Association Between Dietary Habits on Blood Pressure in Healthy Medical Undergraduates.

Abstract

Introduction Hypertension remains one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, elevated blood pressure contributes to nearly 10.8 million deaths annually, primarily through ischemic heart disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. It has been demonstrated that dietary changes are especially useful at managing and preventing hypertension. Dietary habits may affect vascular tone and endothelial function through their influence on lipid profile, sodium intake, and oxidative stress. Therefore, assessing the association between dietary pattern and blood pressure in healthy young adults could provide insights into early cardiovascular health.

Objectives: 1. To compare blood pressure levels between vegetarian and non vegetarian medical undergraduate students. 2.  To assess the impact of dietary pattern on the anthropometric parameters.

 Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 191 medical students aged 17–25 years (mean age = 18.8 ± 1.1 years) after obtaining institutional ethics approval and informed consent. Dietary habit was categorized as vegetarian or non-vegetarian based on self-report. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences, and waist–hip ratio. Blood pressure was measured in arms using a standardized mercury sphygmomanometer after 5 minutes of rest; the average of two readings was recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25.0 with t-test, p < 0.05 was deemed significant.

Results: Of the 191 participants, 105 (55%) were females and 86 (45%) males. Dietary distribution was nearly equal 49% vegetarians and 51% non-vegetarians. Mean systolic BP in vegetarians was 129 ± 19mmHg & non- vegetarian was 133 ± 18, whereas mean diastolic BP was 82 ± 12 & 85 ± 12 respectively. Non-vegetarian students showed a slightly greater prevalence of BP than vegetarians. The analysis shows that there is statistically significant difference between vegetarian and non-vegetarians in height (p = 0.0095), weight (p < 0.0001, BMI (p < 0.0001), Hip circumference (p < 0.0001), while other parameters like age, waist circumference, waist / Hip ratio & Blood pressure showed non-significant differences. (p > 0.05).

 Conclusion: Significant association observed between these two food choices, whereas vegetarian diet choices have a lower percentage of hypertension than the other one. Early lifestyle counselling emphasizing balanced diet, physical activity, and weight control may help prevent future hypertension and cardiovascular disease.