Association of healthy lifestyle score with control of hypertension among treated and untreated hypertensive patients: a large cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension stands as the leading single contributor to the worldwide burden of mortality and disability. Limited evidence exists regarding the association between the combined healthy lifestyle score (HLS) and hypertension control in both treated and untreated hypertensive individuals. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between HLS and hypertension control among adults with treated and untreated hypertension.

Methods: This cross-sectional study, including 311,994 hypertension patients, was conducted in Guangzhou using data from the National Basic Public Health Services Projects in China. The HLS was defined based on five low-risk lifestyle factors: healthy dietary habits, active physical activity, normal body mass index, never smoking, and no alcohol consumption. Controlled blood pressure was defined as systolic blood pressure <140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure <90 mmHg. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the association between HLS and hypertension control after adjusting for various confounders.

Results: The HLS demonstrated an inverse association with hypertension control among hypertensive patients. In comparison to the low HLS group (scored 0-2), the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for hypertension were 0.76 (0.74, 0.78), 0.59 (0.57, 0.60), and 0.48 (0.46, 0.49) for the HLS groups scoring 3, 4, and 5, respectively (P_trend < 0.001). Notably, an interaction was observed between HLS and antihypertensive medication in relation to hypertension control (P_interaction < 0.001). When comparing the highest HLS (scored 5) with the lowest HLS (scored 0-2), adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.50 (0.48, 0.52, P_trend < 0.001) among individuals who self-reported using antihypertensive medication and 0.41 (0.38, 0.44, P_trend < 0.001) among those not using such medication. Hypertensive patients adhering to a healthy lifestyle without medication exhibited better blood pressure management than those using medication while following a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion: HLS was associated with a reduced risk of uncontrolled blood pressure.

Keywords: Control of hypertension; Cross-sectional study; Healthy lifestyle score; Hypertension.