Associations Between Sodium, Potassium, Sugar and Non-caloric Sweetener Intake and Hypertension in Native American Adults (P04-127-19)

Abstract

ObjectivesNative American (NA) adults experience higher rates of hypertension than other ethnicities. Sodium and sugar consumption from processed foods and sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) have been independently linked to increased prevalence of hypertension, whereas potassium consumption is thought to be protective. We explored associations between sodium, potassium, sugar and non-caloric sweetener consumption and hypertension in NA adults. MethodsA cross-sectional survey, including an interviewer-administered modified semi-quantitative Block Food Frequency Questionnaire and anthropometric measurements, was administered for the baseline assessment of the multi-level, multi-component obesity prevention trial OPREVENT2. A subset (n = 533) was used for this analysis. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were directly measured using a Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor. Participants with systolic ≥130 mmHg or diastolic ≥80 mmHg were categorized as having hypertension. Linear regression models assessed the association between sugar (g), sodium (mg), and potassium (mg) consumption on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg), separately. Logistic regression models assessed the association between beverage consumption (e.g., SSB, diet soft drinks) frequency (e.g., daily) on prevalence of hypertension (dichotomous). All analyzes were adjusted for sex, age, total caloric, sodium, potassium and sugar intake, and body mass index. ResultsThe sample was 73.5% female with a mean age of 45.5 years, median systolic blood pressure of 130.5 mmHg, and median diastolic blood pressure of 81.0 mmHg. The prevalence of hypertension was 64.9%, 76.6% for males and 60.7% for females. There was no association between sugar, sodium or potassium consumption on systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Participants who reported consuming at least one diet soft drink per month had 30% higher odds of hypertension than those who consumed less (P < 0.01). No significant associations were observed for other beverages. ConclusionsFrequency and type of soft drink consumption may be predictors of hypertension in NA adults and baseline prevalence of hypertension should be considered when interpreting the results. The results of this study will be used to inform future intervention trials for chronic disease prevention. Funding SourcesNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute R01.