Key result
Low physical activity in adolescents linked to ~405% greater hypertension risk versus high activity.
Why the study?
Cardiovascular parameters are critical determinants of circulatory diseases, a leading cause of mortality in Morocco, but their association with physical activity level in school-aged adolescents required investigation.
Does a higher physical activity level improve cardiovascular parameters such as resting heart rate and blood pressure in school-aged adolescents?
Cross-Sectional (n=1,173)
Yes
Does a higher physical activity level improve cardiovascular parameters such as resting heart rate and blood pressure in school-aged adolescents?
Higher levels of physical activity in adolescents are associated with more favorable resting heart rates and a substantially lower risk of arterial hypertension.
Supports targeting low activity to mitigate hypertension risk in adolescents; leaves open causal confirmation via prospective studies.
Background: Cardiovascular parameters are critical determinants in the onset and progression of circulatory diseases, including hypertension and heart disease, which remain among the leading causes of mortality in Morocco. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of certain cardiovascular parameters with the physical activity level (PAL) in adolescents attending school in the Wilaya of Marrakech. Material and Methods: The study involved 1173 schoolchildren aged 15–19 years in the city of Marrakech (urban area) and the province of Al Haouz (rural area). The survey involved individual 5-minute interviews with selected participants, covering demographics, physical activity (PA), and sedentary behavior. Blood pressure and resting heart rate (RHR) were measured using an automatic monitor with an arm cuff. Results: RHR was lower in highly active than in less active adolescents, with boys at 72 versus 77 bpm ( P < 0.05) and girls at 78 versus 84 bpm ( P < 0.001). Heart rate reserve increased by around 5 bpm from low to high level. In boys, it evolved from 117 bpm to 122 bpm ( P < 0.05). In girls, the change was from 111 to 117 bpm ( P < 0.01). The prevalence of arterial hypertension was associated with gender and area of residence. It was also inversely proportional to the PAL. Adolescents with low PAL were found to be five times more exposed to the risk of hypertension compared to those with high PAL (odds ratio [OR] =5.05; P < 0.001). According to gender, boys were found to be significantly more at risk of hypertension than girls (OR = 2.65; P < 0.001). Conclusion: PA is significantly associated with cardiovascular parameters and can help maintain cardiovascular parameters within healthy ranges. Promoting PA among teenagers remains a primary necessity to meet WHO recommendations in terms of PA and to address the adverse effects of a less active lifestyle on their health. Findings provide valuable insights into the role of PA in mitigating cardiovascular risks among this population.
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Haboussi et al. (2025) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=1,173). Low physical activity level vs. High physical activity level was evaluated on Prevalence of arterial hypertension (OR 5.05, 95% CI 2.56-9.96, p=<0.001). Adolescents with a low physical activity level had a five-fold increased risk of hypertension compared to those with a high physical activity level (OR 5.05).
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