WEIGHT THRESHOLD BMI AND HYPERTENSION AMONG THE ELDERLY NIGERIANS IN MIDDLE BELT: THE LAFIA EXPERIENCE

Affi Ayuba*, Dalili Shabbal, Ganiyu Amusa, A. S. Longwap and Mercy Solomon

ABSTRACT

Aim: This work is aimed at elucidating the weight threshold and blood pressure above which these relationships exist and cofounders of metabolic state. Background: High blood pressure is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The relationship between BMI and BP has long been the subject of epidemiological research. Metabolic consequences of obesity have been proposed as the blood elevating mechanism. Increasing weight has been shown to increase salt retention, and insulin resistance is proposed by some to be a cause of hypertension; adipose tissue (adiposopathy) produces substantial of angiotensin. A study in Benin Nigeria revealed that the is a threshold above which little relationships exist and cofounders of metabolic state. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 700 adults above 40 years were selected by random sampling technique. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the WHO definitions: BMI/kg >30 kg/m2 was defined as obesity while participants with a BMI of 25.0 and 29.9 were considered overweight. Underweight individuals were those with a BMI<18.5 while normal-weight individuals were those with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. Obesity was further sub-classified into class 1(30-34.9 kg/m2) and Class III (>40 kg/m). Hypertension was noted if systolic blood pressure ≥ 130mmHg and diastolic of ≥ 90mmHg or upon the self-report of a medical diagnosis of hypertension or current treatment for hypertension with prescription medication. Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between BMI and DBP or SBP among middle belt retirees, thus the basic measurement of weight and height to determine the BMI should form a routine assessment during clinic visitation with appropriate lifestyle modification would help in controlling BP and weight. Point of care use of portable electronic BP machine is important as well as regular exercise.

Keywords: BMI = Body Mass Index; BP = Blood Pressure; obesity.