Children and teens who live with overweight or obesity are more likely to develop high blood pressure as adults (ages 50 to 64), and the process behind this condition begins in childhood. New research presented at this year’s European Congress suggests it may be possible. Obesity (ECO) in Venice, Italy (May 12-15).

Results from a Swedish population-based study showed that blood pressure in adult men was significantly affected by increases in BMI during childhood (at age 8) and large changes in BMI during adolescence (BMI at age 20 minus childhood BMI). were shown to increase proportionally to both and independently of each other. other. In women, midlife blood pressure increased linearly with large changes in BMI during adolescence, but BMI during childhood did not.

Our results suggest that preventing overweight and obesity from childhood is important in achieving healthy blood pressure later in life. Children and teens living with overweight and obesity need targeted efforts and efforts to reduce the significant disease burden associated with high blood pressure in later life due to diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage. May benefit from lifestyle modifications. ”

Dr.Lina Liliya, first author Graduated from University of Gothenburg, Sweden

Hypertension (sustained hypertension) is an important public health challenge worldwide due to its high prevalence and associated risk of cardiovascular disease. The World Health Organization estimates that 1.28 billion adults aged 30 to 79 worldwide live with high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, and chronic kidney disease, and is one of the most preventable and treatable causes of premature death worldwide. Modifiable risk factors include an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and being overweight or obese.

High BMI in adults is strongly associated with increased blood pressure and hypertension. However, the relative contribution of elevated BMI during childhood and adolescence to blood pressure in midlife is unknown.

To find out more, the researchers examined 1,683 men (858 We analyzed data from 825 women. (SCAPIS) – Examining the association between his BMI during development and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in middle age (50-64 years).

Researchers estimated the developmental BMI of participants in the BEST Gothenburg cohort using school health records (ages 7-8) and young adult age (ages 18-20) from school health records or physical examinations at enrollment. It was measured using Information on blood pressure in middle age (50 to 64 years) was collected from participants in the SCAPIS study who were not receiving treatment for hypertension at the time of blood pressure measurement. All analyzes were adjusted for year of birth.

The researchers used standard deviation, a commonly used statistical tool that shows what is within the normal range compared to the mean.

Analyzes including both childhood BMI and adolescent BMI change in the same model showed that for men, a 1 unit increase in BMI from the average childhood BMI (BMI 15.6 kg/m2) .²) were independently associated with a 1.30 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure and a 0.75 mmHg increase in diastolic blood pressure.

Similarly, the mean BMI during adolescence increases by one BMI unit (equivalent to a mean BMI change during adolescence of 5.4 kg/m ).²For men, it was independently associated with a 1.03 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure and a 0.53 mmHg increase in diastolic blood pressure in midlife.

For women, regardless of childhood BMI, a 1 BMI unit increase in adolescent BMI was associated with a 0.96 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure and a 0.77 mmHg increase in diastolic blood pressure in midlife. In contrast, BMI in childhood was not associated with systolic or diastolic blood pressure in midlife, regardless of changes in BMI during adolescence.

“Although the difference in blood pressure is not large, a slight increase in blood pressure over many years can damage blood vessels and lead to cardiovascular and kidney disease,” said co-authors from Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden. Dr. Jenny Kindblom explains. “Our findings show that hypertension can develop at an early age. Excess fat mass induces chronic low-grade inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.” [impaired functioning of the lining of the blood vessels] Already in childhood. A high amount of visceral abdominal fat in adults increases the risk of developing high blood pressure. And we have previously shown that large changes in BMI during male adolescence are associated with visceral obesity. [fat around the internal organs] At the age of young adulthood. Therefore, in people whose BMI increased significantly during adolescence, increased visceral fat mass may contribute to increased blood pressure. ”

She added: “This study is important given the rising trend of obesity among children and teenagers. It is important to shift the focus from high blood pressure in adults to people in younger age groups. Yes,” he added.

The authors note that because this result is observational, further research is needed to understand whether there are specific ages in childhood and/or adolescence when BMI is particularly important for blood pressure in adulthood. points out that it is necessary. They also point out some limitations, including the inability to determine a clear causal relationship between BMI and hypertension in this type of population-based study. Blood pressure was measured at a single time point. The analysis could not account for the influence of other known risk factors, such as diet and physical activity, which may have influenced the results. Also, because most of the study participants were white, the results may not be generalizable to people of other races or ethnicities.

Hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 140 mmHg or higher or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 90 mmHg or higher.