Abstract:
To determine the relationship of obesity indicators with certain hemodynamic and metabolic cardiovascular risk factors, at the initial diagnosis
of hypertension in a random population, in search of a treatable cause
Methods: A case control study was conducted on 201 subjects aged between 25-60 years, diagnosed primarily as prehypertensive or hypertensive stage I
and II , selected from five general practitioners clinics in Karachi. Estimated of hematocrit, hemoglobin, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, serum
potassium level and aldosterone was done. Their body mass index and waist hip ratio were calculated by measuring body weight, height, waist and hip
circumference. The values obtained were compared with 75 controls with normal blood pressure.
The mean and standard deviation were computed. Analysis was done by SPSS version 15.LSD test was applied to compare pair-wise group. Pearson’s
correlation was applied to find out association of different variables with one another, within each of the four groups
Results: The overall percentages of overweight and obese subjects were higher in all four groups. The mean hematocrit and hemoglobin levels were
highest in HTN stage –I (44.7±5.25 and15.4±2.20 respectively). Hemoglobin was strongly correlated to systolic blood pressure and waist hip ratio in both
hypertension stages-I and II (p<0.01). Whereas hematocrit was positively correlated to body mass index, triglycerides, serum potassium and aldosterone
levels in both stages of hypertension (p<0.01)
Conclusion: High hematocrit, hemoglobin, triglyceride levels, visceral fat accumulation and aldosterone secretion are important and independent risk
factors for hypertension.