Evolution of familial aggregation of blood pressure over 17 years in children and young adults.

Familial aggregation of blood pressure is well known although its causes remain controversial. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the presence of a familial aggregation for blood pressure and body mass index over a 17-year period, in order to evaluate the importance of a primary prevention strategy beginning in familial environment. Design and methods: A longitudinal cohort study was constructed from two cross-sectional surveys 17 years apart: 1 032 individuals, of both sexes, aged 5 to 24 years were seen in the initial study, and their parents whenever possible. Correlation coefficients and stepwise regression analysis were used to analyse the relationship between parents and children. Results:The correlation between parents' and childrens' BP are : systolic BP-0.34 (p < 0.01) and diastolic BP 0.19 (0.05) : and for the anthropometric variables are: height-0.29 (0.01); weight-0.41 (p < 0.01); ponderal index -0.21 (p < 0.05); tricipt skinfold-0.21 (p < 0.05), All the coefficients are statistically significative. The variance of children's SEP and DBP explained through a stepwise regression analysis was 47 %. The children's weight, skinfold, ponderal index, and parents' SBP and DBP were accepted by the model. Conclusion : The relation between BP and obesity variables suggest that a large proportion of familial aggregation for BP may be explained by aggregation for obesity, still after 17 years.