Body Mass Index and Ponderal Index as Biopredictors of Cardiovascular Parameters in Apparently Well Nigerian Undergraduates

Abstract Background: Body mass index (BMI) and ponderal index (PI) are widely used body composition indices as biopredictors of cardiovascular risk. Their relationships with cardiovascular parameters, including blood pressure and heart rate, among Nigerian undergraduates remain poorly characterized. Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine correlations between age, anthropometric indices (BMI and PI), and cardiovascular parameters (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and heart rate) in Nigerian undergraduate students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 40 undergraduates. Anthropometric measurements (age, weight, and height) were recorded to calculate BMI and PI. Cardiovascular parameters were assessed using standardized clinical techniques. Associations between variables were evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficients ( r ) with corresponding P values. Results: Participants had a mean age of 21.7 ± 1.7 years; BMI was 21.2 ± 2.4 kg/m 2 ; and PI was 13.0 ± 2.8 kg/m 3 . BMI correlated positively with systolic blood pressure ( r = 0.409, P = 0.009) and diastolic pressure ( r = 0.294, P = 0.065), but not with pulse pressure or heart rate. Weight and height showed stronger correlations with blood pressure than age or PI. PI correlated significantly with diastolic pressure ( r = 0.404, P = 0.010) and negatively with pulse pressure ( r = −0.419, P = 0.007). Heart rate did not correlate significantly with BMI or PI. Conclusions: Among Nigerian undergraduates, BMI and other anthropometric indices demonstrate variable associations with cardiovascular parameters. BMI appears to have greater predictive value for cardiovascular risk than PI in this age group with apparently normal height.