High waist circumference is associated with elevated blood pressure in non‐ H ispanic W hite but not H ispanic children in a cohort of pre‐adolescent children

Summary Background Hispanics comprise the most rapidly growing demographic in the US , but little is known about the cardiometabolic risk factors in H ispanic children. This study examined the association of high waist circumference ( WC ) and elevated blood pressure by race/ethnicity in a cohort of 9 to 13 year olds in N ew H aven, CT ( n  = 824). Methods WC , overweight status and blood pressure were measured in 2009, with follow‐up in 2011. Results Logistic regression revealed that H ispanic children had increased likelihood of elevated blood pressure at follow‐up. High baseline WC was associated with increased likelihood of elevated blood pressure for non‐ H ispanic W hite but not H ispanic or non‐ H ispanic B lack pre‐adolescents, controlling for baseline age, gender, overweight, and blood pressure. Conclusion Potential racial/ethnic differences in the association between high WC and elevated blood pressure may impact identification of children at risk for elevated blood pressure, especially among H ispanics.