[Hypertension associated factors and blood pressure among adolescent workers].

The aim of this study was to identify hypertension associated factors (AF) and verify blood pressure (BP) levels among adolescent workers. Interviews were conducted with 193 working adolescents--135 men and 58 women between 16 and 18 years. After five minutes in seated position, their arm circumferences were measured and their BP was determined using correct (CCW) and standard (SCW) cuff widths. The values were related to AF. BP was, in average, 105.2/60.9 mmHg (CCW) and 101.0/57.9 (SCW- p < 0.05). Among the AF found, only skin color and alcoholic drinking were associated to BP elevation, also noted in male adolescents. When using CCW, more hypertensive and borderline adolescents were found than using SCW. All of them had at least one AF. It can be concluded that there are several hypertension AF among this population, and some of them are already causing BP elevation. Studies such as this should be made frequently because adolescent blood pressure levels can predict hypertension in adulthood.