Abstract

Objective:To compare the blood pressure levels between Chilean schoolchildren ascendants from Mapuches and Europeanat different blood pressure classifications. A second aim was to compare other cardiometabolic (anthropometric/body composition, cardiovascular, and muscle strength) risk factors forhypertensive blood pressure(HTN) between groups. Methods:A cohort study. Participants were (n=540) Chilean schoolchildrenfrom public primary schools. The sample of schoolchildren was analyzed by categorization of normotension (NT), prehypertension (PreHTN),andHTN blood pressure state and by Mapuche and European Chilean ascent. The primary outcomes were systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Results:There were significant differences by ethnicity in diastolic blood pressureat the NT state blood pressure classification, but not at PreHTN and HTN states (Mapuche [78.6 (69.5, 84.3) mmHg]vs. European schoolchildren [66.5 (63.6, 68.5) mmHg] at p<0.000). There were no differences between Mapuches and European in body mass and body mass index, but significant differences in height. There were significant differences in resting heart rate and handgrip strength of the dominant and non-dominant arm between groups. Conclusion:Under a similar blood pressure state of criteria classification as normotension, Mapuches’schoolchildren’s ascendants showed higher diastolic blood pressure levelsthan European peers.These findings suggest future more complex studies tocorroborate ethnic differences.