Visceral Fat and its Correlation with Blood Pressurein Older Adults

The risk of hypertension is increased as people get older. Hypertension and overweight/ obesity are highly prevalent in Iranian older adults and there are limited studies on the association between high blood pressure and visceral fat in this population. This research was conducted to evaluate the correlation between hypertension and visceral fat in older adults.

This case-control study was carried out using the records of people aged ≥ 60 years who enrolled at Phase II of the Amirkola Health and Ageing Project (AHAP). People with hypertension (case group) and those without hypertension (control group) were matched for age and gender. Physical activity was measured using the Physical Activity Scale for Elderly. Visceral fat level was measured by a density meter device.

Out of 700 senior adults, half were found with hypertension. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in age (P=0.684), body shape index (P=0.691), and physical activity (P=0.308). But, a significant difference was observed in mean waist circumference (P<0.001), body mass index (P<0.001), waist circumference to weight ratio (P<0.001), and visceral fat (P<0.001) between the two groups. There was a significant positive correlation between blood pressure and the levels of visceral fat, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist to height ratio in older males and females. Body mass index in male (P<0.001, AUC=0.710) and visceral fat level in female participants (P<0.001, AUC=0.626) were considerably correlated with hypertension.

This study revealed a significant direct correlation between blood pressure and visceral fat level, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist to height ratio in older male and female population. Body mass index in male and visceral fat level in female older adults were strongly associated with hypertension.