The effects of weight reduction on blood pressure in 301 obese patients

Article Abstract:

There is a close relationship between obesity and high blood pressure (hypertension). Hypertension is more commonly seen in overweight adults than in normal-weight adults. Approximately 20 percent to 33 percent of hypertensive patients are overweight. There is considerable evidence that weight loss produces significant reductions in blood pressure in obese persons. Additional research suggests that for obese patients, weight loss combined with blood pressure-lowering medication is more effective in reducing blood pressure than such hypotensive medication alone. Obese patients who were either hypertensive or normotensive were studied to determine the effectiveness of weight reduction on blood pressure measurements. The group of 301 obese patients lost an average of 10 kilograms (22 pounds) during treatment and decreased their systolic and diastolic blood pressure by approximately 10.3 and 8.0 mm Hg respectively. Patients who did not lose significant amounts of weight during treatment also did not have significant reductions in blood pressure. Mean pretreatment blood pressures were higher among the unmedicated hypertensive patients than among patients taking medication. The first half of weight loss was more quickly achieved and there was a correspondingly more rapid decrease in blood pressure during this period. The association of weight reduction in obese patients with reduction in blood pressure confirms earlier findings. The reductions of blood pressure were related to the amount of weight lost rather than the method of treatment. Since the rate at which blood pressure decreased was greater during the first half of weight loss, it is important to note that significant blood pressure reductions can be achieved even with brief treatment. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Hypertension, Complications and side effects, Physiological aspects, Obesity, Weight loss

---

The Tecumseh blood pressure study: normative data on blood pressure self-determination

Article Abstract:

There are several reasons why it might be preferable for individuals to measure their own blood pressure at home. There is some evidence that the blood pressure measured at home is lower than readings taken at the doctor's, and there is certainly reason to believe that the averages of repeated blood pressure measurements obtained at home are more reliable predictors of health than a single measurement taken at the doctor's office. Unfortunately, little research has been done concerning normal blood pressure as measured at home, and there is some concern about the accuracy of measurements made by patients themselves. As a part of a large population-based study in Tecumseh, Michigan, 608 healthy men and women representing a wide range of educational backgrounds measured their blood pressure at home; the average age was 33 years. The results indicated that people learned the technique successfully regardless of their educational background, and that the blood pressures determined at home correlated very well with those measured at the clinic. The correlation coefficients were highly significant, at 0.60 for systolic blood pressure and 0.51 for diastolic pressure. The average home blood pressure reading was found to be 120.7 over 74.8 (mm Hg) for men and 110.9 over 69.9 for women. The results indicate that it is feasible for large numbers of individuals from varied backgrounds to accurately measure and record their blood pressures at home, after a short training period. The authors state that their study provides normative data on home blood pressure measurements taken in middle-aged men and women. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Sphygmomanometer, Blood pressure monitors, Self-examination, Medical, Self examination (Medical)

---

Effects of meals and time of day on postural blood pressure responses in young and elderly subjects

Article Abstract:

Blood pressure measurements can vary depending on the time of day, the patient's posture, and whether the measurement is taken before or after a meal. Patients with problems of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates vital involuntary body functions such as blood pressure, often have impaired blood pressure control. The impact of posture, time of day and time of meals on blood pressure and heart rate was evaluated in 10 normal young (average age 24) and 16 normal elderly subjects (average age 69). There were no differences in blood pressure between the two age groups when measurements were taken while the patients were standing and at different times of the day. Blood pressures were generally lower when elderly patients were evaluated while lying down and after all mealtimes. It appears that the elderly experience declines in blood pressure after meals, even when lying down.

Demographic aspects

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: The effect of weight loss on the sensitivity of blood pressure to sodium in obese adolescents. Increased blood pressure during potassium depletion in normotensive men
• Abstracts: The effect of established and gestational diabetes on pregnancy outcome
• Abstracts: The physiologic and psychological effects of the bedside presentation. The long-QT syndrome -- bedside to bench to bedside
• Abstracts: The effects of an STD educational intervention on follow-up appointment keeping and medication-taking compliance
• Abstracts: Tuberculous pericarditis. Severe measles in immunocompromised patients

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.