# Orthostatic blood pressure changes among adults in Ekiti state, Nigeria: Impact of socio‐demographic, anthropometric, and biophysical factors

## TL;DR

This study examines how blood pressure changes when standing among adults in Ekiti State, Nigeria, and how factors like body composition and lifestyle influence these changes.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the relationship between socio-demographic, anthropometric, and biophysical factors and orthostatic blood pressure changes in a Nigerian population.

## Key findings

- Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly after 1 minute of standing.
- Diastolic blood pressure increased significantly at 3 and 5 minutes of standing.
- Body composition and lifestyle factors like occupation and education level were associated with orthostatic blood pressure responses.

## Abstract

Orthostatic intolerance is the inability to maintain upright posture, a key manifestation of autonomic dysfunction that can lead to orthostatic hypotension (OH). We aimed to investigate orthostatic blood pressure (BP) changes among cohorts living in Ekiti State and to explore plausible underlying factors. We encompassed 140 participants (28% male; 72% female; age range: 18–70 years) in our preliminary study. Socio‐demographic and anthropometric indices were collected using appropriate tools. Orthostatic responses were assessed at baseline, standing, and sitting following standardized protocols. Systolic (BP) decreased significantly by 4% after 1‐min standing (130 ± 22 mmHg) compared to baseline (137 ± 20 mmHg). Diastolic (BP) increased significantly by 6.1% at 3 min (87 ± 13 mmHg) and 4.8% at 5 min (86 ± 12 mmHg) compared to baseline (82 ± 11 mmHg) (p < 0.001). Occupation (traders) and education level (secondary) are positively associated with mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 1‐ and 3‐min standing times (p < 0.05). Orthostatic MAP at 1, 3, and 5 min correlated negatively with height but positively with body mass index (BMI), hip, and waist circumference (p < 0.05). These preliminary findings suggest a potential role for body composition and lifestyle in regulating autonomic cardiovascular function in response to postural changes.