Body Mass Index and blood pressure control among hypertensive patients attending The Family Medicine Clinic of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, contributing to cardiovascular disease and early  death worldwide. The reduction of complications from hypertension lies in achieving blood pressure control. Body mass index is a predictor of both hypertension and blood pressure control.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between body mass index and blood pressure control among hypertensive patients attending the Family Medicine clinic, LASUTH to address issues of uncontrolled blood pressure.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 384 consenting hypertensive adults who were selected using  systematic random sampling method. An interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain relevant data. Data  was analyzed using SPSS 27.

Results: The age range of the participants was 28-87 years, 59.6% of the participants had good blood  pressure control. 67.2% of the participants had abnormal BMI: 49.2% overweight, 16.4% obese, and 1.6% underweight. Underweight and  obesity were associated with Uncontrolled BP (p-<0.001).

Conclusion: This study showed that underweight and obesity components of  the BMI are associated with uncontrolled BP, hence plans for achieving normal weight should be incorporated early in the management  of hypertensive individuals.