Advisor:
Kamakshi Lakshminarayan, MD, MS,

Keywords:
Pulse pressure, Body mass index

Abstract

Introduction: The relationship between PP and body mass index (BMI) was reported in a few studies, but the findings needed to be more consistent. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the association between elevated PP and BMI using a large sample of Royal Thai Army (RTA) personnel. 

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the dataset obtained from the health examination database of 62,180 RTA personnel in Thailand in 2022. Multivariable linear regression and log-binomial regression models were used to determine the association between elevated PP and body mass index (BMI).

Results: Compared to individuals with normal weight, the coefficients of PP and BMI were 1.38 (95% CI: 1.15-1.60) and 2.57 (95% CI: 2.25-2.88) in individuals with BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 and BMI 30 kg/m2, respectively. Effect modification by high BP on the association between elevated PP and BMI was observed. For participants with normal BP, in comparison with BMI 18.5-22.9 kg/m2, the adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) for elevated PP (≥50 mmHg) was 1.23 (95% CI: 1.19-1.28) and 1.41 (95% CI: 1.35-1.48) in those with BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2, and BMI 30 kg/m2, respectively. Among individuals with high BP, the adjusted PR was 1.05 (95% CI: 1.01-1.08) and 1.09 (95% CI: 1.06-1.13) in those with BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 and BMI 30 kg/m2, respectively.

Conclusion: PP was positively associated with BMI among RTA personnel. High BP was the modifier of the association between PP and BMI. A weaker association between elevated PP and BMI among individuals with high BP was observed.

Keywords: Pulse pressure, Body mass index, High blood pressure, Royal Thai Army, Thailand