Correlation between the blood groups, BMI and pre-hypertension among medical students

Objective: The incidence of hypertension is on the rise in all age groups including younger population. The objective of the study is to evaluate the possible relationship between body mass index (BMI) and ABO blood groups and the tendency of developing hypertension (pre-hypertension), in medical students of K. M. C, Mangalore. Methods: Cross-sectional, population-based study. 200 medical students between 18 and 21 years were chosen for the study. Their blood group and BMI were determined and correlated with blood pressure (BP). Results: The results were analyzed by applying ANOVA,and Students' t-test. ANOVA revealed elevated diastolic and systolic blood pressure was positively associated with increasing BMI and B group subjects had elevated BP and it was more in those with higher BMI (P < 0. 001) and negatively associated with the 'blood group A'. Conclusion: This pilot study provides population based data on hypertensive tendency (pre-hypertension) in young medical students Tendency to develop hypertension (pre-hypertension) is strongly associated with increase in BMI and those with blood group B appeared to be more susceptible for pre-hypertension. There may be role for targeted screening of high risk groups, particularly obese. The importance of primordial prevention is also emphasised.