Association between blood pressure changes and obesity in over-18 population of Bandar Abbas

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are risk factors for developing many
diseases such as hypertension. Furthermore, obesity indicators such as abdominal
height, waist circumference and hip circumference can independently and
sometimes more severely lead to blood pressure changes. The objective of this
study was to evaluate the association between blood pressure changes and
anthropometric indices in over-18 residents of Bandar Abbas.
Methods: The survey is a population- based cross sectional study in which one
percent (2087 subjects were) population of Bandar Abbas residents were included
by multi-phase random sampling. Anotrophometric, demographic and blood
pressure data was gathered by door-to-door visit in 2 morning and afternoon
shifts via interviewing and measurement. Data were analyzed by S-plus and SPSS
softwares and statistical methods including cumulative distribution, one-way
analysis of variance, t distribution and Pearson correlation tests.
Results: 67% of total sample size were women and 32.7% were men. The
frequency of women and men with normal body mass index (BMI) were 599
(42.8%) and 358 (52.5%) respectively. The starting point of meaningful and
crescendo changes in blood pressure was in higher levels of overweight
(BMI>29.9).
Conclusion: Age-controlled anthropometric indices has positive and meaningful
correlation with blood pressure changes in both sexes. Men were more vulnerable
than women considering BMI changes and its relationship with blood pressure. It
is generally recommended to consider weight control and body fitness for
hypertension prevention in both sexes.