A Study of Blood Pressure Variation Between Sedentary and Active Individuals

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease in Bangladesh. Sedentary behavior and insufficient physical activity are increasingly recognized as key contributors to its development. This study aimed to compare blood pressure levels between sedentary and physically active adults and to assess the relationship between physical activity and blood pressure. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi, Bangladesh, from July 2014 and June 2015. Seventy adults (35 sedentary and 35 active) aged 20–60 years were selected based on predefined criteria. Demographic and lifestyle data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Blood pressure was measured using a calibrated digital sphygmomanometer under standardized conditions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0.  Results: Sedentary participants demonstrated significantly higher mean systolic (132.8 ± 9.6 mmHg) and diastolic (84.2 ± 6.8 mmHg) pressures than active participants (120.4 ± 7.5 mmHg and 76.3 ± 5.7 mmHg, respectively; p < 0.001). The prevalence of hypertension was higher among sedentary individuals (48.6%) than among active individuals (17.2%). BMI was also higher among sedentary participants than among active participants (27.2 ± 3.8 vs. 23.6 ± 3.2 kg/m²). Conclusion: A Sedentary lifestyle was significantly associated with higher blood pressure and BMI. Promoting regular physical activity may serve as a cost-effective intervention for preventing hypertension in Bangladeshi adults.