Key result
Higher geographic altitude was associated with lower hypertension prevalence (40.6%, 32.5%, and 20.4% at low, medium, and high altitudes, respectively, after age and sex adjustment).
Why the study?
This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension among individuals living at different altitudes in Tibet.
Does geographic altitude affect the prevalence of hypertension in residents of Tibet?
Cross-Sectional (n=1,631)
Yes
Does geographic altitude affect the prevalence of hypertension in residents of Tibet?
Absolute Event Rate: 20.4% vs 40.6%
Higher geographic altitude is associated with lower BMI and a reduced prevalence of hypertension in Tibet.
No practice change indicated; leaves open whether altitude independently lowers hypertension risk or reflects confounding.
Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension (HT) among individuals living at different altitudes in Tibet. Methods We conducted a stratified cluster survey among 1,631 participants in Tibet living in areas at three different altitudes. Results Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) values were highest at the lowest altitudes. After adjusting for age and sex, the prevalence of HT at low, medium, and high altitudes was 40.6%, 32.5%, and 20.4%, respectively. The prevalence of HT decreased with increasing altitude and increased with increasing age and BMI value. Conclusion Increasing altitude tended to decrease BMI levels, and as a consequence, the prevalence of HT was reduced. National policies and guidelines for HT in Tibet should focus on this relationship.
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Song et al. (2020) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=1,631). High geographic altitude vs. Low geographic altitude was evaluated on Prevalence of hypertension. Higher geographic altitude was associated with lower hypertension prevalence (40.6%, 32.5%, and 20.4% at low, medium, and high altitudes, respectively, after age and sex adjustment).
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