Body composition and cardiovascular status of women: Implications for healthy leaving
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Date
2015
Authors
Otinwa, G.O.
Mbakwem, A. C
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
human kinetics and health education
Abstract
The state of human circulatory system and fat cells are important in determining how well and how long people would live. These organs are constantly affected by factors such as age, race, environmental exposure, heredity, sex, lifestyle, nutrition and level of physical activity. Current statistics released by World Health Organization shows that many people are dying from diseases related to cardiovascular organs and total body weight. It is against this background that this study seeks to determine the body fat percent and cardiovascular parameters of women.
The participants for this study were drawn from University of Lagos, Akoka and Lagos State University, Ojo. They comprised 83 non-academic female staff who volunteered and gave their consent to participate in the study. Physical characteristics of age, height, weight, waist and hip circumferences were measured. This was followed by measurement of participants’ electrocardiographic parameters such as heart rate, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure PR interval, QRS, QT interval, SV1 and SV3. Means, standard deviation and percentages were used in the analysis of data.
Body composition results showed that the women had body mass index mean value of 28.24kg/m2, waist/hip ratio of 0.86, while baseline clinical parameters indicated pulse rate of 78.66bpm, systolic blood pressure of 128.39mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure of 78.24mmHg. These results show that participants were found to be overweight, obese and at high risk waist/hip ratio.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) findings revealed that some participants had systolic hypertension, diastolic hypertension, tachycardia and bradycardia. Further analyses on the nature of abnormalities were also explained.
Participants were advised to change their lifestyle, go for regular medical check up, reduce intake of saturated fat, consume adequate and get involved in regular physical activity.
Description
Staff publication
Keywords
Electrocardiogram , Cardiovascular , Fat , Nutrition , Exercise , Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Social sciences::Education
Citation
Otinwa G. O. Body Composition and Cardiovascular Status of Women: Implications for Healthy Living. Journal of Contemporary Issues in Human Kinetics and Health Education. Vol.2(1).