Elevated Blood Pressure in Low-Income, Rural Preschool Children is Associated with Maternal Hypertension during Pregnancy

J Community Health Nurs. 2018 Jan-Mar;35(1):12-18. doi: 10.1080/07370016.2018.1404830.

Abstract

Hypertension (HTN) is a significant public health problem in adults, and rates of HTN are rising in children as well. The purpose of this study was to determine blood pressure (BP) and body mass index (BMI) levels in low-income, rural preschool children and investigate the relationship between child and maternal factors that impact BP and BMI in these children. Results indicated high rates of overweight/obesity and elevated BP levels in this sample. Maternal hypertension during pregnancy also emerged as a predictor of elevated BP in their children.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Pressure
  • Body Mass Index
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / complications
  • Hypertension / epidemiology*
  • Male
  • Pediatric Obesity / epidemiology
  • Poverty / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / epidemiology*
  • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data*