CARDIOPULMONARY FUNCTIONS IN YOUNG MALE AND FEMALE NIGERIANS WITH SIMILAR BODY MASS INDEX

Abstract

Background: Weight, height, sex, pregnancy, nutrition, ethnicity, geographical location and technique have been documented to affect cardiopulmonary function. However, inadequate data exist as per comparison of cardiopulmonary parameters between males and females with the similar body mass index. Methods: The Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and Pulse Pressure were measured in 120 apparently healthy volunteers in sitting position using mini Wright Peak Flow Meter and mercury sphygmomanometer respectively. Data were presented as Mean±SEM. The means were tested for homogeneity using the student’s t-test and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: PEFR for males was 563.11±15.57 L/min, 466.34±7.32 L/min, and 46.50±1.51 L/min for normal weight, overweight and underweight respectively and these were significantly higher (p<0.001) than the corresponding PEFR for females with 391.46±13.37 L/min, 310.22±14.20 L/min, and 348.10±15.62 L/min respectively. The pulse pressure for the male overweight (54.00±3.05) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than the pulse pressure for female overweight (42.50±1.70). Conclusion: In terms of the body mass index for male and female subjects, there was a discrepancy in the order of the cardiopulmonary function studied. However, the normal weight subjects for both sexes had a balanced homeostasis between respiratory muscular strength and airway resistance for optimal peak expiratory flow rate. The pulse pressure of the overweight males indicates that they have the poorest arterial compliance.

Pak J Physiol 2016;12(3):27–9