Influence of increased body mass index on prevalence of arterial hypertension in polish population - results of LIPIDOGRAM 2004 study

Abstract

Background Overweight and obesity are known risk factors for arterial hypertension (AH) and other cardiovascular diseases. However, the data concerning coexistence of those two risk factors and influence of BMI on the level of blood pressure are not well-established in Polish population. The aim of the study was to assess the coexistence of arterial hypertension and its severity depending on exceeded body mass index in adult population of Poland.
Material and methods The investigated group consisted of 17 065 consecutive patients (59.2% women; 40.8% men) aged 30-98 (mean age - 55.1 years; median - 54.7 years) who were admitted between 01.10.2004 and 20.12.2004 to 675 primary care clinics chosen from all 16 districts of Poland. The cause of appointment was irrelevant for inclusion. Population under investigation was divided into 4 groups - according to BMI (kg/m²): B0 < 18.5 kg/m²; B1 - 18.5-24.9 kg/m²; B2 - 25-29.9 kg/m²; B3 ≥ 30 kg/m²; and depending on grade of AH (according to guidelines of ESH/ESC 2003): AH1 (mild), AH2 (moderate), AH3 (severe) and AH0 (without AH). Results Arterial hypertension was a problem in 50.9% of population (AH1 = 27%, AH2 = 21%, AH3 = 3%), with no significant differences between sexes. Overweight and obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) was present in 75% of patients (80.81% men, 70.38% women): overweight (B2) was found in 43% of patients (48.03% men, 39.16% women) and obesity (B3) in 32% of investigated population (32.78% men, 31.22% women). Bilateral, significant correlation was found between values of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² and prevalence and severity of arterial hypertension in studied population.
Conclusions Overweight or obesity and AH remain an important health issue in Polish population. Bilateral positive correlation between a degree of AH and BMI was found, although patients with underweight and normal BMI are the rarity - the risk of AH in these groups is similar and stable.