South Asian Research Journal of Applied Medical Sciences (SARJAMS)
Volume-3 | Issue-04
Original Research Article
The Impact of Toxic Gases on Cardiovascular Indices of Non Pregnant Women in Bayelsa State Nigeria
DR Solomon-M Uvoh, DR Azibalua A Asara, Dr Charles Ngaikedi NNAMDI
Published : Dec. 7, 2021
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of toxicological air on cardiovascular indices of non-pregnant women in Bayelsa state. The study subjects consist of two hundred apparently healthy non pregnant women in gas flaring communities selected randomly between the ages of 20 to 45 years. Parameters measured was systolic,diastolic,pulse rate, pulse pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, body mass index using auscultatory, weight and height methods and calculation of the prevalence rate of high blood pressure among non-pregnant women in Bayelsa state. Result from the study shows significant higher mean values of systolic (123mmHg),diastolic (78,75mmHg), mean arterial blood pressure (93,90mmHg) among resident of Obunagha/Polaku and Immiringi located in the epicentre of gas flares compared with Kolo/Otuagila (118mmHg), (72mmHg) and (87mmHg) a non-gas flaring communities. However the pulse rate and pulse pressure was higher (86bpm) (47mmHg) among resident subjects in Kolo and Otuagila compared with Polaku and Immiringi having a decrease percentage difference. Furthermore, the blood pressures of the participants increase significantly with advancing age while the pulse rate decreases. The systolic blood pressure increases among those that fall into the category of underweight compared with other body mass index. The prevalence of hypertension was 14%, prehypertension 42% and a normal blood pressure of 44% respectively. Subjects with prolong exposure to gas flares in their respective communities had higher blood pressure in comparison to short duration of exposure. This study has shown that exposure to the toxic components from gas flares have a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular tree of women residents with resultant increase in their blood pressures in Bayelsa state.