Abstract
Background: Among individuals with hypertension (HTN), controlling high blood pressure (BP) reduces the risk for cardiovascular events and death. Reducing dietary sodium can help achieve BP control. The study aim was to use a population-based sample utilizing the gold-standard for urinary sodium to quantify the degree to which sodium was independently associated with BP control among individuals with HTN. Methods: Participants included 1,568 adults from the Heart Follow-Up Study, a New York City population-based representative study conducted in 2010. Participants collected urine for 24 hours and had BP and other anthropometrics measured. HTN was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg, diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg, or being on BP lowering medication. Sodium intake (mg/day) was measured from 24-hour urine. Results: HTN prevalence was 30.8%. Among those with HTN (n=560), 64.6% were aware, 56.3% were treated, and 40.3% were controlled. Among those treated for HTN (n=423), 62.9% were controlled. Mean sodium intake among those with HTN was 3,564 mg/day. From multivariable adjusted logistic regression models, each 500mg decrement in 24-hour urinary sodium excretion was associated with a 18% higher odds of HTN control among those with HTN (1.18, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.30). Conclusions: In New York City, approximately one in three people has HTN with a majority uncontrolled. Sodium intake among those with HTN was 55% greater than the recommended upper limit of 2,300 mg per day. Among individuals with HTN, lower sodium intake was associated with HTN control.