Correlation between Visceral Fat with Pulse Pressure in Young Offsprings of Hypertensive and Normotensive Parents: A Cross-sectional Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Increased Pulse Pressure (PP) and arterial stiffness are both associated with an elevated risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Raised PP is an independent prognostic marker for CVD not only in adults but also in young normotensive subjects. Normotensive Offspring of Hypertensive Parents (OHP) are more likely to develop future hypertension. Visceral obesity, closely tied to endocrine activity, magnifies susceptibility to hypertension and CVD development in young adults. Thus, understanding the association between visceral fat and PP assumes paramount importance in young adults. Aim: To study the correlation between visceral fat and PP in young offspring of hypertensive and normotensive parents. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Government Medical College, Datia, Madhya Pradesh, India for eight months from June 2023 to January 2024 among 140 healthy young participants aged 18-25 years. The subjects were divided into two groups: Group-1 {Offspring of Normotensive Parents (ONP)} and Group-2 offsprings of Hypertensive Parents (OHPs). Body composition parameters and visceral fat levels were measured using a calibrated Karada scan. Detailed information regarding the history of hypertension in the family, alcohol intake, etc., was collected in a pre-defined proforma. Blood pressure measurements of subjects were taken using a standard electronic sphygmomanometer. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 28.0 software. For correlational analysis, Pearson correlation test was used and a p-value <0.05 considered significant. Results: The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between visceral fat levels and PP levels (p<0.05, r=0.58 and 0.57) in the two groups. Visceral fat levels were significantly higher in OHPs than in ONPs. Conclusion: Visceral fat and PP showed a correlation within the young population, irrespective of hypertensive or normotensive parents. However, visceral fat and PP levels were higher in the OHPs. This study suggests that maintaining a healthy body fat composition rather than just body weight might be pivotal for long-term hypertension prevention.

Keywords

• hypertension
• obesity
• young adults