Effects of Obesity on Blood Pressure Among Adult Malesand Females in Tikrit City - Sep-Dec, 2008

Abstract

Obesity is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Clinical studies have
shown that body weight reduction decreases blood pressure. The aim of this study was
to illustrate the relationship between obesity and blood pressure among adult males
and females in Tikrit city. A case series study among the population aged over 25,
(400 individuals, 200 males and 200 females) in Tikrit city. Sample was collected
from September till December 2008. The blood pressure of subjects was measured in
three occasions one month apart via mercurial sphygmomanometer by well trained
personnel to those patients attending to Medicine outpatient of Tikrit Teaching Hospital.
Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly lower in all groups
(P<0.005) in non-obese compared with obese patients. This positive relation well indicates
the higher the BMI, the more elevated SBP. However, reduction of diastolic
blood pressure (DBP) mean was significant only in men and women who were under
treatment with antihypeftensive drugs (P<0.05). In all hypertensive groups and in
healthy subjects, there was an increase in body mass index (BMI). This increase was
more notable in hyper-tensive groups, compared with healthy individuals. The prevalence
of obesity in hypertensive patients was higher than that of the healthy group.