Digging a little Bellow the Surface of the relationship between blood Plessure and Obesity: Dichotomous Correlations in Young-Adult Nigerians

ABSTRACT

The relationship between blood pressure (BP) and obesity is still controversial; and was studied in a population of young-adult Nigerians. Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were measured using an oscillometric device while relevant anthropometric indices were measured and derived using standard protocol. Body fat (BF) was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated for the general population and based on BP phenotype; and scatter plots generated (for both sexes). The results show that in the general population; SBP was correlated with BF (males; r = +0.093; P 0.01; females; r 0.05) correlated with either BF or BMI. The BP versus BF or BMI curve shows sex variations; and plateaus once the BP value exceeds 120/80 mmHg. This dichotomous relationship implies that weight management may be useful in hypertension prevention in normotensive subjects; but may not be very useful; as a therapeutic option; in hypertensives