Association of Body Mass Index and Biochemical Parameters with Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension in Women of District Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Hypertension is highly widespread problem in many parts of the world. It is a significant determinant of risk which can lead to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Pregnancy induced- hypertension is the hypertension which occurs in a pregnant woman after 20 weeks of gestation, previously having normal blood pressure. Objective: To ascertain the risks and complications associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension in females between the ages of 21 and 35 years. Methods: This study was conducted on 250 female subjects, which included 50 non-pregnant females, 50 pregnant non hypertensive females, and 150 pregnant hypertensive females. Symptoms were studied with the help of a questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured with the use of a manual blood pressure apparatus. Body mass index (BMI) was determined with the help of weight and height. The biochemical tests were performed in laboratories by taking blood samples with the help of standard methods. Statistical analysis was done by applying the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: Liver Function Tests (LFTs), Renal Function Tests (RFTs), and level of proteinuria were elevated in pregnant hypertensive females. At the same time, the platelet count was low in pregnant hypertensive females as compared to the other two groups. Conclusions: The present study showed significant results related to the demographic, BMI, and biochemical parameters.