High waist circumference is associated with elevated blood pressure in non-Hispanic White but not Hispanic children in a cohort of pre-adolescent children

Abstract

Background Hispanics comprise the most rapidly growing demographic in the US, but little is known about the cardiometabolic risk factors in Hispanic children. This study examined the association of high waist circumference (WC) and elevated blood pressure by race/ethnicity in a cohort of 9 to 13 year olds in New Haven, CT (n = 824). Methods WC, overweight status and blood pressure were measured in 2009, with follow-up in 2011. Results Logistic regression revealed that Hispanic children had increased likelihood of elevated blood pressure at follow-up. High baseline WC was associated with increased likelihood of elevated blood pressure for non-Hispanic White but not Hispanic or non-Hispanic Black pre-adolescents, controlling for baseline age, gender, overweight, and blood pressure. Conclusion Potential racial/ethnic differences in the association between high WC and elevated blood pressure may impact identification of children at risk for elevated blood pressure, especially among Hispanics.