Multiple cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents from a middle-income country: Prevalence and associated factors.

Multiple cardiovascular risk factors are directly related to the severity of atherosclerosis, even in children and adolescents. In this context accurate assessment of risk factors at the individual level play a decisive role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, the frequency of their coexistence in individuals, and identify possible determinants associated with this coexistence in Brazilian adolescents. A cross-sectional study with 1170 students (12-17 years) from public and private schools of a large city was conducted. In addition to family history, modifiable cardiovascular risk factors were assessed including: tobacco use, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, overweight/obesity, increased waist circumference, and high blood pressure (office and home). We built a linear regression model to identify determinants associated with increasing number of modifiable risk factors. Mean study population age was 14.7±1.6 years, 67% were enrolled in public schools and 33% in private ones. The majority of the adolescents had at least two risk factors (68.9%), more than 10% had more than 4 risk factors, and in only 6.7% of the sample no risk factor was identified. Family history of CVD (ß-coefficient = 1.20; 95%CI 1.07-1.34; p<0.001), increasing age (ß-coefficient = 0.08; 95%CI 0.04-0.11; p<0.001), and being enrolled in private schools (ß-coefficient = 0.16; 95%CI 0.02-0.30; p = 0.023) were directly associated with the modifiable CV risk factors. In conclusion, the prevalence of multiple cardiovascular risk factors was high in the population of adolescents studied. School based interventions should be addressed to change this scenario.

Birth weight and its association with blood pressure and nutritional status in adolescents / Peso ao nascer e sua associação com pressão arterial e estado nutricional em adolescentes

Abstract Objective The management of children with low birth weight is not the same in countries with different resources. The authors assessed the association of birth weight with blood pressure and nutritional status in a representative sample of adolescents from a Brazilian state, aiming to identify possible consequences of these differences. Methods A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted with adolescents (12-18 years) enrolled in public and private schools. Birth weight, office blood pressure, home blood pressure measurements, and nutritional status (body mass index, height z-score for the age, and waist circumference) were assessed. The association of birth weight with the outcomes (blood pressure, height, body mass index, and waist circumference) was studied through univariate and multivariable linear regression models. Results A total of 829 adolescents with a mean age of 14.6 ± 1.62 years were included; 43.3% were male, and 37.0% from private schools. The prevalence of low birth weight was 8.7%. Mild low height prevalence was higher among those adolescents with low/insufficient birth weight when compared to those with normal/high birth weight (11.7 vs. 4.2%; p < 0.001). In the multiple linear regression analysis, for each increase of 100 g in birth weight, height increased by 0.28 cm (95% CI: 0.18-0.37; p < 0.01). Birth weight did not influence office blood pressure and home blood pressure, body mass index, or waist circumference of adolescents. Conclusions Birth weight was directly associated to height, but not associated to blood pressure, body mass index, and waist circumference in adolescents from an urban area of a developing country.

Resumo Objetivo O manejo de crianças com baixo peso ao nascer não é o mesmo em países com diferentes recursos. Investigamos a associação do peso ao nascer com a pressão arterial e o estado nutricional em uma amostra representativa de adolescentes de uma capital brasileira com o objetivo de identificar possíveis consequências destas diferenças. Métodos Estudo transversal de base escolar conduzido com adolescentes (12-18 anos) matriculados em escolas públicas e privadas. Investigou-se o peso ao nascer, a pressão arterial, e o estado nutricional, por meio do índice de massa corporal, do escore z de estatura para idade e da circunferência da cintura. Resultados Um total de 829 adolescentes com uma idade média 14.6 ± 1.62 anos foram incluídos, 43.3% do sexo feminino e 37.0% de escolas privadas. A prevalência de baixo peso ao nascer foi 8.7%. Baixa estatura leve foi mais prevalente nos adolescentes com peso ao nascer baixo/insuficiente (11.7 × 4.2% - p < 0.001). Na análise de regressão linear múltipla, para cada aumento de 100 g no peso ao nascer, a estatura aumentou em 0.28 cm (IC 95% = 0.18-0.37; p < 0.01). O peso ao nascer não influenciou a pressão arterial (casual e residencial), o índice de massa corporal e a circunferência da cintura dos adolescentes. Conclusões O peso ao nascer esteve diretamente associado à altura, mas não associado à pressão arterial, índice de massa corporal e circunferência da cintura em adolescentes de uma área urbana de um país em desenvolvimento.

White-coat, masked and sustained hypertension detected by home blood pressure monitoring in adolescents: prevalence and associated factors.

PURPOSE: Population-based studies estimating prevalence's of white-coat, masked and sustained hypertension in non-European adolescents are needed, particularly in developing countries. Aiming to determine these estimates and, additionally identify factors associated to these conditions this study was conducted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study with a representative sample of secondary school students from a Brazilian state capital. Office measurements were performed with validated semi-automatic devices. Home BP (blood pressure) monitoring protocol included two day-time and two evening-time measurements over 6 days. Adolescents' were classified as: normotensives (office and home BP <95th percentile); sustained hypertensives (office and home BP ≥95th percentile); white-coat hypertensives (office BP ≥95th percentile and home BP <95th percentile) and masked hypertensives (office BP <95th percentile and home BP ≥95th percentile). Logistic regression models were built to identify if sex, age, BMI and family history of HTN were independently associated with white-coat, masked and sustained hypertension. RESULTS: In a sample of 1024 adolescents, prevalence of white-coat, masked and sustained hypertension was 7.5%, 2.2% and 1.7%, respectively. Male sex was positively associated with white-coat hypertension (OR 2.68; 95%CI 1.58-4.54; p < 0.001). BMI was positively associated with both white-coat (OR 1.23; 95%CI 1.16-1.30; p < 0.001) and sustained hypertension (OR 1.19; 95%CI 1.11-1.29; p < 0.001). None of the independent variables were associated with masked hypertension in this population. CONCLUSION: The estimated prevalence of white-coat hypertension, masked and sustained hypertension in a population of non-European adolescents assessed by home BP monitoring was 7.5%, 2.2% and 1.7% respectively. Male sex was positively associated with white-coat hypertension in these adolescents while BMI was positively associated with both white-coat and sustained hypertension.

Home blood pressure normalcy in non-European adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence on normal range of home blood pressure (BP) in adolescents relies on only one European study. This study aims to investigate the normal range of home BP in a healthy non-European population of adolescents. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with a representative sample of secondary school students (12-17 years) from a Brazilian state capital. Adolescents' heights were classified in percentiles according to age and sex. Height percentiles were divided in 50th or less or more than 50th percentile. The home BP protocol included two day-time and two evening-time measurements over 6 days. Exams were considered valid with at least 12 measurements. RESULTS: A total of 1024 adolescents were included, mean age 15.21 ±â€Š1.61 years, mostly women (52.4%), from public schools (68.4%) and nonwhite (51.3%). The 50th (midpoint of distribution) and the 95th percentile (upper normal limit) for home SBP and DBP in adolescents are provided by sex, age and height percentiles. There was a marked increase in the estimated 95th percentile for home SBP with increasing age in men for both height percentiles examined (16 mmHg for ≤50th percentile and 14.5 mmHg for >50th percentile) and less so for home DBP (1 and 5 mmHg, respectively). In women, the 95th percentile increase with age was less significant for SBP and similar for DBP when compared with men in the two height percentiles evaluated (6/2 mmHg for ≤50th percentile and 4/4 mmHg for >50th percentile). CONCLUSION: Reference values for home BP by height percentiles for age and sex in a non-European population of adolescents are provided.

Birth weight and its association with blood pressure and nutritional status in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The management of children with low birth weight is not the same in countries with different resources. The authors assessed the association of birth weight with blood pressure and nutritional status in a representative sample of adolescents from a Brazilian state, aiming to identify possible consequences of these differences. METHODS: A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted with adolescents (12-18 years) enrolled in public and private schools. Birth weight, office blood pressure, home blood pressure measurements, and nutritional status (body mass index, height z-score for the age, and waist circumference) were assessed. The association of birth weight with the outcomes (blood pressure, height, body mass index, and waist circumference) was studied through univariate and multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS: A total of 829 adolescents with a mean age of 14.6±1.62 years were included; 43.3% were male, and 37.0% from private schools. The prevalence of low birth weight was 8.7%. Mild low height prevalence was higher among those adolescents with low/insufficient birth weight when compared to those with normal/high birth weight (11.7 vs. 4.2%; p<0.001). In the multiple linear regression analysis, for each increase of 100g in birth weight, height increased by 0.28cm (95% CI: 0.18-0.37; p<0.01). Birth weight did not influence office blood pressure and home blood pressure, body mass index, or waist circumference of adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Birth weight was directly associated to height, but not associated to blood pressure, body mass index, and waist circumference in adolescents from an urban area of a developing country.

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring as an Alternative to Confirm Diagnoses of Hypertension in Adolescents with Elevated Office Blood Pressure from a Brazilian State Capital / Monitorização Residencial da Pressão Arterial (MRPA) como alternativa para confirmação diagnóstica de Hipertensão Arterial em adolescentes de uma capital brasileira com pressão de consultório elevada

Abstract Background: Regional differences of using home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) as an alternative to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in hypertensive adolescents are unknown. Objectives: Define if HBPM is an option to confirm diagnoses of hypertension in adolescents from a Brazilian capital with elevated office blood pressure (BP). Methods: Adolescents (12-18years) from public and private schools with BP > 90th percentile were studied to compare and evaluate the agreement among office BP measurements, HBPM and ambulatory BP monitoring. Office BP measurements, HBPM and ABPM were performed according to guidelines recommendations. Semi-automatic devices were used for BP measurements. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: We included 133 predominantly males (63.2%) adolescents with a mean age of 15±1.6 years. HBPM systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure mean values were similar to the daytime ABPM values (120.3 ± 12.6 mmHg x 121.5 ± 9.8 mmHg - p = 0.111 and 69.4 ± 7.7 mmHg x 70.2 ± 6.6 mmHg - p = 0.139) and lower than the office measurement values (127.3 ± 13.8 mmHg over 74.4 ± 9.5 mmHg - p < 0,001). The Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between HBPM and ABPM. Conclusions: HBPM is an option to confirm diagnoses of hypertension in adolescents from a Brazilian state capital with elevated office BP and can be used as an alternative to ABPM.

Resumo Fundamentos: São desconhecidas as diferenças regionais na utilização da monitorização residencial da pressão arterial (MRPA) como alternativa à monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial (MAPA) em adolescentes hipertensos. Objetivos: Definir se MRPA é uma opção para confirmar diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial em adolescentes de uma capital brasileira com pressão arterial (PA) elevada. Métodos: Adolescentes (12-18 anos) de escolas públicas e privadas com percentil de PA > 90 foram estudados para comparar e avaliar a concordância entre as medidas de PA, MRPA e MAPA. As medidas de PA de consultório, MRPA e MAPA foram realizadas de acordo com as recomendações das diretrizes. Foram utilizados dispositivos semiautomáticos para medições de PA. Valores de p <0,05 foram considerados significativos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 133 adolescentes predominantemente do sexo masculino (63,2%) com idade média de 15 ± 1,6 anos. Os valores médios da pressão arterial sistólica e pressão arterial diastólica da MRPA foram semelhantes aos valores de MAPA diurnos (120,3 ± 12,6 mmHg x 121,5 ± 9,8 mmHg - p = 0,111 e 69,4 ± 7,7 mmHg x 70,2 ± 6,6 mmHg - p = 0,139) e inferiores aos valores de consultório (127,3 ± 13,8 mmHg por 74,4 ± 9,5 mmHg - p < 0,001). Os gráficos de Bland-Altman mostraram boa concordância entre MRPA e MAPA. Conclusões: MRPA é uma opção para confirmar diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial em adolescentes de uma capital brasileira com PA de consultório elevada e pode ser usada como alternativa à MAPA.

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring as an Alternative to Confirm Diagnoses of Hypertension in Adolescents with Elevated Office Blood Pressure from a Brazilian State Capital.

BACKGROUND: Regional differences of using home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) as an alternative to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in hypertensive adolescents are unknown. OBJECTIVES: Define if HBPM is an option to confirm diagnoses of hypertension in adolescents from a Brazilian capital with elevated office blood pressure (BP). METHODS: Adolescents (12-18years) from public and private schools with BP > 90th percentile were studied to compare and evaluate the agreement among office BP measurements, HBPM and ambulatory BP monitoring. Office BP measurements, HBPM and ABPM were performed according to guidelines recommendations. Semi-automatic devices were used for BP measurements. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: We included 133 predominantly males (63.2%) adolescents with a mean age of 15±1.6 years. HBPM systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure mean values were similar to the daytime ABPM values (120.3 ± 12.6 mmHg x 121.5 ± 9.8 mmHg - p = 0.111 and 69.4 ± 7.7 mmHg x 70.2 ± 6.6 mmHg - p = 0.139) and lower than the office measurement values (127.3 ± 13.8 mmHg over 74.4 ± 9.5 mmHg - p < 0,001). The Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between HBPM and ABPM. CONCLUSIONS: HBPM is an option to confirm diagnoses of hypertension in adolescents from a Brazilian state capital with elevated office BP and can be used as an alternative to ABPM.

Office blood pressure measurements with oscillometric devices in adolescents: a comparison with home blood pressure.

PURPOSE: Compare multiple in office BP measurements in adolescents using an oscillometric device with out-of-office blood pressure measurements (home blood pressure monitoring - HBPM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Office measurements were performed with validated semi-automatic devices twice (3 minutes interval) in two different moments (1 week apart), with a total of four readings. These BP readings were named R1, R2, R3 and R4 (following the sequence they were performed), FDM (mean of two readings on first day) and SDM (mean of two readings on second day) and SRM (R2-R4 means). The HBPM protocol included two day-time and two evening-time measurements over 6 days. RESULTS: A total of 1024 students between 12 and 17 years were included (mean age 14.68 years; 52.4% females). The mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) values of R2, SDM and SRM were similar to HBPM values. Regarding diastolic blood pressure (DBP) HBPM value was different than R4. High SBP and DBP correlation coefficients with HBPM values were found for R2, SDM and SRM values. CONCLUSION: The second office BP measurement performed with an oscilometric device in adolescents was comparable to HBPM values, suggesting that two office readings might be suitable to rule out hypertension in this age group.

Correlation of Insulin Resistance with Anthropometric Measures and Blood Pressure in Adolescents / Correlação da Resistência à Insulina e Medidas Antropométricas com Pressão Arterial de Adolescentes

Abstract Background: Blood pressure is directly related to body mass index, and individuals with increased waist circumference have higher risk of developing hypertension, insulin resistance, and other metabolic changes, since adolescence. Objective: to evaluate the correlation of blood pressure with insulin resistance, waist circumference and body mass index in adolescents. Methods: Cross-section study on a representative sample of adolescent students. One group of adolescents with altered blood pressure detected by casual blood pressure and/or home blood pressure monitoring (blood pressure > 90th percentile) and one group of normotensive adolescents were studied. Body mass index, waist circumference were measured, and fasting glucose and plasma insulin levels were determined, using the HOMA-IR index to identify insulin resistance. Results: A total of 162 adolescents (35 with normal blood pressure and 127 with altered blood pressure) were studied; 61% (n = 99) of them were boys and the mean age was 14.9 ± 1.62 years. Thirty-eight (23.5%) adolescents had altered HOMA-IR. The group with altered blood pressure had higher values of waist circumference, body mass index and HOMA-IR (p<0.05). Waist circumference was higher among boys in both groups (p<0.05) and girls with altered blood pressure had higher HOMA-IR than boys (p<0.05). There was a significant moderate correlation between body mass index and HOMA-IR in the group with altered blood pressure (ρ = 0.394; p < 0.001), and such correlation was stronger than in the normotensive group. There was also a significant moderate correlation between waist circumference and HOMA-IR in both groups (ρ = 0.345; p < 0.05). Logistic regression showed that HOMA-IR was as predictor of altered blood pressure (odds ratio - OR = 2.0; p = 0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant association of insulin resistance with blood pressure and the impact of insulin resistance on blood pressure since childhood. The correlation and association between markers of cardiovascular diseases was more pronounced in adolescents with altered blood pressure, suggesting that primary prevention strategies for cardiovascular risk factors should be early implemented in childhood and adolescence.

Resumo Fundamentos: A pressão arterial (PA) está diretamente relacionada com o índice de massa corporal (IMC), e indivíduos com circunferência da cintura (CC) aumentada apresentam risco maior de desenvolver hipertensão arterial e resistência à insulina, além de outras alterações metabólicas, desde a adolescência. Objetivos: Avaliar a correlação entre resistência à insulina, CC e IMC com PA de adolescentes. Métodos: Estudo transversal com amostra representativa de adolescentes escolares. Foram avaliados um grupo com PA alterada pela medida casual e/ou medida residencial da PA (percentil de PA > 90) e outro com PA normal. Foram também avaliados IMC e CC. Glicemia de jejum e insulina plasmática foram dosados utilizando o índice de HOMA-IR para resistência à insulina. Resultados: Foram estudados 162 adolescentes (35 no Grupo PA normal e 127 no Grupo PA alterada); 61,1% (n = 99) deles eram meninos, e a idade média foi 14,9 ± 1,62 anos. Foram observados 38 adolescentes (23,5%) com HOMA-IR alterado. Os adolescentes com PA alterada apresentaram valores maiores de CC, IMC e HOMA-IR (p < 0,05). A CC foi superior nos meninos dos dois grupos (p < 0,05) e só no Grupo PA alterada foram observados valores de HOMA-IR superiores entre meninas (p < 0,05). A correlação entre IMC e HOMA-IR no Grupo PA alterada foi moderada e significativa (ρ = 0,394; p < 0,001) e superior ao encontrado no Grupo PA normal. A correlação entre CC e HOMA-IR também foi significativa, moderada e semelhante em ambos os grupos (ρ = 0,345; p = < 0,05). Pela regressão logística, HOMA-IR foi preditor de alteração da PA (odds ratio - OR = 2,0; p = 0,001). Conclusões: Houve associação significativa entre resistência à insulina e PA com impacto desde a infância. A correlação e a associação entre os marcadores de risco cardiovasculares mais forte no Grupo PA alterada sugere que medidas de prevenção primária desses fatores de risco devem ser implementadas precocemente.

Correlation of Insulin Resistance with Anthropometric Measures and Blood Pressure in Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Blood pressure is directly related to body mass index, and individuals with increased waist circumference have higher risk of developing hypertension, insulin resistance, and other metabolic changes, since adolescence. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the correlation of blood pressure with insulin resistance, waist circumference and body mass index in adolescents. METHODS: Cross-section study on a representative sample of adolescent students. One group of adolescents with altered blood pressure detected by casual blood pressure and/or home blood pressure monitoring (blood pressure > 90th percentile) and one group of normotensive adolescents were studied. Body mass index, waist circumference were measured, and fasting glucose and plasma insulin levels were determined, using the HOMA-IR index to identify insulin resistance. RESULTS: A total of 162 adolescents (35 with normal blood pressure and 127 with altered blood pressure) were studied; 61% (n = 99) of them were boys and the mean age was 14.9 ± 1.62 years. Thirty-eight (23.5%) adolescents had altered HOMA-IR. The group with altered blood pressure had higher values of waist circumference, body mass index and HOMA-IR (p<0.05). Waist circumference was higher among boys in both groups (p<0.05) and girls with altered blood pressure had higher HOMA-IR than boys (p<0.05). There was a significant moderate correlation between body mass index and HOMA-IR in the group with altered blood pressure (ρ = 0.394; p < 0.001), and such correlation was stronger than in the normotensive group. There was also a significant moderate correlation between waist circumference and HOMA-IR in both groups (ρ = 0.345; p < 0.05). Logistic regression showed that HOMA-IR was as predictor of altered blood pressure (odds ratio - OR = 2.0; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: There was a significant association of insulin resistance with blood pressure and the impact of insulin resistance on blood pressure since childhood. The correlation and association between markers of cardiovascular diseases was more pronounced in adolescents with altered blood pressure, suggesting that primary prevention strategies for cardiovascular risk factors should be early implemented in childhood and adolescence.