The relationship between measures of obesity and atherogenic lipids among Nigerians with hypertension

AIM: This study aimed to determine the relationship between measures of obesity and serum lipid levels among hypertensive patients. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which participants newly diagnosed with hypertension formed the study population. A range of demographic and anthropometric data was obtained, including weight, height, and waist and hip circumference. Fasting serum lipids were also measured, including total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated using Friedewald formula. Statistical analysis was then carried out to determine the relationship between anthropometric indices and lipid profile levels. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 124 male and 290 female subjects with a mean age of 66±16.95 years (range, 30–100 years). The female subjects were older than the male subjects (p=0.020). Our analysis showed that 85%, 58.5% and 30.7% of the study population had abnormal waist circumference (WC), abnormal waist-hip ratio (WHR) and a body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2, respectively. Decreased HDL-C (70.1%) was the commonest lipid abnormality detected, followed by elevated LDL (6.0%). None of the anthropometric indices were independent predictors of abnormal lipid levels. However, advanced age and female sex were independent predictors for at least one serum lipid abnormality. CONCLUSION: None of the measures of obesity could independently predict abnormal lipid levels in individuals newly diagnosed with hypertension. However, female sex, advanced age and systolic blood pressure were independently associated with abnormal serum lipids. Encouraging regular exercise, and the possible addition of statins, may be beneficial in addressing both obesity and dyslipidaemia.