Evaluation of body mass indices and arterial pressure as cardiovascular risk factors in the adult population of the city of Voronezh

Abstract

To determine body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) of the Voronezh city adult population. 1108 residents of Voronezh city at the age from 20 to 75 years were examined in 2015 including measurement of their height, body mass, arterial pressure, and BMI calculation. Medical histories were analyzed to reveal arterial hypertension in the preceding period in the following age groups: 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-75 yr and the entire study group (20-75 yr). The mean BMI of the residents of Voronezh was 28.5 (23.8; 33.1) kg/m. The highest values were found between 40 and 59 years. BMI in women under 40 was lower than in men of the same age. The education level affected the prevalence of obesity in that people with secondary vocational education were more likely to be obese than those given higher education. At the age of 40, the incidence of hypertension among women was lower than among men of the same age, it more frequently occurred at the age of 60-75 years. Both age and BMI were related to the level of blood pressure: higher BMI and blood pressure were recorded at an older age. The prevalence of hypertension also increased with age. Obesity was detected in 29.7% of the Voronezh population recruited to the study. The prevalence of obesity among young adults (20-29 years) iproved lower than in the middle and old age groups. 30.9% of the residents suffered from AH.