1. High sodium and low potassium diets In the population, sodium (sodium chloride) intake is positively correlated with blood pressure levels and the prevalence of hypertension, while potassium intake is negatively correlated with blood pressure levels. The correlation between dietary sodium/potassium ratio and blood pressure is even stronger. A study of 14 cohorts in China showed that an average increase in dietary sodium intake of 2 g per day was associated with an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 2,0 mmHg and 1,2 mmHg, respectively. Diets high in sodium and low in potassium are the most important risk factors for the development of hypertension in most patients in China. In most areas of China, the per capita daily salt intake is more than 12-15 grams. In the International Collaborative Study on Salt and Blood Pressure (INTERMAP), the 24-hour urinary sodium/potassium ratio, which reflects the amount of dietary sodium/potassium, is above 6 in our population, while only 2-3 in Western populations. 2. Overweight and obesity Body fat content is positively correlated with blood pressure levels. Body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure levels in the population is positively correlated, BMI every increase of 3kg/m2, the risk of hypertension in 4 years, men increased by 50%, women increased by 57%. A pooled analysis of the follow-up data of 240,000 adults in China showed that BMI ≥ 24
kg/m was 3-4 times higher than the risk of hypertension in those with normal weight. The distribution of body fat is also associated with the occurrence of hypertension. The more abdominal fat accumulation, the higher the blood pressure level. The risk of hypertension in men with waist circumference ≥90cm or women ≥85cm is more than 4 times higher than that in those with normal waist circumference. With the socio-economic development and improvement of living standard in China, the proportion and number of overweight and obese people in the population have increased significantly. In the urban middle-aged population, the proportion of overweight people has reached 25-30%. Overweight and obesity will become another important risk factor for the growth of the prevalence of hypertension in China. 3, alcohol consumption Excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for the development of hypertension, and the prevalence of hypertension in the population increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Although a small amount of alcohol will decrease blood pressure in a short period of time, but long-term small amount of alcohol can make blood pressure mildly elevated; excessive alcohol consumption will make blood pressure significantly higher. If you drink an average of >3 standard glasses of alcohol per day (1 standard glass is equivalent to 12 grams of alcohol, about 360 grams of beer, or 100 grams of wine, or 30 grams of liquor), the systolic and diastolic blood pressure will rise by an average of 3,5mmHg and 2,1mmHg respectively, and the increase in blood pressure will increase as the amount of alcohol consumed increases. The number of people who drink alcohol in China is large, and some men with hypertension have a long-term habit of drinking alcohol and drinking strong alcohol, so attention should be paid to the effects of long-term excessive alcohol consumption on blood pressure and the occurrence of hypertension. Alcohol consumption will also reduce the efficacy of antihypertensive treatment, while excessive alcohol consumption can induce acute cerebral hemorrhage or myocardial infarction attack. 4, mental tension Long-term mental stress is also a risk factor for the development of hypertension, long-term engagement in highly stressful work increased the prevalence of hypertension. 5, other risk factors Other risk factors for the development of hypertension include lack of physical activity, etc. In addition to hypertension, cardiovascular disease risk factors also include smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, etc.