Changes in Blood Pressure, Body Mass Index, and Salt Consumption in a Chinese Population

Background. The prevalence of hypertension among the population of Tianjin is one of the highest in China. We attempted to assess the changes in blood pressure, body mass index, and salt consumption in Tianjin from 1989 to 1996. Methods. Two independent cross-sectional population surveys with the representative samples of 14,046 persons in 1989 and 2,000 persons in 1996 were carried out in Tianjin. A salt surveillance system was established with four salt consumption surveys (in 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1996) to estimate the changes in salt consumption at the household level. Results. From 1989 to 1996, the prevalence of hypertension and obesity decreased among people aged 45–64 years in both genders. Mean systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in women and leveled off in men. Diastolic blood pressure increased significantly. Body mass index remained unchanged. The unfavorable trends were mainly attributable to the negative changes in younger people (15–34 years) in both genders. There were no changes in salt consumption between 1992 and 1996 at the house level. Conclusions. There was a favorable development in prevalence of hypertension and obesity among individuals in the age group of 45–64 years in the study population. Health education needs to pay more attention to young people.