RESUMEN
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure among residents in Chongqing area.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 5246 residents aged 15 and over in Chongqing area were enrolled in this study by use of stratified sampling and cluster sampling methods. Data on blood pressure (SBP, DBP), pulse, height, body weight, waist and hip circumferences as well as questionnaire survey were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The level of SBP and DBP and hypertension prevalence rate were significantly positively correlated with BMI (all P < 0.01). SBP, DBP levels and hypertension prevalence rate were significantly higher in people with abdomen obesity than people with normal waist circumference (all P < 0.01). BMI, waist circumference in hypertensive residents were significantly higher than non-hypertensive residents (all P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Blood pressure level and hypertension prevalence rate were closely related with BMI and waist circumference among residents in Chongqing area.</p>