HYPERTENSION

ASSOCIATION OF HYPERTENSION WITH CENTRAL OBESITY IN LOW TO MIDDLE SOCIOECONOMIC POPULATION

Abstract

ABSTRACT…Objective: To evaluate association of hypertension with central obesity in low to middle socioeconomic population. Study design: Descriptive study. Setting: OPD, Filter Clinic. Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. Islamabad. Period: June to September 2008. Methods: This study was carried out on 85 patients with history of hypertension. Out of total patients, 27 were males and 58 were females. The ages of the all patients were between 20 to 70 years. Parameters recorded included history, blood pressure, weight, height, waist circumference and hip circumference. The secondary causes were ruled out on the basis of history and physical examination. Data and results were analyzed in SPSS. Results: Out of 85 patients, 74 including 21 males and 53 females had increased Waist Hip Ratio (WHR), 66 including 14 males and 61 females had increased Waist Circumference (WC), while the Body Mass Index (BMI) of 33 including 6 males & 27 females were found obese. It also showed that the females are more prone to obesity. The age group between 41-60 years was most effected. The results indicates that waist hip ratio is the most common indicator of obesity in patients with essential hypertension as compare to waist circumference and body mass index. Conclusions: Hypertension is associated with central obesity in low to middle socioeconomic status.