Prevalence of hypertension among schoolchildren aged 13-18 years in Gemlik, Turkey

Arterial hypertension is the permanent elevation of blood pressure (BP). Previous studies have documented that hypertension may begin in adolescence, perhaps even in childhood. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension among adolescents in the Gemlik Research and Training Area, Turkey. Between January and March 1994, all secondary and high school students aged 13-18 years were included in this study. An elevated BP was defined according to the Report of the Second Task Force on Blood Pressure Control in Children. Of the 3,641 students screened, 262 (7.2%) had elevated systolic and/or diastolic BP, 161 (4.4%) students had significant hypertension and 101 (2.8%) students had severe hypertension. We found that systolic and diastolic BP increased with age, height and weight. BP measurements should be included in physical examinations as part of the continuing care of the child.