Abstract

CANGAS GARCIA, Sergio Ricel et al. Screening of hypertension in adolescents. Rev Ciencias Médicas [online]. 2011, vol.15, n.1, pp. 103-115. ISSN 1561-3194.

Hypertension in childhood constitutes a health problem with multi-factorial etiology. A descriptive and cross-sectional study about hypertension in children and adolescents was conducted at "Pepe Portilla" Children Teaching Hospital during 2008-2009. The study was aimed at screening hypertension in adolescents to determine possible causal factors in its development. The target group was comprised of 700 adolescents enrolled at "Combate de Bacunagua" Secondary School in Pinar del Rio. The sample (375 students) was determined by means of a simple randomized sampling, the total chosen as: normal increased or hypertension following the criteria of diagnosis. Surveys by means of a questionnaire, descriptive and contingency statistical methods were as well used. Male sex was the most affected in both groups. Obesity and salt consumption were among the risk factors of greater incidence; which indicated an inadequate lifestyle having a negative influence in blood pressure. History of hypertension influenced on higher figures of blood pressure. Nutritional assessment was mainly determined by obese, over-weighted adolescents and associated diseases. Complementary tests showed alterations regarding cardiovascular functions. The majority of the adolescents had not taken their blood pressure in previous studies.

Keywords : HYPERTENSION [prevention]; HYPERTENSION [control].

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