Routine blood pressure checks

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 32 views

Relationship of Obesity with Prehypertension in Medan Selayang District, Medan City in 2020

Introduction

Hypertension is a major public health concern in Indonesia, with a prevalence of 34.1% according to the Riskesdas 2018 report. Prehypertension, a condition characterized by systolic blood pressure between 120-139 mmHg and diastolic between 80-99 mmHg, is often a precursor to hypertension. Research has shown a significant relationship between excess body fat and increased blood pressure. This study aims to investigate the relationship between obesity and prehypertension in Medan Selayang District, Medan City.

Background

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease. The prevalence of hypertension in Indonesia is increasing, and it is essential to identify the underlying factors contributing to this trend. Obesity is a significant risk factor for hypertension, and it is essential to understand the relationship between the two conditions. This study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the relationship between obesity and prehypertension in Medan Selayang District, Medan City.

Methodology

This study used an analytic approach with a cross-sectional design. A total of 95 participants aged between 20 and 44 years were selected using proportional stratified sampling. The data collection tools included questionnaires, tensimeters, body scales, and stature meters. Univariate data were analyzed descriptively, while bivariate data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test.

Results

The results of this study showed that the proportion of prehypertension in individuals aged 20-44 years in Medan Selayang District was 58.9%. The analysis using the Chi-Square test revealed a significant relationship between obesity and prehypertension with a P-value of 0.013. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between excess fat consumption and obesity to prehypertension with a P-value of 0.001. However, physical activity and family history of obesity did not show a significant relationship with prehypertension.

Discussion

The results of this study highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy diet to avoid obesity. The high proportion of prehypertension in the study population emphasizes the need for routine blood pressure checks at health facilities. The Medan Selayang District Government and local Puskesmas are encouraged to conduct screening or periodic blood pressure checks in the community. This is an essential preventive step to reduce the incidence of hypertension and improve overall public health.

Conclusion

Facing health problems such as hypertension and obesity requires collaborative efforts between individuals, communities, and government. People need to realize the importance of maintaining ideal weight and doing healthy lifestyles, such as regular exercise and eating nutritious food. Conversely, the government is also expected to actively provide education and access to adequate health services. With these steps, it is hoped that a healthier society can be created and avoid the risk of hypertension.

Recommendations

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

Healthy diet: The community is advised to maintain a healthy diet to avoid obesity.
Routine blood pressure checks: The community is encouraged to conduct routine blood pressure checks at health facilities.
Screening and periodic blood pressure checks: The Medan Selayang District Government and local Puskesmas are encouraged to conduct screening or periodic blood pressure checks in the community.
Education and access to health services: The government is expected to actively provide education and access to adequate health services.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Cross-sectional design: The cross-sectional design of this study may not allow for the establishment of causality between obesity and prehypertension.
Limited data collection tools: The data collection tools used in this study may not have captured all the relevant information on obesity and prehypertension.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Investigate the relationship between obesity and prehypertension in different populations: Future studies should investigate the relationship between obesity and prehypertension in different populations, including children and adolescents.
Examine the impact of lifestyle interventions on obesity and prehypertension: Future studies should examine the impact of lifestyle interventions, such as diet and exercise, on obesity and prehypertension.
Develop effective prevention and management strategies for hypertension: Future studies should aim to develop effective prevention and management strategies for hypertension, including the use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Relationship between Obesity and Prehypertension

Q: What is prehypertension?

A: Prehypertension is a condition characterized by systolic blood pressure between 120-139 mmHg and diastolic between 80-99 mmHg. It is often a precursor to hypertension and can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Q: What is the relationship between obesity and prehypertension?

A: Research has shown a significant relationship between excess body fat and increased blood pressure. This study found that there is a significant relationship between obesity and prehypertension, with a P-value of 0.013.

Q: What are the risk factors for prehypertension?

A: The risk factors for prehypertension include:

Obesity: Excess body fat can increase blood pressure and contribute to prehypertension.
Excess fat consumption: Consuming high amounts of fat can increase blood pressure and contribute to prehypertension.
Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to prehypertension.
Family history of obesity: Having a family history of obesity can increase the risk of prehypertension.

Q: What are the symptoms of prehypertension?

A: The symptoms of prehypertension are often asymptomatic, but may include:

Headaches: Frequent or severe headaches can be a symptom of prehypertension.
Dizziness: Feeling dizzy or lightheaded can be a symptom of prehypertension.
Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak can be a symptom of prehypertension.
Shortness of breath: Feeling short of breath can be a symptom of prehypertension.

Q: How can prehypertension be prevented?

A: Prehypertension can be prevented by:

Maintaining a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet that is low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables can help prevent prehypertension.
Engaging in regular physical activity: Regular exercise can help lower blood pressure and prevent prehypertension.
Maintaining a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent prehypertension.
Getting regular blood pressure checks: Regular blood pressure checks can help identify prehypertension early and prevent it from progressing to hypertension.

Q: How can prehypertension be treated?

A: Prehypertension can be treated by:

Lifestyle modifications: Making lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can help lower blood pressure and prevent prehypertension.
Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help lower blood pressure and prevent prehypertension.
Regular blood pressure checks: Regular blood pressure checks can help identify prehypertension early and prevent it from progressing to hypertension.

Q: What is the prognosis for individuals with prehypertension?

A: The prognosis for individuals with prehypertension is generally good if lifestyle modifications and regular blood pressure checks are made. However, if prehypertension is left untreated, it can progress to hypertension, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Q: What are the long-term consequences of prehypertension?

A: The long-term consequences of prehypertension include:

Hypertension: Prehypertension can progress to hypertension, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular disease: Hypertension can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
Kidney disease: Hypertension can increase the risk of kidney disease, including chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.
Vision loss: Hypertension can increase the risk of vision loss, including blindness.