P111 INTER-ARM DIFFERENCE IN SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE AMONG YOUNG POPULATION IN ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA

Background and Objective: Inter-arm blood pressure differences (IABPD) are linked to higher cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Unfortunately, the profile and associated risk factors of IABPD in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria are poorly studied. This study aims to determine the profile and associated correlates of systolic IABPD among the participants in the profile of anthropometry and psychosocial issues on campus (TERRACE) study, a cohort of young persons on selected tertiary educational campuses in Abeokuta metropolis aged 16-35years. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Basic demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data were collected. Brachial Blood Pressure (BP) were recorded in both arms, using validated electronic devices. Three standard measurements were performed on both arms. The IABPD was defined as the absolute value of the difference in systolic blood pressure(SBP) between the left and right arms of BP averages. Significant IABPD ≥10 mmHg. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The level of statistical significance was set at <0.05. Results: A total of 301 participants with age, 21.8±4.9 years and female proportion of 65.1%. The mean±SD of neck circumference, weight, height, right SBP, left SBP were 26.2 ± 3.6 cm, 58.0 ± 10.0 kg, 164.1 ± 10.4 cm, 112.9± 11.6mmHg and 112.0 ± 11.1 mmHg respectively. The median systolic IABPD was 0.6 mmHg, and the prevalence of significant systolic IABPD is 9.0% (11.4% in males and 7.7% in females, p- value: 0.275). Among our participants, there were 6.0%, 2.3% and 0.7% with a systolic IABPD in the ranges: 10-14.9mmHg, 15-19.9mmHg and ≥ 20mmHg respectively. The proportion with dominantly high right SBP was 54.4% in males compared to females (41.9%), p- value: 0.209. There was a correlation between height and IABPD (r2=0.177, p-value=0.002) Conclusion: Our study found that this young population have high IABPD, suggesting increased cardiovascular risk. Routine measurement in both arms is advised.