CORRELATION BETWEEN BODY MASS INDEX WITH BLOOD PRESSURE SYSTOLIC AND DIASTOLIC STUDY IN FACULTY OF MEDICINE UNIVERSITAS SWADAYA GUNUNG JATI

Abstract

Background: An increase in body mass index significantly excess fat in the body. It can affect blood pressure through sympathetic nerve pathways, renin-angiostensin and inflammation. Fat deposits on blood vessel walls cause atherosclerosis, narrowing, increasing blood pressure, and increasing heart work. So that BMI can be a contributing factor to cardiovascular disease. Objective: Knowing the correlation between body mass index and blood pressure in medical students of Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati (UGJ) Methods: This research is an analytic observational study with a Cross Sectional design. The correlation analysis method uses the Spearman rank correlation test. The measuring instruments used include weight scales, microtoice, and digital tension. Respondents totaled 262 preclinic students from the Faculty of Medicine UGJ. Results: Based on the spearman rank correlation test, a significant correlation was found between body mass index with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The p-value for both is (p=0.000), indicating a correlation. The strength of the correlation was weak positive with values of (r=0.375) for systolic blood pressure and (r=0.337) for diastolic blood pressure. That is, higher the BMI of a person, the higher the blood pressure. Conclusion: There is a significant correlation with weak positive strength between body mass index with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in Medical Students. Keywords: Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, Faculty od Medicine, Hypertension, Obesity