To Study the Relation between ABO Blood Groups, Prehypertension and BMI

Introduction: Hypertension is rapidly increasing among the younger population due to increased intake of junk food, sedentary lifestyle and stress. Etiology of hypertension is linked to both modifiable (obesity, salt intake, physical activity) and non-modifiable (genetics) risk factors. Aims& Objectives: The present study was designed to study the possible association of blood groups with BMI and prehypertension in medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in 250 medical students of SMC, Ghaziabad, aged 17-25 years. The resting BP was measured in sitting posture with mercury sphygmomanometer. Blood group was determined by the slide agglutination test. BMI was calculated by Quetlet index (Kg/m2). Statistical Analysis: Results were analysed by Chi square test to assess the frequency distribution of blood groups among prehypertensive and normotensive subjects. Result: Results showed the prevalence of prehypertension (JNC 7 BP classification) in blood group B was (14.8 %) greater than O (6 %) greater than A (4.8 %) greater than AB (4 %) and BMI greater than25 in blood group B (8 %) greater than O (6.4 %) greater than AB (3.2 %) greater than A (1.6 %). Conclusion: In our present study we have observed higher incidence of prehypertension in blood group B& O. To ascertain whether there is definite association, further studies have to be done.