High dietary sodium intake correlates with higher blood pressure regionally, while a threefold increase in hypertension prevalence over 30 years aligns with rising adult obesity rather than salt intake.
Does dietary sodium consumption correlate with blood pressure and the incidence of hypertension in the Chinese population?
Both dietary salt restriction and weight control are important for preventing hypertension in the Chinese population.
BACKGROUND: High dietary salt consumption is considered a risk factor for hypertension. METHODS: In order to determine the relationship between dietary sodium and blood pressure in the Chinese population, several nationwide epidemiological surveys have been conducted to investigate salt intake and the incidence of high blood pressure. RESULTS: These surveys found that the residents living in the cold northern and northwestern areas of mainland China consume significantly more sodium than people from the south, that the average blood pressure and prevalence of hypertension are higher in the high-salt-consuming population, and that salt consumption correlates with blood pressure. It was also found that the nationwide prevalence of hypertension increased threefold over the past 30 years, but there was no parallel increase in salt consumption. In the same period, due to improved living standards, the occurrence of overweight or obesity in adults has increased significantly, which might contribute to the elevated prevalence of hypertension. CONCLUSION: Thus, approaches to preventing hypertension should entail both dietary salt restriction and weight control.
Zhonghua Liu (Thu,) conducted a review in Hypertension. Dietary sodium intake vs. Lower dietary sodium intake was evaluated on Incidence and prevalence of hypertension and average blood pressure. High dietary sodium intake correlates with higher blood pressure regionally, while a threefold increase in hypertension prevalence over 30 years aligns with rising adult obesity rather than salt intake.