Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Obernhumer, N.
Assessing Endothelial Function and Hypertension Risk Across Gender in Rural Africa
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Medizinische Universität Graz; 2023. pp. 66
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Goswami Nandu
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- Abstract:
- Background: Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases represent a major challenge worldwide. The main cause of morbidity and mortality in developed but also underdeveloped countries are now so-called non-communicable diseases, affecting adults as well as children and adolescents. The metabolic syndrome is referred to as bundling of risk factors, those categorized with metabolic syndrome have an increased developing risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus and for cardiovascular events due to vascular dysfunction. Studies focusing on sex differences are underrepresented, but knowledge of sex-specific prevalence is necessary to develop individualized preventive interventions and treatment options. Aims: We studied the prevalence of both cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, as well as metabolic syndrome, among 13-16-year-old adolescents in Mthatha, South Africa. Methods: This study included 244 adolescents. Anthropometric measurements were taken and blood pressure was obtained. Blood samples were obtained and fasting glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also measured. After the exclusion of ten subjects, statistical analysis was conducted for 234 subjects. For 98 subjects (75 female and 23 male) all necessary data for risk determination were available Results: Elevated blood pressure with values above the 90th percentile was seen in 37.8% of the study participants. Central obesity, as measured by waist circumference >90th percentile was evident in 6.1% of the study participants. 7.1% of the study population fulfilled the criteria for metabolic syndrome with three risk factors. By sex, this means that 8.0% of the female participants and 4.3% of the male participants can be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. No statistically significant frequency of occurrence of a metabolic syndrome in relation to sex could be found. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of overweight/obesity and increased blood pressure in South African Adolescents. The associated higher risks for these adolescents include the risk of cardiovascular disease in addition to the possible development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. Continued research is required and longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the etiology of cardiometabolic risk factors for this population. This is necessary for the development of appropriate preventive measures and to protect the population from future complications of metabolic syndrome such as cardiovascular diseases.