Analyzing Trio-Anthropometric Predictors of Hypertension: Determining the Susceptibility of Blood Pressure to Sexual Dimorphism in Body Stature

Abstract

Background. Several studies had suggested that complex body stature could be a risk factor of hypertension. Objectives. We aim to correlate body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-height ratio (WHtR) of rural dwellers in Afikpo community, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, with blood pressure parameters. Furthermore, we aim to ascertain how each of the anthropometric variables affects blood pressure in men and women, respectively. Materials and Methods. A sample of 400 (200 males and 200 females) adults aged 18–89 years were selected for the correlation cross-sectional study. Data for weight, height, waist, and hip circumferences were collected by means of anthropometric measurement protocol with the aid of a calibrated flexible tape and health scale and mercury sphygmomanometer for measurement of blood pressure. A participant was classified as being hypertensive if systolic blood pressure (SBP) was >140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) >90 mmHg. Pulse pressure was recorded as the numeric difference of SBP and DBP. Results. The result revealed that male BMI and WHR were higher than those of females while female WHtR was higher than that of males ( P < 0.01). The prevalence of hypertension failed to correlate with sex among participants in the study (χ2 = 0.567; P < 0.05). Variation in SBP and DBP of both sexes was dependent on BMI, WHtR, and waist and hip circumference, but not on WHR. The SBP of both sexes and female pulse pressure did correlate with age ( P < 0.001). Waist circumference, BMI, and WHtR correctly predicted the variations in SBP, DBP, and pulse pressure. Conclusion. The strength of association of BMI, WHtR, and waist girth with SBP and DBP of both sexes was robust and similar, but inconsistent with WHR. Thus, a simple estimation of the trio-anthropometric predictors could serve as a means for routine check or preliminary diagnosis of a patient with hypertension.

Nutritional concepts of health promotion in sub urban community: focus on obesity and hypertension

“…41,42 A correlationbased analysis by Ezemagu et al showed how a significant increase in body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio could cause hypertension and variations in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure. 43 In another recent study by Osama et al it was discovered that in Egyptian patients, the probability of developing a more severe form of COVID-19 is increased by obesity and its associated comorbidities. 44 According to Chukwu et al adopting a healthier lifestyle will probably lead to a decrease in the population of obese and hypertensive people in the community.…”

Fetal Sex and Maternal Stature vs. Spontaneous Vaginal Birth: Considering Sex Specific State-of-the-Art Anthropometric Investigations at Term Pregnancy

“…In our locality, 36% of women give birth at home with the help of relatives or a traditional birth attendant, which results to 35% mortality rate of neonates in Ebonyi State, which affects more male birth than female birth: Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (20). Globally, out of four million deaths of neonates annually, 98% occur due to poverty, ignorance or lackadaisical attitude of mothers and birth attendants in developing countries (21). Following the cultural expectation and death rate of male children in our locality, efforts to improve the birth outcomes are highly required.…”