Iranian Heart Journal

Iranian Heart Journal

The Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure in Vietnam

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Minh Van Huynh 1
Huong Thu Le Thi 1
Nguyen Tu Tran 2
Yen Bach Hoang Thi 1
Tien Hoang Anh 1
1 Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam.
2 Hue Central Hospital, Hue City, Vietnam.
Abstract
Background: The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure in the Vietnamese population has not been clearly defined. This study aims to examine the clinical characteristics and BMI of hypertensive patients and investigate the relationship between BMI and blood pressure.
 
Methods: This study employs a cross-sectional descriptive design and random sampling. Participants’ blood pressure was measured 3 times using an automatic sphygmomanometer.
 
Results: A total of 5910 individuals participated in the study, with 2138 being diagnosed with hypertension. Among the participants, 20.8% were overweight, 20.8% were obese, and 9.9% were underweight. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between BMI and systolic blood pressure in both sexes (men: r = 0.339, P < 0.05; women: r = 0.324, P < 0.05; overall: r = 0.345, P < 0.05). After adjustments for age and gender, a 1-unit increase in BMI corresponded to a 1.414 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure. Obesity and overweight were associated with an increased risk of hypertension compared with normal weight (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.67 to 2.18; P < 0.05 and OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.58 to 2.07; P < 0.05, respectively). Conversely, being underweight was associated with a reduced risk of hypertension (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.43; P < 0.05).
 
Conclusions: The study found a positive correlation between BMI and blood pressure. It is advisable to manage weight even in individuals without hypertension and utilize BMI as a tool for detecting hypertension within the community. (Iranian Heart Journal 2025; 26(1): 6-15)
Keywords
Body mass index
Blood pressure
Hypertension
Vietnam
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Iranian Heart Journal
Volume 26, Issue 1
Winter 2025
Pages 6-15