Hypertension and body mass index in a population of 19-year-old men in Poland

Abstract

Abstract Background Hypertension is a main yet potentially modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. It is the most widespread disease of the 21st century, especially in highly industrialized societies. It is estimated that hypertension affects about 25% of the adult population in the world and reaches a ceiling of 32% and another 30% of the adult population is characterized by pressure values classified as pre-hypertensive. The prevalence of hypertension is geographically diverse and closely depends on economic and socio-cultural conditions. The relationship between hypertension and obesity is the subject of many studies that explicitly confirm the occurrence of positive coincidence. Methods The study was observational-retrospective, and included a group of 17 282 men, aged 19, from the southeastern region in Poland. All subjects met the qualifications for compulsory military service in 2017. We analyzed selected data obtained from the records of the Ministry of National Defense. Results Hypertension was found at 0.6%, weak body structure at 0.8% and obesity co-existing with cardiorespiratory insufficiency has been reported 2.6% of respondents. The underweight concerned almost 7%, and the overweight and obesity of 25% of conscripts. The vast majority of people with hypertension were characterized by excessive body weight (74.8%), mainly overweight. Conclusions Hypertension was seen in a negligible percentage of males studied and was significantly associated with an increase in BMI, particularly with regards to being overweight. Excessive body weight significantly more often affected people with a higher degree obesity co-existing with cardiorespiratory insufficiency, affecting of the system and men with hypertension. Excessive body weight was seen in a considerable percentage of males studied and was significantly associated with the prevalence of hypertension and obesity co-existing with cardiorespiratory insufficiency, but not affecting of the system. Key messages The assumed observation contribute to the presentation of selected indicators of health status and their relationship with hypertension in a large population of 19-year-old men. Data obtained this way, enrich the state of knowledge about the growing problem of hypertension and they can be a valuable ground for developing educational and preventive programs for Public Health.