The relationship between sodium and blood pressure in Hong Kong Chinese

Abstract

Background: Non-pharmacological treatment is the preferred initial step in managing mild hypertension. Sodium intake is high in Hong Kong. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between blood pressure (BP) and sodium intake in the general population. Design: Cross-sectional study of 190 subjects from the general population. Main Outcome Measures: Clinic and ambulatory BP, 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. Results: Systolic BP correlated with age (r=0.52, p<0.001) and various indices of obesity. Diastolic BP correlated with age, sex and indices of obesity, particularly waist circumference (r=0.53, p<0.001). 24-hour urinary sodium correlated with ambulatory systolic BP (r=0.65, p<0.001). Multiple regression revealed that systolic BP was related to age (β;=0.44, p<0.001) and waist circumference (β=0.33, p<0.001) (R2=0.39, p<0.001) whereas diastolic BP was related to waist circumference (β=0.43, p<0.001), age (β=0.20, p=0.002) and fasting blood glucose (β=0.14, p=0.026) (R2=0.35, p<0.001). Conclusions: BP is related more to obesity than sodium intake. We recommend maintaining ideal weight and salt intake.