Relationship Between Obesity and Hypertension among Sudanese Hypertensive Patients Attending Health Centers in El-Obeid City, North Kordofan State, West of Sudan

Abstract

Background: Hypertension has been recognized as the most common cardiovascular disorder and a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), chronic kidney disease, cognitive impairment and loss of vision. It is known as ‘the "silent killer" because it can be asymptomatic for many years. Obesity and/or abdominal obesity, are the main hypertensinogenic factor.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between obesity indices and hypertension among Sudanese hypertensive patients.

Methodology: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in three health centers in El-Obeid city, West Sudan. Data were collected on anthropometric measurements (height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference WC) and blood pressure (BP) measurement. The data were analyzed by the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) software version 23.0. Independent sample t test, Chi-square (χ2) test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used.  p value of ≤ 0.05 was taken as measure of statistical significance.

Results: A total of 100 subjects, 19 males and 81 females, were voluntary enrolled in this study. The mean age was 53.05 (±8.28), the mean value of BMI was 28.21 (± 5.577), WC was 92.79 ± 11.009, SBP was 138.20 (±14.591), DBP was 85.50 (±9.252). Thirty-seven, (37%) were overweight, (33%) were obese, (25%) milled (class Ι), (6%) moderate (class ΙΙ) and (2%) severe obesity (class ΙΙΙ). Seventy-six, (76%) have central obesity (WC >102 cm for men and >88 cm for women). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between BMI and WC (p < .001), BMI and SBP (p = .045), WC and SBP (p = .026), WC and DBP (P = .001).

Conclusion: Hypertensive patients had a high prevalence of overweight, obesity, abnormal/high BMI, and WC (central obesity). BMI and WC were positively correlated with BP. Lifestyle modification toward weight reduction is recommended in these patients. Additionally, obese persons must pay attention to their weight and try to lose weight to prevent hypertension.