Prevalences of Hypertension and Obesity of Children in Kangnung

강릉지역 국민학생의 고혈압 및 비만의 이환율에 관한 연구

Prevalences of hypertension and obesity of primary school children in Kangnung were investigated, and the correlations between blood perssure and measured anthropometry were also studied to identify the factors that influence on blood pressure. 1,164 children (602 boys and 562 girls) from five elementary schools were chosen for this study. Anthropometric measurements were taken for blood pressure, body weight, height, triceps skinfold, and circumferences of chest and arm. Data of family history of hypertension were obtained by means of prepared questionnaires. Prevalences of hypertension were 3.3% in boys and 3.1% in girls. The group with elevated blood pressure had relatively a greater frequency of familial hypertension and significantly higher mean body weight and obesity index. The prevalence of obesity was defined as percentage of children whose rates of current weight to standard weight for height and sex in Korean children were more than 120%. Prevalence of obesity were 16.3% in boys, 10.3% in girls. There findings clearly revealed the influences of above-average weight and familial hypertension on blood pressure. These results suggest that children with familial hypertension should be avoid excess adiposity and be measured blood pressure regularly.