Abstract:
Introduction
Arterial hypertension (AH) is a major global risk factor for
cardiovascular diseases and a key contributor to the burden
of noncommunicable diseases. Its rising prevalence is closely
associated with increasing rates of overweight and obesity,
recognized as important modifiable determinants of cardiovascular risk. Excess body weight, especially abdominal
obesity, contributes to metabolic disturbances, chronic lowgrade inflammation, and hemodynamic changes that
promote elevated blood pressure. Assessing nutritional
status and dietary habits in hypertensive patients is essential
for developing effective prevention and control strategies.
Aim of the study
To analyze nutritional status in patients with arterial
hypertension, considering obesity as a major determinant of
cardiovascular risk and prevention.
Material and methods
A prospective, cross-sectional observational study was
conducted on 108 adults with confirmed arterial hypertension. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire
on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary habits, and life-style. Anthropometric assessment included BMI and waistto-hip ratio (WHR), according to WHO criteria. Clinical data
were extracted from medical records. Statistical analysis
included descriptive methods and inferential tests (χ² test,
Student’s t-test, and correlation analysis), with p<0.05
considered significant.
Results
The sample included 41.7% men and 58.3% women, mean
age 65.0±10.11 years. Mean blood pressure was
169.6±1.0/98.3±3.4 mmHg; left ventricular hypertrophy
was present in 70% of patients. Obesity was identified in
63.9% and overweight in 32.4%; mean WHR (0.91±0.10)
indicated high abdominal obesity prevalence. Obesity was
significantly associated with higher systolic blood pressure
(p<0.05) and presence of left ventricular hypertrophy
(p<0.01). A positive correlation was observed between WHR
and systolic blood pressure (r=0.42, p<0.01). Patients with
dyslipidemia had significantly higher BMI values (p<0.05).
Additional salt intake was associated with higher blood
pressure levels (p<0.05). From a dietary perspective, bread,
dairy products, and meat - including processed meat
products - were consumed almost universally, while 98.1%
of patients reported fish consumption.
Conclusion
The high prevalence of excess weight, particularly abdominal
obesity, along with unbalanced dietary habits, confirms
obesity as a major determinant of hypertensive risk. Inferential analysis supports significant associations between
obesity indicators and blood pressure, emphasizing the need
for targeted nutritional interventions and abdominal obesity
reduction strategies in hypertension prevention and control.
