Hypertension among residents in Pudong New Area of Shanghai:Its status quo investigation and risk factor analysis

Objective To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension in residents of Pudong New Area of Shanghai. Methods A total of 5927 residents at age 15-80 were randomly selected from Pudong New Area of Shanghai through multistage sampling.All participants were interviewed between April and July of 2008 for collection of data on personal information, diagnosis of hypertension, lifestyle and behavior factors, as well as family history of hypertension.Measurements of body height, weight, circumference of waist and hip were taken at the interview.Data analysis was conducted using SAS software. Results Crude and age-standardized prevalence rate of hypertension were 31.3%, 19.8% (standardized Chinese population in 2004) and 19.1% (standardized world population), respectively.The prevalence increased with increased age.After controlling the age, no significant difference in prevalence was observed between males and females (χ²=0.79, P=0.38).However, the prevalence in rural area was significantly higher than that in urban area (χ²=5.14, P=0.02).Subjects with family history of hypertension had a higher prevalence of hypertension than those without family history (χ²=142.8, P<0.0001).Furthermore, subjects with hypertension consumed more soy sauce, salt or monosodium glutamate and had a higher BMI, WHR or waist circumference.Of these factors, age, resident site, family history of hypertension and obesity were significantly associated with hypertension. Conclusion Prevalence of hypertension is high in residents of Pudong New Area of Shanghai.Age, resident site, family history of hypertension and body size may be risk factors for hypertension in this area.Promoting healthy lifestyle may help to prevent and control hypertension in the area, particularly in the rural areas.