Anthropometric Predictors of Blood Pressure : National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III

Abstract

Anthrppometric measurements, which’can be sensitive indicators of health, are valuable in assessing nutritional status. Data from the United States National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988–1994) were used to test relationships of percentage body fat and body fat distribution to blood pressure (BP) levels. The sample included 770 adults, (males = 355, females = 415), who were subdivided into three age categories: 19-44,45-64 and 65-90 years. The participants were not taking hypertension medication. Data were analyzed by S AS and SUDAAN and statistical procedures included factor and regression analyses. All analyses incorporated sampling weights. Results showed that abdominal/gluteal ratio (AGR) was the most important predictor ( p ≤.001) of systolic blood pressure levels for both males and females, followed by multiple skinfold measurements (MSFM) (p ≤.01) and body mass index (BMI) (p≤.05 ). AGR was the better predictor (p<.00l) of diastolic blood pressure levels for both males and females, followed by MSFM (p ≤.05). BMI foiled to be a significant predictor of diastolic blood pressure. There was a stronger predictability with the younger age groups. In summary, body fat distribution was a better predictor of blood pressure levels than percentage body fat. It is suggested that body fat distribution may be a more important risk factor for morbidity and mortality than obesity per se. These findings suggest that the relationship of percentage body fat and body fat distribution to blood pressure levels merit further research.