Hypertension associated factors in young members of the army station in Maringá

Abstract

This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the blood pressure levels of young males undergoing compulsory military service in the city of Maringá (Paraná State) and the factors associated with eventual alterations, such as overweight, obesity and family history of arterial hypertension. The study evaluated 196 young males, with an average age of 18.32 years, regarding blood pressure, weight and height. The participants also filled out a questionnaire containing personal data, educational level, personal and family history of arterial hypertension. Arterial hypertension was detected in 6.1% of participants, and borderline hypertension was found in 7.65% of them. Among the hypertensive young men, 50% presented overweight or obesity, with a statistical significance between blood pressure and body mass index. There was a family history of hypertension for 26.5% of the young participants in the study; however, there was no statistical significance between the hypertension in the young men and the existence of a family history of hypertension. The results suggest the need for blood pressure monitoring since childhood and adolescence, mainly when risk factors are present (as in the case of overweight and obesity), and also the importance of obesity prevention programs in all age groups.