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Prevalence of Primary Hypertension and Risk Factors in Grade XII Learners in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Authors :
Rajendra Bhimma
Elaene Naicker
Verena Gounden
Louansha Nandlal
Cathy Connolly
Sudesh Hariparshad
Source :
International Journal of Hypertension, Vol 2018 (2018)
Publication Year :
2018
Publisher :
Wiley, 2018.

Abstract

Hypertension in childhood leads to hypertension in adult life, the strongest risk factor being obesity. This study determined the prevalence of primary hypertension and its risk factors in Grade XII learners in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, from March 2016 to June 2017. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), random finger prick cholesterol and glucose, and spot urine for an albumin : creatinine ratio were measured. An average of three separate blood pressure readings taken was at least 5 minutes apart. Five hundred and sixty-four learners had weight, height, and BMI; 536 had random blood glucose; and 545 had cholesterol and random spot urine albumin : creatinine ratios measured. Prehypertension was detected in 168 (29.7%) and hypertension in 77 (13.7%) of learners. Ninety (15.9%) were overweight and 75 (13,3%) were obese. Hypercholesterolaemia was present in 58 (10.8%) and a high spot random urine albumin : creatinine ratio in 5 (1.0%). None had a high blood glucose level. Both prehypertension and hypertension in all learners showed a significant increase with increasing BMI. Six (1.0%) learners had metabolic syndrome. Female learners in other racial groups (defined as Indian, mixed race, and White learners), overweight, and obese learners showed significantly higher rates of hypercholesterolaemia. We showed overweight and obesity as risk factors for prehypertension and hypertension. This presages the need for an appropriate diet and adequate exercise in a child’s school career.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20900384 and 20900392
Volume :
2018
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
International Journal of Hypertension
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.7f5a76ae451f49948711011c752e9724
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3848591