Background Overweight and obesity markedly increase the risk of cardiovascular events. The purpose of the study was to identify the effect of interactions between the anthropometric parameters (body mass index - BMI and waist/hip ratio - WHR) on blood pressure values and to assess the relationship between adipose tissue distribution, smoking and blood pressure values.
Material and methods The study was conducted as part of the EPOGH Project (European Project on Genes in Hypertension). The study population consisted of 206 subjects ranging in age from 18 to 60 years inhabiting the area of Niepolomice close to Krakow. Each study participant completed a standard EPOGH questionnaire. From all subjects we obtained anthropometric (BMI and WHR) and biochemical measurements (total cholesterol, TG, LDL and HDL cholesterol), and 24hr ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Entry criteria to four study groups were BMI (< 25,0 and ł 25,0 kg/m²) and WHR (< Me and ł Me; Me = 0,84). Statistical analysis was done using the Statistica 6.0 PL.
Results Subjects with higher WHR were older, male and more frequently reported smoking. Standardized analysis showed that BMI and WHR affected systolic blood pressure both day and night. Subjects with BMI ł 25,0 kg/m² and WHR ł Me had significantly higher blood pressure values as compared with subjects with normal body mass (BMI < 25,0 kg/m² and WHR < Me) both with respect to systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the daytime and nighttime. Analysis of interaction showed a significant cumulative effect of BMI and WHR on systolic blood pressure at night. Triple-factorial analysis of interactions - BMI, WHR, smoking versus blood pressure value - did not show statistical significance. However, smokers with abdominal overweight had higher blood pressure values at night.
Conclusions The present study confirmed the significant independent effect of interactions between the anthropometric parameters: BMI and WHR on systolic blood pressure at night. Smoking potentiated the unfavorable effect of overweight and abdominal adipose tissue distribution on blood pressure value.