BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS AND TRENDS OF OBESITY INHYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS VERSUS HEALTH IN DIVIDUALS:ISFAHAN 1991-2001

Introduction: Obesity is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Clinical studies have shown that body weight reduction, decrease blood pressure. The aim of this study was to illustrate the trend of hypertension and obesity according to body mass index in three cross-sectional studies conducted in the city of Isfahan during a period of ten years.Methods: In a series of three cross-sectional studies among the population aged over 25, in Isfahan samples were selectaed in a multistage method (1991-1992, 1995-1996, and 2000-2001). 2438, 3234, and 2015 individuals were studied, respectively. The blood pressure of subjects was checked twice, one week apart. Blood pressure measurement was conducted by trained nurses.Results: Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) have been decreased significantly in all groups (P 0.005). However, reduction of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) mean was significant only in men and women who were under treatment with antihypertensive drugs (P 0.05). In all hypertensive groups and in health subjects, there was an increase in body mass index (BMI). This increase had a more notable trend in hypertensive groups, compared with healthy individuals. The prevalence of obesity in hypertensive patients was higher than that of the healthy group.Discussion: Obesity has had a rising prevalence during the last ten years in hypertensive and healthy individuals. In light of the importance of weight control in hypertensive patients, it is recommendable as a primary prevention measure.