Association of Anthropometric Measurements With Lipid Profile in Hypertension

Objectives: To assess whether anthropometric indices (body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and skinfold thickness) are associated with lipid profile parameters in participants with and without hypertension. Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 200 participants (100 with hypertension and 100 without hypertension) at Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MMIMSR), Ambala. Anthropometric parameters included BMI, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and skinfold thickness (biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac). Fasting lipid profiles (total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides) were analyzed using standard enzymatic methods. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v25.0 with p < 0.05 as significant. Results: Participants with hypertension had significantly higher BMI, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and skinfold thickness at triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac sites (p < 0.05). Biceps thickness did not differ significantly (p = 0.174). Total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides were significantly elevated in participants with hypertension, while HDL-C was lower (p < 0.0001 for all). BMI positively correlated with total cholesterol (r = 0.45), LDL-C (r = 0.42), and triglycerides (r = 0.39) and negatively with HDL-C (r = -0.40), all p < 0.001. Conclusion: Central obesity was significantly associated with adverse lipid profiles in this sample of hypertensives. Regular assessment of anthropometric and lipid parameters is crucial for early identification and management of cardiometabolic risk.