Body Mass Index and Risk of Hypertension: 8-Year Prospective Findings From a Nationwide Thai Cohort Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: As Thailand modernizes an ensuing health risk transition associates with rising chronic non-communicable diseases, especially hypertension. This is a driving force for emerging vascular disease, especially stroke and hypertension. Studies in other countries have shown hypertension is associated with obesity. Longitudinal information is needed forthailand and here we present our cohort data collected over 8 years And recording incidence of hypertension and exposure to elevated abnormal BMI. 
 
 DESIGN & METHODS: BMI effects on incident hypertension were investigated prospectively in a nationwide Thai Cohort Study (TCS) from 2005 to 2013. Data were derived from 42 785 off-campus Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University students returning mail-based questionnaire surveys in both 2005 and 2013. Participants analysed were normotensive at the start (40 548). Multivariable regression estimated adjusted relative risks estimate linking obesity (measured by BMI) and hypertension (self-reported) among Thai men and women. 
 
 RESULTS: In Thailand from 2005 to 2013 the TCS 8-Year Incidence of hypertension was 5.1% (men 7.1%, women 3.6%), which meant 1958 participants developed hypertension. BMI was directly associated with an increased risk of hypertension. Compared to participants with a normal BMI (18.5-22.9 Kg/M2), The relative risks (95% confidence interval) of developing hypertension with a BMI of ≤ 18.5.23.0–24.9, 25-29.9 and >30 Kg/m2 were 0.54 (0.3-0.97), 1.8(1.49-2.18), 3.27 (2.73-3.91) and 6.73 (5.1-8.97) for men and 0.65 (0.45-0.95), 2.28 (1.81-2.88), 3.71 (2.96-4.64) and 9.72 (7.09-13.32) for women respectively (p-trend <0.0001).
 
 CONCLUSION: Our data confirmed the adverse effects of long-term high bmi on an increased risk of hypertension in Thai people. Therefore, Ministry of Public Health should develop a national program to encourage people to remain healthy with a normal BMI. There are many health gains from such a program and the information presented here shows clearly that decreased hypertension would be one of the expected benefits for the Thai population.

Comparison of measured blood pressure levels, hypertension history, oral diseases, and associated factors among Thai dental patients

“…The present results are in accordance with previous studies conducted nationally or regionally [2,8,15]. A relationship between high BMI and an increased risk of HT in the Thai population has recently been reported [15]. Thawornchaisit et al stated that the risk of HT remained unaffected by the presence of a partner, urbanization, socioeconomic status, education level, personal income, household assets, sedentary habits, alcohol drinking, and food intake [15]; of these, the findings regarding the latter three factors were comparable with the present results.…”

“…The present results are in accordance with previous studies conducted nationally or regionally [2,8,15]. A relationship between high BMI and an increased risk of HT in the Thai population has recently been reported [15].…”

“…Thawornchaisit et al stated that the risk of HT remained unaffected by the presence of a partner, urbanization, socioeconomic status, education level, personal income, household assets, sedentary habits, alcohol drinking, and food intake [15]; of these, the findings regarding the latter three factors were comparable with the present results. In the populations of Western or Southeast Asia, besides sex and BMI, common risk factors include increased waist circumference, smoking, dyslipidemia, and lower education and socioeconomic levels [2,8,15,16]. In the present study, dyslipidemia was prevalent in patients with HT, being consistent with the findings of other studies [8,17,18].…”

“…A higher risk for HT in males or females based on these studies' age range, study design, and location differences. In addition, patients with a lower socioeconomic status and low education level show an increased prevalence of high BP [1,15].…”