BACK | PRINT
Blood pressure levels and obesity trends in patients with hypertension and healthy individuals, Isfahan, 1991-2001

Introduction
Obesity is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Clinical studies have shown that blood pressure is significantly reduced with decrease in body weight. The objective of this study was to evaluate hypertension and obesity trends according to BMI during three descriptive cross-sectional studies conducted over a 10-year period in Isfahan.

Methods
This study consists of three cross-sectional researches conducted in 1991-1992, 1995-1996, and 2000-2001 on the over-25 population of Isfahan. Sampling was performed using random-clustering method. The patients' blood pressure was evaluated twice in a week. Raw data were entered into computer and analyzed with SPSS10 using ANOVA and t-test.

Results
During studies conducted on the over-25 population of Isfahan in 1991-1992, 1995-1996 and 2000-2001, 2438, 3234 and 2015 individuals were evaluated, respectively. Mean systolic blood pressure showed a significant decrease in all groups, however, diastolic blood pressure only showed a significant decrease in men and women under study for high blood pressure. An increase was observed in the healthy group. The increase in BMI had a developing trend in individuals who were aware of their high blood pressure, as compared to those whose blood pressure was under control.

Discussion
The prevalence of obesity has had a rising trend in the population of Isfahan during the last ten years, both in hypertensive and healthy individuals. Hence, and in view of the necessity of controlling obesity in persons with hypertension, it should be addressed as an important factor in primary prevention.