Dietary sodium and the incidence of hypertension in the Chinese population: a review of nationwide surveys.

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.