Abdominal Circumference Monitoring

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 38 views

The Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Abdominal Circumference with Blood Pressure in Students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra

Introduction

Hypertension is a silent killer that can have devastating effects on the heart and blood vessels. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Obesity is a significant risk factor for hypertension, and it is essential to understand the relationship between body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference, and blood pressure in students. This study aims to analyze the relationship between BMI and abdominal circumference with blood pressure in students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra.

The Importance of Body Mass Index and Abdominal Circumference

Body mass index (BMI) is a widely used measurement to assess weight status. It is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. BMI is a reliable indicator of body fatness and is used to categorize individuals into underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese categories. The Asian Cut-off criteria are used to determine BMI categories, which are as follows: underweight (BMI < 18.5), normal weight (BMI = 18.5-22.9), overweight (BMI = 23-24.9), and obese (BMI ≥ 25).

Abdominal circumference is another important measurement that is used to assess visceral fat. Visceral fat is the fat that accumulates around the abdominal organs and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The normal limit for abdominal circumference is 80 cm for women and 90 cm for men. A higher abdominal circumference is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Research Methodology

This study uses an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach. The sampling method used was probability sampling with a simple random sampling type. The research participants were students from the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, who were enrolled in the years 2017, 2018, and 2019. The exclusion criteria included individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases, kidney disorders, those taking hypertensive drugs, pregnant women, suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and athletes.

Measurements were carried out by interviewing respondents to collect data about body weight and height, which was then used to calculate BMI. The BMI category was determined based on the Asian Cut-off criteria. Abdominal circumference was measured with a normal limit of 80 cm for women and 90 cm for men. Blood pressure was measured and categorized according to the ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines.

Research Results

The results of this study show a significant correlation between BMI and blood pressure. The significance value found was p = 0.001 for systolic blood pressure and p = 0.014 for diastolic blood pressure. The correlation coefficient between BMI and systolic blood pressure was r = 0.466, while for diastolic blood pressure was r = 0.340, which shows a moderate level of relationship.

In addition, the research also found that abdominal circumference has a significant correlation with blood pressure. The significance value for systolic blood pressure was p = 0.000 and for diastolic blood pressure p = 0.038. The relationship found between abdominal circumference and systolic blood pressure had a correlation coefficient r = 0.480, while for diastolic blood pressure r = 0.289.

Analysis and Conclusion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the higher the category of BMI and abdominal circumference, the greater the risk of increased blood pressure in students. This shows that weight control and stomach circumference monitoring are important to prevent hypertension, which has the potential to be the beginning of cardiovascular disease.

Increasing awareness about the importance of maintaining ideal body weight and healthy lifestyle among students is very important. Preventive efforts such as health education programs, routine checks, and physical activities can help reduce the risk of hypertension. Therefore, it is essential for educational institutions, especially the Faculty of Medicine, to play an active role in supporting students in achieving a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease in the future.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Health Education Programs: Educational institutions should implement health education programs that focus on the importance of maintaining ideal body weight and healthy lifestyle.
Routine Checks: Regular health checks should be conducted to monitor blood pressure and abdominal circumference.
Physical Activities: Physical activities should be encouraged among students to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Weight Control: Weight control programs should be implemented to help students achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Abdominal Circumference Monitoring: Abdominal circumference should be monitored regularly to prevent the accumulation of visceral fat.

By implementing these recommendations, educational institutions can play a significant role in preventing the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease among students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Abdominal Circumference with Blood Pressure in Students

Q: What is the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure?

A: The results of this study show a significant correlation between BMI and blood pressure. The higher the category of BMI, the greater the risk of increased blood pressure in students.

Q: What is the significance of abdominal circumference in relation to blood pressure?

A: Abdominal circumference has a significant correlation with blood pressure. The higher the abdominal circumference, the greater the risk of increased blood pressure in students.

Q: What are the health implications of a high BMI and abdominal circumference?

A: A high BMI and abdominal circumference are associated with an increased risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Q: What can students do to prevent the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease?

A: Students can take several steps to prevent the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, including:

Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity
Monitoring blood pressure and abdominal circumference regularly
Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking or jogging
Avoiding sugary drinks and foods high in salt and sugar
Getting enough sleep and managing stress levels

Q: What role can educational institutions play in preventing the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease?

A: Educational institutions can play a significant role in preventing the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease by:

Implementing health education programs that focus on the importance of maintaining ideal body weight and healthy lifestyle
Conducting regular health checks to monitor blood pressure and abdominal circumference
Encouraging physical activity and promoting a healthy lifestyle
Providing resources and support for students to achieve and maintain a healthy weight

Q: What are the benefits of maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle?

A: Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle can have numerous benefits, including:

Reducing the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease
Improving overall health and well-being
Increasing energy levels and reducing fatigue
Enhancing mental health and reducing stress levels
Improving academic performance and productivity

Q: How can students get started with maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle?

A: Students can get started with maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle by:

Setting realistic goals and making a plan to achieve them
Seeking support from friends, family, and healthcare professionals
Starting with small changes, such as increasing physical activity or reducing sugar intake
Monitoring progress and making adjustments as needed
Celebrating successes and staying motivated to continue making healthy choices.

Q: What resources are available to support students in maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle?

A: There are numerous resources available to support students in maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle, including:

Health education programs and workshops
Counseling services and support groups
Online resources and apps
Fitness classes and recreational activities
Nutrition counseling and meal planning services.

By taking these steps, students can reduce their risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.