Relationships between obesity and cardiovascular diseases in four southern states and Colorado

Abstract

Obesity is among the leading causes of elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and morbidity. In the present study, the associations between the increase in body mass index (BMI) and the increase rates of CVD and high blood pressure (HBP) in the states of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Colorado are examined using regression analysis and by means of neural network models for obesity and HBP. Data from Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were obtained and analyzed for obesity rates, percent of myocardial infarction, stroke, and HBP from 2005-2009. Results of this study showed a low association between obesity and myocardial infarction rates (R2=0.067); a moderate association with stroke rates ((R2=0.462); and a strong association with HBP rates ((R2=0.811). The highest rates of obesity, CVD, and HBP were found in Mississippi, while Colorado had the lowest rates. Maintaining healthy weight helps reduce the risks of developing CVD.

Figures

Figure 1

Regression analysis of Myocardial infarction and obesity rates shows a low association (R2=0.067).

Figure 2

Regression analysis between the stroke rates and obesity (BMI>30). This analysis shows a coefficient of determination R2=0.462.

Figure 3

A strong association (R2=0.811) between high blood pressure and obesity rates was found with regression analysis.

Figure 4

Regression analysis for obesity rates and high blood pressure rates in MS from 2000–2009 shows a strong association (R2=0.7622), y=0.4453x+20.284.

Figure 5

Obesity and high blood pressure predicted model. Neural network model that shows the actual and the predicted model of obesity (percent of individuals with BMI>30) as an input and the percent of HBP as an output for the MS data from 2000–2009 (R2: 0.4044).