Homocysteine levels in normotensive children of hypertensive parents

OBJECTIVE There are several studies showing an association between an increase in the plasma levels of homocysteine and the pathogenesis of hypertension. In this study, we assessed normotensive children of hypertensive adult parents to determine whether there is any change in homocysteine levels prior to the onset of hypertension. METHODS A total of 79 normotensive children of essential hypertensive parents who were followed-up at the cardiology department and 72 healthy children of normotensive parents who presented to the department of pediatrics at our clinic with complaints such as nonspecific chest pain and innocent murmur were included in the study. The participants' complete blood count and low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, total cholesterol, folic acid, vitamin B12, and homocysteine levels were noted. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were noted between the two groups in terms of age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, or levels of fasting lipids, folic acid, and vitamin B12 (p>0.05). Although the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were within the normal limits in both groups, they were significantly higher in children with a family history of hypertension than in controls (p<0.05). Similarly, homocysteine levels of children with a family history of hypertension were significantly higher than those of controls (p<0.01). CONCLUSION Homocysteine levels of normotensive children of hypertensive parents are elevated before they develop hypertension. Homocysteine levels may be predictive of the subsequent development of hypertension in normotensive children of hypertensive parents.