The Influence of body mass index on the correlation between systolic blood pressure and intraocular pressure

Author

Munjanja, Delight

Title

The Influence of body mass index on the correlation between systolic blood pressure and intraocular pressure

Abstract

Background: Elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) and intraocular pressure (IOP) are well-established risk factors for various cardiovascular and visual–ocular conditions. However, the relationship between SBP and IOP may be influenced by an individual's body mass index (BMI). This study aims to investigate the impact of BMI on the correlation between SBP and IOP.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included a sample of 448 adults aged 18-75 years. Participants’ BMI, SBP, and IOP were measured using standardized protocols. Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between SBP and IOP. The sample was then stratified by BMI categories (normal weight, overweight, and obese), and the SBP-IOP correlation was examined within each subgroup. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to model the influence of BMI on the SBP-IOP relationship while adjusting for confounding factors.
Results: The overall correlation between SBP and IOP was statistically significant (r (448) = 0.646, p < 0.001). The findings revealed diverse correlations across the BMI categories. In the underweight group, the correlation was negligible and negative (r (33) = -0.062, p = 0.730). The normal weight group exhibited a modest positive correlation (r (193) = 0.199, p < 0.001). Interestingly, the correlation in the overweight group was minimal and statistically insignificant (r (145) = 0.039, p = 0.642). Conversely, the obese group demonstrated the strongest positive correlation (r (77) = 0.381, p <0.001). The regression analysis revealed that BMI was a significant modifier of the SBP-IOP relationship (β = 0.279, p < 0.001), even after accounting for age, gender, and other relevant covariates.
Conclusion: The findings suggested that BMI is important in the correlation between SBP and IOP. Individuals with higher BMI levels exhibit a stronger association between these two parameters, which may have clinical implications for the management of cardiovascular and ophthalmic conditions.

Date

June 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Body Mass Index

Systolic Blood Pressure

Intraocular Pressure

Correlation

Supervisor

Dr. Selassie Tagoh