Blood Pressure in Childhood and Adulthood: Findings from Kaunas Cohort Study

Abstract

Objective: Blood pressure is affected by multiple genetic and environmental [...] on risk of arterial hypertension in adults. The aim of the study was the asses the associations of physical, environment and genetic factors with blood pressure in childhood and adulthood. Design and method: Study subjects were participants of Kaunas cohort study started in 1977. At the time of the baseline survey the participants were 12-13 years age old. A total of 507 subjects (64.4% of eligible sample) being 48-49 years old participated in the 35-year follow-up in 2012. Health examination involved measurements of blood pressure (BP), anthropometric parameters, and interview about health behaviours. Subjects were genotyped for AGT (M235T, rs699), ADM (rs7129220), and CACNB2 (rs12258967) genes polymorphisms using real-time polymerase chain reaction. A 35-year [...]. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to explore the associations of genetic, physical and environmental factors with BP and hypertension. Results: Childhood BP was associated with body mass index (BMI). Systolic BP of boys with AGT TT genotype was higher compared to those having AGT MM and MT genotypes. In girls, the carriers of ADM genotype AA had highest levels of systolic and diastolic BP. Girls with CACNB2 genotype GG had lowest levels of diastolic BP. [...]. Development of hypertension 35 years later (OR=3.06; 95%CI: 1.22-7.68 in men and OR=2.92; 95%CI: 1.41-6.08 in women). In both genders, BMI and a gain in BMI associated with higher risk of adult hypertension. Risky alcohol consumption was the most important environmental risk factor for adult hypertension. Prediction of adult hypertension was enhanced by taking into account genetic factors. Conclusions: Childhood blood pressure and body mass index are the main independent predictors of adult hypertension and genetic factors enhanced the prediction of hypertension.