Association of increased systolic blood pressure in children with obesity and the metabolic syndrome

INTRODUCTION: Our previous study in British schoolboys suggested a strong relationship between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and obesity. To characterise this relationship further, we analysed the latest United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. METHODS: A total of 1981 participants (1007 boys, 974 girls) of NHANES 2011-12 aged < 20 years (mean age, 13.0 ± 3.5 years) were included in the analysis. The protocol was approved by the National Center for Health Statistics Research Ethics Review Board. Blood pressure was measured by certified personnel, and blood samples were analysed by central laboratories. Lifestyle information was obtained using questionnaires. RESULTS: SBP and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) correlated with body weight (BW) stronger than body mass index or waist circumference (r=0.51 and 0.28 respectively, P < 0.001). SBP correlated more strongly with BW in boys than girls (r=0.57 and 0.38, respectively, P < 0.001), but these correlations became insignificant when adjusted for BW. There was no significant association between SBP or DBP with smoking, alcohol intake, quantity or quality of sleep, hours of television viewing, hours at computer, or amount or rigor of physical exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Increased SBP in children is most strongly related to BW; in boys, it is also associated with components of the metabolic syndrome. Our results emphasise the importance of children’s eating habits