P3.07 THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LOW BODY MASS INDEX AND ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IN AFRICANS: THE PURE STUDY

Abstract

Objectives: In developing countries, urbanization leads to changes in behavioural lifestyle and malnutrition which may lead to higher rates of cardiovascular disease .1,2 We aimed to assess the association between low body mass index and markers of cardiovascular function like pulse wave velocity in Africans. Methods: We included 496 Africans, aged between 35–65 years, with a low socio-economic status. They were stratified into a low BMI group with BMI ≤ 20 kg/m2 and a normal BMI group with BMI ≤ 20 kg/m2 and ≤ 25 kg/m2. Blood pressure (OMRON HEM-757) and PWV (Complier SP) were recorded. Results: African men with low BMI revealed significantly higher DBP (88.0 ± 13.4 mm/Hg) compared to the normal BMI group (84.2 ± 12.2 mm/Hg) and an increased arterial stiffness with significantly higher PWV (12.6 ± 2.47 m/s) compared to the normal BMI group (11.6 ± 2.00 m/s). The significant higher DBP and PWV remained after adjusting for confounders. The BMI scatter plot illustrated a negative tendency towards PWV in Africans (r= −0.28; p<0.001). This negative association between PWV and BMI in African men was confirmed with regression analysis. When adjusting for age, smoking, alcohol intake, BP and heart rate a J-curve was evident between PWV and BMI. Conclusion: This indicates a detrimental effect of low BMI on vascular function which may contributes to the high prevalence of CVD and mortality in Africans.