OBJECTIVE: To study the relation between body mass and blood pressure in a low-income urban population. METHODS: From July to December 1998, a cross-sectional study was carried out in a representative sample of a low-income urban community with individuals of both sexes, aged > 30 years and living in 67 (30%) blocks selected out of 224. Blood pressure, weight, and height were measured, and completion of a questionnaire provided information on sex, age, familial income, educational level, and occupation. Body mass index was obtained by dividing weight (kilogram) by height squared (square meter), and the following values were considered: BMI < 25, normal; 25 > BMI < 30, overweight; BMI > 30, obesity. In addition, excessive weight was defined as BMI > 25, and arterial hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure > 140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure > 90 mm Hg. RESULTS: In 1078 dwellings, 1137 eligible individuals resided, and complete information was obtained from 1032 (91%) individuals. The prevalences of arterial hypertension and excessive weight were 22.58% and 51.26%, respectively. Before adjustment, the OR for arterial hypertension for overweight individuals was 1.85 (95% CI: 1.52-2.25) and, for obese individuals, 3.7 (95% CI: 3.04-4.50); after adjustment, the ORs were 2.04 (95% CI: 1.65-2.54) and 4.08 (95% CI: 3.30-5.08), respectively. CONCLUSION: A strong association between body mass and blood pressure exists, independently of sex, age, familial income, educational level, and occupation.
excessive weight; body mass index; hypertension
