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BMI effect on BP varies by race in children
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Black children referred for treatment of obesity had significantly higher BP compared with white children referred for treatment at an obesity clinic in Indianapolis, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s High Blood Pressure Research 2012 Scientific Sessions.
Researchers evaluated the effect of age and body weight on BP in 821 children (515 girls; 459 black; mean age, 12 years; mean BMI, 36.2) being treated for obesity. At baseline, mean systolic and diastolic BP were 109.3 mm Hg and 69.9 mm Hg, respectively.
In black children, BP was, on average, 8% higher than white children of similar weight and age.
Black and white children were similar in age, but black patients had higher mean BMI and higher systolic BP vs. white children.
Although age and BMI were associated with systolic BP in both race groups, black children had significantly higher BP values vs. white children of the same age and BMI.
“Among children referred for treatment of obesity, there are race-dependent differences in the effect of BMI on BP. Black children are at a significantly greater risk for having elevated BP as compared with their white peers of similar age and severity of obesity,” the researchers said. “Further research is needed to better understand this population-specific intensification of the adiposity effect on BP, as this has implications for clinical care and treatment of hypertension in black children.”
For more information:
Hannon T. Abstract #462. Presented at: the American Heart Association’s High Blood Pressure Research 2012 Scientific Sessions; Sept. 19-22, 2012; Washington, D.C.
Disclosure: The study was funded by the NIH and Indiana University Purdue University Signature Center Initiative. Tu reports receiving a research grant in support of this study. All other researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.