An Anthropometric Study Of The Children And Young Adults (5-18 Years Old) Of Hypertensive And Normotensive Parents Belonging To Middle Income Areas Of Lahore Pakistan.

Abstract

A total number of 200 children and young adults (5-18 years) of the hypertensive and normotensive parents belonging to middle class socioeconomic status were included in this study. 100 children of the normotensive parents formed the control group (Group-I) and the experimental group was constituted by the hundred children of hypertensive parents. (Group- II). The height, weight, pulse rate and blood pressure of these subjects was recorded on two separate occasions to obtain the mean values. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure in children of the hypertensive parents was found to be on the higher side and these children were relatively obese. This study showed a relationship between blood pressure, age and different indices of body mass. Height independent of weight showed on significant association with blood pressure but a highly significant association (P<0.0001) was seen with blood pressure when height and weight algorithm wt (kg)/Ht (m2) was taken. Analysis of the subjects in different age groups suggests that age may affect blood pressure levels in children independent of height and weight. Pulse rate showed no significant difference (P<0.85) within the two groups.