Hypertension In Children And Adolescents Of School Age In Gdansk. Screening For Childhood Hypertension - "Healthy Heart Of Gdansk Schoolchildren" Program

Background. Epidemiological studies indicate the frequency of hypertension among children at the rate at 1-4.9%.Objectives. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of hypertension in ambulatory screening among selected schools in Gdansk.Material and methods. The study was conducted in 2008-2010. It included a total of 35 599 children and youth of school age. The amount of calculated average was compared to the American centile grid ( 2004). A blood pressure reading of >= 95 centiles was considered as elevated blood pressure.Results. The study found a high prevalence of increased blood pressure, reaching 7.4% of examined children. A notable group were young children aged 8-12, in whom the rate was as high as 10%.Conclusions. In order to determine the occurrence of hypertension in the examined group, it is necessary to observe children and conduct subsequent measurements of blood pressure. It is required to determine and eliminate factors that may affect the blood pressure of young students.