Abstract

EFFECT OF BODY MASS INDEX AND WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN ADULTS

Dr. Muhammad Naqib, Dr. Akbar Nawaz khan, Dr. Robina Kouser, Dr. Tahir Ahmad Munir, Dr. Syed Asif Jahanzeb Kazmi*, Dr. Aleem Ul Haq, Athar Ahmad Jan and M. Bilal

ABSTRACT

Background: Hypertension in adolescence is increasing with obesity epidemic. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are used to assess obesity. WC can be suggested to be a better predictor of high blood pressure (BP) than BMI in adults. Methodology: A total of 350 medical students aged 18 -21 years were included in the study without blood pressure medication, without diabetes, cardiovascular disease or any daily dysfunction at baseline. Height, weight, BMI, WC, and blood pressure were recorded. Results: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were found to be significantly higher with high BMI groups. Waist circumference also strongly associated with both SBP and DBP (p< 0.001). Conclusions: An increased BMI and increased WC are good predictors of rise in SBP and DBP. WC is easier to measure than blood pressure so can be used as screening tool for adolescence hypertension in terms of training and access to equipment.

Keywords: Obesity, Waist circumference, Body mass index, Blood pressure.