Hypertension Subtype and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Chinese Adults

Background— We examined the relationship between hypertension subtype and cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality in Chinese adults. Methods and Results— We conducted a prospective cohort study in a nationally representative sample of 169 871 Chinese men and women aged ≥40 years. Data on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and other variables were obtained at a baseline examination in 1991 with the use of standard protocols. Follow-up evaluation was conducted in 1999–2000, with a response rate of 93.4%. Hypertension subtypes were defined as combined systolic and diastolic hypertension (SBP ≥140 and DBP ≥90 mm Hg), isolated systolic hypertension (SBP ≥140 and DBP Conclusions— Our results indicate that all hypertension subtypes are associated with significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease in Chinese adults. Primary prevention of hypertension should be a public health priority in the Chinese population.