Assessment of obesity as a determinant of arterial hypertension in the context of noncommunicable disease prevention

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.