Key result
Residing at higher altitudes up to 8000 feet was associated with a progressive rise in mean systolic blood pressure from 99.5 mmHg at near sea level to 106.7 mmHg in Indian children.
Why the study?
The study aimed to evaluate blood pressure in Indian children who had similar demographic characteristics but hailed from different altitudes.
Does residence at higher altitudes increase blood pressure in children?
Cross-Sectional (n=1,229)
Yes
Does residence at higher altitudes increase blood pressure in children?
Children residing at higher altitudes have modestly but significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures compared to those near sea level.
May require altitude-adjusted pediatric BP norms; leaves open long-term CV implications.
OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate blood pressure (BP) in Indian children who had similar demographic characteristics but hailed from different altitudes. METHODS: BP of school going children, aged 5 to 12 years, at five different locations varying in altitude (near sea level: n = 425; 2000 feet: n = 244; 4000 feet: n = 248; 6000 feet: n = 242 and 8000 feet: n = 250) was measured in a mountainous district in Himalaya. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were recorded by aneroid sphygmomanometer in the sitting posture using a calibrated instrument and four trained resident doctors. The average of three readings was taken. RESULTS: Of the 1229 children whose data were analyzed, 50.4% were boys. SBP showed a progressive rise from 99.5 (4.00) mmHg [mean (standard deviation)] at near sea level to 106.7 (4.17) mmHg at 8000 feet. Similarly, DBP showed a rise from 60.1 (3.67) mmHg to 66.8 (4.58) mmHg over the same altitude range. Analysis of covariance for BP variation with altitude, with age as covariate, indicated a modest but statistically significant rise in both SBP and DBP with altitude. Higher BP values was noted among children residing at higher than at lower altitude (0.8% at sea level to 18.8% at 8000 feet). Correlations between SBP and DBP values and height and weight, though positive and significant at p < 0.01 level, were weak. CONCLUSIONS: These data will help in correct interpretation of BP readings in children residing at high altitude.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Rajashekar et al. (2022) conducted a cross-sectional in Blood pressure variation (n=1,229). High altitude (up to 8000 feet) vs. Near sea level was evaluated on Systolic blood pressure. Residing at higher altitudes up to 8000 feet was associated with a progressive rise in mean systolic blood pressure from 99.5 mmHg at near sea level to 106.7 mmHg in Indian children.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: