No abstract

Backgound: The adverse association of cardiovascular risk factors in both children and adults with parental history of disease is well recognized. A family history of hypertension has been shown to be a risk factor for the subsequent development of disease. This study is aimed to compare any observed differences in the mean BPs, BMI, Hip waist ratio in children of hypertensive and normotensive parents. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among the 100 students of faculty of medicine of a University. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were taken. Results: Among the 100 participants studied, 63% were male and the average age was 19.76 years (SD ±2.01) with a median of 20 years, varying from 18 to 24 years. The mean systolic blood pressure in males with history of hypertensive parents was 131.7 ± 13.5 as against 121.2 ± 10.1 in females with history of hypertensive parents. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.002). The mean diastolic blood pressure was also significantly higher in males with history of hypertensive parents than females with history of hypertensive parents (86.2 ± 11.3 in males versus 78.7 ± 10.3 in females). The BMI positive correlation with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was found. Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest the need of monitoring the BP of children of hypertensive parents. Health care providers, therefore have an important role to play in educating families and children about approaches that are useful in preventing hypertension.