Our adolescent hypertension study 2006
An opportunity to compare apples with apples
• Saint John study 1978 children grades 7-12 over 8,000 participants
• Measured BP and height• PI still practicing• Great opportunity to look at our
community again
What did we do differently
• First we replicated original study (so apples to apples)
• Second we added weight as a measure and administered a questionnaire (added some oranges)
• Our population was slightly less 5,000 participants (but definitely significant numbers)
What did we find
• Have to brief the minister first• But can let you in on some findings
After the study
• Our purpose was to measure BPs• Look at the trends• But hey we are health care professionals
with a conscience• We wanted to have a chance to monitor
those who on first blush had an elevated BP
• Chose high normal as cut off
What did we do
• Anyone with 2 readings over 130/90• Systolic or diastolic or both• Sent a letter
How many letters
• Original study with about 8,400 send 84 letters with almost 100% response
• This study with over 5,000 participants with about 4,900 included for analysis we sent out 250 letters
What happened
• First letter gentle• Set aside 4 evening clinics• Invited families• Set up for crisis counseling on the phone• Cardiologist, pediatrician, full blood
profile, same measures plus waist circumference
Guess what
• Only 45 showed over 4 nights• We did get caught up on gossip• Sent out second letter• More strongly worded• Invited to call let us know, gave phone
numbers. email address, and mailing address
• Got 30 more
Just like a dog with the bone
• Sent out 3rd letter (actually 3 types)• Got a few more• In total about 30% show rate
What do we think
• In general would say there is some apathy
• Only 5 parents called• Those that did come with students were
only mildly concerned• Most indicated that an elevated BP
reading would not mean anything
What is the lesson
• As health professionals we need to work on getting the message about high blood pressure out there
• We should have been getting many anxious calls after each school visit and definitely after each letter
The Take Home Message
• There is ample evidence to suggest that elevated BP readings in adolescents will trend to higher readings as adults
• We know the risks related to elevated blood pressure results
• Spread the word