Blood Pressure Variability in Different Siting Postures in Correlation with Body Mass Index

Background: Blood Pressure (BP) variability is a crucial yet often overlooked factor in cardiovascular health, reflecting the dynamic nature of cardiovascular regulation in response to various stimuli. Among the factors influencing BP variability, body posture is particularly significant, as it can affect hemodynamics and blood flow. Furthermore, the Body Mass Index (BMI) serves as a critical indicator of body composition and health risk. Research has indicated that BMI can influence BP, but its interaction with postural changes remains less explored. Hence, the current study aimed to assess the BP variability in different sitting postures in correlation with BMI. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out with the sample of 50 participants aged between 20 to 33 years. BP was measured according to the standardized protocol with mercury sphygmomanometer including four different sitting measurements: sitting with back rest and without crossed legs, sitting without back rest and without crossed legs, sitting with crossed legs and back rest, sitting with crossed legs and without back rest. BMI was calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. Paired t-test and Pearson correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results: Sitting with back rest without crossed legs showed significantly lower BP compared to other sitting postures. BP taken at the different sitting positions were positively related to each other with moderate to strong association. BMI was positively related to BP taken at sitting with crossed legs without back rest. Conclusion: The findings of the study are expected to enhance the understanding of postural influences on cardiovascular health and contribute to more personalized recommendations for BP measurements at clinical set-up.