Residing at lower altitudes (35m) was associated with an increased risk of hypertension compared to higher altitudes (1289m), with a prevalence of 54.5% vs 40.5% (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.71-1.88; P<0.001).
Cross-Sectional (n=50,778)
Yes
Does residential altitude affect the prevalence of hypertension in community-dwelling older adults?
In community-dwelling older adults in mid-to-low altitude zones of Xinjiang, China, the prevalence and risk of hypertension were inversely associated with residential altitude.
Odds Ratio: 1.8 (95% CI 1.71–1.88)
Absolute Event Rate: 54.5% vs 40.5%
p-value: p=<0.001
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. Design A cross-sectional study. Setting Xinjiang, 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 p1500 m) or regions with distinct ethnic, genetic or healthcare backgrounds. Furthermore, it should be emphasised that this association likely reflects altitude-related environmental factors rather than direct physiological effects of hypoxia. Additional studies are warranted to further elucidate these complex relationships.
Maimaitiwusiman et al. (Mon,) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=50,778). Lower residential altitude (Turpan, 35 m) vs. Higher residential altitude (Kashgar, 1289 m) was evaluated on Hypertension prevalence (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.71-1.88, p=<0.001). Residing at lower altitudes (35m) was associated with an increased risk of hypertension compared to higher altitudes (1289m), with a prevalence of 54.5% vs 40.5% (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.71-1.88; P<0.001).