Anthropometric Indices and its Association with Hypertension in Indian Population: A Study from Tertiary Care Center of North India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Anthropometric indices such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist hip ratio (WHR) have been used for a long time as a measure of obesity and abdominal fat and the relationship between these indices and hypertension has been well established. But these indices cannot discriminate between fat and muscle mass, leaving a greater population not categorized adequately. Recent studies have also demonstrated that not only the amount of fat but also the distribution of fat is important in hypertensive patients. So, new indices have come up through various studies to overcome this lag. The indices ABSI-Body shape index and BRI-Body roundness index are now being increasingly used to assess the risk of hypertension. Very few studies have been conducted on the Indian population in relation to this index. Material and Methods: The study included 700 patients with hypertension visiting the medicine outpatient department (OPD). Anthropometric indices—Height, weight, WC, HC, and WHR were calculated. The indices ABSI-Body shape index and BRI-Body roundness index were calculated as per the respective formulas. The comparison of various indices of anthropometry and hypertension was done as per the statistical analysis. Results: Our study concluded the positive correlation of hypertension with older as well as newer hypertensive indices. Conclusion: Early screening for the detection of hypertensives should be carried out to ease the disease burden and the anthropometric indices being a cost-effective and easy-to-conduct method can be used to facilitate the detection of hypertension. Appropriate lifestyle interventions should be promoted to decrease the prevalence of hypertensive patients.