Grade of hypertension in relation to body mass index and physical activity

Abstract

Hypertension as a critical risk factor for cardiovascular disease was in public health concern. Populations need to be informed that hypertension can be controlled by several factors such as body mass index and physical activity. The objective of this study was to assess the association of body mass index and physical activity with the grade of hypertension. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 40 hypertension respondents aged 45 to 65 years old collected at University Hospital, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Aceh Province, Indonesia from June until August 2021 by incidental sampling. The body mass index was calculated by measuring body weight and height while physical activity was documented by interviewing using Global Physical Activity Questionnaires (GPAQ). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and chi-square test. Results showed that dominantly respondents were classified at grade 1 hypertension, obese level I (BMI=25-29.9) and moderate physical activity (MET=600-3000). There was no association between body mass index (p=0.18, α=0.05) and physical activity (p=0.45, α=0.05) with the grade of hypertension. We concluded that body mass index and physical activity were varied among respondents and there were no statistically significant associations between body mass index and physical activity with the grade of hypertension.