Effects of altitude and sociodemographic factors on cardiometabolic disorders in the southwestern plateau areas of China

Authors:
Open Access
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Background: Cardiometabolic disorders, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes, are increasingly prevalent globally, yet evidence in economically underdeveloped high-altitude areas remains limited. This study sought to assess the prevalence and control of these diseases in the southwestern plateau areas of China and to evaluate their associations with altitude and sociodemographic factors. Methods: We conducted two cross-sectional surveys among adults aged ≥35 years in the southwestern plateau areas of China. Disease definitions were based on measured biomarkers, self-reported diagnoses, and medication use. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models were applied to examine associations between sociodemographic factors, altitude, and prevalence and control rates of cardiometabolic disorders. Results: 7,668 adults with an average age of 54.88 ± 12.64 years were investigated. The prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates were 46.20%, 58.65%, 43.80%, and 15.75% for hypertension; 37.06%, 15.90%, 5.77%, and 2.11% for dyslipidemia; 11.79%, 27.54%, 21.68%, and 6.86% for diabetes. Higher disease prevalence was associated with male, older age, higher income, overweight/obesity, and alcohol use. Reduced control and treatment rates were observed at altitudes ≥2,242 m, among younger adults, smokers, and drinkers. Altitude significantly modified the association between sociodemographic factors and cardiometabolic disorders. Furthermore, there was a non-linear relationship between these rates and both age and altitude of residence. Conclusions: This study reveals a high burden of cardiometabolic disorders with suboptimal management in the southwestern plateau areas of China. Altitude and sociodemographic factors significantly interact with disease prevalence and control. Targeted public health efforts should prioritize high-risk populations and regions to improve prevention and management.

This publication has 47 references indexed in Scilit: