Interactions of the apolipoprotein C-III 3238C>G polymorphism and alcohol consumption on serum triglyceride levels.

BACKGROUND: Both apolipoprotein (Apo) C-III gene polymorphism and alcohol consumption have been associated with increased serum triglyceride (TG) levels, but their interactions on serum TG levels are not well known. The present study was undertaken to detect the interactions of the ApoC-III 3238C>G (rs5128) polymorphism and alcohol consumption on serum TG levels. METHODS: A total of 516 unrelated nondrinkers and 514 drinkers aged 15-89 were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotyping of the ApoC-III 3238C>G was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing. Interactions of the ApoC-III 3238C>G genotype and alcohol consumption was assessed by using a cross-product term between genotypes and the aforementioned factor. RESULTS: Serum total cholesterol (TC), TG, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), ApoA-I and ApoB levels were higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers (P < 0.05-0.001). There was no significant difference in the genotypic and allelic frequencies between the two groups. Serum TG levels in nondrinkers were higher in CG genotype than in CC genotype (P < 0.01). Serum TC, TG, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and ApoB levels in drinkers were higher in GG genotype than in CC or CG genotype (P < 0.01 for all). Serum HDL-C levels in drinkers were higher in CG genotype than in CC genotype (P < 0.01). Serum TC, TG, HDL-C and ApoA-I levels in CC genotype, TC, HDL-C, ApoA-I levels and the ratio of ApoA-I to ApoB in CG genotype, and TC, TG, LDL-C, ApoA-I and ApoB levels in GG genotype were higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers (P < 0.05-0.01). But the ratio of ApoA-I to ApoB in GG genotype was lower in drinkers than in nondrinkers (P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the levels of TC, TG and ApoB were correlated with genotype in nondrinkers (P < 0.05 for all). The levels of TC, LDL-C and ApoB were associated with genotype in drinkers (P < 0.01 for all). Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with age, sex, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, blood pressure, body weight, and body mass index in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the ApoC-III 3238CG heterozygotes benefited more from alcohol consumption than CC and GG homozygotes in increasing serum levels of HDL-C, ApoA-I, and the ratio of ApoA-I to ApoB, and lowering serum levels of TC and TG.

The environmental and genetic evidence for the association of hyperlipidemia and hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Both hyperlipidemia and hypertension are the risk factors for coronary heart disease. Although studies have shown that there is an association between plasma lipid and blood pressure levels, the association of hyperlipidemia and hypertension is still not well established. The present study was undertaken to compare the differences in several environmental and genetic factors between hyperlipidemia and hypertension in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang population. METHODS: A total of 1669 participants were surveyed by a stratified randomized cluster sampling. Information on environmental factors was collected with standardized questionnaires. Genotyping of angiotensin-converting enzyme, angiotensinogen, angiotensin receptor 2, apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, apoB, apoE, cholesteryl ester transfer protein, G-protein beta-3 subunit, hepatic lipase, lipoprotein lipase, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, regulator of G-protein signaling 2, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 was also performed. RESULTS: There were 358 (21.45%) participants with isolated hyperlipidemia, 257 (15.40%) with isolated hypertension, 189 (11.32%) with both conditions, and 865 (51.83%) normals. Hyperlipidemia was positively correlated with age, BMI, alcohol consumption, total energy and total fat intake, apoE, and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein genotypes, and negatively associated with total dietary fiber intake, apoA-I, and lipoprotein lipase genotypes. Hypertension was positively correlated with male sex, age, hyperlipidemia, total energy, total fat, and sodium intake, apoE, angiotensin receptor 2, and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein genotypes, and negatively associated with education level, total dietary fiber intake, angiotensin-converting enzyme, apoA-I, and lipoprotein lipase genotypes. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that hyperlipidemia and hypertension have many common risk factors. Hyperlipidemia is associated with hypertension in many aspects.

Association of diet and lifestyle with blood pressure in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations.

OBJECTIVE: To detect the association of diet and lifestyle with blood pressure in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of hypertension. SETTING: Both populations were from seven to nine villages in Napo County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. SUBJECTS: A total of 1068 subjects of Hei Yi Zhuang and 933 participants of Han Chinese aged 20-89 years were surveyed by a stratified randomised cluster sampling. RESULTS: The levels of systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were higher in Hei Yi Zhuang than in Han (125.20 (sd 18.62) v. 121.88 (sd 15.99) mmHg and 48.64 (sd 14.75) v. 44.98 (sd 11.12 ) mmHg, P < 0.001 for each, respectively). The prevalence of hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension was also higher in Hei Yi Zhuang than in Han (25.19 % v. 17.26 % and 12.45 % v. 3.86 %, P < 0.001 for each, respectively). Mean arterial pressure was positively correlated with gender, age, physical activity, TAG, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, total energy, total fat and salt intakes, and negatively associated with education level and total dietary fibre intake in Hei Yi Zhuang (P < 0.05-0.001), whereas it was positively associated with gender, age, physical activity, BMI, waist circumference, total cholesterol, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, total energy, total fat and salt intakes, and negatively associated with education level and total dietary fibre intake in Han (P < 0.05-0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The differences in blood pressure levels and the prevalence of hypertension between the Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations were associated with different dietary habits, lifestyle choices, education level, as well as geographical surroundings.

Sex differences in environmental and genetic factors for hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Sex differences are observed in many aspects of mammalian cardiovascular function and pathology. Hypertension is more common in men than in women of the same age. Although the effects of gonadal hormones on blood pressure are considered contributing factors, the reasons for sex differences in hypertension are still not fully understood. The present study was undertaken to compare the differences in several environmental and genetic factors between men and women in the Hei Yi Zhuang, an isolated subgroup of the Zhuang minority in China. METHODS: Information on demography, diet, and lifestyle was collected in 835 women and 834 men aged 15 to 84 years. Genotyping of angiotensin-converting enzyme, adrenergic receptor beta(3), aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, calpastatin, connexin 37, hepatic lipase, lipoprotein lipase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor, and von Willebrand factor also was performed in these subjects. RESULTS: The levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and the prevalence, awareness, and treatment of hypertension were lower in women than in men (P < .05). Hypertension was positively associated with age, physical activity, alcohol consumption, body mass index, waist circumference, hyperlipidemia, total energy, total fat, sodium intake, and sodium/potassium ratio, and negatively associated with education level, total dietary fiber, potassium intake, angiotensin-converting enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, and hepatic lipase genotypes in men (P < .05). Hypertension was positively associated with age, hyperlipidemia, total energy, total fat, sodium intake, sodium/potassium ratio, calpastatin, and von Willebrand factor genotypes, and negatively associated with education level, total dietary fiber, potassium, calcium intake, lipoprotein lipase, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor genotypes in women (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Sex differences in the prevalence of hypertension in the Hei Yi Zhuang population may be mainly attributed to the differences in dietary habits, lifestyle choices, sodium and potassium intakes, physical activity level, and some genetic polymorphisms.

Nicotine potentiates vascular endothelial growth factor expression in balloon-injured rabbit aortas.

Both nicotine and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been proposed to play an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. In vitro and ex vivo studies have demonstrated that nicotine significantly stimulates VEGF expression in several cell types. This study examined the effects and the mechanisms of nicotine on the expression of VEGF in a rabbit model of balloon-injured aortas. Forty-eight male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into sham, control, nicotine, and nicotine plus hexamethonium (nicotine-hex) groups. Balloon catheter denuding injury iliac artery was performed in control, nicotine, and nicotine-hex animals fed with a high-cholesterol diet beginning 2 weeks before operation. Twenty-four hours after surgery, nicotine (0.05 microg/kg) or nicotine (0.05 microg/kg) and hexamethonium (6 mg/kg) was administered daily by intramuscular injection for 3 weeks in nicotine and nicotine-hex groups, respectively. Sham and control rabbits received an identical volume of phosphate-buffered saline injection, but without nicotine or hexamethonium. VEGF protein expression and intimal cell proliferation in balloon-injured aortas were determined by enzyme-link immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis. Six rabbits died during the experiment. The remaining 42 rabbits were included in the study. VEGF protein expression in nicotine group was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.01). VEGF positive staining was seen in vascular endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and infiltrative inflammatory cells. The number of the proliferative cells in intima was also significantly higher in nicotine group than in control group (P < 0.01). Hexamethonium, a nonselective antagonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), significantly inhibited nicotine-induced VEGF protein expression (P < 0.01). The present study shows that intramuscular administration of nicotine markedly potentiates the expression of VEGF protein in balloon-injured rabbit aortas, which appears to be mediated through nAChRs.

Associations of diet and lifestyle with hyperlipidemia for middle-aged and elderly persons among the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.

BACKGROUND: There are fifty-six ethnic groups in China. Han is the largest group and Bai Ku Yao is the isolated subgroup of the Yao minority. Little is known about the difference in the prevalence of hyperlipidemia between the Han and other minority groups in the rural areas. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the associations of diet and lifestyle factors with hyperlipidemia for middle-aged and elderly persons between the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 485 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 501 subjects of Han Chinese ethnicity aged 40 years and older were surveyed by a stratified cluster random sampling technique. METHODS: Information on demography, dietary intake, and lifestyle factors was collected by standard questionnaires. Blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, and serum lipid levels were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight (kg) divided by height (m) squared. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperlipidemia in Bai Ku Yao and Han were 19.59% vs 36.13% (P<0.001), 13.81% vs 16.97% (P>0.05), and 28.45% vs 43.11% (P<0.001), respectively. Hyperlipidemia was positively correlated with BMI; waist circumference; total energy, total fat, and saturated fatty acids intakes; and negatively associated with sex (women were higher), physical activity, and total dietary fiber intake in Bai Ku Yao (P<0.05 to 0.001), whereas hyperlipidemia was positively associated with BMI; waist circumference; total energy, total fat, and saturated fatty acids intakes; and negatively associated with physical activity and total dietary fiber intake in Han (P<0.05 to 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hyperlipidemia was significantly lower among ethnic Bai Ku Yao than among ethic Han individuals, which might mainly be attributed to the more favorable dietary patterns, lifestyle choices, and physical activity levels in the former ethnic group.

Diet, alcohol consumption, and serum lipid levels of the middle-aged and elderly in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.

Bai Ku Yao is an isolated subgroup of the Yao minority in China. The special customs and cultures including their clothing, intraethnic marriages, corn wine and rum intakes are still completely conserved to the present day. Little is known about the association of diet and alcohol consumption with serum lipid levels in this population. The aim of this study was to compare the differences in diet, alcohol consumption, and serum lipid levels of the middle-aged and elderly between the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations. A total of 485 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 501 participants of Han Chinese aged 40 and over were surveyed by a stratified randomized cluster sampling. Information on dietary intake and alcohol consumption was collected by standard questionnaires. Serum lipid levels were measured. Education level, height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, hypertension, and total energy, fat, protein, dietary cholesterol, and salt intakes were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han (P < .05-.001), whereas physical activity level, carbohydrate, vegetal protein, and total dietary fiber intakes were higher in Bai Ku Yao than in Han (P < .001 for all). Serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein (Apo) A1, and Apo B levels were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han (P < .001 for all). The levels of triglyceride, HDL-C, Apo A1, and the ratio of Apo A1 to Apo B in Bai Ku Yao were higher, but the levels of LDL-C and Apo B were lower in drinkers than in nondrinkers. The levels of triglyceride, HDL-C, LDL-C, Apo A1, Apo B, and the ratio of Apo A1 to Apo B in Bai Ku Yao were also influenced by the amount of alcohol consumed (P < .05-.001). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in Han were higher and LDL-C levels were lower in drinkers than in nondrinkers (P < .01 for each). Serum total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels in Han were also associated with the amount of alcohol consumed (P < .05-.001). The differences in the lipid levels between the two ethnic groups may partially attribute to the differences in dietary habits and alcohol consumption.

Diet, lifestyle, and blood pressure of the middle-aged and elderly in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.

BACKGROUND: Bai Ku Yao is an isolated subgroup of the Yao minority in China. Little is known about the association of diet and lifestyle with the prevalence of hypertension in this population. METHODS: A total of 485 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 501 participants of Han Chinese aged 40-89 were surveyed using stratified randomized cluster sampling. Information on diet and lifestyle was collected by using standard questionnaires. Blood pressure (BP) and serum lipid levels were measured. RESULTS: Physical activity levels, carbohydrate, vegetal protein, and dietary fiber intake were higher in Bai Ku Yao than in Han, whereas educational level, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and total energy, fat, protein, dietary cholesterol, and salt intake were higher in Han than in Bai Ku Yao. Systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure (PP) levels and the prevalence of hypertension (21.9% vs. 28.9%, P < 0.05)were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han. Hypertension was positively correlated with age, physical activity,BMI, and waist circumference, as well as with total energy, fat, and salt intake, and negatively associated with educational levels and dietary fiber intake in both ethnic groups (P < 0.05 for all). Hypertension was also positively correlated with triglycerides (TGs) in Bai Ku Yao and alcohol consumption in Han (P < 0.05 for each). CONCLUSIONS: The differences in BP levels and the prevalence of hypertension among the middle-aged and elderly between Bai Ku Yao and Han might result from different dietary patterns, lifestyle choices, physical activity levels, sodium intake, and even genetic factors.

Cardioprotective role of cardiotrophin-1 gene transfer in a murine model of myocardial infarction.

We observed the effect of cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) gene transfer on cardiomyocytes in a murine model of myocardial infarction. Sixty male CD-1 mice weighing approximately 40 g were used in the study. Forty mice were subjected to left coronary artery ligation and randomized to receive AdCT-1 vector (treated group) or AdLacZ vector (control group) treatment, with 20 mice for each group. AdCT-1 or AdLacZ vector was directly injected into the border zone of the ischemic myocardium at six sites, 10 min after ligation (10 microl/site, 2.5 x 10(6) PFU/100 microl). Twenty mice undergoing thoracotomy and injection of an equal volume of phosphate-buffered saline solution but not coronary ligation served as sham group. Hemodynamics, histopathology and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were detected at 2 weeks after injection. Four animals in sham, nine in control, and six in treated groups died during the experiment. The remaining 41 mice were included in the study. Mean arterial pressure, left ventricular systolic pressure, and the maximum rate of left ventricular pressure rise or fall were significantly higher in treated group than in control group (P < 0.01 for all), whereas left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, infarct size, the ratio of right ventricle or lung weight to body weight, and apoptotic index were significantly lower in treated group than in control group (P < 0.01 for all). The caspase-3 activation and mitochondrial cytochrome c release were also lower in treated group than in control group (P < 0.01 for each). AdCT-1 injection significantly inhibited Fas, Bax and p53, and increased CT-1 and Bcl-2 expression in myocardium. Our results suggest that AdCT-1 vector can be effectively transfected and continued to express bioactive CT-1 protein in myocardium. CT-1 plays an important cardioprotective effect on myocardial damage in the murine model of myocardial infarction.

Effects of demographic, dietary and other lifestyle factors on the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations.

BACKGROUND: Han is the largest nationality and Zhuang is the largest minority among 56 nationalities in China. Hei Yi (means black-worship and black dressing) Zhuang is a special subgroup of 43 ethnic subgroups of Zhuang. There are limited data about the effect of environmental factors on the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in this population. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of demographic, dietary, and other lifestyle factors on the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations. DESIGN: We performed a cross-sectional study of 1166 randomly selected people of Hei Yi Zhuang aged 7-84 years from seven villages in Napo County, Guangxi, China; and 1018 people of Han aged 6-89 years from nine villages in the same region. METHODS: Information on demographic characteristics, dietary patterns, and other lifestyle factors was collected by standard questionnaires. Blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, serum lipids and apolipoproteins were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated as a measure of weight relative to height. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperlipidemia in Hei Yi Zhuang and Han were 23.6 versus 27.0% (P>0.05), 12.3 versus 14.4% (P>0.05) and 29.9 versus 34.2% (P<0.05), respectively. The prevalence of hyperlipidemia was positively correlated with age, BMI and blood pressure (P<0.05- 0.001) in Hei Yi Zhuang, whereas it was positively associated with age, BMI, blood pressure and alcohol consumption in Han (P<0.01-0.001). There was no significant correlation between the prevalence of hyperlipidemia and sex or cigarette smoking in Hei Yi Zhuang, Han or a combined population of Hei Yi Zhuang and Han (P>0.05), and alcohol consumption in Hei Yi Zhuang (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The current study reveals that there is a significant difference in the prevalence of hyperlipidemia and its risk factors between Hei Yi Zhuang and Han, which might result from different demographic characteristics, dietary habits and other lifestyle factors.

Prevalence of hyperlipidemia and its risk factors for the middle-aged and elderly in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations.

BACKGROUND: Han is the largest and Zhuang is the second largest among the 56 nationalities in China. Geographically and linguistically, Zhuang can be classified into 43 ethnic subgroups, among which Hei Yi (which means "black worship" and "black dressing") Zhuang is the most conservative group, according to its unique culture and customs. Little is known about the lipid profiles and corresponding risk factors of hyperlipidemia in this population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, and lifestyle factors on the prevalence of hyperlipidemia for the middle-aged and elderly in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations. METHODS: A sample of 657 people of Hei Yi Zhuang aged 40 years and over was randomly selected from 7 villages in Napo County, Guangxi, China. Information on demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, and lifestyle factors was collected by questionnaire. Blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, and serum lipid and apolipoprotein (apo) levels were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated as a measure of weight relative to height. The results were compared with those in 520 people of Han living in the same region. RESULTS: The prevalence of hyperlipidemia in the Hei Yi Zhuang was significantly lower than that in the Han (36.2% vs 42.3%; p < .05). The levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apo B in Hei Yi Zhuang were also significantly lower than those in the Han (p < .05 to .001), but the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the ratio of apo A-I to apo B in the Hei Yi Zhuang were significantly higher than those in the Han (p < .01 and < .001, respectively). There were no significant differences in apo A-I levels between the two ethnic groups (p > .05). The prevalence of hyperlipidemia was positively correlated with BMI and blood pressure in the Hei Yi Zhuang. Hyperlipidemia was positively associated with age, BMI, and blood pressure and negatively associated with gender (female higher) in the Han. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study of the middle-aged and elderly population, the Hei Yi Zhuang have a more favorable lipid profile and a lower prevalence of hyperlipidemia than do the Han, and there is also a significant difference in the risk factors for hyperlipidemia between the two ethnic groups, which might result from the effects of different demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, and lifestyle factors.

Effects of demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors and lifestyle factors on the prevalence of hypertension for the middle-aged and elderly in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hei Yi (meaning black worship and black dress) Zhuang is the most conservative group among the 43 ethnic subgroups of Zhuang in China due to its unique culture and customs. The prevalence of hypertension in this population has not been well defined. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to compare the effects of the demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors and lifestyle factors on the prevalence of hypertension in the middle-aged and elderly of the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations. METHODS: A total of 657 people of Hei Yi Zhuang aged 40 and over were randomly selected from 7 villages in Napo County of China. Information on the demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors and lifestyle factors was collected by questionnaire. Blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, serum lipid and apolipoprotein levels were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated as a measure of weight relative to height. The results were compared with those of 520 Han who live in the same district. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension in Hei Yi Zhuang was significantly higher than in Han (32.9 vs. 24.6%, p < 0.01, and 16.7 vs. 5.2%, p < 0.001, respectively). The systolic blood pressure levels and pulse pressure in Hei Yi Zhuang were also significantly higher than in Han (129 +/- 20.1 vs. 125.8 +/- 17.4 mm Hg, p < 0.01, and 51.5 +/- 16.1 vs. 47.1 +/- 12.0 mm Hg, p < 0.01, respectively). The prevalence of hypertension was positively correlated with triglycerides, male, age, and alcohol consumption in Hei Yi Zhuang, whereas it was positively correlated with total cholesterol, male, age, alcohol consumption and BMI in Han. The rates of awareness, treatment and control in Hei Yi Zhuang and Han are 7.9 vs. 19.5%, 4.2 vs. 13.3% and 1.4 vs. 9.4% (p < 0.01 for all), respectively. CONCLUSION: The current study reveals a significant difference in the prevalence of hypertension, blood pressure levels, and the relative factors between the Hei Yi Zhuang and Han ethnic groups, which may have been due to differences in geographical characteristics, lifestyle, sodium intake, education levels, and even genetic factors.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, control and risk factors of hypertension in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations.

Han is the largest nationality and Zhuang is the largest minority among the 56 nationalities in China. Geographically and linguistically, Zhuang can be classified into 43 ethnic subgroups, with the Hei Yi Zhuang Chinese, who live in Napo County bordering northeast Vietnam and comprise a population of 51,655, having the most conservative culture and customs (Hei Yi means "black-clothing" and the Hei Yi Zhuang revere and wear the color black). The determinants of hypertension and its risk factors in this population have not been well-defined. To obtain some of this information, a cross-sectional study of hypertension was carried out in 1,166 Hei Yi Zhuang Chinese (aged 7-84; mean, 44.00+/-17.54 years) and 1,018 Han Chinese controls (42.95+/-17.11; range, 6-89 years) in the same area. Information on demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors and lifestyle factors was collected by questionnaire. The overall prevalence rates of hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension in Hei Yi Zhuang were higher than those in Han (23.2% vs. 16.0% and 11.5% vs. 3.7%; p<0.001 for each). The levels of systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure in Hei Yi Zhuang were also higher than those in Han (p<0.001 for each). The prevalence of hypertension was positively correlated with triglycerides, male gender, and age in Hei Yi Zhuang, whereas it was positively correlated with total cholesterol, male gender, age, and alcohol consumption in Han. The rates of awareness, treatment and control in Hei Yi Zhuang were lower than those in Han (8.5% vs. 20.9%, 4.4% vs. 15.3%, and 1.9% vs. 10.4%; p<0.001 for each), which may have been due to unique geographical characteristics, unwholesome lifestyles, greater sodium intake, lower education levels, and genetic risk factors in the former group.