Relationship of hypertension, overweight and physical fitness among high school students in Maringá, Paraná state, Brazil

Abstract

To evaluate the prevalence of arterial hypertension and overweight among teenagers at a private school in the city of Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil, as well as the links among blood pressure levels, body mass index and physical fitness. High school students at a Maringá private school were evaluated according to the following criteria: Hypertension was defined as arterial hypertension above of the 90th percentile, as recommended by the National High Blood Pressure Education Program. Overweight was measured as a body mass index following the values proposed by Cole (2000). Physical fitness was calculated as VO2 max estimated through a shuttle run test. Logistic regression models were used to check the associations. Hypertension was found to be associated with males (OR= 4.6; 1.5-14.0) and overweight (OR=4.0; 1.4-11.6). Physical fitness did not show direct relationship with arterial hypertension. The intervention programs related to the control of blood pressure levels should aim to reduce body mass levels as well.