CORRELATION OF BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) WITH SYSTOLIC AND DIASTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE IN RURAL INDIAN PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: Body mass index (BMI) is positively and independently associated with morbidity and mortality from hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and other chronic diseases. In Caucasian and Asian populations, a strong association has been depicted between BMI and mortality. Overweight and obesity increase the risks of high BP, coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, type II diabetes mellitus, and certain cancers. Worldwide, about 58% of diabetes mellitus and 21% of ischemic heart disease are attributable to BMI above 21 kg/m2. The combination of blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI) contribute more than 60% cases of cardiovascular disease. The main objective was to determine the correlation between BMI and blood pressure of rural Indian patients. Design and method: This cross sectional study used 310 patients who visited our hospital in rural India from January 15,2021 to February 15,2021. Data were collected directly by measuring the blood pressure, weight and height to determine BMI. BMI was derived from booking weight (kilograms) and height (meters). Using this, the patients were categorized as underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal or lean BMI (18.5–22.9 kg/m2), overweight (23.0 –24.9 kg/m2) and obese (> 25 kg/m2) based on the revised consensus guidelines for India. Descriptive analysis and Spearman correlation test were used to analyze the data. Results: The results of the bivariate analysis using Spearman correlation test showed that there was significant relationship between BMI and systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001, r = 0.375) or diastolic blood pressure (p <0.001, r = 0.432). This study shows that higher BMI was associated with increase in systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure. Conclusions: This study shows statistically significant relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in rural Indian patients. Weight gain seems to be an important risk factor for development of hypertension. Weight loss has been recommended for obese hypertensive patients and has been shown to be most effective non pharmacological treatment approach. Physical activity and caloric restriction should be promoted to control the obesity epidemic which will significantly reduce global cardiovascular disease burden.