Prediction of hypertension by anthropometric parameters in primigravidae

BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to determine the efficacy of various anthropometric indices in prediction of hypertension risk in primigravidae. METHODS: In this cross-sectional survey, 183 primigravidae who had referred to health care centers in Rasht (Iran) were recruited at their first antenatal visits. Using standardized methods, the researchers determined the weights, heights, waist to hip ratio (WHR), and waist circumferences (WC) of all women. Body mass index (BMI) was then calculated as weight divided by height squared. Data was analyzed with SPSS17. Step-wise linear regression models were fitted for systolic and diastolic blood pressure as dependent variables and BMI, WHR, WC as independent variables. RESULTS: The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 111.2 mmHg and 73.0 mmHg, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between obesity indicators and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Linear regression models suggested that BMI, WC, and WHR were important indicators of hypertension. CONCLUSION: WC seemed to have a strong association with the risk of hypertension and preeclampsia.