The Interactive Association between Sodium Intake, Alcohol Consumption and Hypertension among Elderly in Northern China

Abstract Background The study examined the interactive association between sodium intake, alcohol consumption and hypertension among elderly in Inner Mongolia in Northern China. Methods This was a cross-sectional study which came from the National Survey Data for Nutrition and Adult Chronic Disease in Inner Mongolia. Sodium intake and alcohol consumption were estimated by 24-hour recalls and a weighing method. Participants were categorized into 6 subgroups according to the sodium intake status and drinking levels. Multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the interactive effects. Results 820 elderly were included in the study, of whom 523 (63.80%, standardized rate 62.33%) had been diagnosed with hypertension. The mean sodium intake was 4.88g among the residents in Inner Mongolia. Adjusting for confounders, there was interaction between sodium intake and alcohol consumption, the risk of hypertension was highest among sodium intake excessively with alcohol consumption excessively group, with odds ratio (OR) of 3.639 (95% Confidence interval [ 95% CI ]: 1.666 - 7.947). Conclusions The study highlights the interactive association between sodium intake and alcohol consumption with hypertension. Measures which reduce the intake of sodium and consumption of alcohol aimed at preventing hypertension, and improving the quality of life and health among elderly in Inner Mongolia.