Relationship Between BMI And Blood Pressure In Rural Nigerian Dwellers

Abstract

Hypertension places an excessive financial burden on populations and health systems, consuming scarce resources. Population based preventive approaches are, thus central for the management of elevated blood pressure in developing countries. This cross sectional study was carried out in the Buruku Local Government of Benue State in the middle belt of Nigeria. The body weight, height and blood pressure of 423 subjects were determined. BMI was calculated as weight divided by height squared and hypertension was defined using the JNC VII criteria. The male subjects were significantly taller, heavier and also had significantly higher SBP and DBP than the female subjects. The prevalence of hypertension was higher in the male than the female subjects. There was a positive correlation between the BMI and SBP and DBP. Basic measurement of weight and height to determine the BMI as a routine assessment during clinic visitation with appropriate lifestyle modification would help in controlling hypertension as well as reduce its prevalence and its subsequent financial burden.