Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Hypertension Control Among Adult Patients Receiving Antihypertensive Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study.: Original Article

Rubeena Gul; Shakir Ullah

doi:10.64911/k3ghp521

Authors

Rubeena Gul Associate Dean, Research, Community Health Sciences Department, Muhammad College of Medicine, Peshawar Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9933-227X
Shakir Ullah Senior Lecturer, Community Health Sciences Dept. at Muhammad College of Medicine, Peshawar Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2773-9441

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64911/k3ghp521

Keywords:

Body Mass Index; Hypertension; Blood Pressure Control; Antihypertensive Therapy.

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality across the world. Antihypertensive therapy needs to reduce BP, but many patients still have uncontrolled BP. Body mass index (BMI) is a variable risk factor that can be modified and may be important in affecting blood pressure control. A correlation study was conducted between BMI and hypertension control status of patients with antihypertensive treatment in adults.

Objective: To determine the association between bodies mass index and blood pressure control among adults receiving antihypertensive therapy.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, which included 100 adult patients of essential hypertension who had been on antihypertensive treatment for at least six months. Demographic data, clinical history, BMI, and blood pressure measurements were taken. BMI was classified based on the definitions from the World Health Organization. Hypertension was defined as controlled (<140/90 mmHg). Data were analyzed with SPSS version 26.0. The data were analyzed using chi-square test, independent t-test, and logistic regression, with a p-value of < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: The 100 patients, 57% were males and 43% were females, with a mean age of 55.9 ± 10.8 years. The mean BMI was 28.8 ± 4.6 kg/m². Overall, 62% achieved controlled blood pressure, whereas 38% remained uncontrolled. Blood pressure control was significantly higher in patients with normal BMI (84.0%) than in overweight (65.9%) and obese (38.2%) patients (p = 0.002). Obese individuals had significantly higher mean systolic (149.4 ± 11.7 vs. 134.2 ± 10.1 mmHg; p = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (93.1 ± 7.4 vs. 84.5 ± 6.3 mmHg; p = 0.004). Obesity independently predicted uncontrolled hypertension (OR = 2.91; 95% CI: 1.34–6.29; p = 0.007).

Conclusion: Poor blood pressure control despite antihypertensive treatment was significantly related to increase BMI. Using weight management along with conventional drug therapy can help to better control hypertension and lower cardiovascular risk.