Associação entre variáveis antropométricas em idosos com hipertensão arterial no município de Santa Cruz/ RN

Abstract

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is a chronic disease of multifactorial origin that has the highest incidence in the population. Therefore, it is important to assess the nutritional status of the elderly, using anthropometric instrument, as it provides information on physical measurements and body composition. The aim of this study was to establish a socio-demographic profile, evaluate the anthropometric indicators and determine possible associations between anthropometric variables of elderly patients with hypertension in the city of Santa Cruz-RN. We evaluated 160 individuals of both sexes, SAH participating in the HiperDia program of Basic Health Units. Participants underwent an anthropometric (weight, height, body mass index / BMI, waist circumference / CA and circumference calf / CP). Descriptive and inferential analyzes were performed using SPSS version 20.0 program. It was observed that most of the elderly (79%) were female, 56.9% received only one minimum wage and 48.8% had not completed elementary school. It was identified the prevalence of overweight (68%) and very high risk for development of chronic and metabolic diseases (84%). CP (85.6%) identified appropriate muscle mass according to the recommendation. A significant association between the anthropometric variables such as weight and CP (p = 0.000), BMI and AC (p = 0.000), BMI and age (p = 0.028), BMI and CP (p = 0.005) and age and CP (p = 0.005). Therefore, it is important to assess the nutritional status of the elderly by anthropometry since it is a strong indicator for chronic noncommunicable diseases.