Assessment of Cardiovascular Parameters in Normal Weight and Obese Subjects.

Abstract

Obesity is a global epidemic becoming a threat to healthy populations in increasing number of countries. Recently, the prevalence of obesity has increased in younger population. It is related with a number of comorbid conditions like hypertension, diabetes Mellitus, pulmonary diseases, etc. Hence associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality as well as reduced life expectancy. Objective: To study the changes in various cardiovascular parameters like systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure and pulse rate in obese and non-obese subjects. Methods: 50 Male and female between the age group of 25 – 50 years were selected randomly for the study. Body mass index and waist-hip ratio was calculated and skin fold thickness measurement was carried out. The pulse rate and recording of blood pressure was done in standing as well as in supine position. MS excel was used to analyse the data and p- value was calculated using paired t test. Result -There was statistically significant increase in the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure in obese subjects compared to non obese subjects. Conclusion: The excess adipose tissue creates increase in metabolic demand & this will increase total blood volume and cardiac output to keep up with the demand. This may be the reason why we found high systolic BP, Diastolic BP, pulse rate, pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure in obese individuals.