Prevalence of hypertension in obese and non-obese Saudis

OBJECTIVE: Obesity occurs at a high prevalence in the Saudi population. Studies in literature show that hypertension occurs more frequently in obese individuals.This study was designed to determine the prevalence of hypertension in obese Saudis in comparison with results obtained in non-obese individuals.

METHODS: The screening involved a statistically designed household screening program. Only adults 14-70 years of age were included in the study. Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) was measured when the individuals were in sitting position and height and weight were used to calculate Body Mass Index. All individuals with Body Mass Index > 30 were classified as obese and hypertension was measured as systolic blood pressure > 140 and diastolic blood pressure > 90 or both. The prevalence of hypertension was calculated in the obese and non-obese group. Chi square analysis was carried out to determine the significance of the difference in prevalence in different groups.

RESULTS: In the non-obese males and females the prevalence of hypertension was 4.8% and 2.8%. While in the obese group the prevalence was almost 1.6 times higher in the males (8%) and 3.52 times higher (8%) in the female obese. The results were separated on the basis of the province to which the population belonged and hypertension prevalence was calculated in the obese and non-obese. In each region the prevalence of hypertension was higher in the obese group compared to the non-obese group. Non-obeses females had significantly lower hypertension prevalence than the male in the same province but the hypertension prevalence was higher in the females compared to the male in the obese group. Male in the Eastern, Southern and Western provinces did not show an increased hypertension prevalence in the obese.

CONCLUSION: Since the prevalence of obesity is high in Saudis and since obesity and hypertension occur together and cause serious complications, it is strongly suggested that measures are adopted to decrease prevalence of obesity and its underlying complications. Awareness programs are required at the level of the general public for successful implication of preventive programs.