The interplay between hypertension and BMI in Coptic teenagers

Background: Elevated Body Mass Index (BMI) is a significant risk factor for developing hypertension (HTN). Other factors, including family history, smoking, and energy drinks consumption, can potentially increase the risk for HTN. Limited data are available on the risk factors for HTN in Coptic adolescent population. Hence, this study sought to investigate the association between these risk factors and HTN in Coptic adolescents. Methods: A screening survey was conducted on 140 high school students who attended church services. After signing a consent form, each participant was interviewed and asked to answer the survey questions. The blood pressure was measured twice after 15 minutes of rest using Omron device. Both weight and height were measured, and BMI was calculated using CDC BMI calculator. Descriptive statistics, univariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to explore the relationship between the HTN and other potential variables. Results: The cohort included 70 females (50%) and 70 males (50%) aged 16-21. The overall prevalence of HTN was 45.7% (73% in males and 18.6% in females). Participants were categorized by BMI into normal (n=78), overweight (n=44), and obese (n=18) groups. Compared to the normal weight group, the odds ratio (OR) for HTN in the overweight and obesity groups was 7.2 (95% C.I. 3.1 – 16.6, p<0.001) and 1.9 (95% C.I. 0.67 – 5.5, p=0.27), respectively. Among the total cohort, hypertensive individuals exhibited significantly higher BMI compared to normotensive individuals (26.3 [23.5, 28.3] vs. 22.5 [20.6, 25.7], p=0.001). However, there was no association between HTN and other covariates (p>0.05). In multivariable logistic regression, the association between HTN and elevated BMI remained significant (adjusted OR 3.8, 95% C.I. 1.6 – 9.3; p=0.002). Conclusion: our findings are consistent with accumulative evidence about the positive relationship between BMI and HTN, which is a part of the metabolic syndrome. Moreover, this is the first study to investigate the risk factor profile for HTN in Coptic adolescents. Larger scale epidemiologic studies are needed to assess the prevalence of HTN in this population and the best approach to manage the modifiable risk factors.