Correlation of anthropometric parameters with blood pressure: an anthropometric study in a population of central India in Dist. Etawah, UP

Abstract

Background: Hypertension presents a substantial worldwide health problem, especially in areas such as Central India, specifically District Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, where its occurrence is noteworthy. Anthropometric characteristics provide crucial information on cardiovascular risk, such as height, weight, “waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), body adiposity index (BAI), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR)”. It is crucial to comprehend the relationship between blood pressure and these factors in order to identify persons at high risk and carry out specific treatments.

Aims and Objectives: The objective of the investigation is to examine the link between anthropometric measurements and blood pressure in the population of District Etawah, located in Uttar Pradesh, Central India. The specific goals of study were to evaluate anthropometric characteristics, measure blood pressure, analyze the relationship between age, gender, and lifestyle, and determine the prevalence of “overweight and obesity”.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out, with 385 consecutive volunteers, both smokers and non-smokers, aged between 18 and 65. The participants were recruited from Department of Physiology and OPD of medicine, UPUMS, Saifai, Etawah. Blood pressure wasmeasure to evaluate blood pressure variables, while anthropometric measures were acquired using established methodologies.

Results:The research indicates that anthropometric parameters such as BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio have a limited ability to predict systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The systolic pressure is favorably correlated with the BMI and the WHtR, but negatively correlated with the WC and the WHR. The DBP is positively correlated with WC, BMI, BAI, and WHR, but negatively correlated with waist-to-hip ratio. The majority of predictors have a restricted influence, suggesting the need for supplementary variables to get a more comprehensive understanding of fluctuations in BP.

Conclusion: The research suggests that anthropometric parameters such as BMI, WC, WHR, and WHtR have a limited ability to predict systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The measures for central and general obesity demonstrate strong relationships, indicating their significance in evaluating the risk of hypertension.