Waist Circumference and Blood Pressure in Children
Author Information
Author(s): Choy Cheuk-Sing, Chan Wan-Yu, Chen Ta-Liang, Shih Chun-Chuan, Wu Li-Chu, Liao Chien-Chang
Primary Institution: Taipei Medical University Hospital
Hypothesis
Is there an association between waist circumference and elevated blood pressure in children aged 6-7 years?
Conclusion
Elevated blood pressure in children was associated with waist circumference, indicating that waist circumference can be an important measure for assessing metabolic risk.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased with waist circumference quartiles.
- 38.9% of boys and 26.8% of girls in the highest waist circumference quartile had elevated blood pressure.
- The study found significant odds ratios for elevated blood pressure associated with increasing waist circumference.
Takeaway
This study found that kids with bigger waist sizes are more likely to have high blood pressure, which can be bad for their health.
Methodology
The study measured height, weight, neck and waist circumference, and blood pressure in first-grade children at six elementary schools in Taipei County.
Limitations
The study did not account for family history of cardiovascular diseases or lifestyle factors, and it was cross-sectional, limiting causal inferences.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 6-7 years from six elementary schools in Taipei County, Taiwan.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 1.13-2.80 for second quartile, 95% CI = 1.56-3.85 for third quartile, 95% CI = 3.59-10.1 for fourth quartile
Statistical Significance
p < 0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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