Anthropometric Evaluation and Functional Assessment of Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension and its Relationship with Pulmonary Circulation Parameters and Functional Performance

ABSTRACT

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the anthropometric and functional status in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and its relationship with pulmonary circulation parameters and functional performance.

Methods: The study is cross-sectional with 34 subjects, who were evaluated in terms of anthropometric measurements, physical performance, pulmonary circulation, and regular physical activity.

Results: Subjects had a mean age of 47.0 ± 14.5 years, mean IMC 28.5 ± 7.7 kg/m² among adults, and 27.65 ± 2.68 kg/m² among elderly, with high body fat and preserved muscle mass. The sample presented the parameters of pulmonary circulation expected for PH patients and adequate performance in the physical capacity test. By linear regression analysis there was observed a negative relationship between body fat and regular physical activity.

Conclusion: The evaluated subjects had an excess of body weight and fat, with preserved muscle mass, which does not appear to interfere in the pulmonary circulation parameters. However, elevated body fat appears to impair regular their physical activity.

KEYWORDS:

• Anthropometry
• exercise
• nutritional status
• hypertension pulmonary
• vital capacity