Farshid Kompani - Golestan University of Medical Sciences
Mohammad Mehdi Hosseini - Golestan University of Medical Sciences
Behdokht Abouali - Golestan University of Medical Sciences
Kourosh Riahi - Golestan University of Medical Sciences

INTRODUCTION:There are some studies about the prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension in different regions of Iran. Our study is unique in considering the prevalence of both hypertension and prehypertension in the South- West of Iran.MATHERIAL AND METHODS:This abstract is based on a graduation thesis of residency by Dr. Hosseini in 2013. It is a descriptive study involving 5% of the 7-11 year old population in Ahvaz . 5811 children were enrolled including 2907 girls and 2904 boys.RESULTS:The prevalence of HTN and pre HTN among 7 to 11 year old children was 8.4% and 7.8% respectively.The prevalence of HTN in boys and girls was 8.6 and 8.2% respectively. The prevalence of pre HTN in boys and girls was 8.5 and 7.1% respectively.When considering the height percentile in children the prevalence of HTN and preHTN increased with the increase in height percentile in both boys and girls.With regard to BMI , the prevalence of HTN and preHTN increased in both boys and girls.In comparison to the most previous studies involving large numbers of children in Tehran and other cities , there seems to be an increased prevalence of HTN which can be ascribed to obesity epidemic , sedentary life style, and also geographic , nutritional, and genetic factors.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HTN and Pre HTN is increasing compared with previous years

hypertension, prehypertension, prevalence