BP and anthropometric measurements

After allowing the subject to rest for 5–10 minutes, two arm-type electronic sphygmomanometers (UA-621, A&D Medical, Japan)[22] were used to measure the right brachial BP at the level of the heart and the corresponding right ankle BP at the medial point between the external ankle and the malleolus in supine position.

Standardized techniques and calibrated devices were used for all anthropometric measurements. For each of these measurements, arithmetic average of the observed values from two repeated observations were used. Height (in cm) was measured and rounded to the nearest 0.1 cm, using a stadiometer, with participants standing upright, without shoes. Body weight (kg) was measured and similarly rounded to the nearest 0.1 kg using an automatic electronic scale, with participants wearing light clothing and not wearing footwear. WC (in cm) was measured to the nearest 0.1cm, by an anthropometric tape, at the midpoint between the last palpable rib and iliac crest while the participants stood with feet 25–30 cm apart.