Blood pressure levels and body mass index in Brazilian adults with Down syndrome

Abstract

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Increased life expectancy among people with Down syndrome (DS) has introduced new environmental factors that may affect blood pressure (BP) and/or lead to obesity in this population. The aim here was to investigate BP levels and body mass index (BMI) in adults with DS, correlating these data with the patients' sex and age. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional observational study conducted in special schools in Curitiba (PR), Brazil. METHODS: 97 adult patients were included. BP was measured in accordance with the established guidelines. BMI was calculated by dividing the weight by the height squared (kg/m 2 ). RESULTS: Sex had no influence on BMI; nor did systolic BP (SBP) or diastolic BP (DBP). The age range was from 18 to 56 years. No correlation was observed between increasing age and greater BMI or BP. Eighty-six individuals (88.7%) presented normal BP, eleven (11.3%) prehypertension and none hypertension. Twenty patients (20.4%) presented BP lower than 90 × 60 mmHg. BMI ranged from 18 to 48 kg/m 2 (mean of 28.8 ± 3.92 kg/m 2 ): 21.9% had normal weight; 40.7% were overweight; and 25.3% had obesity class I, 9.9% class II and 2.2% class III. Higher BMI was associated with significantly greater SBP and DBP (P = 0.0175 and P = 0.0015). CONCLUSION: Sex and age did not influence SBP, DBP or BMI in Brazilian adults with DS. Higher BMI was associated with greater BP (both systolic and diastolic). RESUMOCONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: O aumento da expectativa de vida das pessoas com síndrome de Down (SD) introduziu novos fatores ambientais que podem afetar a pressão sanguínea e/ou levar a obesidade nessa população. O objetivo foi investigar os níveis de pressão arterial (PA) e o índice de massa corporal (IMC) em adultos com SD, correlacionando estes dados com a idade e o gênero dos pacientes. DESENHO E LOCAL: Estudo observacional, transversal e analítico, realizado em escolas especiais em Curitiba (PR), Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 97 pacientes adultos. A aferição da PA foi feita de acordo com as diretrizes estabelecidas. O IMC foi calculado dividindo-se o peso pela altura ao quadrado (kg/m 2 ). RESULTADOS: O gênero não influenciou o IMC, a pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD). A idade variou de 18 a 56 anos. Não foi observada correlação entre aumento da idade e maior IMC ou pressão arterial. 86 indivíduos (88,7%) apresentaram PA normal, 11 (11,3%) pré-hipertensão e nenhum hipertensão. Vinte (20,4%) apresentaram PA inferior a 90 × 60 mmHg. O IMC variou entre 18 e 48 kg/m 2 (média de 28,8 ± 3,92), 21,9% tinham peso normal, 40,7% sobrepeso, 25,3% obesidade grau I, 9,9 % grau II e 2,2% obesidade grau III. Aumento significativo da PAS e PAD foi associado com elevação do IMC (P = 0,0175 e P = 0,0015). CONCLUSÃO: Verificou-se que sexo e idade não influenciaram PAS, PAD e IMC em adultos brasileiros com SD. O aumento significativo da PAS e PAD foi associado com o aumento do IMC.

Alzheimer‐Related Cerebrovascular Disease in Down Syndrome

“…18,19 Unlike the general population, however, individuals with DS have low prevalence of traditional vascular risk factors, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis. [20][21][22][23][24] Assessment of cerebrovascular changes in DS has been restricted primarily to the analysis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), [25][26][27][28] attributed to the overproduction of amyloid. However, more comprehensive consideration of cerebrovascular changes among individuals with DS provides the unique opportunity to both characterize cerebrovascular biomarkers in vivo and study cerebrovascular disease in AD without the confound of vascular risk factors or advanced systemic arterial disease.…”

“…Vascular risk factors are associated with a higher risk of clinical AD and with AD biomarkers in later life 18,19 . Unlike the general population, however, individuals with DS have low prevalence of traditional vascular risk factors, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis 20–24 . Assessment of cerebrovascular changes in DS has been restricted primarily to the analysis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), 25–28 attributed to the overproduction of amyloid.…”

Acute effects of cycling exercise on post-exercise blood pressure in individuals with Down syndrome

“…The PEH responses in individuals with DS are more related with BP regulation since most individuals with DS do not exhibit hypertension [30] or exhibit low BP [31].…”

Down syndrome in adults: success and challenge

“…The high prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults with DS warrants attention. In a study conducted by Pucci et al 11 of 97 adults with DS, 40.7% were overweight and 37.4% were obese. The study found no significant differences for gender or age (18-56 years).…”