Hypertension and altitude in community-dwelling older adults: an epidemiological study in northwest China

Objectives Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and a relationship between altitude and hypertension has been demonstrated. To better characterise this relationship, this study investigated the prevalence of hypertension and its association with altitude in community-dwelling older adults living at different altitudes in Xinjiang, northwest China.

Participants 50 778 community-dwelling older adults residing at varying altitudes across Xinjiang. Measures A multistage stratified sampling method was used to conduct an epidemiological survey from January 2019 to December 2019 among 50 778 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years who were long-term residents of Kashgar (1289 m), Hami (738 m) and Turpan (35 m), Xinjiang.

Logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between altitude and hypertension risk. Results Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) showed significant variations (both p<0.001) across Kashgar, Hami and Turpan at different altitudes: Kashgar (SBP: 133.15±19.644 mm Hg, DBP: 76.6±11.363 mm Hg), Hami (SBP: 136.68±19.617 mm Hg, DBP: 77.25±11.808 mm Hg) and Turpan (SBP: 135.44±21.101 mm Hg, DBP: 74.87±12.785 mm Hg).