Correlation of anthropometric parameters, and family history of hypertension with inter-arm blood pressure difference Among normotensive adults in ginchi, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Raised inter arm blood pressure difference has been linked to cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. Hypertension is the major cause of cardiovascular mortality worldwide. In clinical practice, one-arm blood pressure measurement is common regardless of a blood pressure difference between arms. This practice is linked to delay in hypertension diagnosis and is associated with a higher prevalence of poor hypertension control. As a result, the purpose of this study is to determine the correlation of anthropometric parameters and a family history of hypertension with the inter-arm blood pressure difference. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among normotensive adult residents of Ginchi town from September 25 to November 15, 2022. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 567 study participants, and data on socio-demographic characteristics, and family history of hypertension were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Blood pressure and pulse rate were measured by digital blood pressure apparatus (Omron HEM-907XL, BP monitors) whereas weight and height were measured by a combined digital weight and height scale. Arm circumference and waist circumference were measured by non-stretching tape. The data were entered into Epidata version 4.6.0.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to demonstrate the correlation between continuous variables whereas the correlation between continuous variables and categorical variables was analyzed by two independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA. Tables, pie charts, bar graphs, and narratives were used to present it. Results: A total of 567 normotensive adults were enrolled in this study, and approximately 52.96% had raised inter-arm blood pressure difference, with 39.2% (95% CI, 35.1-43.3) having raised systolic inter-arm blood pressure difference and 13.76% (95% CI, 11-16.9) having raised diastolic inter-arm blood pressure difference. Raised systolic inter-arm blood pressure difference showed a statistically significant correlation with height, arm circumference, body mass index, family history of hypertension, right arm mean arterial blood pressure, left arm mean arterial blood pressure, and right arm pulse rate; while raised diastolic inter-arm blood pressure difference showed a statistically significant correlation with weight, arm circumference, waist circumference, body mass index, family history of hypertension, right arm mean arterial blood pressure and left arm mean arterial blood pressure. Conclusion and Recommendations: Raised interarm blood pressure difference among normotensive adults was 52.96% and significantly correlated with anthropometric parameters, pulse rate, mean arterial blood pressure, and a family history of hypertension. Therefore, the measurement of blood pressure in both arms should be included in routine clinical practice. Also, further research is required to clarify the mechanism and causal link of inter-arm differences with anthropometric parameters, mean arterial blood pressure, and pulse rate.