Assessment of Anthropometric Indices, Salt Intake and Physical Activity in the Aetiology of Prehypertension.

INTRODUCTION: Globally, prehypertension is responsible for approximately 62% of cardiovascular and 49% of ischemic heart disease (IHD) episodes. Current data from the Indian subcontinent suggests that prevalence of prehypertension was 47% amongst young urban residents. Considering its serious prognosis, the current study was undertaken to assess risk factors such as for cardiovascular diseases in prehypertensives adult males in Uttarakhand region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, HIMS, Dehradun, over a period of 12 months. Volunteers (20-40 years) were divided into two groups; Group I (Controls): normotensives and Group II (Cases): prehypertensives based on JNC VII classification.

RESULTS: Exercise capacity, determined by peak VO2 consumption was significantly lower in prehypertensive group than the normotensive group (p<0.001). Daily salt intake of pre-hypertensives was significantly greater than the normotensive subjects (p<0.001). Multiple Linear Regression analysis revealed that average baseline SBP increases by 0.34 mmHg for every 1 kg increase in weight and average baseline DBP increases by 0.25 mmHg for every 1 year increase in age.

CONCLUSION: Exercise capacity was found decreased in pre-hypertensives and they have high daily salt intake. Also, weight and age emerged as independent risk factors for SBP and DBP respectively.