Anthropometric determinants of blood pressure changes in a community sample of adults in Sokoto, northwest Nigeria

Objective: To determine the predictability of rise in Blood Pressure (BP) parameters, by the various components of excessive weight gain, in a population-based sample of adults in Sokoto, Nigeria. Design:  A cross-sectional descriptive study carried out on a community sample of adults attending a free medical screening. Setting:  An open-space free medical service carried out in a Sokoto community. Subjects:   All consenting, non-pregnant adults that participated in the event were included. Main Outcome Measures:  Stepwise multivariate regression analysis was applied to determine the variability strengths of body weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), Lean Body Mass (LBM) and Body Fat (BF), on Systolic BP (SP), Diastolic BP (DP), Pulse Pressure (PP), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and Pulse Rate (PR). Slope of the relationship between dependent and independent variables were also determined. Results: BF was a more consistent influencer of BP rise beyond other anthropometric parameters. BF versus SP and MAP are respectively; β-coefficient =0.357, CI =0.264  1.162, p=.002 and β-coefficient = 0.455, CI =0.324  0.890, p=.000. The influence of BMI on DP was β-coefficient =0.457, CI =0.564  1.555, p=.000 and influence of body weight on PR was β-coefficient =0.270, CI = 0.037  0.471, p=.023. Conclusion: To assess the risk of excess weight gain on BP elevation, the BF component of body weight or BMI be given more attention and should be part of the targets of lifestyle modifications aimed at controlling hypertension and forestalling its complications.