BACKGROUND Hypertension is one of the common diseases associated with high morbidity and mortality. It is usually associated with various modifiable risk factors like stress, high salt intake, high calorie intake, cigarette smoking, sedentary lifestyle etc. and nonmodifiable risk factors like genetic factor, gender and family history of cardiovascular disease. Early diagnosis and knowledge and identification of predisposing risk factors are important for effective treatment and control of hypertension. The study aims to assess the prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension among the medical students and find out the association with its risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in the undergraduate students studying in Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Imphal. A pretested and prevalidated proforma was filled by the students after the purpose of the study was explained to them. This was followed by anthropometric measurements and blood pressure. The data was analysed using SPSS software version 22 by applying Chi-square test. RESULTS The study included 110 students, consisting of 64 males and 46 females. In our study, the prevalence of prehypertension was 8.2% and that of hypertension was 4.5%. Among the males 12.5% were found to be pre-hypertensive, while 4.7% were found to be hypertensive. Among the female participants 2.3% were found to be pre-hypertensive, while 4.3% were found to be hypertensive. There was a significant association between BMI and prehypertension and hypertension. Since the calculated sample size was too high and thereby not feasible to include in this limited period of study, we had to limit the sample size for convenience. CONCLUSION The prevalence of prehypertension is more among the students as compared to prevalence of hypertension and more so in males as compared to females. The early intervention can help in reducing the development of hypertension. No significant associati on was found with prevalence and risk factors.

BACKGROUND Obesity is known to be associated with altered thyroid function, increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, insulin resistance and metabolic disorders. Thyroid hormones affect body weight through modification of basal metabolic rate. The study aims to assess the BMI and correlate with TSH, f T3, f T4, body fat % and visceral fat level in healthy euthyroid individuals to see if any association between obesity and thyroid status exists. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was conducted on 92 healthy volunteers amongst the staffs of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Imphal, Manipur. Anthropometric measurements were done and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), f T3 and f T4 levels were measured by using chemiluminescent immunoassay and subjects with TSH value between 0.3-3.6 mIU/L were taken for the study. Body fat % and visceral fat level were measured by Bioelectrical Impedance (BI) method by using OMRON-HBF-212 (Body Composition Monitor). Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. The association between variables was determined using ANOVA. RESULTS The study showed significant association of TSH (p= 0.025), body fat % (p= 0.000) and visceral fat level (p= 0.000) with BMI. There was no statistically significant association between body fat % and TSH, f T3, f T4. There was significant association between visceral fat level and f T3. CONCLUSION Serum TSH level increases with increase in fat content of the body, even if the upper limit of TSH is within normal limits. This increased level of body fat % and visceral fat level in obese euthyroid individuals may lead to increased risk for development of obesity related common health problems, thus arising the need to keep the body weight, body fat % and visceral fat level at an acceptable level.