Frequency of hypertension and the correlation between body mass index and level of hypertension among patients in different categories of obesity

Introduction. Excess body weight, especially when associated with increased visceral obesity, is the major cause of arterial hypertension. It has been found that the correlation between arterial blood pressure and obesity is significant but low. Objective. The aim was to determine frequency of hypertension and to examine the relationship between the body mass index (BMI) and the value of blood pressure in different categories of patients. Method. The study included 150 outpatients. Based on the value of BMI subjects were assigned to different obesity categories. Results. Obese people have a significantly higher incidence of hypertension (p 0.05) and a positive, minor correlation between BMI and diastolic pressure (r=0.145; p> 0.05). Conclusion. Positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, significantly higher incidence of hypertension and findings of significantly higher systolic and diastolic pressure, in obese people, compared to people with normal weight, indicates that obesity is a significant risk factor for arterial hypertension.