute of Statistics, in cooperation with the Institute of Public Health of Serbia and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia. As a research instrument, questionnaires were used in accordance with the methodology of the European Health Survey. For the purposes of this research, data on the adult population aged 20 and over were used. Results: Women are at a reduced risk for both prehypertension (OR = 0.328) and hypertension (OR = 0.349) by nearly 70%. Similarly, those aged below 60 years have a lower risk for prehypertension and those younger than 40 years have a lower risk for hypertension (OR = 0.995), whereas people with a lower education have a 4.3 times higher risk of prehypertension (OR = 4.323) and a 1.6 times higher risk of hypertension (OR = 1.614). The poor have a 1.4 times higher risk of prehypertension (OR = 1.413) and a 1 times higher risk of hypertension (OR = 1.035). People with multimorbidity have a 1.2 times higher risk of both prehypertension (OR = 1.218) and a 4.8 times higher risk of hypertension (OR = 4.867). Conclusions: Male gender, lower education, poverty, age and the presence of multimorbidity are significant predictors of prehypertension and hypertension in the Serbian adult population, so preventive strategies should be aimed at these sensitive population groups.

GENDER VARIATION IN THE PREVALENCE OF CHILDHOOD HYPERTENSION.

Introduction: Hypertension is an important health problem all over the world. It is usually silent and the presence of symptoms may indicate end-organ damage. Whereas some studies reported a higher blood pressure (BP) in girls than boys at all ages other studies reported no sex differences while others demonstrated an initial higher BP in boys before puberty with reversal at puberty. Objective: Variation in prevalence of hypertension according to gender. Methodology: A cross-sectional study of BP that recruited 1350 apparently healthy secondary school adolescents aged 10-19 years over 6 months. Results: The overall point prevalence of hypertension was 4.4% (59 of 1350) with gender-specific prevalence for males being 4.1% (26 of 628 boys) and 4.6% (33 of 722 girls) for females, (χ 2=0.831, p=0.362). According to stages of hypertension, 1.5% (10 of 628) and 1.1% (7 of 628) males had stages 1 and 2 systolic hypertension respectively while 2.4% (15 of 628) had stage 1 diastolic hypertension and none had stage 2. Similarly, 2.4% (17 of 722) and 1.2% (9 of 722) females had stages 1 and 2 systolic hypertension respectively while 1.2% (9 of 722) and only 0.1% (1 of 722) girls had stages 1 and 2 diastolic hypertension respectively. The overall prevalence of pre-hypertension was 22.1% (298 of 1350) with gender-specific prevalence of 21% (131 of 628) for males and 23.1% (167 of 722) for females, (χ 2=4.349, p=0.037). Conclusion: Female adolescents have a higher prevalence of hypertension, especially pre-hypertension, compared with males. The BP screening is recommended at secondary school entry and at regular intervals.

Descriptive study: Feasibility of integrating hypertension screening into HIV assisted partner notification services model in Kenya.

Prevalence of hypertension (HTN) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are high among men while screening rates are low. Assisted partner notification service is a strategy recommended by the World Health Organization that aims to increase HIV testing and treatment uptake and may present an opportunity to offer integrated HIV/HTN screening and treatment services. In this prospective cohort study, we assessed the feasibility of integrating HTN screening for male sexual partners of females newly tested HIV-positive in 10 health facilities in Kenya. Participants were notified of the exposure and offered HIV testing and HTN screening; if they accepted and tested positive for either HTN, HIV, or both, they were referred for care. HTN was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90, or the use of antihypertensive medication. Among 1313 male partners traced, 99% accepted HIV testing and HTN screening. Overall, 4% were found to have HTN, 29% were in the pre-HTN stage, and 9% were HIV-positive. Only 75% had previously been screened for HTN compared to 95% who had previously tested for HIV. A majority preferred non-facility-based screening. The participants who refused HTN screening noted time constraints as a significant hindrance. HIV and HTN screening uptake was high in this hard-to-reach population of men aged 25 to 50. Although HTN rates were low, an integrated approach provided an opportunity to detect those with pre-HTN and intervene early. Strategic integration of HTN services within assisted partners services may promote and normalize testing by offering inclusive and accessible services to men.

Occupational Noise-Induced Pre-Hypertension and Determinant Factors Among Metal Manufacturing Workers in Gondar City Administration, Northwest Ethiopia.

Introduction: Cardiovascular disorders are one of the commonly recognized occupational diseases in the developed world. Individuals chronically exposed to noise at workplaces had a higher risk of developing elevated arterial blood pressure. There are limited studies in Ethiopia regarding this topic and thus this study determined the prevalence and determinant factors of occupational noise-induced pre-hypertension among metal manufacturing workers in Gondar city administration, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was carried out. In this study, 300 study participants were recruited by census sampling method. A sound level meter was used to measure the working area noise level. A semi-structured pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and clinical data. Blood pressure was measured in a quiet room in the morning using a mercurial sphygmomanometer. Both bivariable and multi-variable binary logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with noise-induced prehypertension. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was reported, and variables with p < 0.05 were considered as statistically associated factors with pre-hypertension. Results: The prevalence of noise-induced pre-hypertension was 27.7% (95% CI: 22.7-32.7). In multivariable logistic regression, working area noise level (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI: 6.8-8.9), 45-65 years' age (AOR = 9.8, 95% CI: 5.4-12.9), years of work experience ((6-10 years (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.98-5.90 and >10 years (AOR = 4.8, 95% CI: 7.8-9.75)), being a cigarette smoker (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.36-9.77), and alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.06-1.04) were significantly associated with noise-induced prehypertension. Conclusion: Workers in metal manufactures who were exposed to noise levels >85 dB developed elevated blood pressure. The odds of having prehypertension were increased by years of work experience, advanced age, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Our findings recommended that the real-world preventive strategies should be taken to lower the risk of noise-induced pre-hypertension hastened by occupational noise exposure.

Effectiveness of multi-component modular intervention among adults with prehypertension in a village of Dakshina Kannada district - a community-based interventional study - protocol.

INTRODUCTION: The Joint National Committee (JNC 7) report on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of Hypertension, defined "prehypertension," as individuals with a Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) in the range of 120-139 mmHg and a (diastolic blood pressure) DBP of 80-89 mmHg. Prehypertension is directly linked with hypertension which is a precursor of CVDs. Owing to its high conversion rate to hypertension, it is important to identify individuals with blood pressures in this category and bring about lifestyle modifications in them that can prevent them from being hypertensive and from developing cardiovascular diseases later in life. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial will be done among the selected pre-hypertensive adults of all genders residing in Kateel Gram panchayat, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. A baseline survey will be done initially to assess the level of prehypertension among the study population. To study the effectiveness of the intervention, 142 individuals will be randomly allocated using block randomization technique to intervention and control groups. A multi-component module (educational intervention) will be developed, validated, and administered to participants in the intervention group, while the control group receives standard care. Each participant will then be followed up once in four months till the end of the study period of one year to assess for changes in SBP, DBP, WHR, BMI, stress levels, and usage of tobacco and alcohol. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Institutional Ethics Committee approval was obtained from Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore, India. The plans for dissemination of findings include presenting at scientific conferences and publishing in scholarly journals.

Prevalence and Risks Factors of Prehypertension in Africa: A Systematic Review.

Background: Hypertension is one of the major factors for high mortality of adults in Africa. However, complications occur at lower values than those previously classified as hypertension. Thus, prehypertension is considered as a new category of hypertension and a major risk factor for developing clinical hypertension relative to those with normotension, it has been linked with increased future risk of hypertension as well as cardiovascular diseases. Objectives: The objective of this review was to determine prevalence of prehypertension and describe the associated factors of prehypertension in Africa during the past 10 years. Methods: We did a systematic review using the databases PubMed/Medline, and search engine google scholar. We selected sources of publications and conducted an analysis of articles. Keywords in English were: prehypertension, high normal blood pressure, high blood pressure, elevated blood pressure, Africa. Keywords in french were: préhypertension artérielle, préhypertension, pression artérielle normale haute, pression artérielle normale, Afrique. Mesh terms were: Prehypertension, Africa. Results: Twenty-seven articles were selected. Prevalence of prehypertension ranged from 2.5% to 34% in children and adolescents. In adults, prevalence varied from 32.9% to 56.8%. Several factors were associated with prehypertension in Africa. These factors included: age; sex; lifestyle such as smoking, alcohol consumption, low physical activity, overweight and obesity. There were also cardiometabolic factors and few others factors which were associated with prehypertension. Conclusion: This review allowed us to observe that the prevalence of prehypertension was variable according to age of the population and prehypertension is associated with several factors.

High-normal blood pressure (prehypertension) is associated with PM2.5 exposure in young adults.

We aimed to examine PM2.5 exposure, blood pressure (SBP and DBP) measurement, and hypertension risk factors and to assess the association between PM2.5 exposure and hypertension among young adults. The mean SBP was 117.78 mmHg, with 11.22% high-normal blood pressure (prehypertension) and 2.51% hypertension (≥ 140 mmHg). DBP was 75.48 mmHg with 26.37% prehypertension and 4.53% hypertension (≥ 90 mmHg). The median PM2.5 in the past year was 31.79 µg/m3, with highest in winter (49.33 µg/m3), followed by spring (37.34 µg/m3), autumn (29.64 µg/m3), and summer (24.33 µg/m3). Blood pressure was positively correlated with age, height, weight, BMI, daily smoking, alcohol consumption, mental stress, and staying up in the past 1 year, and negatively with season-specific temperature. After adjustment for the covariates, each 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with SBP (day 1 = 1.07 mmHg, day 3 = 1.25 mmHg, day 5 = 1.01 mmHg) and DBP (day 1 = 1.06 mmHg, day 3 = 1.28 mmHg, day 5 = 1.29 mmHg, day 15 = 0.87 mmHg, day 30 = 0.56 mmHg). Exposure in winter and the past year was associated with 1.21 mmHg and 0.95 increase mmHg in SBP, respectively. Logistic models showed for every 1 µg/m3 increase of PM2.5, SBP in day 1 and day 5 was increased by 6% and 4%, and DPB by 3% and 16%, respectively. SBP was increased by 8% in spring and 19% in winter, and DBP was increased by 7% in winter. Our data suggest a certain prevalence of pre- or hypertension among young population, which is associated with short-term fluctuation and season-specific exposure of PM2.5.

Fatores associados à pré-hipertensão e hipertensão arterial em trabalhadores de saúde que atuam em serviços de alta complexidade / Factors associated with prehypertension and hypertension among healthcare workers working in high-complexity services

Resumo Objetivou-se estimar a prevalência e fatores associados à pré-hipertensão e hipertensão arterial entre trabalhadores de saúde que atuam em setores de alta complexidade para pacientes críticos e crônicos. Foi realizado um estudo epidemiológico, transversal com 490 trabalhadores de saúde da macrorregional do norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil. A variável dependente pressão arterial foi categorizada em normal, pré-hipertensão e hipertensão. Para análise múltipla, foi utilizada a Regressão Logística Multinomial. A prevalência da hipertensão arterial foi de 21,8% e da pré-hipertensão foi de 25,9%. As chances de se desenvolver a hipertensão arterial e a pré hipertensão foram maiores nos profissionais do sexo masculino, com idade ≥40 anos, em trabalhadores com vínculo empregatício concursado e naqueles obesos ou com sobrepeso. O uso de medicamento contínuo e o trabalho no turno noturno estiveram associados à hipertensão e pré-hipertensão, respectivamente. A prevalência de hipertensão arterial no grupo de trabalhadores foi menor do que a da população brasileira. São necessários estudos com trabalhadores desse grupo e investimentos em medidas preventivas e que incentivem a mudança para um estilo de vida saudável.

Abstract The objective was to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with prehypertension and hypertension among health workers who work in high-complexity services for critically-ill and chronic patients. An epidemiological, cross-sectional study was carried out with 490 health workers in the macroregional region of Northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. The dependent variable blood pressure (BP) was categorized as normal BP, prehypertension and hypertension. Multinomial Logistic Regression was used for the multiple analysis. The prevalence of arterial hypertension was 21.8% and that of prehypertension was 25.9%. The chances of developing arterial hypertension and prehypertension were higher in male professionals, aged ≥40 years, in civil servant workers and those who were obese or overweight. The use of continuous medication and night shift work were associated with hypertension and prehypertension, respectively. The prevalence of arterial hypertension in the group of workers was lower than that of the Brazilian population. It is necessary to carry out studies with workers from this group and investments are required in preventive measures that encourage a change to a healthy lifestyle.

The relationship between chronic pain, prehypertension, and hypertension. A population-based cross-sectional survey in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Chronic pain and hypertension are highly prevalent in both developing and developed countries. Although they may appear to be two separate phenomena, several studies in developed countries have found them associated at the population level. Studies in developing countries are scarce and association between pain with prehypertension are rarely explored. The objective of this study was to explore the potential association between prehypertension, hypertension, and chronic pain in a Saudi population.Methods: A cross-sectional general population-based study was conducted on a random sample of employees and university students over a period of 6 months from January 2016 to June 2016 in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia. A total of 1200 general population adults (aged 18 years and above) were invited to participate in the study.Results: With a response rate of 85.9%, 1031 individuals were included in the final analysis. Among the general population of Al-Kharj, statistically significant association was found between age and chronic pain [Odds ratio (OR) = 1.764 [95% C.I. = 1.391-1.927], P < 0.0001] and between hypertension and chronic pain [(OR) = 1.039 [95% C.I. = 1.018-1.060], P < 0.0001], respectively. The association between prehypertension and chronic pain was not statistically significant [(OR) = 1.211 [95% C.I. = 0.879-1.668, P = 0.243].Conclusion: Results of this survey suggests a statistically significant relationship between hypertension (but not prehypertension) and chronic pain. The temporality of the relationship between hypertension and chronic needs to be explored in future longitudinal studies.

Zinc deficiency is an independent risk factor for prehypertension in healthy subjects.

Objective: To assess whether zinc deficiency is associated with prehypertension (preHTN) in apparently healthy subjects. Design: Apparently healthy women and men, aged 20 to 60 years were enrolled into a case-control study. Individuals with and without preHTN were allocated into the case and control groups, respectively. Hypertension, liver disease, renal disease, smoking, pregnancy, diabetes, malignancy, hypernatremia, hypomagnesemia, medical treatment, and use of supplements containing zinc were exclusion criteria. PreHTN was defined by systolic blood pressure (SBP) and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 120-139 mmHg and/or of 80-89 mmHg, respectively, and the zinc deficiency by serum zinc levels < 74 µg/dL in men and < 70 µg/dL in women. Results: In total, 142 subjects (90 women and 52 men) were enrolled and allocated in the case (n = 71) and control (n = 71) groups. In the overall population, the frequency of zinc deficiency was 11.1%; individuals in the case group showed significant higher frequency of zinc deficiency as compared with the control group (16.9% vs 5.5%, p = 0.04). The logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between zinc deficiency and preHTN (OR = 4.61; 95% CI: 1.24-17.12, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Our results suggest that zinc deficiency is associated with the presence of preHTN in apparently healthy subjects.

Prevalence and risk factors of prehypertension in university students in Sabah, Borneo Island of East Malaysia.

Unhealthy lifestyle contributes mainly to an increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases including hypertension and cardiovascular diseases tend to increase in Malaysia. These diseases lead to an increased risk of end organ damage and cardiovascular complications. In this study, the prevalence of prehypertension and its associated risk factors among a cohort of university students in Sabah was determined.This is a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted among 365 undergraduate students irrespective of faculties at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). Standardized and validated World Health Organization (WHO) STEPS questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic data. Additionally, clinical and anthropometric data were measured and recorded by a trained staff, followed by descriptive and logistic regression analyses.A total of 365 UMS undergraduate students aged 18 years and above participated in the study. The prevalence of prehypertension among university students was high (31%) (95% CI [29.1%, 34.3%]). Well-known risk factors for hypertension including family history of hypertension, reduced sleep duration, reduced physical activity, smoking, being overweight or obese were significantly associated with the risk of developing prehypertension (P < .05) among UMS students. However, no association was observed between ethnicity, age, and gender with prehypertension.A worryingly high percentage of UMS students are prehypertensive, indicating the need of early preventive strategies aimed at increasing awareness, early screening, and lifestyle modification to reduce the rising burden of the disease and the associated complications in this age group.

Using blood pressure height index to define hypertension among secondary school adolescents in southwestern Uganda.

Hypertension is the number one risk factor for cardiovascular diseases worldwide and yet its diagnosis among adolescents, based on blood pressure percentiles which are age, height, and sex-specific, is complex. Our study intended to determine the suitability of blood pressure height index in defining adolescent hypertension among secondary school adolescents aged 12-17 years in Mbarara municipality, southwestern Uganda. Our study used data of 485 secondary school adolescents of which 173 were boys. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the performance of systolic blood pressure height index (SBPHI) and diastolic blood pressure height index (DBPHI) for screening for adolescent prehypertension and hypertension. The optimal systolic/diastolic thresholds for defining prehypertension were 0.70/0.43 mmHg/cm in boys and 0.76/0.43 in girls. The corresponding values for hypertension were 0.78/0.43 and 0.77/0.48 mmHg/cm, respectively. The negative predictive values were much higher (all ≥ 95%) for prehypertension and hypertension, while the positive predictive value was 100% for hypertension in both sexes. In conclusion, Blood pressure height index is simple and accurate for screening for prehypertension and hypertension in adolescents aged 12-17 years hence can be used for early screening of adolescents at high risk of hypertension but not its diagnosis.

Prevalence of major cardiovascular disease risk factors among a group of sub-Saharan African young adults: a population-based cross-sectional study in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence estimates of some major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a young adult-aged population living in Yaoundé, Cameroon. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study held from May to July 2017. SETTING: PARTICIPANTS: Students aged 18-35 years, with no known history of CVD, found at the campus during recruitment and who voluntarily agreed to be included in the study. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were collected on personal and family history as well as lifestyle and nutritional habits; anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were also measured. Prevalence rates were calculated with their respective 95% CI. RESULTS: Overall, 931 participants (53.8% males) were included, with a median age of 23 years (IQR 21-25). The prevalence estimates for some major CVD risk factors were: 3.1% (95% CI 2.0 to 4.2) for family history of heart attack, 6.3% (95% CI 4.7 to 7.9) for family history of stroke, 26.7% (95% CI 23.9 to 29.5) for hazardous alcohol consumption, 0.9% (95% 0.3 to 1.5) for current tobacco smoking, 27.6% (95% CI 24.7 to 30.5) for secondhand smoking, 88.9% (95% CI 86.9 to 90.9) for physical inactivity, 99.0% (95% CI 98.4 to 99.6) for inadequate fruits and/or vegetables consumption, 39.8% (95% CI 36.7 to 42.9) for self-reported anxiety, 49.2% (95% CI 46.0 to 52.4) for self-reported depression, 22.1% (95% CI 19.4 to 24.8) for overweight, 3.9% (95% CI 2.7 to 5.1) for obesity, 14.4% (95% CI 12.1 to 16.7) for abdominal obesity, 14.5% (95% CI 12.2 to 16.8) for excess body fat mass, 30.0% (95% CI 27.1 to 32.9) for suspected prehypertension and 2.8% (95% CI 1.7 to 3.9) for suspected hypertension. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of some major CVD risk factors is high among young adults living in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Therefore, specific actions should be undertaken in this population to mitigate the upcoming burden of CVD. Accordingly, younger-aged adult populations should be encouraged and accompanied to practice physical activity, eat healthily, and stop or avoid smoking and/or hazardous alcohol consumption.

Hypertension and its risk factors among male adolescents in intermediate and secondary schools in Sakaka City, Aljouf Region of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: Hypertension among adolescents is an emerging public health problem. The current study aims to estimate the burden of hypertension and identify its risk factors among male adolescents of intermediate and secondary schools. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a school-based cross-sectional study that targeted 400 male adolescents in the age group of 15-17 years. Blood pressure was defined as per the "Fourth report on the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure in children and adolescents". An electronic device approved for use by the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010, (Omron M3W; HEM-7202-E) was used for measuring blood pressure. CDC's body mass index tool was adopted for defining overweight and obesity. Descriptive analysis for hypertension and the risk factors were carried out. Chi-square test and odds ratios were calculated to assess any association between categorical variables. RESULTS: Overall 36 (9.0%) adolescents had prehypertension and 69 (17.2%) had hypertension. Systolic prehypertension, systolic hypertension, diastolic prehypertension, and diastolic hypertension were present in 6.5%, 17.2%, 5.8%, and 9.0% of the adolescents, respectively. Bivariate analysis revealed that overweight and obesity, no physical activity, or once-a-week physical activity, positive family history of hypertension, and smoking were predictors of systolic prehypertension and showed a significant relationship with systolic hypertension. CONCLUSION: There is a considerable prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension, among school-going male adolescents. We recommend school-based health education programs and routine screening directed toward the risk factors of noncommunicable diseases like hypertension with special attention to obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking.

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and the Associated Risk of Elevated Blood Pressure: A Cross-sectional Analysis of 3- to 17-Year-Olds in Germany.

BACKGROUND: As the prevalence of obesity and high blood pressure increases among the population, early action is needed to reduce blood pressure. Certain lifestyles during pregnancy have negative effects resulting in high blood pressure for children and adolescents. Using data from the "German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents" (KiGGS), this study analyzed: (i) the association between low-to-moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and the risk of increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure and (ii) whether associations were modified by socioeconomic status (SES), prenatal smoke exposure (PSE), and body mass index (BMI) of the children and adolescents. METHODS: We applied multivariate logistic regression analyses and stratified analyses by SES, PSE, and BMI with cross-sectional data from the KiGGS study (N = 14,253) to examine the association between PAE and prehypertension or hypertension in 3- to 17-year-olds. RESULTS: Of the surveyed children and adolescents, 13.7% had a systolic prehypertension and 11.5% had a diastolic prehypertension. A further 7.5% were identified as having systolic hypertension and 6.0% diastolic hypertension. In the regression analyses, PAE resulted in a decreased risk of systolic prehypertension (odds ratio [OR]: 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70, 0.99) and diastolic prehypertension (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.98). Risk reductions were not significant in surveyed children and adolescents with hypertension. Interactions between PAE and SES, PSE, and offspring BMI were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to our initial hypothesis, PAE reduces the risk of prehypertension. Animal studies suggest that vasodilation is induced by nitric oxide in small quantities of PAE.

Preconception blood pressure and time to pregnancy among couples attempting to conceive their first pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The association of abnormal blood pressure levels (including hypertension and prehypertension) with reduced fecundability among young childbearing-age couples is not yet elucidated completely. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between abnormal preconception blood pressure level and time to pregnancy among couples who are attempting to conceive their first pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 2,234,350 eligible couples (with no previous gravidity and whose female partners were 20-49 years old) participated in the National Free Preconception Check-up Projects from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2016. Each couples' preconception blood pressure levels were measured, and time to pregnancy was recorded. Cox models for discrete survival time were used to estimate fecundability odds ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals after adjustment for age, ethnicity, educational level, occupation, household registration, region, tobacco exposure, alcohol intake, body mass index, duration of marriage of the couples, and fasting plasma glucose levels of the female partner. RESULTS: Compared with normotensive women, those women with hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg) had a 21% lower pregnancy rate (fecundability odds ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.78-0.81). A similar finding was found among men (fecundability odds ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-0.90). Prehypertension (systolic blood pressure between 120 and 139 mm Hg, and/or a diastolic blood pressure between 80 and 89 mm Hg) in both male and female partners was associated slightly with reduced fecundability odds ratios. Compared with couples in which both partners were normotensive, the pregnancy rate was reduced by 27% (fecundability odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.69-0.77) among couples in which both partners had hypertension. CONCLUSION: Abnormal preconception blood pressure levels were associated with prolonged time to pregnancy among couples who were attempting to conceive their first pregnancy; the mechanism is worth further investigation.

The triglycerides and glucose index is associated with elevated blood pressure in apparently healthy children and adolescents.

Prevalence of elevated blood pressure in pediatric population has been increasing worldwide. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine whether the triglycerides and glucose (TyG) index is associated with the presence of prehypertension or hypertension in children and adolescents. Apparently healthy children aged 6 to 15 years were enrolled in a population-based cross-sectional study. Participants were allocated into groups with normal blood pressure (NBP), prehypertension, and hypertension. Smoking, alcohol intake, pregnancy, previous diagnosis of diabetes, kidney, hepatic, or endocrine diseases were exclusion criteria. NBP was defined by systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure < 90th percentile, prehypertension by systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90th < 95th percentile, and hypertension by systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 95th percentile, according to age, sex, and height percentiles. A total of 3589 children were enrolled, 1748 (49%) girls and 1841 (51%) boys, and allocated into groups with NBP (n = 2874), prehypertension (n = 271), and hypertension (n = 444). The multiple logistic regression analysis stratified by age and adjusted by the Z-score/SDS of body mass index and waist circumference showed that elevated TyG index was significantly associated with prehypertension (OR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.08-2.05) and hypertension (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.26-2.11).Conclusion: The results of the present study shows that the elevated TyG index is significantly associated with the presence of prehypertension and hypertension in children and adolescents. What is Known: • Prevalence of elevated blood pressure in children and adolescents has been increasing worldwide. • Insulin resistance plays a key role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. What is New: • The elevated TyG index is significantly associated with the presence of prehypertension in children aged 6-9 years and adolescents aged 10-15 years. • The elevated TyG index is significantly associated with the presence of hypertension in children aged 6-9 years and adolescents aged 10-15 years.

Prehypertension and its Risk Factors in Suburban Nepal -Findings from the Dhulikhel Heart Study.

Background Prehypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure of 120-139 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 mmHg, leads to higher rates of incident hypertension, and is associated with excess morbidity and deaths from cardiovascular diseases. Objective To estimate the prevalence of and examine the factors associated with prehypertension in Dhulikhel. Method This cross-sectional study utilized data from the 752 participants of the Dhulikhel Heart Study (DHS). The data collectors interviewed the participants at their home using a tablet based structured pre-tested questionnaire and measured blood pressure using a standard digital blood pressure machine (Microlife, Switzerland). Multivariate analysis was conducted using generalized estimating equations with multivariate logistic regression (with household as cluster) adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, marital status, income, education, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, body mass index (BMI) and food consumption. Result Males had a three-fold higher odds of prehypertension than females (OR:3.17, 95% CI:1.91-5.26). The odds of prehypertension increased with being overweight (OR:2.29, 95% CI:1.42-3.70) and with being obese (OR:5.00, 95% CI:1.81-13.79) compared to normal BMI. Education reduced the odds of developing prehypertension (OR:0.51, 95% CI:0.29-0.91). Those who met the recommended level of physical activity (OR:0.61, 95% CI:0.40-0.95) also were associated with lower prehypertension prevalence. Conclusion Obese/overweight and being male increased the odds of prehypertension whereas formal education and recommended level of physical activities were associated with lower prehypertension prevalence. Primordial prevention against cardiovascular risk factors at the community level, especially targeting the young adult male, is imperative.

Prevalencia de hipertensión enmascarada en niños con factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de hipertensión arterial / Prevalence of masked hypertension among children with risk factors for arterial hypertension

Introducción. La hipertensión enmascarada (HE) en niños se define por registros de presión arterial normal en la consulta y elevados fuera de ella. El monitoreo ambulatorio de presión arterial de 24 horas (MAPA) permite su diagnóstico. Existe poca información sobre su prevalencia en nuestra población. Objetivo. Estimar la prevalencia de HE en niños con factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de hipertensión arterial. Material y método. Estudio prospectivo, observacional, corte transversal. Se incluyeron en forma consecutiva pacientes asistidos en el Hospital General de Niños P. de Elizalde entre 1/7/2015 y 1/12/2016, de 5 a 11 años, con presión arterial normal y, al menos, un factor de riesgo para hipertensión arterial. Se realizó MAPA durante 24 horas (SpaceLabs 90207/90217). Muestra estimada: 110 pacientes. Se contó con las aprobaciones pertinentes. Resultados. Se incluyeron 110 pacientes, edad de 8,7 ± 1,8 años, 60 mujeres. Tiempo de MAPA: 23,18 ± 1,8 horas. Tenían antecedentes neonatales 23 pacientes; todos tenían, al menos, un antecedente personal (los más frecuentes, ingesta aumentada de sal y obesidad); 101 tenían, al menos, un antecedente familiar. El MAPA permitió identificar a 10 pacientes con HE (9,1%; IC 95%: 5,1-15,9); 7 con hipertensión nocturna aislada (6,4%; IC 95%: 3,1-23,5) y 28, prehipertensión (25,4%; IC 95%: 18,2-34,3). Los 10 pacientes con HE fueron 7 varones, 9 obesos y con, al menos, un antecedente familiar. Conclusión. La prevalencia de HE en niños con factores de riesgo de desarrollar hipertensión arterial fue cercana al 10%.

Introduction. Masked hypertension (MH) in children is defined as normal office blood pressure values and high values outside the clinical setting. The 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is helpful for diagnosis. There is little information on MH prevalence in our population. Objective. To estimate the prevalence of MH in children with risk factors for arterial hypertension. Material and method. Prospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Patients seen at Hospital General de Niños "P. de Elizalde" between July 1st, 2015 and December 1st, 2016, aged 5-11 years, with normal blood pressure and at least one risk factor for arterial hypertension were included in consecutive order. A 24-hour ABPM was done (SpaceLabs 90207/90217). Estimated sample: 110 patients. All relevant authorizations were obtained. Results. One hundred and ten patients aged 8.7 ± 1.8 years were included; 60 were girls. ABPM duration: 23.18 ± 1.8 hours. Twenty-three patients had neonatal history; all had at least one factor corresponding to personal history (the most common ones were increased salt intake and obesity); 101 had at least one factor corresponding to family history. ABPM helped to identify 10 patients with MH (9.1%; 95% confidence interval --1;CI--3;: 5.1-15.9); 7 had isolated nocturnal hypertension (6.4%; 95% CI: 3.1-23.5) and 28 had prehypertension (25.4%; 95% CI: 18.234.3). Among the 10 patients with MH, 7 were boys, 9 were obese and had at least one factor corresponding to family history. Conclusion. The prevalence of MH in children with risk factors for arterial hypertension was close to 10%.

Risk factors for prehypertension and their interactive effect: a cross- sectional survey in China.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with prehypertension are at higher risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, while the interaction between factors may aggravate prehypertension risk. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for prehypertension in Chinese middle-aged and elderly adults, and explore the potentially interactive effect of evaluated factors. METHODS: All the participants that came from a community based cross-sectional survey were investigated in Bengbu, China, by being interviewed with a questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI), Waist circumference (WC) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) that reflect participants' obesity were also calculated. In addition, logistic regression model was applied to explore the risk factors of prehypertension, followed by the assessment of the interactive effects between risk factors on prehypertension by the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion due to interaction (AP) and synergy index (SI). RESULTS: A total of 1777 participants were enrolled in this study, among which the prevalence of normtension, prehypertension and hypertension were 41.70%, 33.93% and 24.37% respectively. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, age (OR: 1.01, 95%CI: 1.00-1.02), smoking (OR: 1.67, 95%CI: 1.22-2.29), family history of cardiovascular diseases (OR: 1.52, 95%CI: 1.14-2.02), general obesity (OR: 1.51, 95%CI: 1.15-1.97) and LAP (OR: 2.58, 95%CI: 1.76-3.80) were all defined as the major factors that significantly related with the risk of prehypertension. When identifying prehypertension risk, the receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves (AUC) analysis indicated that LAP performed better than BMI in males (Z = 2.05, P = 0.03) and females (Z = 2.12, P = 0.03), but was superior to WC only in females (Z = 2.43, P = 0.01). What is more, there were significant interactive effects of LAP with family history of cardiovascular diseases (RERI: 1.88, 95%CI: 0.25-3.51; AP: 0.44, 95%CI: 0.20-0.69; SI: 2.37, 95%CI: 1.22-4.60) and smoking (RERI: 1.99, 95%CI: 0.04-3.93; AP: 0.42, 95%CI: 0.17-0.67; SI: 2.16, 95%CI: 1.68-4.00) on prehypertension risk. The value of AP (0.40, 95%CI: 0.03-0.77) also indicated a significant interaction between family history of cardiovascular diseases and smoking on prehypertension. CONCLUSION: Prehypertension is currently prevalent in Chinese adults. This study indicated that age, family history of cardiovascular diseases, smoking, general obesity and LAP were significantly related with prehypertension risk. Furthermore, interactive effects on risk of prehypertension had been demonstrated in this study as well, which would help researchers to build strategy against prehypertension more comprehensively and scientifically.