Hypertension in postmenopausal Indonesian Women: fluctuating Body Mass Index as a potential predictor of decreasing blood pressure

Abstract

Background: The burden of Hypertension (HT) [P1][YT2] in Indonesian postmenopausal women has increased over the past years. Obesity is the most prevalent risk of HT among postmenopausal women. Objective: This study evaluates the relationship of fluctuating BMI with BP in postmenopausal women in Bogor, Indonesia. Methods: This longitudinal study acquired secondary data from a previous study of the “Cohort Study of NCD’ Risk Factors” along with a two-year follow-up. Data were analyzed from a total of 888 postmenopausal women aged ≥ 25 years[P3][wr4]. BMI and BP fluctuations were calculated from baseline BMI at the first visit (T1) until the observation period (T7). The significance of panel analysis at p value < 0.05.[P5][wr6] Results: The fixed-effect model showed a significant correlation between BMI changes with the changes in SBP and DBP and fluctuating BMI with SBP. After adjustment for physical activity, 1 kg of weight gain will increase SBP and DBP in normotensive, controlled, and uncontrolled hypertensive individuals. After adjusting for smoking, BMI reduction by 1% would lower the SBP as much as 2-3 mmHg compared to a stable BMI. Conclusions: Fluctuating BMI was a predictor in decreasing BP in postmenopausal women, so it could be used to control HT. Keywords: Fluctuating; BMI; BP; Postmenopausal; Indonesia.