This study evaluated
uric acid concentrations in normotensive children of parents with
hypertension. Eighty normotensive children from families with and without a history of
essential hypertension were included. Concentrations of
lipid parameters and
uric acid were compared. Demographic and anthropometric characteristics were similar in the groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were higher in the normotensive children of parents with
hypertension without statistically significant difference (P > 0.05).
Uric acid concentrations were higher in the normotensive children of parents with
hypertension (4.61 versus 3.57 mg/dL, P < 0.01). Total
cholesterol and
triglyceride concentrations were similar in the two groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in control children aged >10 years (P < 0.01).
Uric acid levels were significantly higher in all children with more pronounced difference after age 10 of years (P < 0.001). Positive correlations were found between the level of serum
uric acid and age,
body weight, body mass index, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the normotensive children of parents. The higher
uric acid levels in the normotensive children of hypertensive parents suggest that
uric acid may be a predeterminant of
hypertension. Monitoring of
uric acid levels in these children may allow for prevention or earlier treatment of future
hypertension.