Temporal trends and relevant factors of hypertension in China: a cross-sectional study based on national surveys from 2002 to 2019.

PURPOSE

This study examined temporal trends in hypertension prevalence across China (2002-2019), analyzing age-, sex-, and region-specific disparities and identifying key risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from the China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance (CCDRFS) program, involving 120,000 adults aged ≥18 years. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate prevalence rates, and multivariable logistic regression analyzed associations with age, sex, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity.

RESULTS

Hypertension prevalence increased significantly from 18.9% (2002) to 29.6% (2019) (P<0.001). The sharpest rise occurred among adults aged 18-44 years, tripling from 5.3% to 12.8%. By 2019, prevalence was higher in men (34.2%) than women (25.4%), with the western regions showing the highest rates (32.9%). Key risk factors included aging (OR=1.72), elevated BMI (OR=1.85), smoking (OR=1.32), alcohol use (OR=1.28), and physical inactivity (OR=1.18) (P<0.05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension prevalence in China has surged over two decades, disproportionately affecting younger adults and men. Regional disparities and modifiable lifestyle factors underscore the urgency for tailored prevention strategies targeting high-risk populations. Future research should explore mechanisms driving these trends and optimize integrated interventions to curb this public health burden.