Cardiovascular Risk Factors for Hypertension and Diabetes among Overweight and Obese Adolescents in the City of Kerbala, Iraq

Hypertension and diabetes share the highest contribution to global burden of cardiovascular (CVD) and metabolic diseases. Factors such as obesity, poor diet choices and sedentary lifestyle predisposes to dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia which leads to elevations in blood pressure and diabetes respectively. In this study, we show that the progression of these diseases can be identified in adolescence by identifying the prevalence of pre-hypertension and pre-diabetes as well as CVD risk factors for hypertension and diabetes among adolescents in Kerbala city, Iraq. This is a cross-sectional study of 207 adolescents between the ages of 11-18 years that are resident in Kerbala city, Iraq. The subjects were selected by multi-stage sampling method and data were collected through questionnaire. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were carried out on eligible participants and biochemical parameters of lipid profile and blood glucose level were analysed from blood samples. Out of the 207 participants, 59 were identified as overweight while 48 were obese. 22.2% prevalence for pre-hypertension and 12.6% for pre-diabetes were recorded. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in lipid profile and blood glucose levels between the obese and control group was observed. Lipid ratios of VLDL-C indicated significant differences (p < 0.001) between the unhealthy weights (overweight 24.56±2.23 mg/dl; Obese 26.10±1.76 mg/dl) and the control (19.80±1.02 mg/dl), AIP (i.e. overweight 0.35±0.03 vs control 0.26±0.03 and obese 0.51±0.02 vs control 0.26±0.03), as well as the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (i.e. overweight 1.69±0.10 vs control 1.52±0.13 and obese 2.69±0.24 vs control 1.52±0.13). Obesity through BMI significantly correlated with dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure and hyperglycemia. There is a high prevalence of pre-hypertension and pre-diabetes among adolescents in Kerbala city, and this is associated with risk of developing hypertension and diabetes in adulthood. Early detection and healthful lifestyle modifications will prevent the development of these complications.